Nutella banana pancakes

Here goes attempt #2 at documenting my studies in Paris! I’ve been in Paris for a little over 2 weeks now, starting the first year of a dual masters program in International Affairs. I’ll be in New York, at Columbia, next year to finish the second year of my masters program, so I suppose that makes my experience somewhat interesting to record.

Luckily, my experience in Paris so far has been pretty smooth when compared to all the possible things that could have gone wrong. After a crazy, drama-filled experience at the French embassy this summer - one that almost caused me to fly back to California from my summer job in New York in order to apply for my visa - followed by a chaotic whirlwind of a summer working at a non-profit camp, I’ve settled in nicely to my cheap student housing in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. My housing situation is quite ideal; except for having to ask my upstairs neighbors to please be quiet at 12am and 3am on Monday and Tuesday, I am quiet content with my cozy single bedroom! Though I have to share the showers, toilet, and kitchen, I suppose all this will give me a true “French” experience as I adjust to less space and smaller sized portions of everything. 

A peek at my French salle de chambre:  

Compared to my first experience in Paris back in 2009, when I lived in the 3rd arrondissement, I quite enjoy and prefer the 14th arrondissement. The 14th arrondissement, located towards the southern end of Paris, is closer to the suburbs, and consequently has a more diverse population. I definitely feel much more at ease living in a relaxed neighbor where first generation immigrants are able to sustain their well-being, as opposed to stumbling my way through a posh, cold neighbor full of wealthy, stressed Parisians.  Right across from where I live is the metro (so convenient!) and a hilly park that makes for challenging runs. Hopefully that, along with other locations in Paris, will be one of my training grounds for the Paris Half Marathon in March.. 

Here’s to a year of banana pancakes topped off with nutella!

(I really should stick to honey.. 750ml of nutella was demolished in about a week O.O)