Around London Town

All the cheeky things I've been up to in London...

 You might be asking, "Ashley, why are you standing in front a set of GIANT lips?" Well, I got into an Adobe (as in .pdf files, Adobe) conference in where Jessie J was a performer, and clearly the computer nerds took great liberty with decorating the room with WHATEVER they could fathom. Such as palm trees, wedding centerpieces, and lips. This was the most random conference/party I have ever been to...but food and drinks were free, so there ya go! 

Jessie J, with a shaved head. I will say, her voice is pretty impressive in concert! 

My lovely cousin Begum was in London for work, which meant I got to have some cousin time! Anyone who lives overseas knows there is something special about seeing family when you're so far away from everyone you love. Definitely refreshing! 

 And lately, there have been signs of the sun...and SPRING?!? 

Spring, is that you???

The night is for Brazilian bars, where I had one of my best London outings! It's called Guababara--located very central--for quite the good time!

Hanging at the National Gallery, which has loads of beautiful French and Italian paintings! Which makes me wonder if Italy and France want those paintings back? I will say, the English keep their museums impeccable. So maybe the paintings have a great home there...Food for thought. 

My New Job

With permission from my boss (yay, boss!), and since you asked...

My new position is with London SAE, a provider and specialist of study abroad and interning opportunities in London. I'm not sure what my position is called (?), but I can tell you that it is a renaissance position of sorts.

We. do. everything. We literally help the student/young professional with every step of the process, including (and what I like most) a focus on advising and helping the student with acculturating once they get here. This is key, and something a lot of study abroad programs leave out.

What's really cool about this position (for me) is I get to write ads and website content for London SAE, since they are a fairly new start-up. As a (blog) writer this makes my little heart happy. In this position, my two favorite worlds have collided! I get to exercise my creativity in writing, AND I get to help students move to a new country. Winning!

Of course, it's going to be quite the balancing act with an increased dissertation workload, but I welcome the challenge!

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's sooooo acceptable:

• to suck whipped cream right out of the canister...and then put it back in the fridge like nothing ever happened. Like a whipped cream ninja. 

• to have pancakes for dinner. Because I'm a grown up and no one can tell me not to! Hmmpf!

• to get over the stress of balancing my dissertation and a new job I've started* by having a Jay-Z dance party in my room (or office, or the bus) and singing, "I got 99 problems but a dissertation ain't one!" Well, technically it is one, but it I like declaring that it isn't! 

*I have started a new job that I really love. But it's a whole lotta work! Still, I'm grateful to have a position I'm really interested in...maybe I'll explain more later *wink* 

Paris, Part Three: Parting Words

This was my second time to Paris. I've said it before and I'll say it again--I like French people. I really, really like French people! There are some foolish Americans (and English) that like to say the French are a rude, pretentious people. Not so!

The famous Love Lock Bridge

Montmatre

The view from Montmartre 

Some tips for getting around Paris:

• You will get lost. This is normal in Paris. Don't fret. 
• You can buy an "All Day Pass" metro card that is cheaper than buying separate cards if traveling over many zones and using different types of transportation. For example, Versailles is in zone 4, so buy a zone 1-4 pass. Also, the maps in metro stations are verrrrrry helpful for getting around, and tells you what exit goes to what street...brilliant! 

  

  traveling on the metro 

• Don't skip: Montmartre, The Eiffel Tower, a stroll through St. Germain, Buttes-Chaumont Park (it's an impressive man made park), Château de Versailles.
• Remember that is acceptable and allowed to drink wine along the river or in the park. Take advantage of this, and don't you DARE think of skipping out on French cheese and wine. If there are 2 things you MUST do in Paris, it's: eat the cheese, and drink the damn wine! 

Hanging out in Buttes-Chaumont Park with my friend Solene! 

Still in the man made park! 

In love with French windows! 

Lastly, enjoy one of the loveliest big cities ever to grace your eyes. You don't need a lover to stroll around with you in Paris; nay, the city becomes your lover! Embrace it with willing and open arms.

Paris, Part Two: Getting Fat in France

While in Paris, I denied myself nothing. I ate everything I desired. It was worth the slight weight gain. That's right...it was worth it, I tell you!

One of the main culprits of my massive food intake was Montmartre, the very bohemian, artsy, music-y part of Paris that leaves you lingering for hours, sitting in cafes and venturing into bakeries.

 The well known cafe culture of France, where it's acceptable to waste time sipping on your espresso while people watching.

 Macaroons are divine. I recommend the Rose flavored kind. 

Skipping over to the Ile Saint-Louis, I had the best ice cream of my life at Berthillon. I got dark chocolate, and tried to take a picture of it, to which my camera refused to focus and I got impatient...DEVOURING IT ALL. Well, I got photos of the shop, at least: 

On a sunday, I ran into a random antique market, complete with yummy treats! I can't for the life of me remember where this is in Paris; however, markets are pretty easy to come by everywhere! 

 Crepes! 

Homemade jam for sale. 

 Fresh coffee and croissant in morning? Yes please! 

And for snazzy night time drinks, I highly recommend going to Harry's New York Bar...

 ...and you might be asking me, "Ashley, why would I go to a NEW YORK bar in Paris??" Good question. Because in the 1920s, the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Scott F. Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, Humphrey Bogart and Coco Chanel used to hang out here. And the Bloody Mary was apparently invented here, which I promptly ordered two of. The decor was unpretentious--filled with old college flags from the states--and acted as a time capsule back to the 20s. Last time I went to a Hemingway bar it was a smash, and this time was no different!

 A very busy bartender in Harry's Bar. 

"The oldest cocktail bar in Europe" 

So, there you have it, kids--the reason why I am trying to eat a lot healthier this week. But if you can't be gluttoness in Paris, then, where can you be? 

Paris, Part One: Cigarettes and Chocolate

The title of this post is play on a great Rufus Wainwright song I put on repeat while walking along the river; mostly, this song embodies the very attitude of the city. Take a listen. 

This was my second time visiting ol' Paris, and I think I loved it even more this time around. I wasn't rushed to see all the sites I had seen before, which left more time for croissants, crepes and espresso. This made for a very happy (and slightly chubbier) Ashley.

I started my trip with the Notre Dame. I loved it last time, and my love continues for this Gothic wonder...

 Notre Dame, we meet again! You're looking lovely, as always. 

Cute paris streets & street corners.

 Paris, a city made for the rain! 

 Listening to "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" while gazing at the pretty river and architecture. 

I don't have to say too much. The splendor of the city speaks very well for itself...

Until my next post, in which I share more devilishly delicious pictures of Paris (and the food).