Here is a recent photo of the view from my balcony. A block away lies the Church of Saint-Sulpice (it's partially in construction, but captivating nevertheless). I just began the book The Da Vinci Code. My jaw dropped when within 5 minutes I was reading about the all-powerful "secret keystone" hidden at the Church of Saint-Sulpice, apparently unlocking the greatest secret of human history! Although fact and fiction, here I am, in love with the book already--it perfectly compliments the adventure of my life in Paris, and I've been learning such interesting information on Paris' history. The story revolves around my neighborhood, which makes it all the more chilling. Living five minutes from the Louvre, I'll make sure to take my first visit the day I finish this book.

Here is the Place de la Bastille, and this is how crowded it was yesterday!

Today is a huge day! Mike's older brother's first album comes out in stores worldwide! I give it a matter of days to go platinum, as it will hit the top of all the charts throughout France, Switzerland, Belgium, etc...the brothers recently starred in the music video for his second single '1977'. Definitely take a look at Mike on the drums in the biggest music video in France (this was the music video I mentioned them doing earlier this month, when we were at the hotel near Hard Rock Café)! Here Steeve is in duo with Sting, as well.

Paris, France, August 23, 2004: A typical view on a bridge overtop the Seine, all close to my new apartment. Typical Parisian weather, as well...overcast white skies illuminating a magical city.

August 23, 2004, Paris, France: Vive la libération! Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of Paris' liberation from the Nazis, and views like this have been commemorating the victorious allies throughout the city. I want to share this photo, taken on the Champs Elysées, to honor all the World War II veterans I know back home. Everywhere I look in today's France, the Americans do get credit for having freed the French.

August 21, 2004, Paris, France: I spent a good amount of time on one of Paris' bridges admiring the River Seine, the distant Eiffle Tower ahead and behind me the Notre Dame.

August 21, 2004, Paris, France: On my first afternoon without guests, I took a stroll to the Louvre to picnic on tabouli. Without a job or classes yet, without knowing a soul in Paris, what options do I have on a sunny day off?

August 17, 2004, Paris, France: I found myself in the same gardens I visited with my sister in January. I can't say I recall which royal family lived in this château, but it certainly takes you back to another time and place.

Paris, France, August 12, 2004: The view out our hotel room window. This, my friends, is the Boulevard Montmartre...is it me or are there no bad views of Paris?

Paris, France, August 7, 2004: Montmartre is such a dreamy place. It's at the very top of Paris, where the Sacré Coeur is located, and its peaks overlook the entire city. Here you'll find adorable cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants, and although packed with tourists, Montmartre has succeeded in preserving a quaint charm over the years. There is even an area of Montmartre where Paris' most talented artists are designated by the city to portray their works, as well as paint and sell portraits of visitors.

Paris, France, August 7th, 2004: I took this photo of the Sacré Coeur without giving it much thought, but I like the perspective.

Paris, France, August 6, 2004: This is a familiar sight to those who watch the news on a regular basis. Much of French political affairs take place behind these gates.

August 2, 2004, Perouge, France: On a steaming hot summer day, Kelsey and I found temporary relief in the shadow of a tree, located in the very center of our favorite midieval French town.

July 23rd, 2004, Morestel, France: Before snacking on yummy Middle Eastern food in a nearby town, I couldn't help but get some pictures of the breathtaking surroundings.

Montalieu-Vercieu, France, July 23rd, 2004: Me and a goofy French cow I encountered next to Mike's neighborhood. Growing up in New Jersey, I lived across from a bunch of cows as well. I think this picture is worth a thousand words.