I louv the louvre

I apologize for my awful pun.

I went for the Friday evening special (free under 26), and tried to follow the advice about how not to get sucked into the crowds. The same warnings...don't go in the main entrance, have a plan of places you want to see, don't get distracted by the gift shops... etc.

And what do I do? I get mesmerized by the giant pyramid, wait in the long line to go down the main steps, and end up following a herd mindlessly to the Mona Lisa. Thankfully the crowds died down early, and I was able to wonder for three hours in relatively empty rooms.

I went thinking it would be too big to enjoy or somehow disappointing, with people often listing other more manageable museums as their favorites. But I loved it. How can people not?!!? From the Italian paintings to Napoleon's living room, to the ceilings in every small corridor, I was hooked. I didn't take pictures-I wouldn't even know where to start.

Instead I brought my camera to the modern art museum- the pompidou. If you ever have one day in paris and want to see one an incredible view of the city and art, come here. They also had a great feminist art exhibit.

images of the museum itself lacking the normal exterior and the city views.

In other news, here is a random picture from fourth of july celebrated in an awesome parisian park. When we told them it was our 4th of July, they always said "congratulations". Yes, America, congratulations!

view from the top of the gazebo on the hill. somehow this huge lake and surrounding area is tucked away, but by far the best park in Paris (Buttes-Chaumont park in north Paris)

The 4th is one my favorite holidays... this is the best I could come up without an oven and with a French monoprix (no frosting, plain cakes, or blueberries). The whipped cream melted in about 2 min and yes, that is the top of smurf gummy candy for the stars.

and for tonight....GO SPAIN!

Let Them Eat Cake

Latest traveling has been day trip to Versailles.

Despite the rain and rude american man freaking out, it was actually one of my favorite places so far. Scratch that. Marie Antoinette's estate has been my favorite thing so far. We literally spent the day wondering around her millions of fountains and pretending we were wearing big french dresses. It was so interesting and not like the gaudy palace I envisioned. I am currently obsessed with her and will probably start her only fan club based solely on her taste in garden landscaping. The rain kept the crowds away for a little and there were more trees than Boulangeries- always a plus for Paris.

(I think I took a dozen pictures of this one garden/palace to try and capture how amazing it is. Normally I hate when people show a bunch of the same place, but I am making an exception for myself... I have spared you all by only posting a few)

I am uploading pictures because we had fun experimenting with camera settings and the ap euro student in me wants everyone to see it!

(the Royal Family Cheat Sheet)

me and masha in front of one of the millions of lakes

me and kiyoko at the main versailles gardens

it was raining, this is the only picture that shows it

masha the artsy photographer

Brugge, Belgium

Yesterday we (the interns) took a day trip to Brugge. You may be thinking....why not Brussels? Brugge was recommended as it is know for being one of the last medieval towns left. So with a 6:30 am start, a long ride on the bus with a bunch of old people, and a much needed stop for pain au chocolate, we made it before lunch! This was my first time really doing one of these tourist trap trip things, and much to say it was a little like Disneyland. Complete with the equivalent jungle cruise.


















Plus: the waffle (super light and crunchy), the beer, the chocolate, our boat driver, the pretty countryside, the local Zara which is my new favorite store, and discovering Flemish

Minus: the slightly crazy tour guide and the fact that I was probably at Disneyland Paris by accident.







Nate- S curve bridge Belgium style!
















Nick, Masha and Chelsea in line...

A Paris Friday

Later on I will devote a post to consumption in Paris, but today deserves a special entry.

Lunch: calamari and creme brulee for lunch. for under 5 euro subsidized Pasteur price.
4 pm: Going away party for someone I have never met. Wine at work, chocolate cake (okay chocolate heaven), this like parfait dessert thing, a fresh pair tart and these little almost graham cracker brownie bites.
6 pm: After work drinks. A little football on tv.
8 pm: Wine bar. Yes, these exist in Paris without costing a fortune. Apparently california white wines are more "woody". This just means it doesn't mean you are lame for drinking a white in Paris, especially if it is 31 degree Celsius outside (no I have no idea what that means in america)
9:30 pm: Dinner reservations at an Argentina restaurant. Two bottles of wine, empanadas and this corn thing.

Everytime I think I have figured this city out, I realize I have only seen about 1/100th of what is has to offer.

The Dark Side

So I have joined the dark side of the world and now have a blog. That being said, it is because my internet even at my residence is part of the Pasteur network, and they have decided to block many social networks and things that apparently slow down the internet for everyone. I really want to stay in touch with people and at least be able to post pictures, but I probably won't use facebook very often and the fate of my gchats are also in limbo. I realize assuming people actually want to know what I am doing is slightly narcissistic, but I want to hear from you guys too!!!

(sorry, had to post the traditional first picture of the Eiffel Tower...)


As we all know, this blog can't possibly beat Cats of Berkeley and will be nothing fancy or moderately original. Yes, the name is ridiculously nerdy. But seriously, bread and science! What more could a girl want!?

I've been in Paris a little over a week now and working in a viral pathogenesis lab. France work is very different- generally starts around 10, with a full hour lunch, and several breaks for coffee. This past weekend had friends in town visiting (Emily and Ajay shout out) and we got to see most of the Paris highlights in a few days.

(The beautiful Seine and Notre Dame)

The world cup is way better in Europe. Exhibit A to the right shows a giant screen where all the different nationalities gather for the games. Also, went to an amazing British Pub. They turn England into a three syllable word for cheers which is quite impressive. "The referee's a wanker" is my personal favorite chant. And when I watched the US game today, there were actually Algerian fans watching in the same bar!!!

Ajay and I with the view from the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Here is my picture for Sarie! One day this could be yours!

Emily and I on our boat bar adventure and at the Luxembourg Gardens/Palace.

My accident flash picture of the water lilies.
I'm sorry Monet!!!!!!!!!













Other interns Nick and Chelsea in the Catacombs.
It is roughly the size of Paris underneath with the paths mimicking the streets. SOO many bones!

I will try to upload pictures periodically and be slightly interesting, and email me lots with your stories too please!!!

Mademoiselle Malia