Finally--a break

I've survived my first semester of university.
*collective sigh of relief*


These last few days I've had the chance to really reflect on my time spent here. Just the other day I rediscovered the email I received from NYU telling me of acceptance..kind of.

The first lines read :

"We have just completed our review of your application to New York University and though we are very much looking forward to offering you admission and having you here at NYU, we are unable to offer you direct admission to the College of Arts and Science.  I am, however, eager to share with you that we can offer you admission to NYU's Liberal Studies Program, with a freshman year space reserved for you at one of our global academic centers in either Florence, London, Paris, or Shanghai"

It seemed like a backhanded compliment. Like I wasn't what they were looking for to be part of the New York campus so instead they sent me away to their tiny branch in a foreign city.

But I honestly couldn't have asked for anything better. Of course there have been times when I miss my family and friends (and cat and Chipotle..) and wished I was in the United States, but i have realized I have my whole life to return to Westerville, Ohio. Never will I have the chance to be here in Paris for such an extended amount of time. Had I not taken NYU up on their offer I would have never in my life had the opportunity to learn French. I think how long it took me to learn several tenses in Spanish (I'm talking several years...) and in just three months j'ai appris beaucoup des choses! 

And in less than a week Mike, Shelley and Michelle Schultheis are coming to me!

I have created a list of my favorite restuarants, attractions and shopping in Paris so that they can select a few things on their proitity list. I think I will post a copy of it so should you ever come to Paris, you have an insiders view .


I intend on updating on things like food and travel since the semester has flown by but I hope you enjoy the holiday season and get to enjoy it with the ones you love!

Here's a little catch-up..

a few pictures from November to early December.

Thanksgiving dinner on the Eiffel Tower..it was incredible.L to R : Moi, Matthew, Michael, Federico, Ryan, Bethany, Komal

A cute French spin on American Thanksgiving

Cranberry sauce, a turkey medallion filled with stuffing, potato au gratin topped with sweet potato casserole, and the most DELICIOUS gravy I've ever had. 

I commend you, France.

A pumpkin-y squash tart

Inside the belly of the beast

Heaven?

 Look who came for a visit! Salome! 

Nothing says Christmas like guacamole.

So there's only 15 days until Christmas, and as a way to celebrate/apologize for being a terrible blogger I am imparting upon you my favorite recipe for guacamole.

As if that wasn't inciting enough it is inspired by Chipotle's insanely delicious/addictive guac. So if you're like me and in a remote part of the world where no Chipotle has dared to venture...this recipe will more than make due.

Maybe throw in some cherry tomato bits and you have a very festive holiday side dish!

Joyeux Noël! 

 

The World's Most Delicious Guacamole 

 

Ingredients:

 

2 ripe Hass Avocados (ripe means black skin..not green)

1/4 Red Onion, chopped

1/4 of a Lime's juice

1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 

2 tablespoons fresh Cilantro, finely chopped 

1/2 teaspoon course Salt

Cut the avocados in half and remove pits. Keep these saved aside for later. Scoop the green deliciousness and throw the skins out.

Mash avocado until a nice smooth consistency.

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. If you like spicy guac, throw in the seeds from the jalapeno.

Serve with tortilla chips and refrain from just eating the elixer of God with a spoon.

If you for some reason have left overs, which in my opinion is impossible as you can easily consume with one friend it in a sitting, here's some ways to keep it fresh and dandy.


Put the pits back in the guacamole. Don't ask me why but something about the pits slows the process of the avocado turning brown. Of course take them out when ready to serve.


Place a layer of plastic wrap directly over the surface of the guacamole. This will act as a barrier from the air that turns guac the ugly brown color. 


Refrigerate! This one is self explanatory.