The meaning of “Au Revior”

When taught simple French, goodbye is simply “au revoir”.  

Top Left-My cutsew from Angelic Pretty // Top Right – My birthday present from Angelic Pretty //  Bottom Left- Hugs with Emilie // Bottom Right – Hugs with Rosalynn *All Photos from Rosalynn*

After the Angelic Tea Party, I felt like changing after the tea party. I wanted to be more comfortable at the end of the day. I talked with Rosalynn and Emilie. I know if we lived closer we would good friends. I felt like I’ve known them more than just 2 days! We said our goodbyes and parted. You can see the pain in my face as the hour drew closer to my plane ride back home. I walked to the Opera to met friends for dinner. I ate all day…

My last views of Paris as I walked with friends.

Marine, Marine, and Yumi found me, and we searched for a place to eat. Around the Opera there is a surprising amount of Asian restaurants! I think we ate a noodle restaurant. I chose a kimchi noodle plate. “Miam miam!”

My beautiful friends.

We walked back to the Opera. We just stood there and looked at each other on the steps of the Opera. We wrapped our arms around each other. Our noses became red, our eyes water, and we hugged tight. Surprisingly, we laughed too. Our words were not goodbye. The French never say goodbye.

My last view of my friends before I turned my back.

The French say:

“A Bientot” – See You Soon
“A Demain” – See You Tomorrow
“Bonne Journee / Soiree / Nuit” – Good day/ Even / Night
“Bonsoir” – Good night
“Salut” – See Ya

When The French do say “Good Bye” it is – “Au Revoir”. However, this means “to see again”.  “Voir” means “to see” and “re-” means “again”.
The only word close to “Good Bye” is “Adieu” – “To See You With God”

My favorite part of French is the lack of “Good Bye” the language. Merci.

This is an ode of “Au Revoir”  to my friends I met and shared my studying abroad experience. I cried (openly or privately) when I parted from them. We never said “Good Bye” – only words in French and kisses on the cheek.
Vasilisa – My Russian sister of Amiens, I love you so much. I miss you. I will visit your wonderful country one day!
Agathe and My Family – I can never repay your kindness during Christmas. My French greatly improved with just a short stay with you. I will miss you every Christmas forever.
Marine and Marine- My Sisters, you took me under your wings. You showed me everything in France! You are my beautiful twin friends.
Karima– My Sister, your astounding english taught me so must French. You have such a warm heart!
Yumi– My Yumi, My sister from Japan, You are so sweet. I miss your hugs, kind eyes and laughs. Thank you for answering my many questions about Japanese culture.
Mme Patricia and Marine’s Family – I will never be able to repay your kindness. I learned so much about France with you.
Rosalynn– My blogger sister, if only we had more time. You are so sweet and pure. I love watching you grow confident! Sing loud, dear!
Emilie – I admire you and your art! I am so glad I met you!
Samantha – I never thought I would meet you. You are the Princess of Fashion Blogs! You are always so kind to me.
Megu – You are a beautifulv, wonderful, girl! You are strong, cute, and fun. I look up to like a big sister! Forever 17!
Claire– Your smile always helped me feel better.  You gave me a complaint, which I will  always keep close to my heart.

Baby, the Stars Shine Bright Paris– You stole all my money, but you keep it. You let me find amazing friends and people that I would never have found on my own. Thank you forever!

Parents– Thank you for your support. You always support my dreams. “Ya”ll” are my home
Friends in the States – Because of you, I grew happy to be living in the middle of nowhere again. Thanks!

I met so many people and did so much.
But, life continues, does it not? That is why I’ve not been able to post. With so much school stress finally over, I am able to rest.

Yet, only for a little time!
YES! I am returning to Europe (leaving this week). I will travel by sea with my mom’s best friend to Spain and Southern France. I am her traveling buddy! She does not fly, and I have plenty of time to be at sea and land. She was kind enough to  plan a stop in Paris! I will see some of my dear friends!

There is no “Good Bye”s in French. 

Angelic Pretty Paris Tea Party – 2012

The Vedome Column at Place Vendome

After the Lolita Convention I was whipped away on the subway to the magical land of Angelic Pretty. Angelic Pretty’s tea party was hold at the Ritz Hotel.  The Ritz sits at Place Vendome, which is home to famous expensive stores. The Ritz is not for the faint hearted. This is a 5 star hotel, famous, and Princess Diana fled to her death from here.

Hotel Ritz Paris

I was so excited to place my little pink feet inside such a famous and exclusive hotel. The Ritz is under construction at the moment till summer 2014.

The Tea Room

Lolitas in poofy petticoats were directed into a stunning room. The room glowed with chandeliers, the walls covered with romantic paintings, the carpet and ceiling full of gold swirls, and the full length windows open to a wonderful garden. Sadly, I do not remember the name of this room.

Tea, please

‘R’ for chocolate

Soon the room filled up with girls. everyone was given a number for a best dress contest. We were told to talk, take picture, and to have drinks or chocolate. Every girl was like a princess.
I felt a bit out-of-place. My style is not the over-the-top-sweet lolita style that Angelic Pretty is known for. To tell you the truth, I felt a lot out-of-place. I was very emotional this day because it was the end of my journey in France. I felt overwhelmed. I enjoy more looking back at the tea party, then when I was there. I felt horribly sad at the time, but happy!

Anyways back to the tea party!

Maki and Asuka

The hosts, Maki and Asuka, entered in all their glory! I was breathless by them. They were perfect little dolls in the newest Angelic Pretty collection. Their outfits were classical but pastel.  Their makeup was flawless too. I tried to take close up pictures of their makeup.

Me with Asuka and Maki

Not only were they pretty, they were nice. They went to every girl and talked with them, as best as they could. They also stopped for pictures when ever asked. I felt bad that they could not relax!

And Picture of Maki, me, and Asuka when I left.

I sat away to drink some tea. I watched others take pictures. I became strangely shy and nervous. I asked no one for pictures and no one asked for mine. Then Asuka came to me. She said that she like my skirt. I was flabbergasted! My skirt was very old school. (I found it cheap second-hand in France. My favorite Angelic Pretty skirt was at home in the USA! ) Asuka pointed at it and said it was old and rare. Then she said that she had the same skirt.
At once a “cheap” Angelic Pretty skirt became gold.
Also, she was happy to see my pink “BearFace” pouch!

Chocolate Rosette

As for the new collection, Angelic Pretty displayed the new Chocolate Rosette. The designers described the new collection as a bit different and English inspired.

Fruit Cake

Fruit Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Birthday Cake

I found the new collection beautiful and yummy.
There was plenty of chocolate and sweets for all to eat! I will not try to explain the taste of the wonderful cakes. The pictures of food porn can honor you with delight!

Happy Birthday!

At one point, the host called out names. I was one of the few names. We all stood in a line in the front. Then a cake that was on fire came in the room, and it was for our birthdays! My birthday was about 2 weeks before the tea party, so I was completely surprised!  I was given a little gift -a pony cell phone charm. I adore it.

Winner for Best Dressed

Also, I want to present the winner of the contest- “Marijke Wilms”. She has always been nice to me! She is also starting a wonderful store- Rose Trianon.

I had a lot of fun. Many dreams came true that day!

My outfit:

Me with the Angelic Pretty Tea Party hosts.

Skirt, Pouch, Hair Clip, Charm: Angelic Pretty
Blouse: H&M
Shoes: Secret Shop
Glitter Bow: 6% DokiDoki

Blog Post on Angelic Pretty Paris Tea Party 2012:

Lolita Wonderland
Lunie Chan
Kera October 2012- Scans