VI N!!!

Today, I had my first session of World of Wine in France, and this class was everything it ought to be and MORE. We are basically going to learn everything about French wine from the affect of the terroir (territory in which it is grown, climate conditions, etc.) on the taste of the wine, to the cultural contexts in which it is consumed. I have already chosen my topic for my oral presentation, that I will be doing with the lovely and talented Andrea Michealian, and we are going to compare Chardonnay from Nappy Valley to Chardonnay in France's Loire Valley. My professor advised us to do a tasting in order to prepare ourselves. She actually advised tastings A LOT over the course of the first session and informed us that our first hour of class next week will be held at Lavinia, the premiere wine shop in Paris (and possibly even the world...?). Pretty much I couldn't even dream up a better course to be taking in Paris, especially with opportunities for Field Trips (Bordeaux, Champagne Region, etc.) so close and easy. Tastings + Field Trips to Vineyards + Trips to Wine Shops = What could be better?

Beyond classes, I also came to the realization as to why Parisian women are notoriously thin despite their lack of gyms and definitely in spite of their diets (have I mentioned the nutella-crêpe-pain chocolat-baguette-smoked salmon-brie-wine dream of a life I'm living here?). I think it is because they are constantly walking their little dogs while wearing incredibly high heels. The high heel part is important because French women never leave their house looking anything other than perfectly pristine and absolutely put together--which, as many of my former roommates know--I have a bad habit of doing too. Also, I think that the constant wearing of high heels is a work out for the calves--très important considering the popularity of skinny jeans, tights, and leggings here. The small dogs fit into the equation as they become an accessory themselves, and are probably easier to walk when one is wearing high heels. De plus, considering that a French woman wouldn't dream of leaving her house in sweats (and probably doesn't even own them and instead has a wardrobe of beautiful night gowns), gyms are out of the question. Thus, this high-heel dog-walking equation is the perfect solution for their exercise needs.

On another note, the sun was out today and has been a few times already in the past week. I am so happy for it; this California girl does not do well with too many gray skies.