Confessions of a McAddict

Let's talk about McDonalds. I love it so much. I'll tell you why: consistency, proper salt usage and a corporate structure that demands a certain level of customer service. OH, also wifi!!

 

Since coming to Paris I've had McDonald's 5 times. That's a lot for a vegetarian. Especially since I can count on one hand the number of true meals Ive had at McDonalds in America.  Sure I've stumbled into the Adams Morgan McD's at 2am and demanded they give me all of the fries and all of the McFlurreys. I've also restumbled in at 10am and tearfully begged them to make me an egg McBiscuit and the largest coffee they can find.

In Paris, I legitimately have gone to McDonalds for a proper dinner. I can't speak more highly about this experience, well actually I can because I'm a perfectionist. I criticize out of love and admiration. Here's how it goes:

Step 1: Walk in. Identify "Easy Order" Machines 

 

Step 2: Privately browse all of your dining options in the language of your choice.

Step 3: Pay at the machine. 

 

Step 4: Wait for good looking French person to call your number. This is where the only kink happens. They call your number in French!  Meanwhile, I've already told the machine I speak English. C'mon McDonalds, you're better than this. To rectify this situation  I just show them my receipt every time they call any number. As you can imagine, they love this. 

 

Step 5: Enjoy delicious meal!
 

Don't forget the macarons!

Northern Ireland

On my last full day in Dublin I took a day trip to Northern Ireland. This was one of my favorite days in Europe so far. 

The tour stated at the wee hour of 6:30AM. By 8:00AM we had crossed the border into Northern Ireland. And finally I got the coffee break that was promised to me. 

Our next stop was a coastal town that I can't remember the name of. I was still disoriented from my lack of coffee access.

Back in the bus and on to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

I crossed this bridge guys!  Still a little faint thinking about it.

Next we headed over to Giant's Causeway, a coastal structure that looks cool because a volcano erupted--NOT because the Irish people built it to attract tourists, said our tour guide a few too many times...

 

 

 

 

 

Next we quickly stopped to get some pictures of a castle. Notice the adorable sheep? Bhaaaaaa.

 

Our last stop was Belfast. I couldn't help but look for SAMCRO the entire time; sadly no sightings.

 

72 Hours in Dublin

Where to stay:
Hampton Hotel. Great deals can be found on Jetsetter. My rate was about $120 / night for weekend nights which is fantastic given Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

When to go:
I highly enjoyed my stay in mid November.  The city is beautiful during fall and yes it is cold, but not unbearable. Hotels and flights are also less expensive because it is considered off-peak.

Day 1
What to Wear:

Mu Du Floppy Hat
J.Crew Factory Gingham Shirt
J.Crew Pixie Pant in Leather Stripe
J.Crew MacAlister Wedge Boots
Bonita Layla Coat

What to do:
Arrive at DUB Airport. Unlike many major cities, Dublin's airport is actually somewhat close to the city center which makes flying in and out a breeze. 

The best way to get to your hotel is probably to take Air Coach--a bus that connects the Airport with the city center and major hotels. A round trip ticket to the Hampton Hotel is €14. 

After checking in to your hotel it is most likely time for a snack. By snack I mean beer. This can be achieved in the hotel bar which is actually quite nice and not very expensive. Try the clonmel 1650-an Irish lager. 

Next head over to St. Stephens Green. it's a gorgeous 20 minute walk from  the Hampton. You will most likely fall in Love with all the colored doors on the way like I did.

Stroll through St. Stephen's green now. 

If it's winter time you can grab a hot chocolate or better yet, mulled wine, from the Christmas Market.

Now it is time for dinner. If you're a vegetarian like me, God speed. You're better off if you eat fish so go for the fish and chips from a nearby pub. I suggest Kehoe's.

 

Last thing you need to do today is find some Irish music. You can find live music at most pubs or you can head over to Grafton street where there are local musicians playing on the street. They are actually pretty good too. 

 

 

Day 2

What to Wear:

 

Nice Things Sweater

J.Crew Factory Flannel Shirt

J.Crew Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill

J.Crew Mirror Perforated Loafers

Boots Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in "rule breaker"

Sony Camera

 

What to do:

Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast. Vegetarians can skip the sausage, bacon and black and white pudding. How they get meat into a pudding, I do not know.

Next head over to Temple Bar Square. This is a fun and quirky little neighborhood. It's a 30 minute walk from the Hampton but the best part about Dublin is all the funky stuff to look at so take your time and enjoy the walk.

Temple Bar is a great area to grab lunch. I suggest Hippety's Cafe which has great fresh and local food and a cozy atmosphere. 

Did I mention Day 2 is long and action packed? That means eat often! Now you are off to O'Connel street for a leisurely stroll. Head over to O'Connel Bridge and walk North up O'Connel Street.

The view from O'Connel Bridge.

I personally loved the Dublin Writers Museum but I recognize that it may not be for everyone. They have a great audio tour but the actual contents are a little dull.

 

Now head back down O'Connel Street for a wee bit o'shopping. Start with George's Street Arcade, which is Europe's oldest shopping arcade. Then head over to The Loft Market. The Loft Market houses several Irish designers and vintage collectors. I am kicking myself for not buying a handmade skirt made from Irish wool. Ugh. Student life. 

You have got to be exhausted by now. Also it's probably dinner time so I suggest heading back to the hotel and enjoying a casual dinner. The Hanpton features live music most nights. Plus you need to rest up for Day 3!

Day 3

What to Wear:

 

 

Zara Coat

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans

J.Crew Tissue Tee in Navy

Cath Kidston Plimsolls  

 

What to Do:

Having lived in a big city for 10 years I sometimes crave country life. In the sense that I want to gawk at it and take photos and then return to the conveniences of city life.... So for Day 3 I suggest heading out and seeing the Irish Country side. 

 

I opted to book a tour with Irish Day Tours. I booked the Giant's Causeway tour which takes you all over Northern Ireland. I highly recommend it. Since it was such a long day and technically it's a whole new country it deserves its own blog post. For now I'll leave you with a few teasers.

Day 4
What to Wear:

De Nada Knit Infinity Scarf
J.Crew Houndstooth Sweater
Uniqlo Wool Skirt
Cath Kinston Speckled Rib Tights
J.Crew MacAlister Wedge Boots
J.Crew Tweed Coat

 

What to Do:

Sadly it is time to go home. Enjoy one last Irish breakfast and then head back to the airport. If you are lucky like me this will happen...

A jetsetters dream: entire row to self on an otherwise crowded flight. Also note the perfect clover shot? How the... 

1st Arrondissement

Ah the 1st. It's the Paris you think of when you think of Paris. Know what I mean? Admittedly everything I am about to tell you about was not done in a single visit. Likewise, I haven't even seen everything there is to see in this neighborhood. But here are some highlights: 

The Louvre

What a crazy gem of a place. Kind of like Disneyland for art lovers. Not only is it full of beauties like the good ol' Mona Lisa, it is stunning from the outside. It Especially at night.

 

Brandy Melville Sweater

J.Crew Vest

Flea Market Skirt from London

Kate Spade Tights

Dolce Vita Boots

J.Crew Silk Cashmere Wrap

If you don't have the time to make it inside, there is plenty of street art thoughout the 1st that is almost like the real thing.

Angelina's

Remember in the Hunger Ganes when they went to the capital and the food was so rich and delicious that they all took pills to throw up so they could keep eating? Yea, you're going to want to get some of those before you come here. Eric and I had a light lunch of foie gras, lobster club sandwich, their famous Mont Blanc and a hot chocolate each. 

I had the white hot chocolate. And I'd do it again. 

 

The famous Mont Blanc. It sounds simple: a pile of whipped cream engulfed in a delicious hazelnut chocolate shell. It is so so much more though. 

Our waitress informed us that foie gras is actually easy to make. I'll get right on that. 

Librairie Galignani

If you're feeling a little Frenched out, right next door to Angelina's is a delightful English bookstore. It was the first english bookstore in Europe. It is also the location I almost passed out in after our 3000 calorie lunch at Angelina's. So full. 

All can be found on the famous Rue de Rivoli. In my head it is Rue de Ravioli--obviously. 

Jardin des Tuileries 

My favorite park in all of Paris. I've mentioned it before (maybe more than once) but it's worth mentioning again and again. It makes Central Park look like "the yard" on Prison Break. 

 

The most adorable lawn mower I've ever seen.

 

There are plenty of chairs all around for reading. I'm casually reading A Moveable Feast at the moment and when people look at me impressed I look back at them like "oh this old thing??" 

Musée de l'Orangerie / Musée d'Orsay

Both are fantastic and worth a visit. Musée de l'Orangerie is slightly smaller, less famous and less crowded which is appealing. Both have the famous guys you want to see-- Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh... But Musée d'Orsay has more of the famous paintings that regular people like me recognize. 

Laudurée

Well it goes with out saying that The Magnificent Macaron loves her some Macarons. This also means no visit to the 1st is complete without a stop at Laudurée; perhaps the most famous and beautiful macaronerie (a new word I've coined) in Paris or maybe even the world. 

Eric running through red lights to get there faster. Amour. 

E. Dehillerin 

 

It's settled. I need an entire kitchen full of copper cookware. It's so pretty. 

 

If you like cooking or cookware at all you have to go to E.Dehillerin. Period. Also the employees are friendly!! God bless them. 

Back to my croissant. Baisers!