Nightlife: Take 1

Speaking of shady characters, the best nightlife experiences I’ve found here are by exploring. This proved true for a spontaneous dinner on Tuesday night by the Tour Eiffel with Martyna, and a magnificent walking and eating tour of the city on a Saturday.
That night began by meeting Samar and Courtney at the most popular place to meet people in Paris: St. Michele’s fountain. I was sitting by the fountain when I realized that it was all single guys looking like they were waiting for their dates.
I quickly escaped and found Courtney and Samar. We started with Indian food at Safran on Rue de Harpe (a hole in the wall off of St. Michel recommended by Ecola and Justin), then Gelato on St. Germaine at Samar’s favorite place. Every flavor we tired there was ridiculously perfect (also a much awaited occasion to use Mon Dieu!), and it is a place not to be missed. We then walked past the Pont de Arts in front by the statue of Volatire (“Jesus committed suicide,” nice one buddy, way to piss off every superpower in Europe) and the school of the Arts. Courtney and I then went to a hookah bar in Place de la Contrascarpe and then a walk along the Seine with dreamlike views of the Seine and the three in a row arcs (it was too dark for any pictures to turn out, but it was breathtaking). We walked all the way to Champs Elysees where we had well deserved Nuttella Crepes. Turkish guys were celebrating some soccer victory and “Fashion Week” models and their old man accessories were promenading. The time flew by that night and I got the best French lesson yet.
I was also able to meet up with the Moreys at a Starbucks on Saturday, after an unsuccessful attempt at Café de la Paix by the Opera house Friday. The Café is a beautiful baroque style institution adjacent to the Opera Garnier. It is very popular and, as Paul noted, “is a great place for people watching.” The Starbucks was down Avenue de l’Opera and was totally packed. It was great to see the Moreys out of the usual setting, and they gave me some fantastic tips for museums, markets and other Parisian activities. I also went back to the Luxembourg Gardens and the gardens by the Lourve during the days to get a full stack of reading and notes done. Even when its cold, these are great places to read and work, mostly peaceful (the occasional Police chance breaks that up) and crisp air is always refreshing.