la défense

 We had only planned on making a quick stop at La Défense to check out the Grande Arche [another amazing Parisian building] but a super kind older gentleman started up a conversation with us and we spent a good 20 minutes talking, mainly him sharing interesting facts and information about the area.. along with things we had to see since we’re both architecture students. There was actually a lot more to see there than we expected, including this beautiful church [photo 3].

I’ve been away for a while because of my P4 presentation and then my subsequent need to take an extended computer break. Well, the good news is my P4 went really well, which means I will be graduating and the beginning of July! Crazy to think about.. but I still have quite a bit to do before the final presentation.

The weather here is finally getting to where it should be.. I think this week calls for a few picnics at the lake.

pompidou

 Even though I’d been to Paris a few times before, I’d never been to the Centre Pompidou so I was really glad I finally go the chance to go this time. Quite an interesting building, huh? One of my professors kept suggesting it as a reference so it was nice to be able to see it in person. Plus the exhibits inside were pretty great too. Anyways, I’m signing off for the next while.. crunch time at school, only 9 days left until the big presentation.

on the street in paris

 Most of these photos were taken in the St. Germain area of Paris.. one of my favourite neighbourhoods for walking around in. Paris is a very walkable city.. especially when the weather was as nice as it was a few weeks ago. It was great to browse the shops in the area and of course I had to stop at Ladurée [I did twice while we were in Paris actually..haha]. I took a picture almost exactly like the fourth photo last time I was in Paris.. interesting to see how small things have changed.

Feeling a bit better now about the state of things here in NL.. we had a bit of a studio crisis as our P4 presentation date was moved a week earlier than we expected, but after a bit of pressure we’ve convinced our tutor to move it back.. so we’ve actually gained a much needed extra 2 weeks. Still things are going to be busy.. I’m trying to work on job applications and my online portfolio/website on top of studio work. At least I’ll feel comfortable devoting a day or two to that this weekend now that we know we’ve got some extra time.

Anyways, hope you’re enjoying spring!

le louvre

The Louvre was spectacular as always. Despite having visited it several times before, I always enjoy coming back. Although it does seem every time I visit the museum it’s busier than ever. We saw a lot of the ‘must sees’ but it was a pretty short visit in the end since we had a lot on our list for that day. The last picture is kind of blurry but I liked the effect of it better than it’s non-blurry counterpart.. sums up the atmosphere outside the Louvre more fittingly.. ordered yet slightly chaotic.

Hoping it will warm up a bit here over the weekend.. I’ve been longing to have a picnic outside but it’s hard to tell if the weather will hold out long enough these days. I had put my winter coat away but I found myself wearing it a few times in the last week.. come on spring! More photos soon

bonjour

Our trip to Paris was great, although a little short. We decided taking the train was the best option since you can get it direct from Rotterdam which is definitely more convenient and relaxing than flying [for me at least]. Although we were only there Wednesday-Saturday early afternoon we managed to see and do a lot.. including finding reasonably-priced and good quality sushi. Japanese food is pretty much my favourite and here in the Netherlands it’s usually super overpriced and underwhelming  [compared to what I'm used to in Vancouver at least], so I’m always super excited to have sushi when I travel. More photos to come.. these are just a few street shots taken on the first afternoon there. Couldn’t have asked for better weather!

get away

 Will be spending a few days here starting tomorrow.. currently dreaming of sitting on the Seine with a bottle of wine and some maracons from Ladurée..

Hope you’re all having a fabulous spring!

books + souvenirs

I could spend hours browsing the books, prints and souvenirs in the little stands and shops in Paris.

I had my first day at school today.. I’m a mixture of excited and nervous for the coming semester… it will be interesting for sure! Our studio is heading to Amsterdam on Friday for a site visit, fun times.

these are just..

..a few things that caught my eye on the streets of Paris.

Intro week is almost over [thankfully] and I’m looking forward to possible excursions outside of Delft this weekend. I promise to update soon about what I’ve been doing lately.. not 2 months ago.

le souk

When my family was in Paris we went for Moroccan food at Le Souk [thanks to a recommendation from Eric's aunt!]…and it was sooo delicious. I hadn’t really had Moroccan food before and this was definitely a great first experience. They served warm bread with black olives baked in and my sister and I shared couscous with chicken, raisins and spices. I think I will have to attempt some sort of dish like this now that I have to cook on a regular basis. Plus the restaurant itself was amazing!

Today was one of the windiest/rainiest days I’ve ever experienced. It was also the first day of introduction week at the university so it was pretty interesting to meet a bunch of different international students. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.. getting a bike, meeting up with new people and exploring Delft a bit more!

monique

My little sis turns 19 today! We have our share of sibling arguments but most of the time we make each other laugh and are great friends.

Happy birthday Moni! I’m so glad to be spending your 19th birthday with you in fabulous Paris!

PS – I got a few rolls of film developed the other day.. I’ll try and post some more soon