Let the planning (or eating) begin!

September is still the target for departing for a year in Paris. It's time to figure out those fun things like: Can I access my bank while in Paris without exorbitant fees? What type of Visa do I need? What's a safe, reasonable & charming neighborhood to live in?

Researching is great, but food is better ;) So my future Paris flatmate and I began our evening by familiarizing ourselves with a French dish that altered the lifestyle of Julia Childs. Dinner: Sole Meuniere, roasted potatoes and a simple salad with Parmesan & a vinaigrette (with shallots, yum!). Research never tasted so good! (The Sole Meuniere is a simple, elegant dish that tastes amazing--I highly recommend.)

So many details to figure out, but if French cooking accompanies them then il sera bon.

Parlez vous francais?

I don't, but I'm learning :) A friend gave me the Rosetta Stone French Level 1 program for Christmas. What a perfect gift! I'm a beginner, but find the Rosetta Stone program uses a variety of learning techniques that are registering with my brain. Hopefully it sticks! My goal is to practice 1 hour a day (on weekdays) and find a few native French speakers who are gracious enough to hear me butcher their language.

Au revoir!

Bonjour Paris!

I visited Paris for the first time when I was 17 years old. It was love at first sight. I decided then and there that I wanted to live in Paris for at least a year....at some point in my life. Two more visits (age 19 & 23) and I was utterly convinced; Paris is the place for me!

11 years later and I'm looking forward to seeing this dream come true. I plan on moving to Paris this Fall (yes, 2010) with a couple of friends and staying for a year.

So much to do, so little time! Job, visa, housing--not to mention, learning French :) I'll keep you posted on my progress. Here's to the beginning of a grand adventure!

Au revoir!
Amietta
(my French name, given to me by a barista in Paris who didn't understand "Amanda")