Back in Paris for the Summer!

I am very fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to return back to 

Paris for the summer! I could not have imagined a better way to spend my last,

true summer as an adult before entering the work force this September. 

For those of you who don't know, I (miraculously) have

scored an internship at the U.S. embassy in Paris. More specifically, I am working for 

Africa Regional Services, one of the Embassy's adjunct offices; as a branch of the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, this Parisian office provides French language programs and materials for the Public Affairs Sections at the various U.S. embassies throughout francophone Africa (as well as for embassies in anglophone and lusophone Africa).

Regarding my role, I help assist with its Speakers and Artists Program, which sends

American speakers and artists living in Europe to Africa to foster dialog and learning

between the U.S. and the vast and various African communities. I am additionally

helping with the bureau's different social media platforms and any other tasks

that are asked and/or required. 

Even though my office is not found at the U.S. embassy, I am still able to 

participate in all of the events that take place there, such as: meet and 

greets with famous and influential politicians, galas, movie screenings, exercise classes, 

parties for the interns, among other things. Another benefit? Unlike the embassy, staff primarily uses French to communicate with one another, which is much to my liking. 

(Note: you may be wondering as you are reading the links

between my blog and my oath of confidentiality; given that most of the information I have 

shared is public knowledge, see: http://ars-paris.state.gov/, and the remaining is arguably

not incriminating, I feel that I am in line with the law.) 

In terms of my personal experience thus far, I feel right at home. 

I am living with the same host family as before so not only do

I have a family to come home to each day, but I also know the neighborhood. My French

 surprisingly came right back after not constistently speaking it for over

a year, and I feel that I am at the same level now as where I was

a year ago, which means that I can only get better from here! [Interestingly, when I 

talk with French people, they know that I have a slight accent, but can't quite tell where 

I am from. For example, I have been asked if I am Canadian or Romanian (!?).] Lastly, 

my host family, my two French girlfriends, and the embassy interns give

me quite a community and support network here in Paris, for which I am

very appreciative and hope to strengthen over the course of the summer. 

Overall, it has been a great first week back in Paris, and I am excited for what 

the following three months will bring in terms of personal growth, cultural immersion, and new experiences! Scroll below for the places I have seen during my 

walks in Paris! 

BACK IN BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT 

Back in my old room!

For my first meal back, Muriel prepared me a Quiche Lorraine, which is
one of my favorite French "plats"! 

WALKING IN THE 1ST, 2ND, AND 9TH ARRONDISSEMENTS ON THE RIGHT BANK:
A collection of photos taken between Tuesday, June 7th to Friday, June 10th

La Place Vendome, which is where the Ministry
of Justice is situated 

Notice how just be changing my positioning via-à-via this column,
the lighting and atmosphere completely change and subsequently
darken, as if this photo was taken on another day

Place de la Concorde 

Walking down Boulevard Haussmann and peaking to my left
to see Le Figaro's Headquarters in the forefront (a very prominent Parisian
newspaper), followed by the church, Notre Dame de Lorette, and the Basilica
of Montmartre in the foreground. How picturesque!

Place Saint George, 9e arrondissement 

Square Alex Biscarre, 9e: a darling, little park tucked away from Place Saint
George. During one lunch break, I bought myself a sandwich and ate it here while
enjoying the sun, the ambiance, and Parisian kids playing games and enjoying themselves
on a pleasant summer day! Definitely plan on returning here as hidden, little parks in Paris
are among my most favorite things to visit. 

Paris' flooding had made international headlines in previous weeks, and here is an
example of just how far water levels had risen. Fortunately, the water
levels have receded, and boats have begun to sail down the River Seine once more. 

The Tuileries Gardens at noon

The Carousel of the Tuileries 

Square Emile Chautemps in the 3e

Older French gentlemen playing pétang, the French version of bocci 

2e arrondissement promenading 

Exploring the right bank with my French friend, Ally! 

The Garden of Palais Royale

Yours truly 

Children playing games, partaking in frivolities, and profiting from the free water

Palais Royale 

Walking from Palais Royale to the Louvre

Walking along the Seine 

Hôtel de Ville, the French mayor's residence 

To the right of the Centre Pompidou, admiring its sculptural garden

The modern art museum's facade 

The breathtaking view of Paris from atop of the Centre Pompidou

An artistic fashion exhibit in the Marais:
note that those are white, fringed overalls 

Enjoying a falafel in the Place des Vosges in the Marais 

A cutely decorated street in the Marais 

NOT PICTURED BUT WORTH MENTIONING:

-- Afrobytes, the wonderful conference that I attended on behalf of the embassy on the development of technology and international investments in Africa. (And if you can believe it, one of the panelists was a Pomona graduate!)

-- A soirée hosted by my friend, Ally, to watch the first game of the Euro Cup at her apartment in Bois Colombe. For those of you who are not ardent soccer fans, the Euro Cup is a month long, soccer tournament during which 24 European teams compete to become the champion of Europe. Like the World Cup, it happens every 4 years and is quite popular amongst Europeans. To my luck, France is hosting the Cup this summer, so the city is bustling with fan fest and activities!

-- My host parents invited me to attend an open-mic music session in a little ville not far from Paris. In addition to good music, it was also a pot-luck, which means that there was home-made quiches, cheeses, salads, desserts, and good French wine. C'était très agréable!


7E ARRONDISSEMENT OUTING ON SATURDAY

A magnificent Art Noveau House on Avenue Rappe 

A close-up of the door 

A charming little alley off of Rue de la Rappe 

Since this neighborhood is near the Eiffel Tower, which is where
one of the Euro Cup fanzones is found, the police have
blocked off a 5 mile radius in fear of potential attacks.
(Hence why there are no cars in the photo, which is certainly
not to my chagrin!)

Admiring the pastries on Rue de l'Université

Haussmann-style apartments

Inside the courtyard of Les Invalides, the
historical military hospital and burial of Napoleon I 

The fanzone at the Eiffel Tower.
Contrary to popular belief, I felt quite safe in the fanzones.
The security was very tight: before entering the Champs des Mars, I had my
backpack inspected 5 times and received 2 pat downs. And once inside the park, I
constantly ran into police and security officials. As a result, I felt safe and frankly,
loved the atmosphere. People from all over Europe and the world come here
to cheer on their teams, which makes for some great energy and people watching!