in Search of an Authentic Paris

On December 27th, 2006, I saw Paris for the first time. I can't say I didn't know what to expect though. According to a recent T Magazine article by Elaine Sciolino, "Since 1990, about 800 American films have been set in Paris." And as such, "So much of Hollywood's version of Paris is fantasy, a place where the line between the real and the imagine is delightfully blurred, where adventure, mystery, beauty and even love lurk just around the corner." I'm sure you know what she means as well. Then, of course, there are our countless Parisian stereotypes. Unlike our romantic ideas about the city, they're mostly negative. And even still we can't wait to visit.
My mom emailed me her itinerary today. Her and my dad are coming to Paris from November 21st to the 26th. It'll be a whirlwind of a quick trip... but they're coming to visit me! I can't even express to you how excited I am. It's sure to be just as spectacular as the last time they flew into my abroad life, if not even more so.
We'll obviously have to climb the Eiffel Tour as I did six years ago (and take new photos); in addition to stopping in the Louvre, floating by Notre-Dame, wandering through the Latin Quarter, down the Champs-Elysées, and up to Sacre Coeur.
I do hope I have enough patience to play tourist. I promise I'll try. Because now I live here. Paris is not just a pretty place with sights and history, it's becoming my home, and I need them to understand why I love it so much.
My hope is that they'll fall in love with this city, too. I'll show them ma chambre de bonne and my neighborhood. I'll take them to my favorite brasserie (more info to come!) and we'll try new restaurants, too. I'll treat them to a local's walking tour and introduce them to the banlieue, most notably Melun. Marie and her parents are already preparing for a weekend of fun. I'd also like them to see what my life is actually like: an unglamorous yet completely lovely combo of school-friends-fun; a life that just happens to take place in Paris. If I'm able to accomplish most of all of the above, I don't doubt we'll have the most wonderful time... in addition to a very happy and grateful Thanksgiving. In the mean time, as I discover my very own authentic Paris, I've been frequenting museums and markets. Why museumsandmarkets? I believe the combination will provide the perfect blend of high, low, and popular culture with the treasures of yesterday and today. Please bookmark Museums & Market {of Paris} for photos of and dialog about today's visit to the Booksellers by the Seine, and more.