I’m trying to avoid mentioning the weather every time I post, but I can’t help it because it’s been absolutely amazing every single day. And last summer was an insane meltdown every day.

I’ve been planning activities for my last week. <sob!>

I was able to secure a ticket for an exposition at Le Musée de Louvre on my last day. The show is sold out all week, so I was fortunate to get a ticket at all, and snagged one for the absolute last showing on Friday at 19h30!

Louvre Couture, Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces

It’s been a busy week for me, but I’ve yet to get to Orsay! I traditionally have a small luncheon with champagne on the fifth floor after viewing the French Impressionists. Afterwards, I tend to go back through the gallery. So maybe I’ll do that tomorrow – even though it’s Sunday. I’m not here for months this time, so I can’t be picky about being out with weekend crowds. I think I’ll do that in the afternoon because…

I have scheduled a visit to the Montparnasse Tower! What is that you ask? It’s the unsightly monolithic building just outside the 6ème, technically in the 15ème. I saw it I every day from my classroom at Alliance Française, and always make sure it’s not included in any photographs. It’s startlingly out of place. I’ve really only ever been around the base of it to go to the cinema. It was built in the late 60’s, early 70’s and absolutely looks like it was built in the late 60’s, early 70’s. Parisians like to say that it has the best view of Paris because it’s not in it. Anyway, there’s an observation deck on the 59th floor, and it’s apparently outstanding – along with having the fastest elevator in Europe – taking you to the top in 38 seconds!

Otherwise, I’m looking at Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris for the Münter exposition and Le Petit Palais for the fashion exposition, featuring Charles Frederick Worth (English-born) and the originator of haute couture. Stay tuned.

I was out all day today, on and off the Métro (still don’t have a new Navigo card), though I can’t say exactly what I did besides hunt for a specific souvenir for someone, and buy a new red lipstick. Afterwards, I enjoyed une coupe de champagne. And from there, I went to Les Halles and walked around the overwhelming number of shops. Just looking. Ok, ok, I might have bought a dress. I did. I bought a dress. And maybe another little thing or two. I actually hope it’s still warm when I get home, because it’s a sweet summery piece – and it’s already mid-ish August. Some of the stores here are already featuring school clothes and fall items!

How is it August? I’m nostalgic for summer and we still have a full month (technically) left.

I also keep seeing people wearing last summer’s Olympic t-shirts, and I’m not gonna’ lie, it pulls at the heartstrings. It was really awesome to picnic with a friend and watch the Vasque lift into the Paris night again.

I might have to do that again before I head home.