Vous ne devinez pas...

... where I am!

I'll give you a few of hints:
-Baguettes, berets, and bicyclettes are all thought to be popular accessories here...
-The locals seem to cringe when you try to speak their native tongue.
-Some of America's most creative minds have come here to live and work...
-One of the most famous paintings ever lives in a museum in this city...
-C'est la ville de lumière!

Oui! C'est vrai! Je suis à Paris! 
I have actually been here for almost a week, but John and I decided we'd disappear in Paris for a bit, so my apologies for being M.I.A.


It is no secret that Paris is brimming with beautiful shops and picturesque streets, but I thought I would try to keep you up-to-date on what's happening in Paris right now. 

John and I stopped by a little book shop on the edge of the Bastille, selling intricate to-scale models on wooden staircases. They ranged from 120-200 Euros, but they're drop-dead wonderful, so I'll forgive them that gigantic price tag.

I originally saw a collection of these architectural model staircases at The Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York, and they've stayed with me ever since.

The ones on display at that exhibit were even more spectacular-- check out the ones shown below:

So, you can imagine my genuine surprise when I decided to buy one for myself... I guess it was the "you only live once" mentality, but I took the plunge, and can't wait to get it home and unpacked. 

John captured my very shocked face as I emerged from the bookstore, carrying my miniature staircase. Notice how I cling desperately to my now-empty wallet. 

If you want one of your own miniature staircases, Ballard Designs sells a reproduction for a hefty chunk of money too. 

Check it out here...