More pictures! And today

So here are the photos from the other day that I promised!

One of the pretty buildings around the corner from mine and visible from the Malot Park:

From one of the corners of the first level of Malot Park:

Level two of Malot Park, nice trees, but no grass:

The path seems to go on forever! (Remember, this is actually on an old brick brudge above a street..very unique) Lovely ivy arches :

Gorgeous building next to the pathway:

Another nice building:

A main boulevard towards the back:

Another lively street from the other side of the bridge:

My building! My windows are actually at the very top, in the gray part of the building (they're cut off a bit):

This morning's market, goes on for a ways:

Marketmen setting up:

And now for a little list!

Things near my apartment that make me love my neighborhood:

-Post office

-Banks/ATM's

-Grocery store

-Cafes

-Huge and pretty station (Gare de Lyon isn't only for the city metro, but for the country and airport, too)

-Produce market!

-Secondhand shop down the street (where one of the owners had me try on a fur coat that went down to my knees, oh my aha)

-Patry shops! Went to one today and drooled over the selection before finally deciding on an almond croissant, mmm!

-3 butcher shops within 30 feet of my building...no joke.

Today'd breakfast was an omellette of ham, cheese, with mushrooms from the market. I also got green beans for the next couple day's dinner, and that plus the mushrooms were less than 3 euros. Super cheap.

Later, I met up with Nadya, who also got to see my apartment, and we went exploring. As we walked toward the Bastille, we were also on the look-out for shoe shops because recently my feet have really started to ache. Like, horribly. My cheap flats may have been enough for back home, but I've been doing a significant amount of more walking, and it's starting to take it's toll. We started in a few stores, but I quickly dismissed their selection as anything under 45 euros was made like the shoes you get in the US for $15. It wasn't until I saw this trend continue that I finally gave up and spent 60 euros on black flats with a decent heel. It hurt my wallet, especially considering the exchange rate, but my feet were hurting more, so I didn't have much of a choice. I suppose if I can make them last me a while, it won't be so bad..

After leaving Nadya, I went to the Franprix and bought some ginger, soy sauce, lemonade, and more chicken. This time, I marinated the chicken in oil, the soy sauce and ginger, plus onion and garlic. I tasted it and thought it could use a slight sweetness, but with what? Well, after thinking about it, I improvised with a few capfuls of lemonade. The chicken after cooking it? Best dinner I've made here so far. Delicious!

Annnnyyways, that's all for now! Hope I brought everyone up to speed :)

Rachael