Tag Archives: Rue Oberkampf

ma cousine est ici!

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As I mentioned at the end of my last post, my most favorite cousin, Melissa, has finally arrived in Paris for her visit!  If you can’t tell by the excessive exclamation points, I’m very excited about it!

So far I’ve shared with her the kaleidoscope stained-glass windows of Notre Dame, the magical Zara(s) of Les Champs Elysées, the cute boutiques lining Rue Oberkampf, the adorable used bookstore café at Merci, the unmatched baguettes from my favorite local boulangerie, the unrivaled charcuterie et fromage plate at one of our favorite bars, and the infamous Bastille Marché crêpes. We also visited the Centre Pompidou (some very cool and very strange things there), danced (too much) at Fête de la Musique, attended a trés Parisian flat party, strolled by La Tour Eiffel at night (and stopped for some pictures), and danced some more (lots more, until 5 in the morning to be exact).  A lot of activity in just 2 days!

I can’t believe I am all done with French school and Melissa is here visiting…time is flying by!  Feels like we just moved into our apartment here yesterday…

Now we are off to Le Marais for some Sunday shopping- ps, if you are in Paris and notice all of the stores are closed on Sundays but you’ve been bit by that pesky shopping bug, head to Le Marais!  Everything is open!  C’est manifique.

Until next time, ciao.  XO

playing in paris

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Yesterday was a very busy day.  After school I did some laundry then quickly headed to Oberkampf in search of a beach hat for this weekend’s trip to Nice.  My lack of success in the hat department was offset by my very exciting (liberal use of the word exciting I suppose) scarf purchase.  See, I’ve been looking for a “parisian” scarf ever since I stepped off the plane and noticed every.single.person on the metro wrapped up in the bright, patterned neck gear like a giant sea of colorful french clichés.  And my scarf-chase came to an end yesterday when I located the perfect blue and white cotton specimen in one of the frenchest boutiques ever.  Sold to me by the most classically french man with shaggy blonde hair, dark loose skin, bright blue eyes, and that old-attractive-man-je-ne-sais-quoi-thing, who claims to have designed the pattern himself.  Not too shabby…DSC01611

After Oberkampf I showered and it was off to the 9th Arrondissement to meet up with my old ballet coach, Yves, and watch him rehearse a very beautiful American dancer, Tom (who lives in Paris), for the Paris Opera Ballet audition/competition at the end of July.  After rehearsal near the Opera Garnier in a gorgeous sky-lit studio entitled “Juliette”, the three of us went out for a drink down the street and discussed the inner workings of the Paris Opera, and what it’s like to be at a big company versus a small one.  A lot to think about…sky

At around 7:15 is was time to meet up with Tegan for some good old Oberkampf dinner- salades and wine.  Yum.  It’s strange how in Paris the dark looming clouds can cast their daunting shadow and spit little bits of cold rain at you throughout the day, but come 9 o’clock (or should I say 21 heure?) the sky opens up and a pretty blue blanket peeks its way through (note the picture above, taken during our late dinner in Oberkampf).  A half-bottle of wine and some nutella/bretzels later, I was ready for bed.  Long, satisfying day in Paris!

Now I’m sitting in the rain, under the umbrella on my patio waiting for ze boyfriend to arrive.  His plane took off super late and I am starting to get anxious!  It’s sounds like the weather knows what’s going on in my head…the wind is picking up and the drip dropping of the rain is getting stronger and stronger, faster and faster.  Does this mean he is about to get here?  I hope so!  Until next time, xo.

paris, le deuxieme jour

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Our second day à Paris was reserved for locating our respective daily destinations; Pour Tegan, the ballet studio, et pour moi, l’ecole de français.  A few flips of the map and wooshes of le metro later and we were successful in completing both tasks!  Which meant it was time to reward ourselves first with a visit to le tour eiffel and un verre de vin rouge.  Then it was off to Oberkampf.  Located in the 11th Arrondissement, the Oberkampf neighborhood is known for its youthful population, trendy bars and restaurants, unique shopping, and overal “hipster” vibe.  Tegan has been comparing it to Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY…if that means anything to any of you.

Although it was early evening on a Sunday and many of the shops and cafes were closed, Oberkampf lived up to all of its hype.  The streets were decorated with clever street art and crawling with hip 20-something Parisians clad in black thick-framed glasses and leather jackets.  Awesome.  Definitely going to check Oberkampf out this weekend when it’s in full swing!

After Oberkampf it was time for some vin et une salades caesar back in the 11th Arrondissement.  Trés délicieux!  That was about all the energy we had in us for the second day, so it was time for a shower and some much needed sleep.  Until next time, au revoir friends!