Jour cinquante-neuf

...began with a walk with Madame and the girls to the Grand Palais, a picnic at the Petit Palais, and then to Notre Dame where the supposed crown of thorns was being displayed. It was such a nice day!

It is already Christmas at Galleries Lafayette!

We went up on the roof to watch a rosy sunset. This was a beautiful few minutes, and one where I realized how small the world is, how the sun fading over Paris is the same sun shining on a Friday afternoon over my family and friends. It made me feel not so far from home.

This homme du jour (and perfume salesman) asked if he could take a picture of me posing on the giant apple with the perfume for the website. Notice how cute he is? I was quick to agree no matter how weird it was.

Then it was time for the most spectacular evening at the ballet!! We were able to get cheap tickets by waiting in line for the low-visibility seats an hour early.

Madames et Monsieurs, Opéra Garnier! (cue Phantom of the Opera music)

It was incredible to finally actually be inside this building where, yes, to this day, there are still underground canals and lakes, and the chandelier actually fell.
We went to Paquita, a ballet originating in Spain about a gypsy girl who discovers she is of noble birth and marries the handsome prince after saving his life. I could not believe how beautiful these dancers were. Their movements were immaculate. And I remembered how wonderful it is to hear a live orchestra, something I haven't heard since I've been here and really came to appreciate how the arts are something completely universal and enjoyed by all, regardless of location or language.

Best eight euros ever spent.
We went out for a late dinner at a really hip place called Tribeca for pasta and my shrimp salad (see below. yum).
We saw Parisian night life at its best tonight. Perhaps next week, we'll go to the opera.

A demain,

b