DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!

It is here!! Today is the day!! Once I arrive and have my internet setup of course, the plan is to have daily or close to daily updates.  Gotta finish up the last minute packing and shut the computer down. Bon Voyage 413, Massachusetts <3

8 Days

I am writing this from Chattanooga, TN at an event I have been coordinating for the last few months. Everything has finally calmed down and really gotten under way so I have a little time to take a breath and catch up. What the calming down has done is made me realize that in 8 quick days I will be on my one-way flight to Paris!!!! It is amazing how fast time flies by. The good news is I am going to be ready to go once I get there. My things (mostly shoes and clothes, and photos of very important people) have already arrived and are in storage waiting for me to get there. Once I have those delivered to my (gorgeous) apartment I will be ready to really get settled in my new home across the pond : ) What is still amazing to me is the amount of communication and paperwork there is when applying and receiving a French work visa, as this is my first time being an expat, I am not sure how other countries are but this seems to be very involved. I am just hoping that my visa picture never leaks out online or to anyone for that matter, not so hot!!!! Speaking of which I need to send some more information to the packing/moving company now.




Let the countdown begin ...............

A little eye candy from the "Orientation" Trip

Honestly don't remember where I took this one... I will look into though when I am there and let you know!!

Not so sure I would actually trust this boat to get me to safety is the big one started to sink but still very cool to look at!!

One of the coolest things about Paris is all the markets and fresh flower shops ... the smell AMAZING

So many things.........

Going on right now. Trying to plan an event in Chattanooga FROM New England - quite interesting to say the least all the while trying to do a million and one things to get ready to move to a new country. It has been quite an intense few weeks and although it is really starting to take a toll on me, I can look forward to the day when I can look back and say "wow", I can not even believe I did that!! Two weeks from tomorrow I am leaving on jet a plane .. don't know when I'll be back again.... ok well that is a little untrue because I will be back in August and I do know that.  BUT the two week thing is VERY true and there is lots and lots to do until then.... including but not limited too - packing the rest of my life into 2 suitcases, running a successful Leadership and Management event for about 70 people in Chattanooga, seeing everyone that I want and need to see before I go (which is turning out to be two things:: nearly impossible and a constant cry fest) and well about 50 other things. I knew this would be intense and a huge learning experience but it seems like everyday another layer of something is added not always related to moving either. Turns out that taking a job in another country makes you take a long hard look at what you have in your life. So far I can't complain about a single thing - maybe that is why as the move date creeps closer, I am getting less and less strong about saying goodbye (re-read the last sentence or two - notice the tear part, haha)........ I can only imagine what the next two weeks will hold for me - once we get through that - then maybe just maybe I can start thinking about the next two months!!!! More later.

Oooooops....

I have been an AWFUL blogger. BUT I swear I will change my ways because there are only 31 more days left before I leave and I have so much to share. So I am going to try MUCH harder to devote some serious time to this bad boy because big things are coming. Aside from trying to pack up my life (and my shoes- which are a HUGE part of my life) I am trying to plan a week long leadership event in Chattanooga from Windsor, CT..... That in itself has been quite the learning experience. Needless to say I have been one busy little lady. Thankfully I  am blessed to have such AMAZING support between my family and friends and co-workers OR ELSE I would be a blond hurricane of craziness. So THANK YOU to everyone who has listened to me cry, ramble on excitedly, whine, yell, sigh and throw things I should be packing. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. NOW - back to work so I can get out of here..... more to come... criss cross applesauce I PROMISE : )

A little recap ..... (PART 1)

Paris was AMAZING. It was a busy, whirlwind trip filled with business and pleasure - two things that typically you won't find mixed together BUT this time it worked out lovely. The week started off in the office where I met so many fantastic people. I was able to get a very good feeling for the atmosphere I will soon be spending many hours in. The offices are about as opposite as can be from what I am used to though. They are open, modern NO CUBES (we like that) and full of windows (that open, another fantastic plus) and Alstom University has a fantastic space with brainstorming areas, conference rooms and an E-Learning center. After the first day at work I ventured out with two girls from the office to have my first French Metro experience. As I stood in front of the ticket counter and repeated back the very foreign words they said to me - it was in that moment that I realized this was going to really be a true learning and growing experience.  Day 2- Trains were on strike in Paris - something I have been told I will need to get very accustomed too!! Tuesday night I was also able to see the entire city from the roof of one of the big shopping plazas in Paris - Printemps.  The pictures don't even come close to doing it justice. As we were walking back down to the street I was enlightened about these bikes you can use your Metro card to "rent and ride".  

For a small fee - 29Euros a year- you can find bikes all around the city that are at your fingertips. You swipe your Metro card and for 30 minutes you can pedal away and then drop off at any other rental station you pass by. Now as appealing as that sounds, if you know me at all and you have ever seen the traffic in Paris , you will know this could quite possible be a death wish for me!! Haha - maybe in August when everyone in the city is on "holiday"!!!!!!!!

Now this leads us into Wednesday - MOM ARRIVES - YAY. We have just a minute to pass each other hug and then I head off to work. Another very FULL day in the office as I meet the communication team have a conference call with China and get all sorts of advice on what areas in Paris that I should live in ...... the day ends with my first apartment visit....... such a cute little place in a district and part of Paris that I have never been to before, as we leave I realize I really do have so much to decide on!! 

View from the first apartment. busy street with   shops and lots of people!!

Stay tuned for Part 2 - who knows there maybe will even be a Part 3......

20 miles at LEAST

The last day in Paris was FANTASTIC.  We walked at LEAST 20 miles today!! That is not even close to an exaggeration either. Time to rest the toes and relax with a glass of wine, pictures to come soon.

PS: Nutella Macroons are to die for..........

Last Day

Saturday morning in Paris - Mom and I are off to explore today. I think our first order of business will be to get her some Metro tickets. I saw these little machine/stations that dispense them and I have my fingers crossed for an English option!! Still need to practice my French skills. This week has bee CRAZY so BUSY and so FUN! I have a lot to look forward to and will post pictures and update everyone with stories ASAP. Quick recap:

• The dinner cruise on the river was fantastic. Such a cool way to see Paris
• Saw 4 apartments - one I want to move into NOW but no such luck until I have my work papers
• I think we have walked more miles in the last 2 days than I have my whole life

So until I have a little more time to get into all the fantastic details, I must get some sleep in order to explore this city and keep you all waiting in suspense ; ) haha.

choses que j'ai appris aujourd'hui

Things I learned today .....

1.  A metro card is for more than the trains and busses.....You can rent cruiser bikes all over the city
2. Pureed carrots aren't all that bad
3. The Monoprix grocery market sells everything from wine to panties and beyond
4. I may already be head over heels for Paris <3

Bonsoir

OK - So I made it to Paris safe and sound. The direct flight from Boston was great. Especially after running into two other travelers from Alstom. After a glass of wine and a dramamine I was able to snooze for most of the trip. I have to be honest , Air France is a delightful airline to travel with. Dinner was good, seats were pretty comfy AND so was the "taxi" ride in. Since I was such a graceful packer - I was able to hop on a "Moto- Taxi" pretty much its a big motorcycle that straps your luggage on the back and you cruise through town like there is no one else on the road. I have to admit that was quite the entrance into the city - if I do say so myself. I did pass some interesting sites - one being the entire street dedicated to "Sex shops" - after asking about this later on in the day I discovered I was in a real life "Red- Light District". No lie - I actually saw a big red Roaxann sign on one of the buildings. I think we may have even passed the Moulin Rouge as well.... a trip back into that area will have to be on another date and time and definitely when there is still day light. After checking into my Hotel/apartment suite I made my way into the office. I will be taking pictures shortly and posting them so you all can see... I know you are dying too. The offices here are NOTHING like the cubes we dwell in at home. Everything is very open, full of natural light and very modern. I think I will enjoy my time there - once I learn to keep my voice down that is!!!! All in all it was a great day - met some fantastic people and even picked up a few new French words. After work two lovely ladies from the office helped me to get a Metro pass and we had one of the most delightful cafe au lait (that is coffee with milk) I have ever tasted. Oh and the coffee is NOTHING like it is at home. It is served in teeny little mugs and tastes like bits of delight in your mouth. I won't lie though I am EXHAUSTED. Hoping to get some good rest tonight so that I can jam pack the rest of the week with lots and lots of good stuff. More tomorrow - my eyes are crossing and I can't stop yawning. Bonsoir and Hugs.

YIKES!!

It JUST kicked in that I am leaving on SUNDAY for a week!!! To go and look at apartments, see the new office and meet the new French faces that will soon be such a large part of my life. AND THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK ABOUT IS WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?????!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH. To start with- I wear heels almost every day and now I will be walking EVERYWHERE - meaning I need to seriously re-think the footwear. I guess that means I'll be shopping (oh shucks!) for some new ballet flats and cool kicks this evening...... any suggestions?!?!?!

Shoes are really only the beginning, French women always seem so put together in and stylish (well at least in pictures they do), maybe this my chance to go out on a limb and get a little crazy......

Bateaux Parisiens

I have a new delectable detail about the "Orientation" trip I will be taking in just 11 days. On Jeudi soir (Thursday evening) we will be taking a lovely little boat ride on the River Seine. The boat leaves at 20h30 (8:30 - time to get used to Military time) and cruises for about 2.5 hours. The cruise begins at the Eiffel Tower and will cruise along the river past Invalides, Norte Dame , Le Louvre and Grand Palais and that is only naming a few of the sites we will see. In case you haven't noticed I have a serious thing for food and trying all sorts of delicious things and the menu looks yummy to say the least.  I have to be honest one of the main reasons I am beyond excited for this Paris adventure is to eat and indulge in some of the world's best cuisine.  You can find the menu on the Bateaux Parisiens website: Click Here!! We will be on a dinner cruise but check out all the other options they have to offer. 

The Chocolate Bar

This post has nothing at all to do with Paris EXCEPT that I am trying to fill my weekends and days with cool things and my favorite people before I leave. After a great night listening to music and witnessing some never before seen sites (those who were there know what I am talking about) with friends on Friday- Ashlee and I woke up on Saturday morning ready for an entirely new experience. A few weeks ago Ashlee sent me a link to heaven - it was a link to the Langham Hotel in Boston and a fancy little event they host called The Chocolate Bar . Now let me tell you what a delightful and delicious time we had. To start with the weather was beyond perfect to spend the day eating and walking. Then again any weather is good for eating but that is beside the point.  We had reservations at 1:30 and after figuring out exactly what Charlie Card we needed to ride the T, which color line we needed to get on (Red to Green) and then determining which direction to walk in, we made it to the Langham Hotel right on time! When you walk up to the cafe, the scent of chocolate and berries immediately overwhelms your senses. After we determined there were way too many choices to make an official game plan we both just took what would fit on our plates and decided we would go up to refill as many times as our bellies could handle it. By the way - they really should provide you with bigger plates, do you know how difficult it is to decide which chocolate treasures to chose each time you are up at the stations?!?! Let me tell you it's nearly impossible. Honestly the the best way to describe this whole experience is done much better with pictures - don't drool on your keyboard .......

All the confections were made to represent different areas/districts in the city.

 Chocolate pasta w. chocolate and berry sauce

 Fresh berry tart, Raspberry Panacotta, Pumpkin milk-chocolate cheesecake, White chcolate raspberry cake, Flourless chocolate stack, Coconut delight, White chocolate carrot cake

It is practically impossible to choose BUT the panacotta and the carrot cake were beyond fantastic. 

Mmmmmm.. there is not much that is better than fresh cracker jacks and chocolate covered peanuts

 

Chocolate crepe, Espresso cheesecake, 

Boston creme cake, Maple tart

These were right up there in the top 5 things tasted

Probably some of the most perfect looking

 cupcakes I have ever seen

 I strongly urge everyone to find some time and make this a definite on the to-do list.

After all, everyone deserves a sweet indulgence with a good friend.

Aparthotel - half apartment / half hotel - BRILLIANT

Ok - here is the link for the hotel Mom and I will be residing at while exploring the city.  It is a "flat" style apartment, not flat as in dimensions, but flat meaning apartment style. I guess I should get used to that type of terminology!! So much to learn and become familiar with, yikes!!! As I looked over the website I couldn't help but to be thrilled with this quote " Shopoholics will be overjoyed strolling around the big department stores or luxury boutiques."  Now I see no issues with that AT ALL.

The Aparthotel "In the Opera neighborhood. With it's elegant 18th century style façade, the residence is located in the same area as the Parisian department stores, the Garnier opera house, the Madeleine church, and just a step away from the theaters and the Grands Boulevards."

Some details come together...

Today was a good day in terms of progress for my planning a visit to Paris before I go. I will be visiting during the week of March 22 for an "orientation” trip. During my week there I will be: visiting the offices, meeting the AU team and probably a bunch of other people that are soon to be my colleagues. Aside from work I will also be visiting some apartments and districts to determine where I might fight into the Parisian Puzzle.  Flights are all booked up - I am flying direct from Boston - leaving Sunday night and arriving Monday morning, stopping off at the hotel and then headed out to the office. I am sure the week will hold some very eye opening things and I can’t wait to discover what the city holds for me. While there I am going to be staying in a hotel that is right on the Metro Line (3 - if I recall correctly) that will take me to work for 5 days. Actually only 4 days because Friday is apartment or “flat” hunting. I promise tomorrow I will put the link for the hotel up, but silly me, forgot to email it to myself from work today- oops. It looks very cool, close to the Opera I’m told. I can’t believe this trip is only three weeks away, time sure has flown since this ball got-a-rolling. I think that one of the most exciting parts about this first trip is that my Mom will be flying over to meet me!! She is set to arrive in the "La Ville-Lumière" ("The City of Light") on Wednesday morning!! Having her with me while I start to make some real choices about how my life will begin in a new city is fantastic.

BUT what makes this so awesome is that it is her first trip to Paris and I can’t wait to experience that with her. 

Some pictures from Paris - Round 1 - December 2008

     

So this is where it all REALLY began - It was my first ever trip to Europe. I was there for work, to be trained in my new position and was lucky enough to have a weekend overlapping my stay in Paris. Since I was alone, I would eat some fresh baked delights that were made right at the hotel, put my IPod on and just WALK until I could walk no more.... here is a SMALL sample of pictures from that trip:

The view from one window in my hotel. I have a print that I absolutley love that reminds me of this and so as soon as I walked in and saw it, I knew I needed my own version.

The hotel I where I stayed. It was right downtown Paris. I could see the Eifel Tower from the other window not shown. It was about as Parisian as you get. Hotel les Jardins du Trocadéro

The hotel still had ACTUAL keys on these beautiful HEAVY keychains. When you left the hotel, you left the key at the front desk, so they knew if you were in or out.

                               

Notice anything familiar in this picture???? 

The famous tower, up close and personal.

 Cafe across from the hotel... mmm vin......

You can't help but love the buildings and the bustling streets. It looks like it should be in a scene from a movie. For all I know it could have been at some point in time!

                               I bet you can guess where I took this one....

I would like to actually get the guts to take a ride on this ferris wheel while I am there..... I am going to need a buddy for that one!!

Well I guess I start here....

As I sit here contemplating about how lovely (HA) my visa picture came out, it has become quite obvious that I need to start documenting this adventure I am about to embark on. Let's take it from the top. **NOTE TO ALL READERS** this is my first BLOG experience so bear with me as I learn the ins ands outs of this cool little tool. Back to the story at hand .... In approximately two months I will be opening a brand spanking new chapter in my life - the catch- it will be starting in PARIS. Quite the city and quite a bit to take in -trust me, I know!!! I have been offered an AMAZING opportunity by my company (Alstom Power Inc.) that will require me to pack up and move across the pond to Paris, France. I will be working within Alstom University, as the Events and Communication Coordinator, fancy title, thanks Michael (he is going to be my boss while I am a guest in Paris, lucky him). While I am there I will be involved on a variety of projects that are still in the works, like I said this will be an adventure. I have been to Paris once before when I first began at Alstom University (AU) and enjoyed every moment that I spent there. From that moment on it became a goal of mine to spend as much time as I could traveling, exploring and possibly even living in Europe to truly experience the amazing lifestyle they live there. Now here it is - all coming true and very quickly at that! I signed the contract last month and since then I have experienced every emotion possible, well that I think are possible anyway, and I plan on experiencing even more as the big move becomes more of a reality. To begin with leaving the amazing family and friends I have is going to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Yes- I went away to college..... but bottom line hopping in the old black Jetta (I miss that car) and cruising down 89 South is a bit easier than the thousands of miles I will encounter between us now. But rather than focusing on the fact I will be missing everyone like CRAZY - I can focus on the fact that I am now the holder (or will be) of a FREE place for everyone to visit in Paris. So start saving your pennies people. You know you want to. Then there is the amazing team at work I will be leaving, I am sure they will miss my constant rants about cannolis (is that how you even spell that??), pizza, whatever I had for dinner the night before that I am convinced was the best thing ever and the constant sneezing. But,again, I am going to focus on the great people I will be joining and meeting in Paris. I hope someone has warned them about my never ending energy level, my obsession with food  and the need to be talking constantly.... All in all this new chapter in my life is going to consist of good, bad, exciting, scary and everything that is possible to have in-between.... so keep checking back to see what the latest scoop is. I will also put a note out there that I have a HUGE (when I say huge, I MEAN huge) family that I am hoping will keep up with me on here to avoid the monster chains of email I have considered bombarding everyone with : )

More later as I now try to figure out how to make this thing HEATHERIZED!!!