I said earlier that I would tell you more about last year’s trip to Paris. There is no more perfect moment than right now. This evening, Paris (and 120 other cities) will host Nuit Blanche, an all-night arts festival. A friend (K.) and I had flew to Paris to visit another school friend (N.), just in time for Nuit Blanche and in time to catch the end of Paris Fashion Week (parties). Note: I sigh longingly after each sentence I type.

I had done my research on Nuit Blanche, so I had a number of things I wanted to accomplish – like late night swimming in a public Parisian pool. My friends were disgusted by the idea. I also wanted to stay out until 7a, when the festival officially ended. I said so and they looked at me like I was insane. Clearly, I was not placed in charge of the evening.

Our first stop was Jardin des Tuileries, where we were expecting a party but instead found locked gates. Not discouraged, we picked up some street meat…yes, last year, I ate chicken. I officially became a pescetarian on January 1, 2009. I’m kind of a baby at this…to re-energize and headed over to Palais Royal, where we kind of watched portions of a film while we decided where we would go for the rest of the night. No more party hopping. We settled on a lounge near the top of the Champs-Élysées, called Milliardaire. It was random and fantastic. African drummers performed every hour or so over the house music. The manager gave us drinks on the house all night because he moved us from one table to another. We were introduced to our new favorite drink, piscines, and new favorite friends. And, the moment we stepped off the metro to go back home, the clock turned 7a. At least one wish came true that evening.

N., thinking back to last year, said “Oh Nuit Blanche, what a hot mess.” So true. Yet I loved every minute of it.

xo

J. Justine