The end is here.

So, I'm sitting here, with three (probably oversized, -__-) suitcases packed, a room that is somewhat empty, and a laptop that is downloading movies.
I guess you can say I'm ready to go. and even though my flight is still ten hours away, Its all hitting me now.
Paris is over.
and you know what? I loved it.
I think I loved every moment of it.
Even though it wasn't what I expected; and even though I don't have any tangible products of this semester (except for the fair share of shopping-thankyoukilostore), It was really one of the most amazing experiences.
Of course it had its ups and downs, but in the end, I can look back and see that I've learned so much about myself and France/French language here. I'm really pleased at how it turned out.
I guess I wanted to share some of the my most memorable moments with you guys.
1. My first Hostel. who knew a Hostel was actually a pretty cool place to be. Perhaps it was because I was staying with new NYU students, and we were all kind of in this "make friends and stick together mode" but everyone was really cool and nice, and it was interesting to be surrounded by fellow Francophiles.
2. Paris Fashion Week; running around town with friends, and seeing other NYU kids at the shows. That was always really cool. I'll never forget going to the Kenzo show and probably Issey Miyake too. Oh, and Hedi Slimane's premiere of Saint Laurent. but uh, thats a private matter.
3. Walking around Cemeteries like Montmartre and Pere Lachaise. its so tranquil, even if you're not looking for anyone in particular.
4. Learning about fashion. I never knew Fashion like this. Seeing collections in their entirety, in a store that is solely dedicated to this collection. Its something that you have to learn with all five senses. (okay, maybe just two, but its an experience nonetheless). I think now, I have a much deeper understanding for luxury brands and couture RTW. Special Shoutout to SLoganBaker for this one. The Balmain store is probably the best thing I've ever seen.
5. Baguettes and Sandwiches. You did me dirty, Paris. but its okay.
6.  Free Museums with my museums class. I learned a TON about ArtHistory this semester, but also about the Museum world and the process of creating exhibitions. It was really informative and I think it changed my outlook on museums in general. and I think its safe to say that I wont be able to go into another museum with a passive attitude.
7. Partys @ the Guerins - oh and a wedding too.
8. Crepes in the Marais with kikis/Jacks
9. Kanye and Silencio night - this day was all together kind of amazing. I felt like everything I said was coming true. It was one of those weird things that happen maybe only one in a lifetime?
10. well i cant give away all of my secrets...

Bisous,
Jaq

Musee de l'Orangerie

There aren't too many places in Paris that I've visited multiple times. 

Its not that I dont want to, its more that I don't have time to or theres other places that I haven't visited yet.

One of the special places that I have visited is the Musee de l'Orangerie or the Orangery Museum as some Americans like to call it. Its situated just infront of the Tuileries garden and houses Monet's famous Waterlillies and the Guillaume collection which is stock full of impressionists and post impressionists. I like it alot, the outside of the building is still very traditional, while the inside has been completely renovated to a more modern look. 

Anyways, I guess I'm lucky that my politics of museums class made me write a research paper on a museum of my choice. I chose this one. and like most researchers--i frequented my subject on multiple days. 

 

Le Bon Marche

They told me to get the Flu shot. It was posted on every wall of the Grand Maison. I told myself I would, I really did. I even put it into my iCal. Hélas, I did not get my flu shot. So of course, I got the flu.
It wasn't too bad. Just the small mix of fever, cold sweat, chills, nausea, and exhaustion. Also, I may have lost a couple of days to the fever, but I couldn't really tell you because I think I just passed out and was unresponsive for a complete 24 hours. Oh well. Its over now, or its getting better which is all I could have hoped for considering its almost my last week in Paris.
In order to celebrate my renewed health- or perhaps to give me a bit of sanity- I decided to quit my quarantine and join the rest of the world on the Left Bank. Now I'm not much of a rive gauche snob, i never have been. Perhaps because I live on rive droite, and I always like the proper life a bit more than the creative bobo types. (But i'm fairly certain its the first one...) So I was pleasantly surprised to visit the new Le Bon Marche --fervently recommended by one of my Rive Gauche snob friends. Of course it had everything that the Gallery Lafayettes had minus one things: Tourists ( or a much lesser quantity). I only heard French being spoken and there were no chinese sales people approaching me with their best chinese greeting ( I am Korean thankyouverymuch.). All of the merchandise - can I even call it that when it is like art? - was pulled for a different crowd. There were no "souvenir" type purchases. Everything was couture and it was bought for a purpose, rather than as a memorabilia.
I was absolutely captivated by the small, but very well pulled Givenchy section. It was the first time I saw the new collection in stores and they actually had the tee shirt I wanted to buy. That was good. or not so good.
My favorite part was La grande Epicerie which is kind of like a Dean&Deluca, but filled with old ladies in mink coats and french which makes everything taste better and cost more. They have absolutely the most delicious almond croissants and Pain aux Raisins in their bakery section.


I'm looking forward to going back as soon as this flu and finals are finally over!!

Bests,
J

London Calling

My only complaint about my trip to London was that I didn't have enough time. I was there for just a short weekend, and I didn't realize how much stuff there was to see/walk/tube-it. London is massive, and with great shops, monuments, and fit boys (british slang?)  on every street, its hard not to get sidetracked.
I'd have to say my favorite part of the trip was the visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. It was absolutely stunning, and seeing all the hard work go into the films--I don't think I'll ever watch it the same. Now if only I could Avada Kedavra the finals and papers coming up...

Cheers!

J

Also, wanted to send lots of love to my friend Christine Yoo, who graciously hosted me. 

Love you!