With the end of my time in France rapidly approaching at the end of May, I squeezed in a few last-minute weekend trips to Paris, Strasbourg, and the countryside outside of Lyon to see some dear friends before it was time to leave. I cherish all of these people and the wonderful memories I have with them. I don't know when I'll go to France next, but I
know who I want to spend time with when I do!
Paris
Drew flew back to the States on May 15th, and the next morning I hopped on a train to Paris to visit Florenzia, Bruna, and Laura. It was a short-but-sweet visit, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The four of us spent the rest of the weekend catching up, eating, eating some more, and thoroughly enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
 |
| View from our hotel room |
 |
| I took a photo outside this same shop when I was in Paris in 2007. So happy it's still there! |
 |
| Hermé vs. Ladurée? Tough call! |
 |
| Luxembourg Gardens! |
 |
| All of the museums had free entry that Saturday night in a city-wide festival, but the lines were crazy long. We ended up walking by the Seine and enjoying the city lights instead. |
 |
| Laura and Flor at Sunday brunch! |
 |
| Me and Bruna at Sunday brunch! |
 |
| Nom nom brunch! |
 |
| BREAD FESTIVAL across from Notre Dame! |
 |
| So that's how they make pain au chocolat! |
 |
| Sainte-Chapelle was amazing. Even better, it was free, thanks to the ticket guy who let us all in for free with < 25 tickets! |
Strasbourg
The following weekend, I booked a ride through BlaBlaCar to Strasbourg to see MC&NC again before I left France. It was another wonderful visit. They are easily two of the warmest and most welcoming people I've ever met!
In addition to spending time with MC&NC, I explored a bit more of
Strasbourg. I visited several museums, including the Tomi Ungerer
museum, the modern art museum, and the Alsatian Museum, wandered through La
Petite France again, went for a walk through a beautiful park with
Nicole, and went for a stroll along the canal.
 |
| A statue outside the Modern Art Museum in Strasbourg |
 |
| Unique windows at the Modern Art Museum |
 |
| View of the Strasbourg Cathedral from La Petite France |
 |
Strasbourg, you are so beautiful!
 |
| Spring means baby animals! This swan chick caught a ride on its mother's back. |
|
Chez Fanny
When I enrolled in my program in Lyon, I received a flyer asking if I wanted to sign up for the International Buddy program. This program pairs foreign students with a French student at the university who can show them around town and help them navigate their first few weeks in France. I had the extremely good fortune to be matched with Fanny, an incoming freshman in the psychology department. I would have been lost without her!
I had spent a night with Fanny and her parents at their home in a tiny town outside of Lyon called Pollionnay in December, and I was eager to see them again before I left. I tucked in another quick visit at the end of May, and it was just as wonderful as the first. All three of them are incredibly kind, warm, and welcoming. I wish I had spent more time with them! I don't regret any of the traveling I did, but next time I'll remember to slow down and savor the people as much as the places.
 |
| Fanny's mother took me for a ride through the Beaujolais region, stopping in some of the nearby towns so I could see some of the region's unique yellow-stone architecture. |
|
 |
| View of Beaujolais! |
 |
| Gorgeous rose-lined arch leading to the patio! |
 |
| More roses...aren't they gorgeous? |
 |
| Fanny's father prepared an incredible meal for a dinner party, starting with a tasty amuse-bouche. |
 |
| Fanny's father made sure my French culinary experience was complete... |
 |
| ...Voila des grenouilles, aka frog legs! |
 |
| Ravioles au St. Marcellin...so unbelievably delicious! |
 |
| Fresh strawberries that Fanny's mother had picked from the garden that morning |
 |
| Gateau au sucre served with the strawberries. So, so good! |
 |
| Before I left, I visited the la Chapelle de Larny (the Saint-André chapel in Pollionnay), which dates back to the 12th century. Fanny's parents are very involved in an organization that is raising money to restore this historic building. I went to their annual gala in 2014, so it was a treat to see the inside when I went back in May! |
 |
| Homemade pizza before heading back to Lyon. Fanny's father built a wood stove next to their house! |
 |
| Mmmmm. And such a cute pizza knife! |
