It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

This past Sunday, Shelley, Emma and I took an afternoon trip outside of Paris to Château Vaux le Vicomte, located just outside of Melun, France. Nicolas Fouquet, the head financier of King Louis XIV, bought the small castle in 1641. Within 20 years he had bought the two small adjacent villages and transformed the small castle and its surrounding land into a beautiful château and garden. Fouquet enlisted the help of the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles Le Brun and the landscape gardener André Le Nôtre to create a comprehensive plan that encompassed their three expertise. This was the first time that three different crafts were employed together to create one collaborative design. Louis XIV was so taken by the design and aesthetics he hired the three men to design a much larger and more elaborate château: Versailles. The style of both Châteaus is known today as the "Louis XIV style" and you can see that the similarities between the two are vastly apparent, especially in the gardens.

Château Vaux le Vicomte

Shelley, Emma and Me

For the month of December the Château is completely decorated for Christmas inside and out! Christmas music plays in the foyer and the smell and feel of a warm fire softly burning in the fireplaces envelopes you as you enter the rooms.  Each room was decorated according to a theme, one room prettier than the next. The whole place felt like Christmas and it was so nice to leave Paris for a little and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. The photos don't do the Christmas trees any justice, but hopefully you'll get a little idea of how beautiful it really was!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets start popping up in European Cities in late November/early December. The Markets are always open for the four weeks of Advent and most continue through Three Kings Day (January 6). Dating back to the Late Middle Ages, Christmas Markets began in the German speaking region of Europe. The markets are usually held in the Town Square or along large pedestrian areas and can be quite large! While wandering past the many stands you will always find food, drinks, gifts and seasonal Christmas items. Today, Christmas Markets have grown in popularity and can be found throughout Europe. The Markets stick to traditional food and drink and homemade goods, allowing the visitors to experience an old world Christmas feel.

Christmas Market Stands from Germany, Copenhagen and Paris

Over the past few years I have been to a couple of Christmas markets and they always seem to get me in the holiday spirit! These include:

• Prague- Held in the Old Town Square, we were there the opening weekend and it really put my friends and me in the Christmas spirit. They had a petting zoo with the cutest animals and  these really amazing pastries that they made over a fire in front of you.
• Berlin & Munich- Berlin was the first stop on my Dad's and my 2010 Winter European road trip. It is also where our impromptu Christmas Market tour began. In Germany, each Market has its own Glühwein mug, with the Market name, year and design. We now have quite the collection!
• Salzburg- Held in Cathedral Square, this market was rather cute. Performances by traditional choirs and school groups throughout December add to the allure of the Market and add to the spirit of Christmas.
• Tivoli (Copenhagen): The Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland for advent! The decorations (the light plan is designed by Tiffany's head designer), planning and thought that go into this market is insane and a must see!

Christmas Market Decorations

A staple in Christmas markets across Europe is Glühwein, or mulled wine. It is typically served hot and made with red wine and an assortment of spices such as cinnamon sticks. cloves. star anise, citrus zest, sugar and sometimes vanilla. Glühwein, which means "glowing wine" in German, got its name from the hot iron stems that were once used to warm the wine. It is uncertain how long Glühwein has been around, but the first Glühwein tankard, or mug, dates back to 1420!

Bratwurst & Glühwein: Christmas Market Staples

This past Sunday, I added a Parisian Christmas Market to my list and headed to the Champs Élysées! Meandering up and down the street I passed by stands selling handmade Christmas handicrafts, made in France products and tons of food and drink stands...everything looked so good! Needing to continue my Christmas shopping and wanting to make sure that all gifts were made in France, the market proved to be the opportune place to pick up a few things while practicing my French.

Handmade soap, French Chocolate & fresh lavender

Christmas Markets represent what the Christmas season means: spending good, quality time with friends and family and enjoying the moment. As much as I enjoyed the Paris Christmas Market, I prefer the markets in Germany and Copenhagen.There is something extra special and Christmas-y about enjoying warm food and drinks huddled around a fire pit watching the snow fall and the people pass.

Eat every macaron as the last

France is well known for its amazing food and pastries, especially the Macaron, that petite, delicate and colorful confection composed of two almond meringue shells surrounding a flavored filling.

Ladurée Window Display

The history of the macaron may be contested but most believe that the macaron cookie was introduced in 1533 in Italy by Catherine de Medici's chef around the time of her wedding to Henry II, the future king of France. However, it was not the "sandwich" that we know today, but instead a simple cookie made of almond powder, sugar and egg whites. It wasn't until the early 20th century when Pierre Desfontaines, Louis Ernest Ladurée's second cousin, decided to sandwich two macaron cookies together by filling the center with a ganache that the modern macaron was created. Today, they are the most popular selling "cookie" in Paris and you you can find them in nearly every flavor and color imaginable at most patisseries and shops. Two of the most famous Macaron shops in Paris are Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. Therefore, for the sake of the blog, a macaron taste test was deemed mandatory. Shelley and I set out to discuss which ones we prefer.

Carette Macarons
(L-->R salted butter caramel, coffee, vanilla & Gianduja)

It is very difficult to get a perfect macaron. Not only do the measurements need to be extremely precise but a little bit of "know-how" is also needed, which is why the same quality macaron is almost impossible to find outside of France. Typically, the shells are made with egg whites, sugar and almond powder and the filling is usually made up of a ganache, butter cream, or jam. When made right, the macaron is crisp on the outside and slightly moist in the interior, allowing it to melt in your mouth.

The Anatomy of a macaron (Le Nôtre Chocolate macaron)

Ladurée is one of the top shops, boasting sales of over 15,000 macarons per day! In 1862 Louis-Ernest Ladurée opened a bakery in Paris, which later burnt down and was rebuilt. During the time of the rebuilding, cafés were gaining in popularity. Therefore, to adapt with the changing times, Ladurée’s wife came up with the idea to blend a patisserie and café, opening the first salon de thé. However, it wasn't until the 1930s when Pierre sandwiched the macaron, that Ladurée became famous. Ladurée's macarons are delicious, light and airy. They continuously come out with new flavors for the changing seasons. Some of their flavors are a little too sweet or strong for my taste and the idea of a marshmallow filling doesn't sit well, but I have yet to find a vanilla macaron I like better than theirs.

Praline, Rose Peppercorn, Café, Gingerbread, Pistachio & Vanilla

Pierre Hermé is tied with Ladurée for the best macarons. Hermé originally worked for Ladurée and when he left he opened his first store in Tokyo, as his contract forbid him to open in Paris. However, he returned in 2002 and has since gained quite the reputation. Here is where you can try macarons with a twist such as violet-vanilla blackcurrant, passion fruit, truffle or even foie gras, He is not afraid to blend flavors and because of this, it is quite the experience to visit. As I tend to air on the side of caution and this was a comparison test, Shelley and I stuck to his classics and twists on the classics. His macarons were light and airy and provided just the right amount of flavor without being too overwhelming. I really enjoyed the violet-vanilla blackcurrant and we both liked his salted-butter-caramel. When I return I may opt to go a little more out of the box (although the foie gras macaron will take a lot of convincing). 

Pierre Hermé Macarons
(L--R Salted butter caramel, violet-vanilla, rose & chocolate)

Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are obviously not the only Macarons, but they are the most well-known and worth the splurge when you're here. One thing is for certain, when in Paris splurge and have a macaron (or a few) as they are not the same elsewhere!

My Oh My, Pumpkin Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday and it fills me with such joy and happiness. I love everything about it: spending the day with my family, the smell of the cooking and baking, the warmth and laughter that fill the house and a little bit of organized chaos make the day just perfect.

Casual family t-shirts

This year, Friendsgiving 2014 was a huge success! Shelley, some of her graduate friends and I had Thanksgiving this past Sunday. Armed with recipes from home and online, we split the grocery lists and set out to recreate an American Thanksgiving in Paris. Since ovens and turkeys are hard to come by in Paris we bought two rotisserie chickens which allowed us to free up the oven for the other necessities (ie the dessert). We spent Sunday afternoon in the kitchen cooking, baking and preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. We sat down to eat at around 6 pm and our dinner menu included chicken, fresh cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potato puree and stuffing with craisins, apples, celery, onions and walnuts.

Our table, my plate and our feast

After dinner, we watched "My Best Friend's Wedding" while we waited for dessert, which included chocolate pecan pie and Nana's Pumpkin Pie, which is one of my favorite desserts. My grandma's recipe is near and dear to my heart, and is the best pumpkin pie you will have. Her pie reminds me of home, family, the fall and Thanksgiving. Spending Thanksgiving away from home is always hard, but having the family pumpkin pie recipe, allows me to always have a little bit of home wherever I am.

Nana's Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate Pecan Pie

I am so glad that I got to spend Thanksgiving with these girls. The day was filled with amazing food, fine wine and a great group of people!

On Thanksgiving, I was able to skype with my family. My mom's family travels to NY as Thanksgiving is the one holiday that we all spend together. This year 25 of my family members were able to make it and as always, they were having a blast! Being able to see and talk to everyone made my day! As I was skyping with James, I heard everyone get ready for for the annual football game and it made me feel like I was right back at home. Although I was so sad to miss it, it was great to "join" everyone for a little (thank goodness for skype!)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a few of the things I am thankful for:

• My loving family & amazing friends
• My health& freedoms
• My life
• The fall season
• Good food & fine wine
• The ability to explore & see new places
• Skype/Imessage to keep in touch

Armistice Day

"This nation will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave."  

-Elmer Davis

Happy Veteran's Day!!! Thank you to everyone who has served and is serving to keep our country safe. The sacrifices you make are extraordinary and your hard work and courage are beyond belief. I really appreciate everything you do for us. Thank you.

As it's Armistice Day here in France, I thought a trip to the Paris Military Museum, Musée de l'Armée: Hôtel National des Invalides was appropriate. I left early Sunday afternoon and decided to walk as it was a beautiful day. The Museum is located on large beautiful grounds and is quite stunning. After a few wrong turns and missed entrances I came across the museum from the side, and am sure glad I did! From the left side of the museum you have a perfect view of the Tour Eiffel in the distance.

View of the Eiffel Tower, the military museum would be on the left

I didn't have time to see the entire museum so instead visited The Contemporary Department, which focuses on the Two World Wars and the Dôme des Invalides which houses Napoleon's tomb. Although quite large, the museum felt very manageable. Each wing of the museum housed a different era, allowing you to easily choose the sections you would like to view while bypassing the others.

I began with the Contemporary Department. The exhibit was very well done and was laid out by year over a course of a few floors, making it easy to follow. The  evolution of the two wars was very complete, and not only did they have French uniforms, weapons, etc. but they also made sure to encompass a large range of other countries and regions such as Russia, The east (Japan and China), The Army of Africa, European countries and the United States. Therefore, visitors are able to see how uniforms and weapons changed by country over the course of the two wars. I found it very interesting to see what the different country's uniforms were like at the time and how they adapted and changed in meet the demands of the wars they were fighting. The Museum had a few sections on America's involvement with some really interesting pieces, such as WWI Recruitment posters and what an American soldier carried during WWII.

World War I Recruitment Posters

World War II equipment and rations

A little over an hour later, I found myself at the end of the exhibit and headed over to the Dôme des Invalides where Napoleon I's tomb is located. Due to the stunning architecture and details it is known as the Emblem of the Museum. The chapel was built from 1677-1706 under the reign of Louis XIV and is considered one of the best examples of French Baroque Architecture. It was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and was inspired by the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The Military Museum with the Dome behind

During the Revolution, under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Dome was converted to a Military Pantheon. In 1815, Napoleon was exiled to the British island of Saint Helena outside West Africa by Louis XVIII. Although Napoleon died while in exile,  in 1840 after years of negotiation with the British government, King Louis-Philippe had his remains transferred back to Paris. Today, the Dôme des Invalides houses Napoleon I's tomb along with several other famous French Military officials.

Napoleon's tomb, inside the Basilica, the dome, and a scaled
version of the Dôme des Invalides

Faire le Pont (a long weekend in Paris)

I've been living in France for two weeks now and continue to work towards settling in. I am hoping the last few things on my checklist will soon be crossed off! November 1 was All Saints' Day, a national holiday in Paris, allowing for a three day weekend. As Thursday was Halloween, I felt a little pull back to Sleepy Hollow and the fall season in New York. I love how into the season our town gets and how festive it becomes. That night after work I met up with Shelley, Jeannie's friend from University, at her apartment for a Halloween party. It was so nice to see her and I had such a great time!

Scenes from around home

Saturday I was able to meet up with Allie's best friend from school, Danielle, and another one of their sorority sisters, Lauren. We spent the afternoon wandering the streets, chatting about moving abroad and checking out the little stands that line the Seine. After hearing so much about Danielle, it was so great to finally meet her!

Danielle & I outside the Notre Dame & Allie's response

Sunday, was a busy day. I started off the morning with a small 5k around Paris, in an attempt to find some new running routes. I then began to work on my to-do list of the day (which I still have to finish tonight...) Mid-afternoon I took a small break and headed to the Muséum National D'Historie Naturelle, where I visited the Grande Galerie de l'évolution and the Paléontologie et Anatomie Comparée.

The species represented in the Gallery of Evolution are from the former Gallery of Zoology, which opened in 1889. Therefore, they had a huge selection of animals and did a really great job of exploring the diversity of life overtime by different terrain. Over the four floors they showcased marine habitats, terrestrial habitats, man's role in evolution and the evolution of life. The museum was really easy to navigate as it is much smaller than the American Museum of Natural History and everything was quite centralized.

The Gallery of Evolution

From there I headed across the Park and into the Paleontology and Anatomy room which showcases hundreds of fossils. The room was draw-dropping (albeit a little overwhelming). There were fossils everywhere so I didn't know where to begin! The collections around the room showcased the evolution of different species, such as man-kind, and parts of the body, such as the skull. The fossils in the center aisle were all large animals and mammals that really drew your attention. The only downside was that since everything was so close together it was difficult to really get a good look at the fossils in the center.

The Paleontology & Anatomy room

J'habite à Paris!

"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore" -Christopher Columbus

As many of you know, this past fall I accepted a job in Paris! This job is an opportunity of a lifetime and what better way to begin my career then internationally? After a whirlwind adventure of a visa and massive amounts of paperwork I am finally settled into this beautiful city.

Early morning Friday the 17th, I moved into my apartment. It's located close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, allowing me to listen to the church bells whenever they go off. The apartment is in such a great location and is just perfect! Luckily, it came fully furnished, allowing us to not go too crazy setting it up. After unpacking and adding a few personal touches, the apartment really came together and I know it will soon feel like home. My living room window overlooks a small courtyard and I came at just the right time as all the leaves are changing colors making it look even more stunning.

Outside my apartment

While I was at work, my parents set out to collect the last needed pieces for my apartment as well as to explore the city and find some great little shops and restaurants. They left me quite the list of places to go! Having visited Paris 13 years ago we have already hit the major sites so they felt as though they had more time to explore the city and really enjoy it. However, they still did a little touring, with a return trip to the Eiffel Tower and a visit to the Antiquities section of the Louvre, something we hadn't seen last time.

Mom and Dad at the Eiffel Tower.

This past Saturday my parents and I set out to explore the Marais area on the right bank. It is a beautiful area and we took advantage of the good weather and meandered the streets. At night we went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up which was absolutely gorgeous. For the Millennium, Paris installed Search lights to the top of the Tower and put on an extravagant flashing light show. The show was hugely popular and they have since turned it into a nightly occurrence.

Eiffel Tower at night, simply stunning

After a whirlwind trip to Paris my parents returned back to the states today. I couldn't have done this move without them and can't thank them enough for the support and encouragement they have always given me. I will miss them terribly but will see them soon!

As this next chapter unfolds and my new adventure begins in this beautiful old city, I hope you will continue to follow my blog. I promise to update it as regularly as possible as I adapt to a new language, culture and home.

Au revoir for now!

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall"

The quote, from the Great Gatsby, fits my sentiments exactly. Not only is Fall my favorite season but the quote represents the changes going on in my life as I embark on a new chapter.

Columbus Day weekend was the perfect fall weekend. My parents and I started the weekend early and left Thursday afternoon for Schenectady where my cousin was getting married at the Glen Sanders Mansion. We arrived shortly before the Rehearsal Dinner and enjoyed seeing our family. Friday morning we drove to downtown Schenectady and went to their Little Italy for lunch. It was much, much smaller than Arthur Ave (about 3 stores are left) but the food was still good. We headed back to our hotel and got ready for the ceremony which started in the late afternoon. My cousin Jen looked beautiful in her dress and her flower girls (her sister's kids) were absolutely adorable! After the ceremony we headed back to the Glen Sanders for the cocktail hour and reception. The food was delicious and it was so good to spend time with all of my cousins and my family.

Congrats Jen and Dan!

Saturday morning James, Teresa, Baloo and I headed up to the Adirondacks. All 40 plus pounds of Baloo and I hung out in the front seat. I was super stoked to hang out with James and Teresa and to bond with Baloo. I was able to take the front seat and have him sit on my lap during the drive up. How could you not? He's so stinking cute! I saw him last in the beginning of September and he has gotten so big since!

Selfies on the ride up

After settling into the cabin, my mom, Teresa and I headed to Rulf's Orchard. I have such great memories from there when I was younger and it was high on my priority list to head back! When we were younger we used to go raspberry and blueberry picking during the summer which my mom would then use to make her famous homemade jam. In the fall we would head back for apples and pumpkin picking. The rule was we could only choose a pumpkin we could carry, making it quite the challenge to get a good sized pumpkin! They also have homemade apple cider and the best homemade donuts. The trip back to Rulf's was a mini walk down memory lane and the cider and donuts were as amazing as I remembered!

Fresh Apples, donuts, pumpkins and having fun at Rulfs!

Later that night our family friends, the Murphys, came over for dinner. It is always so good to see them and we had such a nice time laughing the night away. Sunday morning we headed to the last farmer's market in Keene and then headed back home. The trip upstate was relaxing and so fun. Having spent a large amount of time growing up there the Adirondacks holds a very special place in my heart. It was so nice to be there with my family enjoying each others' company and the beautiful fall weather.  Although I won't be able to return for another year, I am already looking forward to it.

The fam :)

In an Empire State of mind

Random gatherings from my time in New York...

• Baloo! James and Teresa are now the proud owners of a Bernese Mountain Dog named Baloo. They were up in NY one of the first weekends I was home and I got to meet this (not so) little nugget. He is so adorable and such a good puppy. At less than three months old and already 18 pounds this little guy is growing fast!

Me with the little munchkin

• The Book of Mormon- My mom and I went to see The Book of Mormon in NYC. I have been wanting to see this play for a long time and with high expectations it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend seeing it as we laughed throughout the entire show and is definitely a Broadway highlight! 

At the Book of Mormon!

• Throughout the fall I was able to catch up with my high school and college friends. I went to Oktoberfest with my Sleepy friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in a while and it was so great to catch up. My Colgate friends and I were able to get together a few times for dinners and brunch in the city and also for a wonderful trip for Colgate's Homecoming. I was also able to see Allie's new Brooklyn apartment and stomping grounds, which are amazing. I'll miss these friends so much but know I will get to see them again a few short months.



Oktoberfest Sleepy Hollow

• In October my family from Berlin came over and spent the night. I met Ana, Reiner, Nima and Andrea for the first time back in 2000 in Travesio. In 2010 when my dad and I traveled throughout Germany and Austria they not only had us for dinner but Reiner also took us around Berlin for an amazing tour. This year they are touring the east coast so they stopped in Westchester for the night before they headed up to the Adirondacks. They gave me a Berlin Bear from the buddy-baer collection. Mine is designed by the artist Marina Bitter, entitled "Berlin Spring," it has many of the sites that my dad and I saw. The bear will always remind me of my trip to Berlin and my Italian-German family! My mom and I made a typical Thanksgiving dinner for them, which was amazing. It was so good to see them in NY and hopefully I will see them again in the near future in Berlin!

  

  Me Nima & Andrea, a Berlin Bear, the table and Nana's famous pumpkin pie

A walk down memory lane (or Oak Drive if you will)

This past weekend was Colgate's homecoming and my first visit since my graduation in May 2012! Friday morning Emily, Eri, Boots, Caroline and I got an early start and headed back to Hamilton to visit. The four hour drive was filled with conversation as we talked about our four years at Colgate.

Once we arrived we drove straight to the Barge to enjoy our favorite sandwiches. The Barge, a local coffee shop, was where I picked up my coffee every morning senior year before I headed off to class or the library. Eri and I always had our weekly Tuesday lunch there (a Barge Betty) and our weekly Sunday morning fuel for the long library day ahead of us (breakfast sandwich). I ordered the Barge Betty (hummus, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, craisins and sunflower seeds on whole wheat) and we brought our lunch to the Village Green to enjoy outside in the nice weather.

The Barge: One of my favorite places in Hamilton

We quickly checked into the house we rented for the weekend and headed up to campus to visit the Academic Quad and the buildings we spent so much of our time in. We stopped at the Ho Science Center where all of my Geography classes were held and even though it was late afternoon my advisor was luckily still in his office. Not having seen him since graduation weekend, it was great to catch up since so much has happened. My geography professors were so helpful and a large reason why I loved my major and my classes so being able to see my advisor was a nice surprise.

From Top left: A beautiful view, The Ho, the Chapel,
My sorority house (Gamma Phi) & Case Library

We then headed to the Academic Quad to actually enjoy our beautiful campus. No trip to Colgate would be complete without a stop at West Hall, our freshman dorm, where most of us called home out first year.

Emily, Boots and I on the Quad

On our way back to our house we stopped at Case, where we spent the large majority of our time studying. We visited our usual third floor table and reminisced about the countless hours we spent there.

Visiting our usual library spot

Friday night after dinner at La Iguana we headed to the Glass, the Bacon and lastly the Jug.

Saturday morning we returned to the Barge for our breakfast sandwiches and coffee and then headed to the Farmers Market where we picked up some ingredients for dinner. We met up with Sary and then headed down to the (non existent) tailgate. With our failed attempt we meandered back downtown and sat outside enjoying the nice weather. We were also able to Skype with Katie, who's currently at Med School at the US Naval Academy and sadly couldn't make the trip. It was so nice to catch up and hear how she's doing! Saturday night we had a home cooked meal of Arthur Avenue pumpkin raviolis, plain raviolis with my mom's fresh tomato sauce and a fresh local salad with veggies. Later that night we headed down to the new brewery on Broad Street, Good Natured Brewery, which we all loved and wished was there when we were seniors. We ended the night at the Bacon and of course Slices, our late night pizza stop.

Sunday morning after breakfast and one last drive through campus we began our drive home. It was so great to visit and spend quality time with my friends. Colgate will always hold a special place in my heart and I know we will be back.

View of the Campus from Broad Street