Top Ten Tuesday: top 10 things I'm looking forward to in Europe

Since I will be embarking on my long journey to Europe in 5 days, I thought it's about time to post my top 10 list of things I can't wait to do and see in Europe! :)

1. drink champaign on the plane

(source)

Did you know? Air France is the only airline in the world that offers free in-flight champaign. No way I'm passing up this lovely bonus!

2. see the wall of love (le mur des je t'aime) in Montmartre, Paris

(source)

On the hill of Montmartre, there is this wall full of "I love you"s--what's more romantic than that? Definitely a must-see. Maybe one day I will get to write my very own "je t'aime" there too!

3. eat lots of macarons

(source)

From the long post about macarons that I wrote a while ago, I believe my passion for these delicacies is pretty obvious... yum.

4. Climb up to the dome of Florence Cathedral

(source)

Duomo's dome is spectacular not only from the inside but also from the outside! By climbing up to the dome one will be able to marvel at its special double-shell design more closely.

5. see the mosaics in San Vitale

(source)

The picture above is a mosaic in this Early Christian into Byzantine church that depicts the emperor Justinian and his attendants. It's one of the most exquisite mosaics, being made as early as it was, in the 6th century!

6. eat pizza

(source)

When in Rome...eat pizza!

7. Make a wish by Fontana di Trevi

(source)

and make a wish! It's said that if one throws three coins into the fountain one wishes to stay in Rome forever!

8. eat lots of gelato

(source)

need I say more?

9. Visit Mozart's grave

(source)

It's not actually Mozart's grave, because no one really knows where the great musician was buried. But this beautiful place in Vienna forever holds a piece of his soul.

10. take a boat trip on the Danube

(source)

My best friend who lives in Europe suggested that a boat trip on the Danube would be just gorgeous. After seeing some pictures on Google Image, oh my, I am so in!

xx
Vanessa :]

Savvy Saturday: Macarons

Savvy Saturday     n. a means to make one shrewd and knowledgable in the realities of life; rite of passage to becoming cultured

Now, shall we?

Starting the tradition, this Saturday I'm sharing a bit of my francophile side with y'all. Yesterday was my French research paper's due date, and guess what I wrote about? Yes, macarons!

I know you probably have a LOT of questions parading through your mind right now, but no worries, after reading this post you will become instantly savvy (or at least macaron-savvy)!

Macarons, a French word, is what we Americans commonly refer to as macaroons (Gah, I hate that name, it totally ruins the delicate french sound of 'macaron'). So what is a macaron? According to the dictionary, it is "a light cookie made with egg white, sugar, and usually ground almonds or coconut." 

The origin of macaron is quite a mystery: some people believe it was invented by Pierre Desfontaines, the cousin of the founder of La Durée, the famous French pastry shop; others claim that the first macaron was born in Italy, created by the chef of Catherine de Medicis, in celebration of her marriage to the Duc d'Orleans.

Anyways, that's that. More importantly: where can you find good macarons?

My answer(s):

1. Macaron Café, New York City

They have two stores in the City, each with a tiny storefront and magnificent macaron towers on display in those small windows! The raspberry one is really good, and so is the pistachio one!

Their latest collection, just in time for Chinese New Year, is outrageously beautiful:

2. La Durée, Paris, France

There are several La Durée's in Paris, but the most famous one is the one on Champs-Elysées--you have to wait in line for hours just to get a taste of these gorgeous little treats! But the taste--ah, it's totally worthwhile! (hint hint: if you ever visit Paris, be sure to stop by and grab a macaron or all the macarons in the store.)

Macaron is not only a gem in the culture of pastries, it has also become more representative of a chic lifestyle. Its pastel colors and soft roundedness has made it a popular theme for special occasions such as weddings and birthday parties. A few weeks ago when I was at Paper Source in Princeton, I found macaron print on many of their spring products! Such as this adorable macaron Valentine's Day card:

So, what are you still waiting for? Go get a macaron! Pair that with hot dark chocolate, and it's heaven...

xx

Vanessa :]

ps. music accompaniment for a frenchie day

Les temps sont durs pour les rêveurs. from stellaklimt on 8tracks Radio.