Today, after three hours of intensive French, I was able to escape the classroom and head to explore some of Paris with my friend. Not knowing where to begin, we took a look at the metro map and headed south of our school. We hopped on a metro for about 7 stops and got off at a spot we thought would be nice. Turns out, it was perfect! Across the street from the metro stop was a little café called “Le Café Parisien.” We walked in, pretending to speak fluent French, but our disguise was quickly exposed when the waitress asked some questions. When she took our order it just so happened that we ordered the same salad (not on purpose), called the “Salad Nordiques”. I was shocked at how amazing it was. I figured that this café was going to be good, but I had no idea what I was in for. The butter leaf lettuce was covered in a lemon dressing, with smoked salmon, baby shrimp and crayfish. Of course, there was a hard-boiled egg on top and some tomatoes on the side. The salad also came with a creamier dipping sauce and the perfect lemon wedge to complete the salad. I described it in such detail; can’t you tell I adored the salad?
We also each got a glass of red wine, which is customary at French cafés along with a basket of sliced baguettes. I am still not over how delicious the bread is.
Before I leave the topic of this amazing café, I can’t forget to mention the Wi-Fi, since it is so hard to find here. The café had free Wi-Fi and it was very fast, might I add.
After sitting in the café for quite a while (typical Parisiens), we decided to walk around the area and explore. While on the Wi-Fi, we happened to realize that we were in the 5th arrondissement. The area was very pleasant with adorable little shops! It is actually very funny that every shop we walked into we began speaking in French, but each shop owner spoke English to us after the first couple of words. We are so obviously American! Something we might want to try and keep on the down low if you want to avoid being labeled as tourists. It seems as if they do not really take a liking to tourists (I wonder why…)! In the arrondissement, we walked all around and smelled all the delicious pastries cooking.
Finally we stopped in a little macaroon shop where my friend bought something for me to try that she enjoyed from her host family. I took one look at what I was about to put in my mouth and new that it had to be some sort of walnut. Since I am allergic I stayed far away from this treat!
Overall the beginning of my stay in Paris has been unforgettable and I cannot wait to continue on this journey.
We also each got a glass of red wine, which is customary at French cafés along with a basket of sliced baguettes. I am still not over how delicious the bread is.
Before I leave the topic of this amazing café, I can’t forget to mention the Wi-Fi, since it is so hard to find here. The café had free Wi-Fi and it was very fast, might I add.
After sitting in the café for quite a while (typical Parisiens), we decided to walk around the area and explore. While on the Wi-Fi, we happened to realize that we were in the 5th arrondissement. The area was very pleasant with adorable little shops! It is actually very funny that every shop we walked into we began speaking in French, but each shop owner spoke English to us after the first couple of words. We are so obviously American! Something we might want to try and keep on the down low if you want to avoid being labeled as tourists. It seems as if they do not really take a liking to tourists (I wonder why…)! In the arrondissement, we walked all around and smelled all the delicious pastries cooking.
Finally we stopped in a little macaroon shop where my friend bought something for me to try that she enjoyed from her host family. I took one look at what I was about to put in my mouth and new that it had to be some sort of walnut. Since I am allergic I stayed far away from this treat!
Overall the beginning of my stay in Paris has been unforgettable and I cannot wait to continue on this journey.
The amazing salad is posted below. I can't stop thinking about how good it was.
PS: this was my caramel soaked French toast and let me tell you, with the melting French vanilla ice cream, it is truly unforgettable!
Paris is a city with sidewalks filled with fruit.