cafes in paris

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I declared to Mother the other day that perhaps I will go to cooking school in Paris after I graduate college. ("Mm-hm," she said.) I think all of the cooking shows that I've been watching since getting my wisdom teeth out have been influencing me. But goodness knows that the food and cafes in France convinced me of this declaration as well, particularly the cafes. The relaxed atmosphere, the little wine glasses on each table, the scrumptious haricots verts, the sauces, the smaller portions, the cafe tables facing the street, the open windows, the waiters who come out with chalkboards . . .
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views of paris

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And so we went to Paris. And now we are home. It was lovely and more than I even imagined it could be. I had anticipated that all the cliches of Paris were made-up touristy ideas. But, really, for the most part, they weren't. Old women walked down the street with several baguettes underneath their arms. Lovers were constantly making out--on the subway, in the museum, at the cafe. I never saw a French woman or man in a t-shirt or sneakers or shorts; they do indeed know how to dress well. People leisurely sit around the cafes for hours, smoking and drinking wine. And the French really do quite often say "oh, la, la!"
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I took almost 3000 pictures on the trip, not just of Paris, but also Strasbourg, Rothenburg, Dover, Oxford, and London. (Goodness knows how patient my family was as I constantly lagged behind them in order to take pictures. And by the end of the trip they were making fun of my "Perfect! Just one more!" Um, if that picture is perfect, why do you need just one more? And, of course, one more would turn into ten more.) More on the other cities and some of our adventures later, but for now, a few pictures of Paris:

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Also, quick note: all photos are taken by me except for the fifth from the bottom, which is by Amy. And by the way, you should check out her blog; she's in Oxford for the summer and writing frequent updates!
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all's grace,
Jessina

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