Do Something Different Everyday

Ever since my semester ended last Tuesday, I’ve been trying to take full advantage of my freedom and this incredible city that I call home. So it’s my goal to do something different everyday, which involves: going to a different park or garden, doing something cultural/new, and being social (yes, too much time spent locked in my 10m2 or in the library lately). I’m 4 days into my challenge, and so far am sticking to my word. In the attempt to discover all hidden corners of Paris, I’m open to any and all suggestions. Here’s what I’ve accomplished so far, and what’s in store:

Parks/Gardens:

  • Promenade Plantee/ Viaduct des Arts (an old favorite for long runs)
  • Buttes Chaumont (great view of Sacre Coeur from the Temple of Love)
  • Champ de Mars (kind of cheating because that’s my backyard, but always fun with the Michael Jackson dancers out most afternoons now)
  • Parc Monceau (my park when I first moved to Paris 9 years ago)

New things:

  • Day at the hammam at La Mosquee (which own post forthcoming)
  • YSL Retrospective at the Petit Palais (incredible and worth the wait in line!)
  • Musee Quai Branly (I spent hours upon hours in their library, so I thought it high time to see the actual museum, however, I should have splurged to see the special exhibit on India while there)
  • Hip-Hop at Studio Harmonic (granted, I do this every week, but new teacher and new room – I actually was really jealous of the salsa class next door… may spice it up next week)
  • Use one of the free self-cleaning toilets in Paris (I’ve been terrified of these, but it was actually a pleasant and rewarding experience)
  • Paparazzi themed party at the home of sommelier in training
  • My first punk show at Fleche D’Or (to see Double Dagger – my friends from Baltimore – well, I missed the performance, but I got to hang out with my friend Bruce!)
  • Hang out with Lost in Cheesland in a new neighborhood
  • Awesome brocante (“flea market”) along Rue Cler/Ecole Militaire

On deck:

  • Nature Capitale – what appears to be a giant garden show that takes over the length of the Champs Elysees this weekend
  • Art Brut Japonais exhibit at Halle St. Pierre, the outsider art museum of Paris
  • See the new outsider art show “Pacifica” at Galerie Impaire, followed by a beer along Canal St. Martin, and maybe a trip back to 104 (love that art center!)
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Parc Andre Citroen
  • Go to the cinema (like every proper French person does)
  • Practicing my new Velib [biking] skills on actual Paris streets (their new iPhone app is out)
  • Ride the tramway (the latest RATP line that goes around the periphery of Paris)
  • Try a new outdoor market
  • Brunch with Lily of Les Carnets du Design (yes! I actually get to speak French!)
  • Shopping and dinner with the incredibly talented Jen Altman! (I love when awesome bloggers pop through Paris!)
  • Lunch at Marche des Enfants Rouges
  • Go Geocaching (the worldwide GPS treasure hunt, complete with iPhone app)

My freedom ends on May 31st when summer school starts. Any suggestions in the meantime??

9 comments

  • {Sorry, I had a huge typo!} What i was saying was, Congrats on the bathroom thing, love that! It looks like you have quite the line-up, have fun at all you do. I should try your idea here at home, thanks for the inspiration!

  • you MUST go to lunch at le marché des enfants rouges. it’s my favorite! Great food, great atmosphere and place to pick up some fruits and flowers along the way :) Let me know when you want to go, I’d love to go back!

  • I have no idea what to suggest next YET, since I’ve never been to Paris. BUT I will check with my ex he’s been there and loved it.

    I’m going to get that book from the library once I’m back from CA :)

    Good luck and do it all, great inspirational and self empowering move!

  • frenchlogic – yes, trying the toilette was a big step for me :)

    lindsey – i’ve heard great things about the japanese resto in the back left, but only been to the italian one and then the other resto in the back right. good stuff!

    holly – yes, been to the catacombs (awesome) and egouts [sewers – not many people can claim that); no to van gogh’s house (is that in paris or outside?) nor napoleon’s tomb

    new suggestions via twitter:
    rick – go to a drag show
    @parisgetaways – artist squat
    @nimble_wit: http://bit.ly/ckDOAv & http://bit.ly/cD9BTv

    THANKS ALL! :)

    A

  • Sounds like a fabulous idea. I might have to struggle quite a bit more to come up with something new every day while I’m in Albuquerque, New Mexcio– but I like the challenge! -X

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