An American Girl in Paris

I arrived in Paris this morning feeling excited {and a bit jet-lagged}.  I took the shuttle into the city, and immediately fell in love with my adorable flat in Le Marais {will post photos later}.  After a short nap, I went outside armed with my camera and a few Euros and spent the entire afternoon getting lost in the 4th arrondissement.  The Place de Vosges was the highlight of my day, and I must have spent over an hour in this beautiful place simply taking in the sights -- a grandmother doting on her little one, children feeding bits of baguette to pigeons, golden leaves falling softly to the ground.  It truly feels like an oasis in the middle of the city.

I stumbled into a small courtyard near Place de Vosges, which was again exquisitely beautiful.   

 Of course, a day in Paris wouldn't be complete without a pastry {or two}.  I stopped into a chocolatier who sold macaroons by the bushel, I picked up one for now and a few for later.  They also had adorable Halloween displays of ghosts, vampires, etc. all made out of chocolate.

 Everywhere you look there is more beauty than the eye can comprehend.  Boats going along the seine, a building with a gold chevron steeple, random little street markets in front of ridiculously ornate buildings, and the cathedral of Notre Dame peaking out behind beautiful Haussmann-style apartments.