Lemon Tarts and Bottled Water

Qu’est ce que c’est? Physical evidence that I actually ordered something successfully «en francais».

Why is “Lemon Tarts and Bottled Water” the title of today’s blog? Because aside from being intriguing (personal opinion), lemon tarts (une tarte aux citron) and bottled water (une bouteille d’eau) have officially become my personal symbols of success.

Usually lemons get a bad wrap: like, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or, “that car is a lemon!”

Well, my lemon represents confidence. The meringue represents nothing, except maybe calories and goodness. One day I will look back on my pride at saying “Je voudrais une petite tarte aux citron” and laugh. A., because I probably said it wrong, and B., because I mean…it’s a really short sentence. But when the cashier answered in French, took my euros, and handed me a lemon tart smartly wrapped in patesserie paper? I honestly think I beamed at her.

I’m overcoming my fear of speaking imperfectly, one lemon (and bottle of water) at a time.

And now for a few pictures!

At the beginning of the day—the jet lag’s at bay.

At the end of the day, my eyes are as droopy as a cocker spaniel’s. (that didn’t rhyme, but whatever.)

Here’s everything that happened in between those two pictures:

1. Apparently French people really do hang clothes off of balconies! C’est charmant:
 

2. These motorbikes reminded me so much of Passport to Paris (yes, the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie) that I had to take a picture of them. Remember when MK&A hopped on the back of those French boys’ scooters? And had a sword fight under the Eiffel Tower with baguettes? And danced on a rooftop illegally, and ran from the police despite the fact that they were only what…12?

Good times…

No explanation necessary for the pictures of Chanel and Louis Vuitton. J’adore.

3. Moi and the famous Monaco casino; street shots.

4. Colors! So breathtaking. It’s like gingerbread land, but French and not made of candy.

5. Une place a cote de la mer.

6. This hotel (Hotel de Paris) was in the movie Monte Carlo. It’s famous for a lot of other things…but Selena Gomez, y’all.

*Bonus* Meet my new friend Bounty, pronounced “boon-tee”. The sweetest, smartest German shepherd in the world (or so I’m told). Isn’t she a doll? Those eyes…

There are a million more pictures I could post, but I think you get the point: my first day exploring Monaco was a success! Not to mention beautiful.

Thank you so, so much to everyone who is reading, praying, and keeping up with my new adventure. Your comments, messages, and words of encouragement truly mean so much to me, and I’m so excited to keep sharing with y’all!

Take my word for it; next time life gives you lemons…turn them into a tart, top it with meringue, and bon appetit.

bisous, xox