Vive La France

If you have been reading, or looked through my blog, you probably know that I have Grandparents that live in France and I have been lucky enough to travel there a few times in my life so far. I have to admit- it wasn't love at first sight. Paris was especially intimidating to me the first time that I went there. It wasn't until I went back a second time that I truly fell in love with the city and understood why my Grandparents loved the country so much. I have always regretted not focusing more on French language in school and not minoring in it in college but now I am taking a huge leap...

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I'm going on a Study Abroad in Paris, France!!!

This may not be a big deal for some (or most) people but it's really hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and relinquish control, so this is huge for me. But - I feel like when you move out of your comfort zone- that's where the magic happens :) at least that is what I am hoping! My goal is to improve my French speaking skills and what better way than to submerge myself in the culture? I have a whole list of other places that I want to visit while I am there as well and I can't wait to document everything.

NYC: A Glimpse

Bonjour! Hello! It's been a while! Here's an update: A few weeks ago I made another voyage across the USA to NYC. My grandparents were visiting from France and we had a little 'family reunion', if that's what you want to call it. Unlike most families, we are ALL spread out, so it's nice to see them when I can :).

I will always love New York. There is something magical about it that I can't quite put my finger on. If you have been there then you probably know what I mean. I love everything about it; the smells, the people, the FOOD, of course the shopping. I love that every neighborhood has something different to offer but my heart will always reside in the upper east side. My grandparents lived in the city for a very long time while I was growing up and I have a lot of memories buried in between those fancy town homes and Bloomingdales.

This trip we got cozy with the F and the 6 trains and spent some time downtown. I lived every current 15 year olds dream (spotted Ansel Elgort in the subway), ate a lot of amazing food and just enjoyed the city.

One of my favorite things that we did while in the city was walk the Highline. I suppose it's pretty touristy but it's not everyday I'm in New York.

About a week before I left I was scrolling through Facebook and saw this post about an ice cream cone called the Salty Pimp at this place called the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop: dulce de Leche, vanilla ice cream, salt and dipped in chocolate = heaven! I realized it was in NYC and added it to the top of my to-do list and I'm so glad I did! I was expecting it to be overly sweet because of the caramel and chocolate, but the salt really evens it out and you get a cone that is to die for. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, I love you.. I'm not even mad that you dripped all over my purse.

On the left is their American Globs Cone and the right is the Salty Pimp. GO NOW!!

and of course this post wouldn't be complete with a photo of my shack burger...

mmmm... Until next time, NYC!