Galeries Lafayette

Like to shop?  Well then Galeries Lafayette is your mecca!  Holy cow I don't think I've ever seen a department store quite like this one!  It is absolutely huge and quite breathtaking might I add.  A couple of days ago I decided to hit up Galeries Lafayette because I had heard it was a sight to see and I was definitely not dissapointed.  As I'm sure this place is usually crowded, I think I probably picked the worst day (other than black Friday) to venture to this shopping extravaganza.  I went the day after Christmas, you know the day where everyone is taking back what they don't like or buying themselves whatever they didn't get as gifts from others.  But I didn't mind the crowd.  I saw quite a few other tourists like myself snapping photos of the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the store, along with the beautiful dome where light shines in.

And check out the Chanel counter...every possible perfume/cologne they have ever come out with

I spent several hours roaming through all the different ins and outs of this store.  I believe it has a total of 8 different floors.  Each level containing a different theme.  Designer, Childrens, Outerwear, Accessories, Shoes, Lingerie, and so forth.  On the very top floor they have a cafe so I decided to have a little bite to eat and then I happened upon this little gem!

So apparently they DO have Tex-Mex here in Paris (even if it does come in the form of a sandwich).  Although I was tempted I opted not to try that sandwich since it was pre-packaged.  I would hate for it to "ruin" Tex-Mex for me.  Instead I got a pita stuffed with veggies, cheese, and tomatoes.  I didn't capture a picture of it, sorry.  Galeries also had a rooftop terrace that overlooked the city which was pretty neat.  I climbed up the stairs (no elevator to the terrace) to grab a quick shot.

After talking myself out of several purchases which included a yummy smelling candle (which I'll go back for when the 2 that I have run dry) and some Chai Tea packets (hot tea is huge over here, so when in Rome...I mean Paris) I decided to make my grand exit.  As I was leaving a sales girl for Juicy Couture perfume sprayed some on me, with my permission of course, and I think I've found a new fave!  When my Burberry runs out I think I'll go back and get that perfume.  Anywho, it was dark by the time I left the store and here's a glimpse from the outside. (P.S. I like to use parentheses)

I decided to take the subway back home since I had walked there earlier from my apt. Plus walking around the store itself all day, my feet were spent. Since it was Saturday night, later on I decided to go to the same Irish Pub that landed me in bed for an entire day due to a hangover.  Another good time was had. I may have found my hangout spot.  Always meet some nice and interesting people from all over when I'm there.  Plus I've started getting a hookup on my drinks, and that doesn't suck since they are EUR 6.50 for a pint.  Sunday I didn't do a whole lot, kinda lazed around the apt.  Today, which is Monday, I got up early.  And by early I mean 10:30am. Walked to the TATI which is a discount store to try and search for a blow dryer since mine doesn't work here.  Even with a converter it's too much power. Found one for 18 euro which I didn't think was too terribly bad.  I also bought another pillow for my bed along with a mattress pad to help give it a little more cushion.  Later in the day I made my way over to the 15th to visit the Fat Tire Bike Tours shop to introduce myself.  I had interviewed with them awhile back and just wanted to meet the guys I had spoken to over the phone.  They were very friendly and I told them I would be back this week to take the tour!  Tomorrow morning my friend Lauren (Ross) from high school and college arrives to visit me for a week!  I will take the RER train and meet her at the airport.  I've been holding off on doing most of the tourist type stuff until she gets here so we can do it together.  I didn't want to do it twice, and more importantly pay for it all twice!  I'm on a budget...don't judge me!  It's almost 1am here so I need to get to bed so I'm not a zombie tomorrow when I go to meet her.  It may be awhile before I update again.  Most likely after she leaves on the 5th.  I'm glad she'll be here to spend New Year's with me....Paris, watch out!