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Bonjour from Paris! Finding the Parisian Rhythm: Parisian life offers a unique rhythm. My mornings often start with catching up on schoolwork or enjoying a well-deserved sleep-in before class. The focus on verb tenses in class (plus-que-parfait, imparfait, passé composé, passé simple, futur proche, futur simple) keeps me engaged. I'm starting to feel the urge to expand my vocabulary beyond basic phrases.  French Interactions: Beyond Stereotypes: My experiences with Parisians have been surprisingly positive. Sure, I've encountered a rude person or two, but that's not unique to Paris. Most interactions, especially in stores and restaurants, have been courteous and friendly. The same goes for my online connections on Bumble BFF and Dating! The Parisian Shuffle: One interesting observation is Parisian walking etiquette. Unlike some cultures where pedestrians naturally shift to accommodate oncoming traffic, Parisians tend to hold their ground on sidewalks. While it may initially seem rude, it's likely just a reflection of the fast-paced Parisian lifestyle. A Night of Unexpected Delights: The past two nights have been delightful, filled with dinners with friends. While waiting for my German colleague after school, I bumped into my American friend. We decided to grab coffee with her and a classmate, an engineer from Mexico. This unplanned encounter led to a beautiful evening filled with laughter, conversation (in French and English!), and delicious food. We even had a hilarious moment when our Mexican classmate started conversing with us in Spanish! The night ended with a delightful meal at a charming restaurant – a perfect example of the unexpected magic of Paris. Café Drouot 10 Rue Drouot, 75009 Paris, France  Embracing Parisian Life:
Despite the goodbyes, I'm embracing all that Paris has to offer. Every day brings a new adventure, from the intricacies of the language to the unexpected friendships formed over coffee.
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Salut! Parisian Active Life Pays Off! This Parisian weekend was a celebration of healthy living! Not only did I see a 8-pound weight loss, but I'm also conquering the challenges of Parisian hair care. Every week is a new adventure in hair care. Luckily, I got a couple recommendations for salons and braiders. Fitness Success in the City of Lights: When I was in Houston, I trained consistently with my personal trainer at Equinox, River Oaks, and I saw incredible success - strength gains, muscle definition, improved flexibility and overall health improvement. But, even though I ate a high protein diet, it was still a struggle to lose fat and see the numbers on the scale decrease. So, to see this weight loss, was an amazing feeling! Now, I'm living an active Parisian lifestyle which has been a game-changer. My daily steps average between 10,000 and 15,000, thanks to the walkable streets and charming neighborhoods. I joined the local Basic Fit gym in my neighborhood, so that will be a great option. An active lifestyle, combined with intermittent fasting (16:8 method) and mindful eating (limiting those delicious pastries!), has finally pushed the weight loss needle in the right direction and I'm determined to lose 10 more pounds! As if I didn't need another excuse to go shopping for new clothes in Paris!  Using the Lifesum app for 3-months to track food, calories burned, and fasting schedule. Twisting and Conditioning my Parisian Mane: Washing hair in a small Parisian shower has been an adjustment. Still, I'm determined to find the perfect Parisian hair routine. While some French conditioners haven't met my needs, the quest continues! Next on the list: "Secrets by Loly" at Sephora, the leave-in condititioner from Kerastase's curly hair care line, and an Italian conditioner (sometimes a change of country brings a change of fortune!). For the hot summer, two strand twists are my savior and Mielle Curly Custard creates curl definition and softness. Winter may bring a switch to wearing my afro, but for now, it's all about keeping cool with updos. I ended up putting my twist out into a pony tail at school because my neck was sweating!  Parisian Living, Parisian Learning:
Living in Paris has shown me the power of an active lifestyle for overall wellness. I see fitness results, and the constant movement helps combat any excess pounds from those blueberry tarts and cannolis as I navigate the city. Stay tuned for more discoveries as I continue to explore the secrets of Parisian living! Bonjour à tous! Spontaneous Parisian Fun: Who knew a lazy Saturday could turn into a whirlwind of Parisian joy? It all started with a friend's invitation to explore vintage stores. With Paris's abundance of unique shops, I couldn't resist! (Plus, who doesn't love spending time with amazing people?) Vintage Kilo Thrills: The kilo shop was a treasure trove! We rummaged through racks, trying on fun pieces and scoring fantastic finds. I found two beautiful scarves and a stunning dress (thanks to a friend's keen eye!). Later, I was already dreaming of summer outfits (because the day was hot!). The hunt for breezy cotton and linen continues, though! As much as we love athleisure in the States, and it's very comfortable while working out, walking around all day is uncomfortable. After about 3-4 hours, I'm ready to get out of my leggings and into something more breathable, like the wide-leg trouser pants and flowing skirts many Parisians wear. Today, I had on the Lululemon Softstreme skirt, which is comfortable but not in the heat! Here's where you can find this shop: Kilo Shop Paris Grand Boulevards, 10 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France  Nathalie Garçon's Dream Dress Re-Encounter: Remember that gorgeous white dress with the French poem at Nathalie Garçon? The one I couldn't stop thinking about? Well, fate intervened (we happened to be really close to the boutique), and after the vintage shopping, we walked on over. Stepping inside, the dress was still as beautiful as I remembered. It was love at first try-on again. The delicate fabric, the unique hand-stitching, the limited production (only 3-5 pieces per design!) – everything about it screamed "Parisian perfection." Summer Style Inspiration: Now, the planning begins! I can envision summer evenings, this dress flowing with a pair of Hermes boots (size 39, US 9, any takers?). Lille may have teased me with a perfect pair, but Paris holds the key (hopefully!). Nathalie Garçon, 15/17, Galerie Vivienne 75002 Paris, France   I loved him, I don't know why, why him, why so fast, so violent but I love him. Françoise Segan is a famous French poet and the designer of this dress stitched this beautiful poem into this dress and je l'adore! A Passage to Discovery: After our vintage adventure, we wandered into a Parisian passage, full of hidden treasures. (Stay tuned for a future post explaining these charming hidden gems!) These passages were an inspiring surprise, even for my Parisian friend who hadn't yet discovered this one (near the #3 Bourse stop). I couldn't think of a better way to explore this fabulous city than to have moments of discovery with friends. Bonus Treats:
Take advantage of the upcoming post on Parisian passages! And to cool off after all this shopping excitement, I had a Saint Germaine Spritz – a Parisian summer must-have! A Whirlwind Parisian Adventure: Lille's Pastries, Unexpected Train Troubles, and Parisian Panache5/12/2024 Lille beckoned with its charming architecture and rich history, offering a perfect escape for a day trip. Little did I know, this adventure would be filled with delectable pastries, unexpected mishaps, and a touch of Parisian flair. The Early Start and a Train Ticket Mishap: The day began before dawn. Exhausted from the previous day's quad bike tour, I managed to grab some sleep before a 6am rise. My mission: navigate the Parisian train system to meet my classmate and head to Lille. The journey started smoothly at the Sentier stop, a neighborhood I already adore. However, navigating to the RER B train in the Châtelet les Halles metro station proved trickier. Thankfully, with a little teamwork and broken French, my classmate and I found a kind agent who steered us in the right direction. A minor disaster struck at the airport security. My trusty Navigo pass, perfect for the metro, wasn't valid for the RER B to the airport. A €35 penalty later (ouch!), I learned a valuable lesson: always double-check tickets! The pain of the penalty was eliminated with le petit déjeuner (breakfast) which included a croissant and latte from a casual dining restaurant at the airport.
 A Pastry Paradise and A Delicious Detour: Reunited with the group, we eagerly embarked on the true Lille adventure. Our first stop? A local treasure trove – the renowned Maison Méert, a tea and pastry shop steeped in history. Founded in 1677, this iconic patisserie boasts not only delectable treats but also stunning architecture designed by the acclaimed César Benvignat. Stepping inside was like stepping into a wonderland of culinary delights. Gourmet marshmallows, rose-covered almonds, and an array of pastries,each a masterpiece in its own right, filled the air with a tempting aroma. Resisting the urge to sample everything, I settled on some gourmet marshmallows guimauves and a pistachio choux pastry with a tempting strawberry jam filling (saved for later!). Savoring Tradition in Lille: After indulging in these sugary delights, we strolled through Lille's charming streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant shops. Lunch was a delightful exploration of French cuisine at a traditional restaurant, La Chicorée. Following a friend's recommendation, I savored a delicious beef stew with fries – a comforting and classic choice. I indulged in a few oysters that were fresh from the sea - and the restaurant provided red tobasco sauce, lemon and a vinaigrette, which made the oysters delicious. From Designer Dreams to Bra Emergencies: A visit to Hermès offered a chance to try on luxurious boots. I tried on, and loved the Saint Germain ankle boot, but needed a 1/2 size larger - I'll have to find these in Paris. While Montblanc provided a playful pit stop for some "manly purchases" with my classmates. Laughter ensued when I realized I'd forgotten to put on a bra in the morning before I left! The Parisian heat demanded a switch to a cooler outfit, but the thought of a braless crop top wasn't ideal. Thankfully, a helpful sales associate at Printemps guided me (in French!) to a lovely lingerie set from Wacoal, perfectly suited for the summer weather.
Crêpe Escape and a Relaxing Return: The day's adventures concluded with a delightful Nutella crêpe with Chantilly cream, the perfect sweet ending. Sharing an Uber from the airport to Paris with classmates offered a chance to unwind and reflect on the day's whirlwind events. Lessons Learned and Memories Made: Lille's charm, unexpected hiccups, and the ever-present opportunity to practice French all combined for a truly memorable day trip. It's a reminder that sometimes, the detours and mishaps become the stories we hold most dear. N'oublie pas le dessert! Don't forget dessert!  Title: Parisian Quad Bike Adventure & Unexpected Brasserie Delights (One Month Anniversary!)5/12/2024 Celebrating a Month in Paris with a Quad Bike Tour and Brasserie Bliss May 8th and 9th were a whirlwind in Paris! Not only were they French holidays, but they also marked my one month anniversary living in this incredible city. To celebrate, I tried a unique activity: a quad bike tour through Paris! Thrilling Ride Through Iconic Landmarks With enough time here, my goal is to explore all corners of Paris. Although some places, like the Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame, remain on my list, I've already been surprised by so many beautiful sights. Here I am on the Avenue Champs d'Elysées on the way to pick up the quad bike from Quad City Tour . Of course I had to stop for pics!  Outside the Louis Vuitton hotel on the Champs-Elysées - the first establishment of its kind in LV's history  During the tour, I interacted with classmates and locals, practicing my French along the way. I was ecstatic about the opportunity to experience Paris from a different perspective. While I haven't driven a car in a month, the quad bike offered a chance to "drive" while sightseeing. We cruised past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, circling some hidden gems I hadn't yet discovered.  Quad City Tours provides a hair net to use under the helmet.  Classmates on the quad tour.  A Cozy Brasserie and a Parisian Faux Pas The quad bike tour lasted four hours, leaving me hungry and ready to stretch my legs. Luckily, the tour ended near a charming brasserie. While the Italian restaurant some classmates initially desired was closed, this turn of events led to a fantastic discovery. The brasserie boasted a warm atmosphere and impeccable service. It was a delightful surprise, as we hadn't planned on going there beforehand. The photos you'll see capture the lovely ambiance. Over dinner, my German classmate and I discussed the unique characteristics of Paris and French culture. One funny anecdote involved my cheeseburger. When it arrived, I couldn't help but laugh – the cheese was placed on top of the bun! This unexpected presentation had me thinking the French were "trolling" me. However, hunger trumped amusement, and armed with a steak knife and fork,I devoured the delicious burger. On a positive note, I may have found my new favorite drink, a close second to my beloved Orangina, the Saint-Germain Spritz (St. Germain elderflower liquor, Prosecco, sparkling water, lemon twist, and optional edible flowers). Unlike the American sodas I rarely drank back home, Parisian orange soda seems more natural, resembling a light,fizzy orange juice, sometimes even containing pulp! (For those who know me, pulp is usually a no-go, but here, it's surprisingly good.) The Saint-Germain Spritz, with its delightful blend of berries, orange, hibiscus, and a touch of wine, is refreshing and pairs beautifully with almost any food. Personally, I prefer it to the Aperol Spritz. A Lesson in French Communication Dinner also brought a small language learning experience. I unintentionally offended the waiter when he returned quickly after presenting the dessert menu. Meant to be playful, my "Vous êtes très vite!" (you are very fast) came across the wrong way. Realizing my mistake, I apologized with a laugh, explaining the language barrier. Thankfully, all was well, and I enjoyed my apple tart with Chantilly cream (though they could keep the sour cream!). Finding Inspiration Around Every Corner After dinner, we stumbled upon a street lined with modern art galleries. It was the perfect opportunity to capture some artistic inspiration and practice my photography skills with my iPhone (for now). Investing in a better camera to truly document the beauty of Paris is definitely on my future wish list. Au revoir for now!
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AuthorBonjour, I’m Tsahia—friends call me Tash. I’m a Parisian luxury-focused entrepreneur and writer, living in the heart of Paris. I'm currently studying Global Luxury Brand Management at Sup de Luxe. 
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