Rapport Hebdomadaire - Week 4

After returning from Berlin, I was exhausted - and having to head straight from the airport to class seemed like such a let down after a weekend of fun. What I forgot though was that my second week of classes was going to be very different from the first - because my second week consisted almost solely of art history classes. To put it simply, this past week I was in my happy place. 

As part of the January intensive, the Arts and Cultural Management students are required to take an introduction to modern art class spanning from around 1850-1937. While it's a period anyone who has studied art history gets beaten into their skull repeatedly, there is nothing like being able to study the subject in front of all actual masterpieces. Lectures at the Musee d'Orsay and Pompidou are the whole reason I came here, and they did not disappoint (I mean, I wish EVERY lecture could have been in the museums - but it is hard to study and focus when there are screaming young school groups and bustling tourists nudging for a photo) As I wandered through the halls, I kept thinking how lucky I was. And that reflection felt like the theme for the week. 

The week felt more mentally relaxed, being able to study a subject that felt as comfortable as an old pair of flannel pajamas. It was mentally comforting and joyful, and I found I had far more energy than the week before. I found myself walking a lot more - exploring and meandering on my strolls to and from class. One of my favorite discoveries this week was finally stumbling on an asian grocery store located near me. Sou-Quan is located in the 5th, and was a relief to be able to find the products I was desperately missing including kimchi, cilantro, chili peppers/jalapeños, tofu and mochi. While some items were priced higher than I would like (especially compared to the prices I am used to in San Francisco), it has made me more determined to continue to search for more asian markets in Paris - but at least I have a resource near my apartment. I'm just happy to have jalapeños back in my life! Parisians just don't do spice...

Beyond these walks, I have been mostly home focused on my studies. Not exactly glamorous - but it is the main priority of why I am here. Sitting on my couch, making notecards and binge watching "Poldark" (Anyone else obsessed with Aiden Turner's hair?) while drinking hot tea and red wine (separately, not together) has been the average night this evening. I cannot complain though, it has brought me immense peace and calm, something I have not had in a while. 

My week concluded with a wonderful tour of Sainte-Chapelle lead by Elisabeth Guillerm, a registered national guide (I highly recommend looking into the intensive process of being a registered guide - it's incredibly impressive!). While I had studied the windows of this space back in AP Art History (a good 14 years ago), I had never visited in all my time in Paris. Just like most awe-inspiring places, no photos can ever do it justice. As you emerge from the spiral medieval staircase you are suddenly incased in what feels like a precious jewel. You can't help but have your breath taken away a little bit (and not just because the stairs were tiring). After spending an hour admiring and learning about the space, we walked over to Notre Dame where we broke down the facade from original parts to additive restorations. I could not feel my toes in the freezing cold, but I could of stood out there all day. Something that I have been thinking a lot about is "What am I going to do next professionally?" and while I do not know yet, this week has been a good reminder of where my happy place is...and the challenge now is how do I get to be in my happy place every day? 

Highlight of the Week: While I want to say the museums (and they were a highlight) - I have to say jalapeños & mochi! If have to pick between my loves of art and food - food wins... (pathetic, I know)

Challenge of the Week: Being away from my boyfriend. I had such an exciting and fun week, and as art is a passion we both share (as well as our love of jalapeños and mochi) it was sad not to share it with him. Luckily he is back for good next Thursday!

The List

Markets

Sou-Quan (5th) week four - Near Notre Dame and needing those ingredients you can't find at Monoprix? This is a great spot for cilantro, tofu and chili peppers. Not all ingredients are cheap - but you can find some good deal on certain things (I found Genmaicha for under 3 euros, versus 8 euros elsewhere) just keep your eyes peeled!