With so much of summer here, I've been taking it upon myself to enjoy the coastal life on two wheels. New England is a whole new park for me. With country and coastal views, riding here is almost like a scenic dream. There is nothing more I love than being able to jump on my bike and ride through these green hills with a view of the ocean and sail boats whizzing by.

This past weekend the boy and I took a camping getaway from the city to Bass River State Forest in New Jersey. Being that New York has easy access to other states and parks, getting there was easy and enjoyable (granted the beginning of tolls while driving through NJ Garden State Parkway). Once we got to our site and set up camp, we took the liberty to explore much of Bass River and all the various hiking trails through the park and on our drive back up to NY. Having a serene environment with absolutely no man made interruptions was just what I needed to celebrate my birthday. I would recommend an small weekend getaway to Bass River if you love easy hiking and accessible amenities. There's nothing like roughing it out in nature and getting the natural fix you need away from the city.

Do any of you have a favorite getaway spot?

 birthdays are amazing when you're able to be with the people you want to be with, doing the exact things you want to do. i couldn't have asked for anything better than an adventure through the north bay, biking, hiking, beach bumming, and eating delicious food and ice cream by the water. there where lots of relaxing moments in between to just enjoy the loved company and beautiful surroundings that gulfed us in awe. 

 Saturday, we rented a car and stopped a few places to hike through, then drove out to Stinson beach where we were able to have a nice walk and relax by the waves. the life that was there is absolutely amazing, so many people having a great time under the sun, enjoying the outdoors and each other. it's always refreshing to rediscover these parts that are so near home, it makes me wonder why i don't go out on these trips as often as i would like to.

Sunday turned out to be a bike adventure throughout the city to Sausalito. i've done this trip before the new bike path was developed on the GG bridge and down it, which makes a world of a difference on this experience. the challenge of riding steep hills and getting wind blown just makes the experience a delight. when you have loved ones or friends in town, it's always a good idea to show them the wonders of riding the golden gate bridge to Sausalito. it' was a wonderful challenge that was rewarded with ice cream then a trip back to Fisherman's Warf for some IN-N-Out Burger's. the weather was perfect for a weekend like this and i couldn't have asked for any birthday gift better than the person who joined me on this birthday adventure.

also, thank you all for the birthday wishes. much appreciated. hope you had a great weekend.

xoxo

bon weekend tout le monde! this is my final weekend in Paris before i head back to San Francisco. just when i was finally getting comfortable and familiar with the city of lights it's already time to go, ah! i know i will miss Paris but there is something special between me and this city. i think my love for Paris will always draw me back but i hope to someday return not just as a tourist but maybe as a resident, hopefully by that time i'll be fluent in french! it is a dream to work towards too. my hopes are high, mind is set, and fingers are crossed.

there is still so much more for me to see, although i've done so much but there is no end to Paris, so my weekend will be filled with further exploring's and bicycle adventures. have a great weekend everyone and thank you again for all your kind words, birthday wishes, and support. i promise to make these next few days absolute heaven for you.
xoxo.

p.s. my wonderful friend Diana from Our.City.Lights. was kind to mention the wonders of my adventures in Paris. stop by and say hello to her, she too has a wanderlust heart and i think you'll just love her.

i like to think i have a brave and adventurous spirit so i tend to just go all out when i really want to do something. this has payed off, i assure you, as i've done lots of research and planning for this trip in France. cycling in Paris is one of those things that requires bravery, i say this honestly because Paris is a large and busy metropolis. you'll see lots of cyclist and lots of pedestrians but the roads are flooded with traffic too, and it moves quickly requiring one to keep up or move out of the way. yet, one thing i noticed is that the Parisians are very relaxed about traffic laws and such, giving pedestrians and cyclist more freedom than motorist, that's what you get with a green mayor who started the bike share program Velib in Paris. there are bike lanes everywhere, as there are velib stations, and bicycle traffic lights but it's challenging accessing them as double bike lanes can all the sudden become part of one way traffic lanes or just end at a stop light. regardless, cars always give you the right of way. i have to admit, my first day riding got me incredibly lost, i was looking for the safest routes, but following bike directions is not my forte here as i try to keep up with traffic, me being brave at my finest. whenever i feel lost, i eventually find my way back to the Seine, bless that river, it always saves me. what i love about cycling in Paris is that when riding in the bicycle lanes i'm not sharing or riding in door zones, usually i have a whole lane to myself, sometimes separated, sometimes just painted bike lanes. whenever i feel like getting off the bike and walking, i just take the velib to the nearest station and lock it. if i want to get back on i just go to another station and take one depending where i am, so in this case, it's like i'll never forget where my bike is because there is always Velib, it's quite lovely! although the amount of cars, lanes, traffic circles, and streets might be intimidating at first, it's enjoyable to gain a sense of Paris on two wheels.

bonjour monday! now that i have my hands filled with so many wonderful treasures of Paris i would like to share them with you. the photos above are just a few of my favorite things walking and riding through Paris. most of the items here are treasures that you can find in the city of love from the piano guy, the carnival, the quai, beautiful sculptures and paper peices in the louvre, to merci (a concept store). i'm not all that confident with taking photos while riding down the streets, there are so many cars and pedestrians to keep in mind, apologies so few photos of me on bicylce. this weekend was kind of mess. there was so much rain so i spent most of my time walking through some gardens, museums, and churches before it started to pour. i'm hoping if the storm calms down a bit i'll be able to visit Versailles, Vicennes, and Provins. fingers crossed! well, i hope you all had a marvelous weekend and are excited to tag along my journey's this week. till then, a bientot!

i'm back on velo! did i tell you how amazing it feels to actually be able to ride a bike again? i'm sure you know how wonderful it feels but it's also a little scary riding through some busy parts of paris. today, going into the city was a bit insane, so many one ways and little side streets. usually i try to detour out of the busy roads and find myself in nowherelands but getting lost has now become a point on my adventures. how else does one discover new things?! today i found place edith piaf and was very excited to spend most of the day riding through small streets and buying post cards and souvenirs to send some of you! now all i need is bike trip out to the country which is booked! can't wait to share more velo stories in paris with you all.

xoxo

bonjour de Paris!

yesterday i set sail to my adventures through Paris. my first stroll was along Blvd. Saint Germain where once i exited the Metro i was greeted by one of the oldest churches in Paris, Eglis St. Germain. next to the church was the famous cafe Les Deux Magots where Jean Paul Satre and Simone de Beauvoir occasionally met. i continued to walk along till i found 60 rue de Seine, where Simone de Beauvoir lived. as i continued my tour along toward the Seine river i found la Musee d'Orsay which is locally known as the best museum in Paris. just across the bridge you can find the Louvre with the glass pyramid centered and surrounded by tourist resting and picnicking along the fountain. in the center of the Louvre you can find Jardin des Tuileries which i found very charming with cafe's, fountains and the famous Louvre Carousel to the right. up ahead you begin to find more with the Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome etc. just as i continued to walk along the Seine i finally saw the Eiffel tower greeting me with a loud "Bonjour." i hurried to finally see it for myself. it was busy with tourist, vendors, and locals who enjoyed themselves under the sun. 

Paris is a magical place. everywhere i turn there is always something to catch me. i'm never bored, never too much in a hurry from being afraid i might miss out on something. although i still feel jet lagged and nervous about language barriers i find myself pretty much comfortable in Paris. ordering espresso at the cafe and buying groceries has become pretty easy. getting to know the Metro is still a challenge but i have plenty of time to learn. currently i'm re-reading Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" and for the first time i can actually understand the pictures of Paris and his experience he paints in the novel. it feels pretty surreal walking in the streets that some of my favorite writers wrote about.

i still have yet to get a bicycle but my roommates and i are currently working on that. i'm having a great time walking through Paris but my legs are beginning to have pedal withdrawals. hopefully soon, but till then, enjoy the photos of Paris.

a bientot!