With august just around the corner, and the start of our 2014/2015 season at the Boston Ballet looming, it's time to articulate summer memories so as to archive them as vividly as possible.
This summer, after my return to stage on tour at Lincoln Center in New York, I whisked myself away to the UK and then puddle jumped over to Paris. A couple of days spent in this city is a good plan any time of year and even in the rain, it remains one of the most romantic, tasteful cities.
Chocolate chip ooze factors
A few things to keep in mind should you venture over - slide as quickly as possible into the French way of living. Aka, slow down. Enjoy the small things. A surprisingly delicious cookie at a crunchy granola cafe in La Republic,..
Du Pain et des Idees bakery
Delve into at least four or five croissants a day and definitely make sure you spend at least five hours at any given cafe...not doing anything but watching the world go by.
Seared duck breast - cassoulet style
You must make a reservation at L'assiette - a darling little French restaurant that doesn't waste any time getting you housemade charcuterie and bread the moment you sit down. Must orders are their escargot, cassoulet, duck and salted caramel brulee.
Their cheese selection makes any Frenchie proud and any visiter salivate at the mere sight/smell of it. The waiter may seem to be saying choose one, but what he really means is you choose one and get the whole block. So go ahead and select a few options.
Once you have gotten used to the speed in Paris, slow down further still by taking a train South. Stay in Cannes and rent a minivan that'll take you and your cohorts anywhere your hearts desire. Stop by as many castle villages atop mountains as possible.
A generous slab of foie gras
Order Foie gras on said mountain top villages. Cry with joy.
Enjoy one to two cones of gelato or ice cream a day, preferably alongside a nutella and banana crepe.
And while you are slowly going about all these things, don't forget to press pause every now and then to actually take in the majesty of where you actually are, the people you are with, and the moment in its entirety.