I’m glad that the Musee d’Orsay was the first museum we hit ‘cuz it had a great selection without too much walking. A lot of original Van Goghs, Picassos and Monets (and other painters I don’t remember, lol) to showcase their roots as opposed to just popular works. Quite inspiring.

Monet is most well known as a) the founder of impressionism and b) the “water lily”/landscape guy. I’ve never been a big fan of either, but seeing his architectural works was absolutely mind-blowing. I cant even begin to describe these. Partially, I think it’s the contradiction/combination of something so structured (the Notre Dame) with an aesthetic element that’s so soft and unsuspecting. It’s really incredible. I highly recommend seeing them in person – they’re tremendous.

Finally, we went on to tackle the big mama of them all: the Louvre.

To be honest, it was all so overwhelming. So much amazing art to take in. So much beauty. These are the days when I wish I was my own boss (with unlimited resources hehe) to have extended our trip an extra 3 days and just take this all in. I won’t spoil any of the pieces there – just go see it yourself. You won’t regret it :)

En route, we experienced one of the most beautiful sunrises I’d ever seen in my life. Even if I tried photoshopping, which I didn’t, I’m not sure I could make the sky look so beautiful. It was truly breathtaking.

Then the sun “cracked” over the clouds. I don’t even know how to describe it. Makes me want to take overnight flights every time.

Since we only had about 48hours in the city, we hit the ground running. Our hotel was only a 5 minute walk from L’Arc De Triomphe so we hit that first.

Paris is moderately confusing when you first get there: the streets, the metro, ordering food, etc so we struggled at first. It took us a second before even figuring out how to get to the arch itself. When we did, down the rabbit hole we went…

… and up the stairs …

When we got to the top, we witnessed Paris in all its dreary, gray glory hahaha Oddly enough, it was still gorgeous. A hot chocolate with marshmellows would’ve been perfect :).

The Louvre was our next stop, but since it was closed we went straight to Notre Dame. As opposed to the traditional building picture, here’s one I messed up on with the focus. But I kinda like it even more like this, haha.

This guy also caught my interest. He um, really likes birds? We watched him for about 10 minutes just feeding these guys, without a fear in the world. The birds didn’t fear him either.

By the time we got done with dinner (at some pretentious cavier place, where we didn’t order cavier haha) the sun had set so we went to catch the city in all it’s glory – by walking down the Champs Elysees en route to La Duree for their world famous macroons.

We capped off our first day in Paris by stuffing our faces full of macroons at the Eiffel Tower :) How touristy of us, right? haha

Now I’d share photos from the top, but we were both sooooo cold and snotsicles were definitely forming :P NOT a good look. Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon!

These guys are so great. Always respectful and always willing to pose for a quick flick. Thanks Alchemist!

I also had the awesome opportunity to sit in on a private interview with Mike Giant and snap away while Skinnie Magazine picked his brain. Those flicks will be up momentarily on my other blog, so stay tuned.

Of course, JP was there facilitating business as Mo handled the 5dMarkii. Big ups Famous, Rebel 8, Fast Life & ID for yet another successful event! Definitely looking forward to future shindigs with these guys.

A cheesy post, and if it doesn’t serve as a lesson to anyone else, let it at least be a reminder to myself. I’ve had so many conversations lately on the teetering, insecure and unforeseen futures of creatives due to the state of the economy, but what better time than now to destroy and rebuild? What better time than now dig deep and really search ourselves for the inner greatness we are all blessed with? In times of tribulation, character is shown. Align yourself with positive energy, with people who are moving and shaking and with those who keep it real.

Anyone who reads my blog semi-regularly knows I’m not one to preach or rant or ever type so much on a blog, but hopefully this rings true somehow, somewhere. The crazier life gets, the more I find myself valuing certain friendships and the little things in life.
A final shoutout to my Social Trust fam for graciously lending me the space, and those first flicks. Two of the best people I know; not at just doing their job, but being humble, down-to-earth folks. More than obliged guys! Thank you!