5 days / let me count the ways

That's right. I can't believe it, but there are only five days left of my five months in Paris. I haven't quite figured out how I feel about that yet. More than anything I'm excited to get home and see my family and friends. Oh, and peanut butter, I've really missed peanut butter. Yes, I am definitely looking forward to being home.

However, mixed in with the excitement there is a little tristesse. I can't help but feeling kind of sad to leave my temporary home here in Paris - my beautiful neighborhood that has grown so familiar, my amazing host family. And oh yeah, being able to hop on the metro and go to the Louvre any time I feel like it isn't so bad either.

So, for my last few days here I thought it would be nice to do a little recap of the last five months. And since there are few things I like more than making lists, that is what I am going to do.

So here we go with list number one:

My favorite places to do one of the best things you can do in Paris - wander aimlessly.

1. The Marais + Place des Vosges
Winding streets with cool shops and cafes around every corner, plus the gorgeous 17th century architecture of the Place des Vosges.

2. Montmartre
Bohemian artists, Amelie, and nightclubs like the Moulin Rouge have made Montmartre into tourist central, but it's still a great place to spend an afternoon. You can avoid the crowds if you stay away from Place du Tertre, but it's worth it to go to Sacre Coeur.

3. Île Saint Louis
This is the island next to the Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame is located. I love to come here for the quiet streets, the amazing views of the Seine, and the great sense of history - this area was at the very center of the medieval city.

4. Père Lachaise
I know, I know, a cemetery does not seem like the ideal place to just hang out. But when you're there it doesn't feel creepy at all. It's actually really beautiful.

5. Parc Monceau
I'm kind of biased about this one since it's literally 2 minutes from my door, but Parc Monceau is by far my favorite Paris park. It's in a residential area so it's always full of just regular Parisians - families, joggers, and people reading the newspaper on park benches after work. The Tuileries are great, as is the Jardin de Luxembourg, but I love the more low-key vibe of Parc Monceau.

That's all I've got for now, stay tuned for more highlights to come!