The Phone Eats First

As this is the last week of class (wish I do NOT want to talk about I am so sad to be leaving boo hoo) I wanted to focus on something a little different than what I have been blogging about. Today I have been thinking about all the amazing meals and drinks I have had while being here, and I think it is worthwhile to briefly talk about my thoughts on French food as well as show off some of the pictures I have taken of yummy meal time.

The first thing to mention is that mealtime here in France is sacred. I have gone out for a “quick lunch” and ended up sitting for two and a half hours just slowly eating my food, talking to friends, and enjoying people-watching. There have honestly been times when I sat down at a cafe and finished my meal, but the ambiance of the rain on a canvas covering, the deep dragging noise of people getting out of their chairs, and the quiet mumble of French conversations are just so relaxing that it’s nice to stay and be in the moment. Food is valued here not only because it is so fresh, rich, delicious, and amazing, but also because it is used as a reason to slow down your day and enjoy the company of others. The wait staff may not give you your bill right away, but it feels lovely to finish up your drinks while chatting with friends and not being rushed out to move on with the rest of your day.

Another thing that is so nice about eating French food is there is such a variety! In everything! There are patisseries where you can get a whole baguette for around 1 euro, and then there are restaurants where just one drink is 18 euro. Variety! The wild thing is everything tastes amazing. From the cheap off-brand pringles to the freshest Caprese salad I have ever had in my entire life, there is always something yummy to eat nearby. And another wonderful thing is that waiters here are paid a livable wage, so you do not have to calculate tips at the end of a meal which is so nice because I am not very good at math. Here are just some cool food pics to see all the yummy yummy things I’ve been munching on recently.

Lastly, to end, I want to talk about my favorite place to eat here in Paris. It is a small place Grace, and I discovered around day two of the trip (thanks to some kids in Cartland’s class), and honestly, it has the best pastries and baked goods I have had this entire month/ in my entire life. It is called La Fabrique aux Gourmandises and is only about a 5-10 minute walk from our dorm. We cut through a lovely park and go into the shop with wide eyes and a rumbly tummy. The girls who work there are always so happy and kind. They speak a little English and are very understanding of my futile attempts at French. They have an assortment of treats and nourishing meals, and it is not very expensive. Honestly, our daily morning snack before getting on the train before class is one of the things I will miss the most. Ok, here are more food pics so I don’t have to think about leaving and going back to fake, processed, and more expensive food in the US.