12: February 1,2,3

Friday 1:07 am – Grace and Sara arrive at the Finkle residence on the Upper West Side of New York. They are arriving about two hours later than expected after the polar vortex caused the baggage belt to freeze over at Newark. Around 12 am Grace had proposed simply leaving the bags (and coming back at a later date). Sara suggested that it was probably best for them to wait.

1:10 am – Kim offers the crew incredible hospitality (do you want any snacks? Water? Wine?) but within minutes the crew are passed out in their respective rooms. Grace feels a bit of separation anxiety sleeping in a different room from Sara.

Friday 9 am – After a lovely night of sleep the crew awakens. Grace goes for a lovely run in Central Park. Sara falls back to sleep.

Grace notes that despite previous comments, Central Park is WAY cooler than Luxembourg Garden.

10 am – Although Grace enjoyed a cup of Iaasc’s famous coffee before her run, she miraculously also happens to end her run at Starbucks. She is disappointed in the quality of the American Americano.

10:10 am – Grace is overwhelmed with joy at the fact that her walk home passes by a Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes. Wow. Just wow.

Sara (while drinking hot chocolate): “I am so happy to be back in a place where I can drink the milk. Being vegan sucks.” Grace: *SAD*

11 am – Grace and Sara set out on their adventures for the day. First order of business meeting Jake B. at Fairway for some Grocery shopping (Grace would like to note that while her primary loyalty is still to Whole Foods, the organic section of Fairway is quite nice). Sara walks purposefully around the store grabbing things on the shopping list. Jake B. gravitates towards the seltzer and alcohol aisles. Grace stands mesmerized in front of the Halo Top.

No Grace, we cannot buy five pounds of dates.

12:07 pm – The crew (wait no are they a group now? Sarah Vogelsberg would like to note that she prefers calling them a crew) drops the groceries at Sara’s aunt’s house. After a heated discussion about which kosher/vegan restaurant to frequent for lunch, the Sara proposes a venue in the West Village. Grace inquires as to how they will get there. Sara and Jake respond in unison, “the subway.” After a a legitimate consideration of whether a subway ride is worth good vegan food, Grace follows along.

1 pm – After expert navigation from the New Yorkers, the group arrives. Sara orders. Jake B. asks Grace what to order. Grace suggests the dish with the word “whiskey” in it. Grace orders a salad. Grace is then criticized for not being adventurous. Grace promises to consult with Sara for future ordering decisions (because who needs vegetables anyway — Sara notably had a balanced meal of Mac and Cheese and French Fries).

Jake B: “Am I supposed to smile or pretend that I am eating.”

1:05 pm – Grace notes a lack of salt on the table and goes to procure some. She is not given enough. Jake B. goes to procure more. Sara happily munches on her food. Sara notes that the service, while not good, is significantly better than France.

1:30 pm – Sara assits Grace in ordering dessert. The crew sets out for Harney and Sons tea store.

1:45 pm – The group approaches the tasting bar. Sara and Grace pick exotic sounding teas to taste. Grace does not spill her tea (despite being very cold). Jake B. picks a Moroccan mint tea.

mmm. Mint with tones of Morocco. Or is that more mint..

2:03 pm – Jake B. announces he has to go. He gives the crew a curt nod and departs. Sara and Grace enjoy his team.

2:30 pm – The crew receives an email from Jonah Hyman containing a satirical Yavneh Newsletter. They collapse into a fit of giggles for about 20 minutes. Grace eventually suggests they leave before the tea store workers get too confused and ask what is so funny (uh we are laughing at this email about our travel blog. The email contains a satirical newsletter that makes all sorts of jokes related to things relevant to religious Jews…its pretty normal….)

2:35 pm – Grace attempts to call a Lyft (not Uber should we say Sheceyanu) back to the Finkle residence. Sara navigates the crew towards the subway.

Grace would like to note that she is wearing a hat AND scarf in this photo. Wow.

4:45 pm – As the crew rushes to get ready for Shabbat Grace is disappointed that she hasn’t been able to update the blog. Sara reminds her that there are more important things in life than blogging.

5:03 pm – The crew departs for synagogue. Services start at 5 pm but Sara has assured Grace they will show up “right on time.”

5:35 pm – The crew arrives just in time for Maariv. Sara is proud of her timing.

11 pm – After a lovely Shabbat meal at Jake B.’s house, filled with vegetarian options and many embarrassing photos of a young Jake, Grace and Sara return to the Finkle residence. (Sara would like to note that Jake B. did not walk them home).

10 am Saturday – Despite ambitions to sleep till noon, the crew is wide awake. Grace re-reads a book from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series (and remembers how awesome children’s books are). Sara continues to read her slightly more intellectual fantasy book. Kim showers the crew in delicious food and coffee.

11 am – The crew strategically times their departure to synagogue.

11:30 am – The crew arrives. Sara notes that they have mistimed their arrival. Kiddush is just starting. Grace suggests a walk. Sara locates Jake B. The crew decides to walk towards a park (whose name Grace forges but notes was not Central Park). Sara requests they also walk to the pier. Jake B. notes that the park and the pier are the same place.

11:50 am – Jake B. talks about how beautiful the park is. Grace wonders if a park under a highway overpass can ever be beautiful. Sara asks whether the ice on the river is thick enough to go iceskating on (Grace and Jake B. would like to note that they “ice” was more like patches of barely frozen over water under which you could visibly see moving waves). Grace suggests they go ice skating at Princeton. Sara says she doesn’t ice skating. Grace wonders whether the same piece of Jewish law that prohibits Sara from carousel riding applies to iceskating.

12:30 pm – The group arrives at Sara’s aunt and uncle’s house for lunch. Jake B. eagerly partakes in the herring party. Grace is asked if the Kuegel is vegan enough for her — the first ingredient is Egg, the second is mayonnaise. Sara happily munches on a plate full of various types of meat while her aunt excitedly compels her grandson to tell the Hanukkah story. Grace enjoys a raw cucumber. Jake B. enjoys various beverages typically paired with herring.

2:07 pm – Grace and Sara walk Jake B. back to his house (which is conveniently located across the street). Jake gives the crew a curt nod and tells the crew to take care. Grace reminds Jake that friends say goodbye to friends with more emotion. Jake B. consents to a hug.

2:45 pm – The crew returns home and chats with Kim and reads their respective books.

5:25 pm – Grace announces she is going for a run in Central Park. Sara points out that it is dark. Kim points out that she will probably be attacked running in the park after dark. Grace decides to run on the sidewalk next to the park.

6:04 pm – Shabbat ends and the crew springs into action. Grace rushes around getting dressed, putting on make-up and organizing her things. Sara lays in bed responding to messages.

6:45 pm – With one member of the crew slightly more dressed up than the other (the member of the crew who went shopping in Paris and has a tendency for spending money on nice clothing) the crew departs to meet Jake B. for dinner. Grace notes that Lyft ride is only 15 minutes. It is very cold (and there is no tea in sight). The crew takes a Lyft.

7:01 pm – The crew arrives at the restaurant to find it doesn’t open till 7:30 pm. Sara hardly misses a beat navigating Grace to a nearby Cupcake shop (that notably lacks vegan options). Sara gets a cupcake. Grace enjoys the smell. Jake B arrives.

Grace would like to note that at the fancy cupcake shop, Sara ordered a chocolate cupcake. Sara would like to note that chocolate cupcakes are good.

7:06 pm – The crew decides to do some window shopping. Grace suggests stopping into Club Monaco (across the street). Jake notes that there is a wine store down the street. Sara agrees to the clothing store. Jake again suggests the wine store. The group goes to the wine store.

7:08 pm – Enroute the group passes a Warby Parker. Sara ducks in to get her glasses tighten. Grace and Jake try on glasses.

Grace: :Jake, you look like a security guard.” Jake B: “I once worked security…:

7:20 PM – The group arrives back at the restaurant. It is still closed (notably it is still not 7:30 pm). Sara, Jake, and Grace decide to go to Shakespeare and Co (around the corner). Grace notes that this is very exciting because they just went to a Shakespeare and Co. in Paris. No one else seems so excited.

7:22 pm – The group enters the store. Grace looks at New Yorker cartoon. Sara browses fiction. Jake examines books about alcohol and cooking.

7:30 pm – The crew arrives back at the restaurant. The vegans and the Kosher eaters are all satisfied. When Sara mentions to their waiter that they are going to the Opera afterwards (because of course Sara has made friends with the waiter). The waiter warns the group that it often takes 5 trips to the Opera before you actually enjoy it. The group sets their expectations accordingly low.

Sara: “Jake help! There is a giant plate of vegetables in front of me.”

8:20 pm – Grace, Sara, and Jake B. arrive at the Met Opera in Lincoln Center. Grace is amazing by the fact that it is completely packed. Sara and Jake note that there are actually other young people in attendance. Everyone marvels at the quality of their seats and the fact that the seats are equipped with subtitles for the Opera (which will be in Italian). Grace is especially impressed as she assumed she would just be listening to singing in another language for three hours straight.

8:45 pm – With the Opera underway, Grace and Sara are both in awe of its beauty and beginning to realize that attending the Opera while jet lagged is not the easiest thing to do. Sara takes a quick nap.

10:03 pm – At intermission Grace announces the need to procure a caffeinated beverage. The crew procures multiple varieties of beverages and happily drinks them in the corner. Grace asks someone to take their picture. Sara wonders whether they should say “Merci.”

Grace would like to note that the people who took this photo were potentially younger than the group.

12 am – The Opera finishes and the group heads outside. Sara calls a Lyft. The group stands around outside waiting for it to come. Everyone is sad that a lovely evening/weekend/intercession is coming to a close. The crew says a somewhat more warm goodbye to Jake B.

12:20 am – Sara and Grace sneak quietly into the Finkle residence and fall asleep.

Sunday – 8:30 am – Jet lagged Grace and Sara are both wide awake. Grace decides to go for a final run in Central Park before they depart. Kim and Isaac both instruct Grace to put on warmer clothes before she leaves.

9:30 am – Given the fact that she and Sara are looking to catch a 10:14 am train, Grace does not stop at Starbucks.

9:47 am – The crew departs via Uber.

Grace: “Look Sara my bag says something about financial literacy. Sara: “Hmmmm.”

10:09 am – The crew is still in their Uber. Grace begins seriously doubting they will make their train. Per usual, Sara is calm and collected.

10:10 am – The crew runs through the train station carrying their bags and the entire bag of food Kim has sent along.

10:13 am – Grace and Sara board the train and breath a sigh of relief.

10:17 am – The train leaves. Jake B. misses the train. Luckily, he finds a Starbucks in the train station.

10:30 am – Sara and Grace reminisce about a wonderful trip, admiring the abstract caricature they bought in Montmarte that looks nothing like them.

11:30 am – The train arrives at Princeton Junction. Grace takes an Uber to campus. Sara takes a bus to Forbes. And with that, the crew splits up. Avouir for now…until next time.

THE END!

Grace would like to note that she got Starbucks as soon as she returned to Princeton.

Day 10: February 10

LOYAL BLOG READERS

While Sara and Grace have made it safely back to the United States, do not fear, they are not yet in Princeton (they are at the Finkle residence on the Upper West Side) meaning the blog continues!

Grace has been otherwise engaged, but promises important updates (related to her use of public transportation, Sara’s dietary choices, Nathan’s use of presidential funds, and generally the crews (or are they are a group now…) Upper West Side escapades) immediately following Shabbat.

SHABBAT SHALOM!

Sara would like to note that they will not be getting lost in New York this weekend because the city is a grid.

Grace would like to note that there is an Eruv in New York which means they can bring a map.

Sara would like to note that she will not be seen using a map in New York.

Grace would like to note that if they get lost she can ask people for directions in French.

Sara would like to note that Grace does not speak French.

ALSO PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED YAVNEH YAK COURTESY OF THE ONE AND ONLY JONAH HYMAN

Yavneh Yak 2-1-19

Grace would like to note that it is very funny.

Day 9: January 31

9 am – After what was likely the best night of sleep to date, the alarm beckons in the morning for the final day in the crew’s quaint Paris abode.

9:03 am – A bleary eyed Grace scrolls through the comments they received the night before. She chuckles at the commentary banter between Craig Masback and Kim S. and downright cackles at the invocation of RASHI by one Isaac Finkle. If that doesn’t convince Mr. President (along with the promise of one year’s worth of ghost written emails) she is not sure what will.

9:07 am – Grace departs on her run for one final foray in Luxembourg park. She takes the same route and listens to the same music. Grace would like to note that she loves nothing more than a good routine.

Last ugly running selfie! I wear Patagonia and am proud.

9:37 am – Grace stops at the bakery that supposedly sells the best baguette in Paris. Using her fingers to help place the order completely in French (as she is uncertain of the French word for one but has learned the words for please and thank you) Grace procures Sara a baguette “traditional” (which Grace would like to note looks just like a normal baguette.

9:40 am – Grace proceeds to run 3/4 of a mile through the streets of Paris carrying a baguette to reach Paris. The lengths one will go to for a friend….or a cup of coffee.

9:47 am – Grace orders the usual for herself and a vegan (yay!) hot coco for Sara. She is disappointed that the Starbucks workers still do not seem to really know her name. While ordering, Grace simultaneously communicates with their airbnb host in French (aided by google translate) about their check-out.

What a beautiful spread. Grace would like to note that she will be continuing her bread and Starbucks delivery service in Princeton for an affordable fee of $100 per hour.

10:15 am – Grace returns to the apartment to find that Sara is AWAKE. Wow. The apartment looks like a small Tornado has blown through depositing Sara’s items in all corners. Sara meanwhile is hard at work reviewing blog commentary.

10:17 am – Sara wonders if RASHI’s commentary can also be interpreted to support the purchase of a Yavneh jet to help fly Yavneh members to the Yavneh house/vineyard in Paris. Grace suggests they ask the religious educator (aka Mr. President aka Master Finkle). Grace and Sara note that while Craig Masback and David Sacks (whose name is now known) made valiant efforts, Kim and Isaac have definitely won the comment contest.

10:30 am – Sara finally allows Grace to reveal to that the crew has been hiding their valuables in the microwave of their airbnb. Grace would like to note that she thought this was a terrible idea (what if the robber turned on the microwave and the passports were burnt). Sara would like to note that if a robber was to come into the apartment they would probably not be using the microwave.

10:45 am – Grace almost forgets her passport. Sara decides that she will take control of it until they make it safely back to the United States.

10:47 am – Sara asks Grace to store her deli meats in her bag. Grace decides that she does not want to be held responsible for anyone else’s meat (she can barely take care of their own passport after all).

Bye bye apartment (aka a single room with a pullout couch).

11:01 am – The crew leaves their bags with the airbnb host, check out, say au revoir to their quaint Paris abode, and sets out on their adventures for the morning. First on their agenda is a trip to a place where they can get caricatures drawn by a street artist (per Craig Masback’s recommendation). Grace flounders helplessly trying to put the address. Sara quickly brushes her aside and takes over the navigation.

11:15 am – Grace notes that she is still carrying Sara’s half eaten baguette in her pocket. Sara suggests that Grace keep carrying it. Grace does. Grace notes that baguettes are the ideal Parisian accessory.

A famous cafe that Grace and Sara forgot to note the significance of. Craig, feel free to chime in.

11:20 am – The crew arrives at their destination but does not see any street artists. They realize there has been a bit of a mix-up — they have gone to the wrong location from Craig Masback’s list. Sara notes that at least they can check another thing off the list. Grace, who would really like a caricature is non-plussed. Although the actual cafe they need to go to is relatively far away (in Montmarte) Sara, being the valiant friend that she is, suggests that they make the trek. The call an Uber there after Grace agrees they will take the metro back.

11:45 am – Upon arrival in Montemarte (at the Place du Tertre) Sara and Grace pass a very lovely Starbucks. Grace satisfies her urge to go in by taking a picture to capture the memory.

11:50 am – In a picturesque albeit a tad touristy square (which Sara notes is the exact place their guide from the day before told them NOT to visit) Grace commissions a nice man named “Basil” to draw the crew’s portrait (for a mere 35 euros!). Basil notes that the Crew looks slavic. The Crew notes they are from the United States. Basil notes that it is very cold in the United States. The Crew notes that it is also very cold in Paris. Grace wants to note that Basil is a very strange name but decide to restrain herself. The portrait is finished and Grace is impressed. Sara notes that she already had plenty of caricatures of herself drawn back in her Bat Mitzvah days.

Basil really wanted to be in the selfie. Grace didn’t know how to say no.

12:15 pm – The crew wonders the winding, cobblestone streets of Montemarte. They pass an oyster bar (yes boys Grace will now make a comment anytime she sees anything mildly related to oysters).

12:30 pm – Sara and Grace board the metro back. Sara spots a bag with Japanese art on it and begins analyzing its significance. Grace tunes out when she hears the words art.

12:38 pm – Grace and Sara pass a full folk music band playing in the metro station. Grace is overjoyed and wants to stop to dance. Sara says they need to keep walking. Grace gives them a euro. Grace wishes Craig Masback was there to buy the CD.

Grace: “WHY IS NO ONE ELSE EXCITED! I WANT TO DANCE!” Sara: “Grace, no. Let’s go.”

12:43 pm – As they ride the subway Sara wonders what weddings she will be invited to from the current members of Yavneh. Grace listens politely. Feel free to invite us!

12:55 pm – Sara and Grace arrive at Le Marais. Grace notes that she is going to miss the neighborhoods. Sara comments on the preponderance of Canada goose jackets they have seen in Paris. No wonder so many Princeton students visit Paris.

12:58 pm – Grace and Sara sit down at Pitzman’s. Grace is disappointed that their waiter still does not recognize. Sara orders her classic pizza. Grace decides to wait and get Miznon later.

For you David Sacks. Enjoy. From Paris with love.

1:15 pm – Grace rushes to Miznon realizing they are running out of time to get food. When she walks into the restaurant she is greeted warmly by the serving staff who have managed to learn her name. She orders her customary roasted cauliflower and pita.

Grace would like to note that she likes wearing hats. Especially when her hair is showing.

2:05 pm – The crew grabs their bags from the airbnb and hops in an Uber to the airport (Sara proposed the bus but Grace quickly shot her down).

2:40 pm – Grace and Sara arrive at the airport. They peruse a tea store before Grace spots a Starbucks and the crew decides to recharge there. Sara makes some inquiries about the American Express lounge but the customer service agents do not appear to speak English.

3:15 pm – Grace and Sara find the LEVEL airlines check in desk and drop their bag. Grace is delighted that they are also able to check a second bag for free. As they check-in, they are informed that the flight will be operated not by LEVEL but by “HighFly.” Sara again questions whether or not LEVEL airlines exists.

Anyone who can provide evidence that LEVEL exists should send it to nfinkle@princeton.edu.

3:30 pm – Grace and Sara proceed to border control but are told the border is closed and that they should come back later. Grace is very stressed. Sara navigates the Crew back to Starbucks. Grace communicates with Kim.

Grace wishes she could sleep as effectively as Sara. Unfortunately, she has blog writing responsibilities abilities.

3:45 pm – Sara naps happily as Grace blogs. Kim provides updates on the severe weather in New York.

4:30 pm – The crew returns to the customs gate. The scene is a mad-house. There appears to be no line and no movement towards boarding. Sara inquires with multiple gate agents before determining that their flight has been delayed as a result of a security threat and that they should come back to board around 6pm. Grace is once again panicked. She attempts to blog on the floor. Sara directs Grace back to another coffee shop (not Starbucks but close by).

4:45 pm – Grace and Sara FaceTime with Master Finkle who manages to calm them down with his COS genius, religious anecdotes, and wry sense of humor. Nathan proposes a mandatory shiur and group davening (followed by a run) on the TNHG road trip.

5 pm – Sara makes friends with the person sitting at the table next to them. Grace pretends she doesn’t notice.

5:22 pm – Grace is instructed to get back to work on the blog before they board. Grace diligently obliges as Sara continues cackling on the phone with Nathan.

Yes Nathan, you will buy us a house. Merci Merci.

5:24 pm – Grace decides to take a break from blogging for the time being. Sara promises that Grace will update their fans when they have boarded the flight (or if Nathan agrees to buy the house, whatever comes first)

Day 8: January 30

8 am – After an aggressively poor night of sleep brought on by the fact that the rain on the outside of the Crew’s quaint Paris abode made it sound like a firing squad was going at it all night, Grace rolled over Sara, and set her alarm for an hour later.

9 am – Having slept not all that much more successfully, Grace decides to get out of bed and go for her run. Sara, per usual is sleeping rather soundly.

9:05 am – Hearing the pouring rain outside, Grace does everything she can to avoid going out for a run. This includes checking the various comments on the blog that have rolled in over night and responding to various messages from the boys of TNHG (as always thank you Nathan and Jake B. for your unwavering support…Nathan we are so sorry you were not able to eat the hotdogs Old Nassoul got you…)

9:20 am – Grace finally departs on her run. She walks outside an despite the sounds of rain that kept her awake all night, it is beautiful and sunny outside (albeit a little cold).

OMG snow! And yes Craig. I am wearing a non-Nike vest. But I did cover the logo with my hair...

9:30 am – Grace arrives in Luxembourg park only to find out that her favorite trail is closed. She begins to go look for another trail, when she notices that the woman in front of her has simply ducked under the caution tape blocking the trail and continued running. Grace follows suit.

9:32 am – The moment Grace enters the restricted area, a park ranger comes running up to her and begins chastising her in French. Grace explains that she doesn’t speak French and got a bit confused. The park rangers explains that a giant piece of caution shape blocking the entrance is a pretty international symbol. A bashful Grace apologizes and runs the other way.

9:35 am – Having grown tiered of Israeli pop songs Grace attempts to listen to a new playlist of songs from Idan Raichel. She is soon falling asleep and quickly determines that she will have to stick to pop music for her runs.

10 am – Grace’s finishes running outside of Starbucks and walks in to order drinks. She has not been tasked with buying a baguette today because Sara has a croissant.

So Grace forgot to take photo of Starbucks but instead here is a photo of an advertisement she saw on the way. It is what she would have preferred to eat for breakfast…

10:20 am – Grace returns to the airbnb to find that Sara is AWAKE! Wow. The crew sits in bed for a while. Sara attempts to check tiger hub. Unfortunately, she gets distracted and ends up looking at TigerMenus. For those interested, the CJL will be serving Tomato-Basil soup on Tuesday (and apparently no meals before then).

Awake and alert with two important things in hand.

11:30 am – Sara and Grace are both exhausted from days of traveling but they finally make it out of the apartment. They have decided to split up for the morning. Sara will go to the L’Orangie museum (which has some kind of art) and Grace will explore some local grocery stores.

11:45 am – Grace hops on the metro. She is feeling more confident in her ability to navigate public transit after yesterday and is happily listening to a “This American Life” podcast about Santanism when she hears loud yelling behind her. She turns to see 6 or 7 people behind her on a the train engaged in some kind of physical altercation. All of a sudden three men, dressed as normal train passengers, begin yelling “Police police!” flashing police badges as they drag another man off the train. All passengers are forced to stay on the train as the man is subdued and handcuffed and the three undercover police men drag him away. A terrified Grace decides that she will not be taking any more public transportation alone while in Paris. Sara meanwhile is having a lovely time at L’Orangie museum.

12:15 pm – Grace arrives at the grocery store (Monoprix). She excitedly peruses the Kosher and “American” sections settling on some snacks for the plane (just the essentials — hummus, halva, lotus cookies, wine, gum….) Sara and Grace decide to meet up for lunch in Le Marais in an hour.

Don’t forget the Bamba — strange cheese puff life substances covered in peanut butter…

1:15 pm – Grace arrives in Le Marais, where she sees a painting of a Tiger on the wall. Grace begins to think of a certain school that has a tiger mascot and then remembers that she is not thinking about school.

They say the best art is not found in museums…right?

1:30 pm – Grace gets a pita sandwich from questionably kosher Miznon. She takes a picture for Sara’s dad (name unknown) one of the blog’s most loyal readers and commenters. Sara is running late.

@Miznon do you want to get on board Starbucks’ sponsorship of me?

1:55 pm – Sara arrives and once again braves the horrendous service of the Falafel Restaurant to order her pita with hot dogs and spicy sauce (Grace would like to note that Sara literally jumps if a vegetable gets anywhere near the pita).

The moment you have been eagerly awaiting Sara’s Dad.

2:15 pm – The crew hurries off to make their Le Marais walking tour. Grace navigates. She takes them the wrong direction. Sara takes over the navigation.

2:35 pm – Having arrived only 5 minutes late, the crew is very proud of themselves (Grace has only had a small panic attack over their tardiness). Sara immediately begins bonding with the other members of the tour. She schmoozes in Hebrew with a woman from Tel Aviv and then informs the woman that Grace and Sara will be interning in Tel Aviv this summer. Another woman on the tour chimes in and asks what they are doing. Sara explains that she is working at an AI startup and Grace is working in consulting. The woman then launches into a long discussion of how all the consultants she knows are rich. Grace notes that maybe consulting is the right career for her as it will allow her to continue “spending money like a drunken sailor.”

2:45 pm – Grace takes many unneeded (but cute photos of Sara) in front of landmarks including the Victor Hugo House (the guy who wrote Les Mis. OMG!).

Did someone say house? Or was it Housemann…. Yes Sara. You are very cute.

3:00 pm – The tour guide shows the Crew an old mansion that had a room for growing oranges. Grace notes that it might be worthwhile having such a room in the Yavneh House.

3:17 pm – Master Nathan Herbert Finkle notes in the Thursday Night Home Backing Group chat that he plans to cook bacon for the breakfast of his Old Nassoul friends. Jake B. Asks if he even knows how to make bacon. Grace suggests he make pancakes instead (or even crepes). Sara laughs.

Anyone who thinks this is a bad idea should make their opinion known by reaching out to nfinkle@princeton.edu

3:45 pm – The tour passes Pitzman’s (the place that Sara and Grace ate lunch the previous two days). The owner, the same man who served Sara and Grace previously provides the group with a very energetic (and a little creepy) tour. He notes that the only channel they show on the TV at their restaurant is “Ha-Kotel” (aka the Western Wall).

3:50 pm – Sara and Grace realize that the historic synagogue they have been searching for in Le Marais is actually the building directly adjacent to Pitzman’s. Grace chalks the oversight up to her directional ineptitude.

Grace would also like to note that Sara is really quite bad at taking photos.

4:07 pm – Sara begins complaining that her feet or cold. Grace would like to provide her an article of clothing to keep warm, but it ill prepared for winter weather herself (as has been previously established) they stat cold together.

4:08 pm – The tour passes a Chabad car. Grace considers stopping to ask if they know Rabbi Webb. Sara instructs her to keep walking.

Vive notre maitre le Rabbi, Machiach pour leternite!* *Text on the car

4:20 pm – The guide shoes the Crew the oldest house in Paris (from the 13th century). Sara wonders aloud if Yavneh can afford it. Though she has a more modern place in mind for the Yavneh satellite.

4:33 pm — At the completion of the tour, a frozen Sara and Grace jog towards Starbucks. Grace orders the usual and Sara ventures out trying a hot chocolate with almond milk. Both crew members are content as they begin to thaw.

Grace notes that the crew only went to TWO Starbucks today.

5 pm – Grace drags Sara to a Kosher grocery store she noticed on their tour. Grace picks out a bottle of wine to take back for TNHG activities. Unsure exactly how one identifies a good wine, Grace picks the bottle that is most atheistically pleasing and that has a French sounding name (oh and that is more expensive than the other bottles around it of course). Sara calls Grace over. She asks for help picking a deli meat. Grace reminds Sara that she is vegan.

5:15 pm – The crew makes a pitstop at Miznon to buy Grace a roasted cauliflower to eat later for dinner. Sara has decided she wants to eat deli meat (which Grace wants to note she did not play a role in choosing).

5:45 pm – The crew metros home (despite Grace’s anxiety). Grace spots a man wearing orange socks on their train. She wishes Sara would ask him if he goes to Princeton.

The only people crazy enough to wear this color of orange have to go to Princeton. Right?

6:14 pm – The crew eats their luxurious dinner in bed. Grace drips cauliflower juice on Sara’s PJs. Sara eats deli meat on a rice cake. They are living large. The crew calls Nathan Finkle (aka Master Finkle aka Mr. President) for a pre-pre Shabbat convo. Nathan fails to make unneeded beatboxing noises or agree to buying a house, but the crew is still happy to talk to him.

6:35 pm – The crew attempts to check in for their Level Airlines (flight number unknown) flight back to Newark, New Jersey tomorrow. Upon doing this they find that their flight has inexplicably been scheduled to take off two hours later than originally anticipated. Sara notes that at least it is still scheduled to take-off (Inshallah = God-Willing).

6:40 pm – Sara facilities a conversation about how to make the most of their remaining day in Paris. Grace unsuccessfully attempts to make a start on the blog for the night. Sara notes that they have accomplished almost every item on the list of things to do graciously compiled by a certain Craig Masback. Sara suggests going to a few more art museums. Grace says she is fine with that plan as long as there is a Starbucks nearby. Grace suggests visiting a mosque. Sara is dubious though notes that it might be a good chance to practice her Arabic. Grace notes that there is actually a class being taught about Muslims in Paris next semester. Sara clarifies that it is actually a class about Muslim Terrorism in Paris…

6:50 pm – The crew, which has thus far been woefully uncommunicative, gets in touch with Kim Leslie Shafer (aka mother to President Nathan Finkle aka host for the crew for their weekend in Shabbat). Madame Shafer jumps into Jewish mother mode aggressively inquires into how she can feed the crew over their three day visit (because if she fed Grace over Pesach, anything is possible). While providing excellent recommendations on things to do in Paris, she also provides the crew with exceptional comic relief. Sara and Grace spend the coming hour sitting in bed, pretending to plan but mostly just texting Nathan and Nathan’s mother and giggling uncontrollably.

7:50 pm – Kim endorses the idea of a Yavneh house noting that Nathan has a “prenatal connection” to Paris. The crew senses that their pipe dream may not be so unrealistic after all. Any past or current Yavneh board members who support the idea should send petitions of support to nfinkle@princeton.edu (and address the email’s recipient as “Master Finkle”).

Screen Shot 2019-01-30 at 9.04.48 PM.png — KIM. YOU ARE AMAZING.

7:55 pm – Grace wishes Kim (who is HILARIOUS) was in Paris to ghostwrite the blog.

8:00 pm – Grace realizes that she will never be able to write the blog while sitting in bed next to Sara (she wants to write that Grace and Sara are having “too much fun in bed” but Sara notes that will probably come off as little strange) so she walks to the local bar/cafe.

8:05 pm – The waiter recognizes Grace from the other night and brings her a “normal” beer (aka Stella Artois) to facilitate creativity. Graces sits and writes. She notes that beer is really terrible.

Grace also notes that she drank the entire thing anyway.

9:15 pm – Grace returns to Sara (who she has tasked with putting together a plan for the coming day) and the crew reviews the blog. Many giggles and evil laughs later it is ready to post.

9:40 pm – The crew hopes that Sara’s dad, the boys, Craig Masback, Kim S., and all of blog’s other loyal readers will enjoy.

10 pm – Grace would like to note that she did not get cold and wet walking back to the airbnb this time. Sara would like to note that is because it wasn’t actually raining this time and that Grace was probably cold.

BUENAS NOCHES HAVERIM

Day 7: January 29

8:30 am – Another day. The running alarm once again begins to blare in the crew’s quaint, but now very messy, Paris abode. This time Grace actually gets out of bed to go running. Sara continues sleeping.

8:40 am – Grace begins her run listening to a new list of songs Amital prepared for her before leaving for Israel (RIP). It is good, but Grace decides it is not ideal for running. She switches back to Israeli pop. She notes that listening to Hebrew music is unfortunately the only Hebrew practice she has accomplished on this trip.

A nice running photo that isn’t a selfie of Grace.

9:20 am – Grace’s run once again deposits her conveniently at Starbucks. Grace considers asking the barista to take a selfie with her but instead decides to take a surreptitious photo. Grace begins the crew’s drinks back to the airbnb, but neglects to buy a baguette as Sara did not eat the one from the day before. HUGE MISTAKE.

“Excuse me madam, can I take a selfie with you for my blog. Who reads the blog you may ask? My parents, my friend’s parents, some boy at a Yeshiva in Israel, and some Orthodox Jews at Princeton…”

9:30 am – Grace returns. Sara is sleeping soundly. Grace catches up on messages and is once again overwhelmed by positive feedback on the blog, She is especially excited to see messages from the blogs most loyal followers, Nathan Finkle, Craig Masback, and S. Sacks’ entire family, as well as some up and coming bloggies namely Shimmy and Jake B. (Who notably has responded to quite a few messages and even sent the blog a compliment).

10:00 am – Grace tries to wake up Sara. Sara says she wants to sleep 5 more minutes.

10:15 am – Sara finally gets out of bed. She begins rambling about her plan to buy all pre-frosh keychains for their Shabbat keys. Grace listens politely. She likes the idea but gets the feeling President Finkle will not be a fan (if you like the idea feel free to lobby your representation — nfinkle@princeton.edu)

10:20 am – Sara takes a bite of the baguette from the day before. It is as hard as a rock. Sara is sad. Grace is sad. Sara eats a rice cake for breakfast. Grace learns that she can’t slack in her baguette buying duties (much like her blogging duties….).

10:35 am – The crew departs for their 11 am walking tour. Grace notes that she is sore from all the walking they are doing. Sara tells Grace she is probably sore from all the running not the walking.

Yes, Grace. We do have to take the Metro all the way there.

11:01 am – The crew takes their longest metro ride yet with Sara once again expertly leading the way. They arrive at their tour just in the knick of time. Sara is fully equipped for winter weather with a hat, scarf, and gloves. Grace is not equipped.

11:15 am – The Montemarte neighborhood walking tour commences. The guide teaches the group a traditional French Can-Can. Grace makes an attempt and also falls. Sara watches with amusement.

11:20 am – Sara learns that “moulin” means windmill in French. Grace notes that the word windmill will definitely come in handy the next time they get lost.

Can you spot Sara? Hint: Look for her hat!!

11:30 am – Grace is very cold. Sara gives Grace her scarf.

11:45 am – Sara makes friends with many new people on the tour (Grace is only a little jealous).

11:47 am – The tour guide compares French bakeries to French pharmacies (both are very essential to the French apparently). Grace and Sara wonder if all French bakeries also close at exactly 8 pm.

11:50 am – Grace is very very cold. Sara gives Grace her scarf.

Sara looking cute with her new friends (aka replacement Graces)

12:05 pm – The tour passes a place where people recycle their Christmas trees. Sara very excitedly remarks “OH! That is what people do with Christmas trees.” Grace shakes her head.

12:15 pm – Sara and Grace pass the oldest vineyard in Paris. They send a photo to the boys of TNHG (who tend to enjoy an alcoholic beverage here or there).

Should Yavneh buy a vineyard? Email @NathanFinkle is you think yes.

12:17 pm – Grace is very very very cold. Sara gives Grace her hat and tells Grace she needs to buy some more appropriate winter clothing.

12:30 pm – The tour takes a group picture. The tour guide tells everyone to yell “whiskey” as they smile. Grace tells Sara she doesn’t like whiskey. Sara tells Grace just to smile. The crew once again thinks of the boys.

12:35 pm – Grace, jogs toward the street to call an uber. Sara instructs her that before leaving the crew is going to take a photo overlooking Paris. They do. The photo is very pretty.

12:45 pm – Grace spots a picnic set in a local boutique. She wonder if it is a worthy investment for The Thursday Night Home Backing Group.

12:55 pm – Sara calls an uber for the crew. Grace is simply to cold too brave the metro. They head out enroute for the restaurant they ate at yesterday. Alex, the newest member of the recently established team decides to join them.

1:25 pm – The restaurant is packed. Pitzman’s (a restaurant that serves an eclectic mixture of Israeli food, pizza, bagels, and Eastern European fare) is clearly the place to be on a Tuesday afternoon. Grace, who is very cold orders a hot tea. She proceeds to spill sed hot tea all over her legs. Her legs are now warm (aka burnt) and soggy. Sara and Alex are quite amused. Grace is no longer cold.

1:35 pm – Over the course of the meal Grace requires the team to take numerous photos for the blog. Sara wonders whether Grace is becoming a bit obsessive. Grace reminds her that she has an obsessive personality. The crew agrees that there are worse things to obsess about.

2:20 pm – Following lunch, Grace is in need of immediate caffeination. Sara tries to suggest Grace lay off the coffee. Grace briefly considers getting a decaf.

2:21 pm – Grace orders a grande Americano.

2:30 pm – Sara wants to go to the Musee d’Orsay. So does Alex. Grace wants to go back to the airbnb to change her soggy, tea stained pants. The crew boards the metro together. Sara then tells Grace exactly the trains she needs to take to get back. She offers to walk Grace to her platform, but Alex says that Grace needs to learn how to get home in case there was ever some sort of emergency. Grace reminds Alex that if there was an emergency she would NOT take the metro.

Bye bye Sara! I don’t know what I will do without you. At least I have my Starbucks to keep my company.

2:37 pm – In true Tuesday afternoon miracle fashion, Nathan approves Sara’s keychain idea. Grace is wonderstruck.

2:45 pm – Grace makes it home without Sara’s guidance. She is proud but she misses her metro partner.

2:50 pm – Sara and Alex make it to the museum where they run into Sara’s Director of Student Life for Forbes College in Princeton. It really does seem like there are Princetonians everywhere. Sara reminds Grace that she really does like Forbes, especially when she gets walked back… Grace is sad that she wasn’t there to capture a picture for the blog.

3:15 pm – Grace decides she has no chance at making it Museum via metro alone. She calls an uber.

3:25 pm – Grace exits the Uber and searches for a Starbucks (where she will sit and wait for Sara and Alex because as much as she hates to admit it she doesn’t really enjoy art museums). Unable to find a Starbucks, Grace settles on a local cafe where she orders a mint tea and settles down to blog (blogging has now become a full time job, as Sara likes to remind her the fans have expectations).

3:27 pm – Grace considers ordering a cocktail to “facilitate creativity,” but remembers she doesn’t like alcohol (and that it is 3 pm) and orders a mint tea.

And a Coke Zero. Don’t tell Sarah Vogelsberg that Grace had more caffeine…..

4:30 pm – Craig Masback tells Grace that she spends money like a a drunken sailor. Grace gets the sense that Nathan would agree.

4:45 pm – Sara continues to enjoy the art. Grace wonders how one could spend so long alone at a museum.

5:03 pm – Alex and Sara join Grace at the cafe. Sara notes the “light Portland drizzle” outside. Grace is proud. Sara and Grace engage in conversation for what to do the rest of the night. Sara notes that she wants to go back to the bookstore at some point. Grace notes that she wants to eat dinner at some point. The crew decides to go to the book store and then eat dinner. Grace wonders why traveling with her family is never this easy.

5:15 pm – Grace convinces Alex to order a coffee.

Caffeine is a drug. Who looks demonic now Alex! 😉

5:45 pm – The crew arrives at Shakespeare and Co. Grace browses the Mid-East section. Sara buys a fantasy book. Alex finds a book written by her uncle. Grace takes lots of photos (despite the sign that says no photos allowed).

6:00 pm – Grace and Sara take a selfie where Grace’s hair is completely covered by her hat. Grace send’s it to Nathan Finkle and lets him know that she and Sara are on their honey moon (see previous day’s post). Nathan (aka the religious advisor) is offended that he was not asked to officiate the wedding).

Mazel Tov! @NathanFinkle feel free to purchase our wedding gift at any point within the month.

6:15 pm – Sara finds course books in the bookstore. Grace prefers to pretend school doesn’t exist. Sara and Grace say goodbye to Alex.

Book Title: “The Art of Motorcycles….” Grace tuned out the rest.

7:05 pm – Sara and Grace say goodbye to Alex.Sara and Grace arrive in Le Marais for dinner. Grace gets take-out from questionably Kosher “Miznon.” Sara gets very Kosher Falafel takeout. Both members of the crew munch happily as they walk back.

Grace’s servers openly admitted to being drunk…but the food was delicious.

7:45 pm – Grace spots a dress in the window that she likes. She tries it on. Sara plays Word Hunt as Grace shops.

8:00 pm – The crew splits up. The weather has turned from a light Portland drizzle to more of a torrential Princeton rain. Grace heads to Starbucks to blog and drink coffee. She means to order decaf. She forgets. Sara heads back to the airbnb to read.

Grace: “WordPress keeps sending me emails about monetizing the blog. Should I drop out of school and do this full time?” Sara: “No.”

8:45 pm – As Grace blogs there are two people loudly making out behind her. Grace is very uncomfortable and has flashbacks to the time when she was briefly enrolled in a class titled “American Jews and Sexual Freedom”. She misses Aroma in Jerusalem.

9:15 pm – Grace decides to be economical and walk home. Unfortunately it is snowing and Grace does not know how to dress for inclement weather. She needs Sara. Sara made it back very dry. Grace gets very cold and wet.

9:45 pm – Grace walks back and gives Sara a big “Bon Soier.” Sara informs Grace that Bon Soier that Bon Soier does not actually mean goodnight (according to Shimmy). Grace informs Sara that she does not actually speak French.

BON SOIER!

Day 6: January 28

8:30 am – The running alarms begins to blare in the crew’s quaint Paris abode. Grace turns it off and fails to get out of bed.

9:15 am – The crew, who is still in bed, decides that getting up for an 11 am tour may be a tad ambitious. Grace finally rouses herself for her run.

9:30 am – While running, Grace attempts to call Craig Masback. He does not pick up. Grace instead listens to Israeli pop music and enjoys the sites of Paris University.

9:45 am – Grace strategically passes a bakery towards the end of the run where she stops to buy Sara a fresh baguette. The bakery she stops at does not claim to have the best baguettes in Paris though…Don’t tell Sara!

9:55 am – Grace’s run miraculously ends outside of a Starbucks. She has no choice but to stop in and get the crew their typical drinks.

10:10 am – Grace returns from her run and watches Sara sleep.

10:20 am – Sara wakes up.

10:35 am – The crew decides to try to make the 11 am Louvre highlights tour. Sara chugs her chai (again very impressed that she can do this) as Grace packs their baguette.

10:59 am – After an unpleasant Uber ride (they should have taken the metro) the Crew arrives at the Louvre and are told by the information desk to inquire about the tour in the ticket office.

11:01 am – The Crew is told by the man at the ticket office that the tour is sold out. Refusing to be fazed, the crew purchases audio-guides. Grace who fancies herself bilingual gets hers in Spanish. She only briefly considered French.

11:15 am – Sara and Grace begin to wander through the Louvre. Neither of them can really figure out how to read a map (a point emphasized by their Friday night experience). Grace notes a beautiful carpet hanging on the wall. Sara informs her that the “carpet” is actually a famous “tapestry.” Grace apologizes for not being more artistically cultured.

11:30 am – The crew more or less takes themselves on the highlights tour. They are sufficiently underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa, confused by the Winged Victory, impressed by the French Revolution painting (name unknown to Grace), and scared of the Sphinx.

¡Viva La Revolución! (Or however you say that in French)

11:33 am – The crew would like to apologize to Sara’s dad for not carrying out his suggested art heist (see comments section of blog 5). Or did they….

11:45 am – Grace shows Sara more photos from her childhood adventures in the Louvre (aka the large, boring Museum).

12:45 pm – After wandering through the highlights Grace directs the crew to the Islamic/Near East Art exhibit. Sara, very impressively reads Arabic poetry. Grace, poses for various embarrassing pictures in front of random statues.

Spot the difference! One is a twenty year old acting like a child. The other two are statues.

1:00 pm – Grace spots someone wearing a PRINCETON sweatshirt and instructs Sara to sprint after them. After assertively butting into what appears to be their date, Sara and Grace learn that the couple graduated Princeton in 2018.

1:15 pm – Grace takes another photo with a King Tut head. This one is less exciting because it is made of stone. Sara notes that this one is probably worth more than the potential Yavneh House.

1:30 pm – The crew heads to pick up a Starbucks run in the Louvre mall (where the happily enjoyed a Starbucks the other day), only to find that there is actually a Starbucks in the Louvre Lobby! Wow. Just wow.

Dear Starbucks, Please sponsor us. Love, Grace.

2:02 pm – Grace and Sara meet Alex V. , a friend from Princeton (Aka honorary Yavneh member). The crew, now more of a team, holds another impromptu photoshoot in front of the Lovure. Sara is by far the most photogenic.

2:30 pm – Grace, Sara, and Alex enjoy another Israeli lunch in Le Marais. Grace and Sara are relieved to finally have someone who actually speaks French to order for them.

3:30 pm – After lunch Grace again begs to ride the carousel. Alex and Sara say no, but Alex asks the man running it if Grace can ride alone. The man says no. Grace is sad.

3:33 pm – While Alex and Sara plan the team’s next subway (yes the team has already ridden the subway once today) Grace purchases herself a beret (French hat). She feels very French.

3:35 pm – Sara and Alex take a photo of Grace in front of the carousel wearing her beret. It is almost as good as riding it.

3:45 pm – Sara, Grace, and Alex board the subway. Grace promptly falls into an old lady standing next to her.

4:03 pm – The Team arrives at a famous book store (Shakespeare and Company). Sara marvels at the beautiful books and the quaint reading room. Grace browses the Middle East section and learns that Alex is a Sophomore (not a freshman!).

Classic Princeton students in their natural habitat.

4:07 pm – Grace gets scolded by a clerk for trying to take a selfie with Sara.

4:45 pm – Alex buys a crepe from a street vendor. It looks delicious. Sara and Grace are exciting to live vicariously through her.

4:50 pm – The team enters a very bougie tea shop. Sara and Grace send a photo to the Thursday Night Home Backing Group chat. Nathan and Jake B. both respond.

Nathan: “Grace looks super frum* and married.” *religious

4:52 pm – After laughing, Grace decides to stop wearing her beret lest it cause any more confusion.

5:01 pm – The team is very excited to drink fancy tea. Grace is especially excited by the fact that there is a “Princeton” tea. The team does not order Princeton tea.

5:30 pm – The team gets on the subway (AGAIN!). This time they take not one but two subway cars. Grace is both overwhelmed by Sara’s expert navigation skills and the fact that she has been bamboozled into taking the subway 3 times in one day.

6 pm – Sara, Grace, and Alex see the arch. It is very big. There is not much more to say. They take some pictures.

6:15 pm – Sara, Grace, and Alex stroll down the Champs de le says! (aka champs elysées) Grace attempts, unsuccessfully to do a little shopping. Alex tries to explain why McDonalds is actually more upscale in Paris. Sara eats cough drops.

6:45 pm – Grace and Sara say goodbye to Alex (until tomorrow?) and head to dinner at a nearby Sushi restaurant (on the Metro again I know!).

7:01 pm – Grace and Sara pass Woodrow Wilson Street. Grace and Sara reminisce about the days before they called President Woodrow Wilson “Woody Woo.”

7:15 pm – Grace is excited to try her first Kosher sushi. Sara tells her normal sushi is better.

8:01 pm – The crew discovers that all pharmacies in France close exactly at 8pm. Luckily, Sara and Grace sneak into a pharmacy that is already closed and Sara buys what she assumes is cough medicine. Sara tells her parents not to worry.

8:10 pm – The crew Ubers home.

8:25 pm – An exhausted Grace decides to blog in bed. Grace would like to note this is why the blog is a tad more concise tonight. Layla Tov from Paris (with love).

—————————-

9:45 pm – Grace and Sara get positive feedback on their blog from Nathan. They feel happy ❤️

Grace would like to note that she likes hummus.

Day 5: January 27

8:10 am – Grace’s alarm goes off at the crack-of-dawn (aka 8:10 am). Grace gets out of bed to put on her running clothes. Sara, who was up talking with Grace till at least 1:30 am suggests they go back to sleep. Grace happily obliges.

9:00 am – Grace’s alarm goes off again. This time Grace gets up to go running. Sara continues sleeping.

9:03 am – Grace receives many messages from a certain Yavneh president (aka Nathan Finkle). Nathan let’s the crew know that he has made It safely to Puerto Rico (and that he likes the blog which makes the crew happy). His plans for day one include davening and searching for Kosher food.

9:10 am – Grace departs on her run. The weather is what Grace would classify as a “light Portland drizzle.” This time she successfully enters Luxembourg Garden. She compares it to a less dirty, more regal Central Park.

There are definitely not castles in the middle of Central Park.

9:45 am – After Grace finishes her run she stops by a local bakery. Sara has requested that Grace bring her a fresh baguette for breakfast (per the advice of Craig Masback). Grace happily obliges. She is very proud that she orders what is apparently the “best baguette in Paris” almost entirely in French using both the words “merci” and “bonjour.”

9:47 am – Having acquired the Baguette Grace runs the rest of the way back to the apartment holding it. She feels very French.

9:53 am – Grace arrives at the apartment and greets Sara with a rousing bonjour. Sara continues sleeping. Grace tries to wake Sara up but Sara continues sleeping. Grace showers and gets ready while Sara continues to sleep.

9:57 am – Grace decides to walk to Starbucks. Grace orders an Americano for herself and a chai for Sara. She returns to the apartment. Sara is still asleep.

10:10 am – Grace finally succeeds in rousing Sara.

10:11 am – A sleepy Sara happily chugs her chai and proceeds to consume 3/4 of the Baguette. Craig Masback would be proud.

11:30 am – The crew is finally dressed, ready to set out for Versailles. The weather continues to be what Grace classifies as a “light Portland drizzle.” Those unsure about what that means should read this article:

https://thenewwifestyle.com/how-much-does-it-really-rain-in-portland/

11:33 am – Grace grudgingly agrees to take the metro to the train station. Sara expertly navigates the crew to their train. Grace is pleasantly surprised by the fact that their is a man playing the accordion in their train car. She loudly comments on how pleasant it is which causes the man to come over and ask for money. Grace gives him a euro. The man calls her Mademesoille.

11:45 am – The crew trudges in the what is no longer a “light Portland drizzle” but more of a torrential downpour towards the train station. Sara suggests they purchase an umbrella from a “street peddlers.” Grace asks what century Sara comes from where people still purchase goods from street peddlers.

11:47 am – Grace begins to get very stressed about her hair getting wet. This leads Sara to remark once again that they should by an umbrella.

11:55 am – The crew sees their train on the platform and thinking it is about to leave sprints to get on board. The train does not depart for another 20 minutes. Sara makes friends with the Brazilian tourists sitting next to them. Grace talks to Craig Masback (who per usual is awake) to get advice on courses for next semester.

12:30 pm – The crew arrives at the Versailles station. Immediately upon exiting the station they encounter a man on the street selling umbrellas. Some might call him a “street peddler.” The crew purchases an umbrella for 5 euros.

12:31 pm – At that exact moment Grace spots something very exciting across the street — a Starbucks! She and Sara stop in for a quick pre-Versailles pick-me-up. The crew gets their usual drinks.

12:45 pm – Upon walking outside, the wind immediately causes the umbrella to blow inside out and breaks. The crew continues to walk towards Versailles huddled under a broken umbrella.

1 pm – The crew arrives at Versailles and is in awe. A nice man offer to take a picture of both Sara and Grace. Sara and Grace both agree it is a cute photo.

1:15 pm – Finally inside, in a warm room, waiting for tickets Grace and Sara breath a “ver-sigh” of relief (hehe). When they get to the front of line they are told to go to the information desk to buy tickets. When they arrive at the information desk they are told to go to a different building. Grace and Sara get slight De-Ja-Vu to their experience at the Louvre.

1:30 pm – Upon arriving at the second building Sara manages to procure tickets and a guided tour for the crew. The guided tour is only 10 euros extra so the crew feels both very excited and economical.

2:15 pm – The tour begins by their guide walking into the room where Sara and Grace are waiting, announcing it is time to go, and then walking out. The tour consists solely of Sara and Grace and two German women. The crew jogs to keep up with the tour guide.

2:30 pm – Marveling at the gold paneling of the outside of Versailles, Sara remarks that it would be nice is the Yavneh House of Princeton had gold paneling.

2:45 pm – The guide, who never introduces himself, takes the group into a back room and launches into the tour. Notable highlights include the fact that French nobility where married off at age 8 (not God forbid at age 7 as Grace and Sara originally misheard), royal baths always included a cup of melted drinking chocolate (the best way to get clean), and the fact that there is a clock in Versailles that will run for 10,000 years.

Can you spot the crew behind the gold-paneling and awesome clock.

3 pm – Grace asks how much an expensive looking Jewelry box costs. The guide responds “very much.”

3:15 pm – Sara is amused to learn that at formal meals the men stood and watched while the woman eat. Men were only allowed to sit (or kneel) at the table upon instruction of the women. Sara would like the men in her life to take note (though gets the feeling Nathan wouldn’t be a fan of such a set-up).

3:30 pm – The guide takes the group by the chapel. It is closed. Sara is VERY disappointed.

3:45 pm – The guide takes the tour into the Versailles Opera house. Sara and Grace are wowed. The guide finally introduces himself and asks where they are from. Sara tells the guide that they both study international politics. Grace is slightly confused but plays along. Overall, despite the guide’s unfriendliness the crew is overjoyed by how successful, and private the tour was. Sara wants Grace to note that it comes highly recommended to anyone who decides to explore Versailles in the future.

4:03 pm – The tour ends and Grace and Sara do a bit of exploring on their own. Grace takes the crew on a *very* abridged tour of the art gallery. The crew is impressed by the royal bedrooms and house of mirrors.

4:15 pm – Grace poses in front of a random statute of a mathematician.

4:36 pm – The crew explores the gift shop but it disappointed. That said, Grace briefly considers investing in child sized royal costumes for the crew.

We would take Princeton by storm in this fashion.

4:45 pm – The crew looks at the Versailles Gardens out the window. It is still raining. Grace notes that the gardens look “cute.” Sara is exasperated.

4:55 pm – Grace sees some cute young boys on the street collecting money for some charity. Grace gives them a euro. Sara asks what the charity was for. Grace says she is not sure.

5:15 pm – Sara and Grace board the train back to Paris. Sara consumes the rest of the baguette while Grace munches on a soy yogurt and vegan macaroon.

5:30 pm – Nathan updates the Thursday Night Home Baking Group on his excursion to find Kosher food in Puerto Rico. He has found cereal with an OV (v for vegan right??) certification that is ALSO Pareve. Nathan asks Sara if that means it is Kosher. Sara is unsure, but Grace (the vegan for those unfamiliar) is thrilled.

5:55 pm – As the crew rides the subway to dinner, Sara turns around and notices that the person behind them is wearing a Butler College jacket. Grace and Sara briefly bond with these fellow Princeton students.

6 pm – The crew arrives in Le Marais for their obligatory pita dinner. Their is a brief snafu when the waiter informs Grace that it is “impossible” for them to prepare her typical order (a pita with hummus and salad). A very hungry Grace explains to him that it is very much possible. The food arrives promptly.

6:45 pm – The crew unsuccessfully attempts to do a bit of shopping. It begins pouring so the crew decides to head back to the apartment. Grace decides that they have fulfilled their metroing quota for the day and calls and Uber.

7:15 pm – The crew arrives at the airbnb. Sara changes into PJs. Grace and Sara debrief and plan for the next day. Grace grabs her stuff and heads out to blog.

7:19 pm – Grace decides to take a 4 minute Uber to the nearby Starbucks (because she has walked enough for one day). She orders a latte with oat milk and gets to work.

Sara suggests coffee is the reason Grace is not sleeping at night.

9:30 pm – Grace returns to the airbnb and the crew unwinds after another long, but exciting day.

9:45 pm – Sara tells Grace she promised to give her friend Shimmy, their number one fan in Israel, a shoutout. This is Grace obliging.

Sara monitors the stats of the blog before bed. Enjoy Shimmy. 😉

Day 4: January 26

*The following is a rough approximation of the crew’s adventures Friday night and Shabbat day. Apologies for the lack of photos (though Grace has found a couple of photos to keep things interesting) *

5:55 pm (Friday) – Grace suggests to Sara that she get up from her nap because they may get a bit lost on the way to their shabbat meal so it will be good to leave with some extra time. Sara says she just wants to nap a few more minutes.

6:15 pm – Sara gets up from her nap. Grace sits anxiously fully dressed by the door.

6:33 pm – The crew departs. Paris’ lack of Eruv means that Grace has accessorized her coat with their keys and directions. Sara is amused by Grace’s excitement over Eruv rules.

6:35 pm – Sara tells Grace that they can look at the directions out in public they just can’t carry them. Grace notes the similarities to basketball and dribbling.

6:35 pm – The crew immediately encounters confusion over the direction to “continue onto to rue de Rennes” and “make a slight left.” Unsure where to do, they head left on the street they think they should be walking on. It begins to rain. Grace wistfully remembers the time in the night when her biggest concern was getting her hair wet.

A reenactment of the fateful direction. Sara would like Grace to note that she spent the entire night pronouncing the street “Rue de Vanguard.”

7 pm – Having still not seen the second street on their list of directions, the crew is forced to admit they are lost. Sara suggests asking strangers for help with directions. Grace approves of the plan and waits for Sara to do the asking. Sara waits for Grace to do the asking. The crew decides to keep walking.

7:10 pm – Now in a slightly seedy neighborhood and very wet, Sara again decides they need to ask for directions. Sara stands on the sidewalk and begins loudly saying “Merci” to everyone who passes. Grace is confused for a moment before reminding her that “Merci” means thank you not “excuse me.” Sara reminds Grace that she does not know any other French words. Grace suggests that given the fact that they do not speak French they should probably try asking for directions in English. Sara agrees.

7:13 pm – Grace finally stops a lady who speaks English. Grace says, “I think we are a little lost.” Lady looks at address and responds “You are more than a little lost.” The lady informs Grace and Sara that they have been walking in the wrong direction on the street. She tries to suggest a bus route but the crew dejectedly thanks and her and begins walking another way.

7:20 pm – Sara suggests they ask for directions in a hotel. This is a subtle suggestion that Grace do the asking. Grace again says to the hotel clerk “I think we are a little lost can you help us.” The clerk replies, “yes, you are kilometers away from where you are going.” She hands Grace and Sara a map and draws at the route that they will need to walk. The crew, feeling slightly more hopeful thanks her and heads outside. Grace adds the map as an accessory to her hat.

7:30 pm – The crew is now walking in the right direction but can’t find the street they are looking for. Some nice French old ladies help them find it. Grace and Sara are impressed by the hospitality of the French.

A photo of the street where the crew talked to the ladies.

7:45 pm – The crew stops in another hotel to ask for directions (the map has become so wet it is hard to read). The hotel clerk repeatedly asks the crew to write out the address of where they are going. Feigning illiteracy, Grace produces the crumpled, wet, postcard from their original sheet of directions and hands it to them. The confused clerk takes it and prints directions for them using google maps. It is a real Shabbat miracle.

8:03 pm – The crew arrives at the apartment but is unsure how to get in. Grace notes that given the serendipity of their night thus far they will likely arrive just as someone else is walking in. As Grace and Sara approach the apartment building from one side of the street two men begin to enter from the other. The crew follows them inside and find their Shabbat host. Grace proclaims it is another Shabbat miracle. Sara is dubious.

8:15 pm – Grace and Sara enjoy a lovely Shabbat meal. One of their host announces that everyone at the table should only speak English. He than proceeds to speak almost entirely in French. Despite the lack of English (and vegan food), Sara and Grace entertain themselves. When they mention their blog to those at the table they are met with some blank looks.

8:45 pm – Sara announces to the table that she and Grace are going to Panama for spring break.

11:30 pm – After an uneventful walk back (though Sara wants Grace to note that they did walk by “Sorbonee” which is apparently the Harvard of Paris. There is no Princeton of Paris), Grace and Sara return to their apartment and fall asleep. They decide it is probably for the best that they don’t do so much exploring in the morning.

13 hours later……….

12:30 pm – Sara rouses Grace and lets her know it is time to walk to lunch. Grace groggily complies.

1:15 pm – The crew arrives at lunch. Grace notes that they did not ask for directions once.

1:30 pm – Lunch is uneventful, but midway through the yellow vest protestors march by the apartment. Not wanting to be rude Grace peers at them surreptitiously from her seat. Eventually, Sara just gets up and they both go and look out their window. The crew does not see their tour guide from the day before.

2 pm – Grace tries to read the titles of Hebrew books around the house. Sara then gives her a remedial Arabic lesson.

4 pm – The crew returns to their airbnb and after a discussion about the nature of Islamic law (shoutout to Moderessi).

4:45 pm – Grace heads out for a run in nearby Luxembourg Garden. Unfortunately the garden is closed so Grace settles for running in circles around the garden.

5:45 pm – Grace returns from running and she and Sara get into bed. The crew briefly considers taking a nap before deciding it is probably not in their best interest.

6:30 pm – Shabbat is over. Sara and Grace have accomplished none of the touristic plans they had thought they would do on Shabbat but they are satisfied with their day. The crew checks their various devices. Grace notes that the Masback family has upped their commenting game. Sara’s family gives her flack for their .home.blog domain name. Grace suggests that they buy a .com domain name. Sara notes that that is probably a bad use of funds. Grace suggests asking Yavneh to pay for it (lobby your representative nfinkle@princeton.edu).

Sara takes responding to messages very seriously.

6:33 pm – Grace checks the stats on their blog and proclaims they have become an international sensation — the blog has 10 views and France! Sara notes that those views are probably exclusively Grace and Sara.

6:45 pm – Sara and Grace (or is it Grace and Sara) check their email and sees they have received a slightly salty email from a certain Gil Melnick. The crew realizes they have made a terrible mistake crediting Yoni-Josh-Daniel J for their blog inspiration while in reality it was Gil who wrote “98% of the blog.” The crew apologies for such an egregious error.

7 pm – Grace remembers she is supposed to be updating the blog’s readers on her snacking in Paris. Thus far she has been enjoying cliff bars, soy yogurt, Kashi cereal, and nut butter packets.

7:30 pm – Grace is very hungry so the crew departs towards dinner. Sara suggests the metro but Grace suggests they walk.

7:45 pm – The crew passes a grocery store. Grace suggests they go in and look around. Grace promptly proceeds to lose Sara. The crew spends the next 25 minutes wandering the grocery store trying to find each other because their is no cell service. Sara gets de ja vu.

Sara: “Why are we in another grocery store?”

7:47 pm – Having emerged from the grocery store reunited, a hungry, tired Grace suggests they call an uber. Spotting a Starbucks down the street, Sara directs Grace their. Grace is placated with her Americano and a conversation with the friendly French Barista.

8 pm – The caffeinated crew makes a pitstop at a big, famous church (aka Notre Dame). It is very impressive. Sara lets Grace take a picture from across the street.

Grace: “If only our heads are in the photo is it less bad?”

8:30 pm – The crew arrives in Le Marais for dinner After a stressful ordering experience they walk away with one pita full of salad and no Falafel (for Grace) and one Pita with only Falafel and ABSOLUTELY NO SALAD (for Sara).

Grace: “OMG! They gave me lots of salad and eggplant. I always have to beg the people in Israel to give me salad.”

9:15 pm – Having consumed their dinner on the go, the crew decides to go the Eiffel Tower for the nighttime light show. Sara suggests taking the metro but Grace has already called an Uber.

9:30 pm – The crew parks themselves in a cafe near the Eiffel Tower. Grace orders a mint tea and is overjoyed when it comes with a Lotus (aka biscoff cookie). Sara, who is now very cold, is less excited.

9:55 pm – After waiting for the waiter to bring the bill, Sara and Grace remember that French restaurant service requires one to be slightly more assertive. Sara waves down 2 different waiters before the crew finally pays for their 3 euro tea.

10 pm – The crew walks over to the Eiffel Tower. The light show has started. It is incredibly beautiful. Grace proposes buying a souvenir Eiffel Tower from a sketchy street vendor. Sara (channeling a certain Yavneh President) says that is probably not the best idea.

10:05 pm – Having marveled at the Eiffel Tower, Grace asks Sara if they can go on the carousel next-door. Sara says no. Grace asks whether there is some sort of Jewish law that prohibits you from going carousels. Sara says it is a personal stringency.

10:07 pm – Grace’s mother sends her very adorable photos from her first trip to the Eiffel Tower. Grace wonders when she stopped being so cute.

10:10 pm – Noting that it is a 10 minute Uber back vs. a 40 minute walk (and a 30 minute metro) Grace calls and uber.

10:20 pm – The crew arrives back at the airbnb. Sara gets ready for bed and Grace heads to a local cafe to do some writing.

10:27 pm – Sara and Grace check the news and see the government has been re-opened.

10:30 pm – Grace once again to attempts to be a “real Parisian” and order a beer. The waiter informs her that the drink she has ordered is not in fact a beer. Grace asks him to just bring the most “normal” beer he has. The confused waiter obliges. Grace also orders an expresso.

11:45 pm – Grace returns to the airbnb. Sara notes that the man working in the office across the street (who has been there since they arrived) is still there. All is right in the world. The crew decides to go to bed. Layla Tov! Or Bon Soier as they say in French…*

12:00 pm – Sara is not feeling well so Grace just wants her to know how much fun she is having and how she can’t wait to continue exploring Paris with her best friend. ❤️❤️

*Sara would like to Grace to note that they still do not speak French.

Day 3: January 25

7:45 am – After a fitful night of sleep (during which Sara may or may not have stolen all the covers) Grace wakes up at the crack of dawn (aka 7:45 am) to go running. The sun apparently doesn’t rise till 8:30 am in Paris but Grace has not done her research. Sara makes the sane decision to keep sleeping.

7:50 am – Having not planned a run route, Grace decides to simply run “towards the Eiffel Tower.” She proceeds to get very lost and not find the Eiffel Tower. That said, she does find an interesting building that appears to be a church. She takes a selfie and decides not to tell Sara. (Sara wants to say she personally has nothing against churches, though advice from Rav Ariel makes going into them tricky).

How do you say “where is my airbnb in French?”

8:30 am – Concerned that Sara will be waiting for her Grace rushes back into the apartment. Sara is still sleeping.

9:04 am – After Sara consumes what appears to be a delicious, non vegan but very Cacher

Pan au Chocolaite (chocolate croissant).

9:06 am – The crew begins walking towards their 10 am tour. On the way Sara spots a store called “Women’s Secret,” apparently a knock off of Vicotira’s Secret, which she finds very amusing. She has Grace take a picture.

9:45 am – Grace, who refuses to try French coffee makes a pitstop at Starbucks for her morning Americano. She attempts to speak a bit of French to the Barista. He is not having it. Grace is forced to acknowledge that she does not really speak French.

10 am – Grace and Sara arrive at the Opera house to begin their walking tour of Paris’ Right Bank. Sara bonds with other tour participants while Grace (unsuccessfully) tries to work up the courage to ask the guide a question.

10:32 am – After some relatively detailed descriptions of the architecture of the neighborhood, which causes Sara to briefly consider changing her major to architecture, the guide gives the group an impromptu lesson on Zionism when he shows them the house where Theodor Herzl lived. The Crew is happy.

“Who here knows a little about Israeli history?”

10:45 am – Grace and Sara’s tour guide, who notably seems to be in support of a socialist uprising in Paris (Liberte, Equalite, Franternitie!), refers repeatedly to a restaurant called “Meec-Donelaldes.” It takes Grace and Sara a while to figure out that he means McDonalds. They are confused.

10:48 am – The Crew learns about Houseman Architecture and the different tiers of apartments in Paris. Sara compares the tiers to Princeton residential colleges with Wilson being on the bottom (near the sewage), Whitman on the top, and Forbes 40 minutes away near Grace and Sara’s airbnb.

11:45 am – The tour ends. Grace, who is frozen, jogs panickedly to the nearest cafe. Sara stays calmly to pay. The Cafe worker informs Grace they don’t open till 12, but Grace, who is certain she is so cold she is near death, convinces him to let her sit inside and order tea. Grace also orders the fanciest water she has ever had. She is very impressed.

12:20 pm – Having warmed up significantly the crew makes their way towards the subway to travel to lunch. Sara expertly navigates the crew towards their stop. Grace, who is very proud off herself for taking the subway asks Sara multiple times to take her photo walking into the subway. Sara refuses, reminding Grace that there are some sketchy people standing near the subway so they should probably just walk in. Grace feels vindicated in her opinion that subways are generally sketchy.

1:10 pm – After a relatively uneventful subway ride the crew arrives at a lovely restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, they stop for pastries at a nearby bakery. Grace notes that the French word for ice cream is “Glaces” which to her sounds like the Hebrew word for it “Glidah” which also sounds like the Spanish word for it “Helado.” Sara does not buy it.

1:15 pm – The crew calls Nathan to say Shabbat Shalom. The suggest that Nathan write a blog of his Puerto Rico journey. Per-usual Nathan vetos the idea (#notafreespirit). Those in favor should send their petitions to nfinkle@princeton.edu.

An unseeded, but cute, photo of S. Sacks.

2 pm – Feeling sufficiently nourished they set off to the Louvre to buy tickets for Shabbat. Grace decides that one subway ride per day is enough. The crew calls an uber.

2:15 pm After an impromptu photo shoot in front of the pyramid the crew is informed by the information desk that they can buy tickets for tomorrow at the ticket counter. After waiting in line at the ticket counter, they are told that in order to buy tickets for the next day they will need to speak to the information counter. A slightly befuddled crew walks back to the information counter where they are told they cannot buy tickets for tomorrow after all.

Look parents. We are cute and wholesome.

2:45 pm – The now disappointed Crew walks towards the Soitre, which Sara now knows means exit. They somehow end up in the Louvre mall (yes the Louvre has a mall) where Grace spots a Starbucks. The crew decides to camp out there.

3 pm – Grace finds the Louvre mall bathroom which amusingly also sells souvenir toilet paper, underwear, and champagne.

3:26 pm – Grace and Sara order vegan drinks. Sara orders a delicious chai tea latte with oat milk. Grace has buyer’s regret sipping her Americano. Luckily, she gets the feeling they will be at Starbucks again soon.

3:29 pm – Grace is instructed to begin blogging.

4:22 pm – Sara announces that they can visit the perfume museum on Shabbat (which is free!). The crew is excited about their slightly unorthodox plan (who needs the Louvre when you have the Louvre mall and the Perfume Museum). At this very moment Jake B. texts the THNG group message to update them on his planning for the group’s next trip (#springbreak2019). Sara is less amused.

Fun fact — there are 25 kosher restaurants in Panama.

4:24 pm – Sara calls her dad to say Shabbat Shalom. Grace attempts to call her parents but they do not pick up. Sara communicates with her family friend Zelda about plans for Shabbat meals. The crew is very appreciative of Zelda. Lacking paper, Sara writes down direction for the various places they will need to go on Shabbat on a postcard. Grace looks on in awe.

4:28 pm – Sara informs Grace that they need to go back to the Airbnb so that she can take a pre-shabbat nap while Grace gets ready.

4:35 pm – Sara also reminds Grace to say Shabbat Shalom to their blog fans and thank them for all their commenting. Grace loves positive reinforcement!

SHABBAT SHALOM!

5:09 pm – Blog update: After an unsuccessful metro ride and a slightly sketchy taxi Sara and Grace arrive at the airbnb 10 minutes before Shabbat. Sara showers while Grace updates the blog.

Day 2: January 24

10 pm — Grace notes that while it is technically still January 23rd, it feels like the last post came to a natural end and therefore seems appropriate that the crew begin the next day’s post.

10:10 pm — Grace and Sara stand up and walk over to the gate. In an aggressive (some might say assertive) attempt to make it to the front of the group boarding Grace leaves Sara behind.

10:11 pm — The crew is reunited. Boarding group 1 is called. Sara and Grace are boarding group 2. Grace is getting anxious.

10:12 pm — Boarding group 4 is called. The crew is confused because usually the number 2 comes after the number 1. Grace’s anxiety level rises

10:13 pm — Boarding group 4 is called again. Everyone waiting looks at each other in confusion because there does not appear to be anyone who is actually in group 4.

10:15 pm — In a shocking plot twist, boarding group 3 is called. Now Grace is very anxious! She exclaims to Sara, “what if we don’t have any place to put our bags??” Intimately aware of her friend’s emotional distress Sara boldly pushes through the people waiting from group 3 and announces to the gate agent, “we are group 4” (just to be clear, we were group two). The slightly confused gate agent lets them through.

10:30 pm — After settling into their seats (which are very surprisingly nice and have movie screens, unlike some planes on a certain airline that makes trips to Israel….), Sara facilitates a conversation setting some ground rules for the trip. Grace is impressed.

Grace is very excited about rule number 5.

10:32 pm — Sara takes some bendryl to facilitate sleep. Grace takes a potentially sketchy sleeping pill she bought on amazon. Both feel relatively satisfied with their choice. The plane is very empty so Grace moves to the row across from Sara to have more space. The crew briefly experiences some separation anxiety.

10:40 pm — As the Crew waits for take-off, positive feedback floods in from the first iteration of the blog. Judy Sacks (aka “Mommy and Co.”) leaves a comment which is very exciting. Grace notes that the blog might be her biggest accomplishment of the semester.

10:45 pm — Sara graciously steps into the role of religious advisor, pulling up the Traveler’s Prayer on her Siddur app.

10:55 pm — The flight takes off. Sara and Grace fall asleep

Approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes later…..

12 pm — Evelop! airlines flight (number unknown) lands in Paris. Sara and Grace spot two people wearing Princeton math sweatshirts and surreptitiously snap a photo.

Can anyone identify this Princeton student?

2 pm — After waiting in line for 45 minutes (a wait Grace repeatedly notes seems unfathomable and Sara points out they would not have had to deal with if they had just taken the bus) the crew (which Sara now insists is a duo) gets in a taxi and arrives at their Airbnb.

2:15 pm — Airbnb host Maria provides the crew/duo an in-depth tour of the facilities. Sara and Grace understand only the word “va-la”

This photo is not super related to any of these events but Sara thought it was cute so asked Grace to post it.

2:45 pm — After a brief rest in the room, Sara and Grace set out in search of food (as they have not eaten a real meal since dinner in the CJL the night before). They somehow decide they are in favor of postponing the wonderful satisfaction of good, French food, for a forty minute walk. Sara takes the keys because Grace has already managed to misplace them once.

3:14 pm – The crew is stopped by a very passionate French women asking for directions. Unfortunately she does not seem to speak English and Grace and Sara are not actually from Paris and thus It is unclear that their directions are of much help.

3:30 pm – Grace discovers Starbucks Paris and consumes her third cup of black coffee for the day. Sara takes a sip of the free sample coffee they are handing out at the door. The crew now feels very caffeinated.

4 pm – Grace and Sara pass a large building that appears to be a church. They conclude it is probably Notre Dame. They decide to take a picture from a safe distance away.

Notre Dame sighting. Feeling super מחמיר.

4:15 – Sara learns her first new word of French, “Solde” which means “Sale.” (It was her only new French word of the day).

4:30 pm – The duo arrives in the Le Marais (aka Jewish) neighborhood. Grace insists on taking photos in front of every sign they see in Hebrew. Sara makes a rule that the Grace has to read every sign before taking a picture with it.

4:36 pm The crew ends up settling on a very classic French meal — pita and falafel (which is both delicious and “cacher”).

Sara would like you to know this is NOT the best Falafel she has ever had.

4:55 pm – The crew tries to buy Nathan (aka Mr. President) “Happy Socks.” In usual style, Nathan vetoes any purchase.

5 pm – The crew passes a real estate store and begins considering the possibility of establishing a “Yavneh House of Princeton” outpost in Paris. Sara recommends that all those in favor should lobby their representatives (nfinkle@princeton.edu)

5:30 pm – Grace spots a Dutch homeware store from her childhood in Amsterdam. Sara proceeds to spend 30 minutes in said store choosing which body wash (or is it mousse) to buy. Grace buys earrings for 3 euros (which Sara reminds her is actually $5 but Grace chooses to ignore).

Grace: “I like telling myself that 3 euros is the same as 3 dollars.”

6 pm – The crew explores the French grocery store scene. Grace is disappointed until she finds lotus cookies and soy yogurt.

6:15 pm – Grace deccides to try an electric scooter. Sara tries to convince her that it is probably dangerous and not the best idea, but Grace is determined. Sara settles for giving Grace an in-depth lesson on how to ride the scooter safely. (Sara received such a lesson herself from her older brother during winter break).

Sara: “Grace Grace! Two feet on the scooter.”

6:19 pm – Grace grows bored of the scooter.

6:22 pm – The crew walks back towards their Airbnb and marvel at the beauty of Paris at night. They discuss the things that scared them as children. Grace was scared of the dark and heights. Sara was scared of accidentally eating chametz on Pesach.

6:45 pm – The crew passes an ornate chocolate store. Grace insists on taking a picture with the giant chocolate Sphinx given its initiate connection to her Near Eastern studies major. Sara wonders aloud if a house in Paris would cost that much more than a chocolate head.

Does this count as JP research? #fundmePrinceton

7 pm – Following the excitement of the chocolate head, the crew gets a bit lost. While Grace suggests calling an Uber, Sara calmly suggests they keep walking.

7:04 pm – The crew arrives at the Airbnb.

7:10 pm – Sara in inundated with a stream of positive comments and feedback about the first day of blogging from her family and the Yavneh community. Grace subtly hints at the fact that maybe her own family will start reading and commenting on the blog (hint-hint).

7:15 pm – After a rapid fire brain-storm sesh with her manager Sara, Grace heads out to a local cafe where like a true Parisian (or party animal you decide) she sits with her laptop and a beer and writes the blog. She also ordered a tea because the waiter said she had to order two drinks in order to sit there.

Classy מאד* (*Masback family, מאד is a Hebrew word for “very.”)

8:30 pm – The crew’s first day in Paris is complete. They fall asleep anticipating many new adventures tomorrow.

8:31 pm – Sara reminds Grace to give a shoutout to the Yoni-Josh-Daniel J. blog that is their inspiration.

8:45 pm – Grace calls her family and asks them to upload comments on the blog. They claim to not know how.

9:31 pm – The crew turns in for their first sleepover.