Title: Parisian Quad Bike Adventure & Unexpected Brasserie Delights (One Month Anniversary!)

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.

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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!