continental breakfasts, cemeteries, and caviar.
One lazy Tuesday afternoon, a few IES girls decided to take advantage of their last vacation day and cross off a few destinations from their Parisian Bucket Lists.
1. Breakfast in America
The owner of Breakfast in America, a man hailing from Connecticut, yearned for the classic American breakfast during his study abroad experience (something impossible to come by in a land where eggs are considered lunch and cake is considered breakfast), and upon his return started the American-styled diner, which has since become one of the most popular restaurants in Paris.
Though the French might not be our biggest fans, there is no arguing that they are fans of our food. As we emerged from the metro stop, we could almost instantly spot the popular diner. Despite the rain, a long line of Parisians and Americans alike accumulated outside the diner’s glass doors.
Once inside, we were greeted with a stereotypically-American diner experience: Nickelodeon blasting from the small television in the corner, a Friends poster hanging from the wall, the savory smell of freshly-cooked burgers wafting from the grill, customers to our right requesting blueberry pancakes and Arnold Palmers…
Mentally thanking the owner for pursuing his culinary dreams, my friend and I dug into our mouth-watering vegetarian omelets, reminiscing about the holy college ritual that is Sunday brunch.
To all those who are in need of some good ol’ American culture (yes Parisians, such a thing does exist) and miss the concept of customer service, I hope you stop by to enjoy B. I. A.’s warm staff, festive decor, and satisfyingly hearty meals.
2. Père Lachaise Cemetery
Shortly after, we entered Père Lachaise, an enormous cemetery filled with famous artists, musicians, writers, etc. Map in hand (yes—the cemetery was that big), we winded through the majestic tombstones in search of some of the cemetery “hotspots”.
Jim Morrison’s Grave
Edith Piaf’s Grave
Oscar Wilde’s Grave
While we were extremely excited to see Oscar Wilde’s grave, it was unfortunately closed for renovations. Normally, however, it is tradition for people to kiss the grave of the revered writer.
3. Caviar
Still full from our American feast and too tired to cook after a long day of walking, I kicked off my shoes and whipped up some quick caviar blinis: the perfect bite to end the perfect touristy day.
