Street Art in the 20e

My landlord's friend is currently hosting me in an adorable apartment on Rue Buzenval in the 20e Arrondissement. I move into my actual place tonight.

BUT in the meantime, since I have no key, my explorations today were limited to the neighborhood, which proved to be totally charming and refreshingly non-touristy (I had imagined Paris to be overrun with Americans this time of year, but they don't venture far from center).
And, since it's not a touristy area, nobody speaks English! Which means, that je was forced to desperately master some phrases. Needless to say, the day was punctuated by many coffee and bench breaks during which I got out my trusty dictionary and notebook.

As I was wandering, I saw some really unexpected and awesome street art, something I always love looking for/at in new cities. I love the contrast with the Parisian architecture.

I was so excited to see a work by Invader (above), a really well-known street artist, who makes mosaics of characters from the video game Space Invader. This could be by him, or it could be one of the many inspired-by works all around the world.



And another Invader.

Finally!

PARIS

Staying tonight in a flat decorated with posters of New York, on a sofa with a New York cover and pillows. Oh the irony.

Skype. Or: "Kimia leaves the Dark Ages"

I begin my voyage this evening!

In other news:
I don't know what possessed me NOT to get Skype when I was in Europe for, I dunno, FIVE months last year, but this year, I have finally embraced technology (my giant leap from 6 year-old dell to a macbook pro has something to do with this). So, in the interest of keeping in touch, my Skype address is: kimia.shahi. Rejoice! You no longer have to call me on my tiny Italian nokia.

good to know

screen-shot from weather.com. Lovely!

rose + glasses

got myself some new glasses + been painting these beautiful roses non-stop.

Leaving for Paris in a week!

artsy fartsy

I discovered the black and white settings on my camera just in time for an impromptu visit to an open mic night on the Lower East Side. I really loved trying to capture the earnestness and energy of the performers and the vibe of the place.

daylight

First year of graduate school officially finished, and I have time, glorious time! I'd let this blog slide and realized I really missed the creative outlet, so in honor of Summer, it's time to get this thing going again.



Walking down by the Highline/West River yesterday and the sunset was absolutely spectacular. I'd forgotten how amazing it is just to wander the city - as the Italians say, "l'arte di fare niente," the art of doing nothing.