France Day 2:

We overslept this morning, but still managed to hit all the sights we had planned for today. Riding the Metro here in Paris is exceedingly easy. We're navigating our way across town like Parisians already.

I put up a few select photos HERE that show a taste of what we're up to. I have tons more but I want to edit them before I share them with everyone.

I am suffering from a bit of information overload! It's so amazing here and I'm learning so much about Paris and the people that live here. My French is getting better already and I'm more confident about asserting various things in my travels (like getting tap water instead of mineral water) and I've already had a few occasions where French people asked me a question in French, and I answered in French and they responded back in FRENCH, not English. Maybe they're just humoring me, I don't know, but it's a fun adventure and a wonderful learning experience.

There are so many little things I want to write about, but it's all just too much to share at this point. I will say that yesterday while we were sitting at a cafe, I told Tim that so far, I was disappointed with the Parisian soundtrack. It sure doesn't sound like any French movie I've seen. Lots of techno... Anyway, when we got on the Metro this morning, there was a fat Frenchman who was busking in our car, playing the ACCORDION! :D It was this totally cheesy Parisian movie moment. I took some video that I'll try to upload to Youtube later.

That's all for now! Tomorrow we're going to Luxembourg Gardens, Rodin & Orsay Museums and Rue Cler... Abientot!

France Day 1:

After the longest flight is the history of my LIFE, we finally landed in Paris. We met other people with Go Ahead on the plane and they filled us in on their past adventures with what they affectionately refer to as "Slow-Ahead, Snow-Ahead, Blow-Ahead Tours". They also got me hooked on crossword puzzles, which I thought wasn't going to happen until I was at least 60, but hey, it was a good way to pass the time. Well, that and the gin. ;)

Our transfer assistant was almost 40 minutes late picking us up, so it took quite a while to get checked into our rooms. We dropped our bags off at the hotel and wandered around the Eiffel nabe. We found a cute little bistro and had some lunch. We attempted our French with the waiter who seemed pretty unimpressed.

Tim: Parlay Vooz ONGLAY?
Waiter: grunt
(we place our order, he walks away)
Erin: I think he likes us.
Tim: Yeah, I think he wants to hang out later.
Erin: He loves us Americans, and he thinks our crappy French is charming.
Tim: Totally. I think he wants to make out.

When we got back to hotel,some of our party (who kept yelling HAPPY BIRTHDAY every time they saw me) bought us some mimosas at the hotel bar. We chatted a bit and finally got settled in our room. SURE it has two twin beds instead of a full (we just pushed them together, no big deal) and sure this internet costs more than my computer. But the point is, that we are here and everything, even the small things are magical because it's Paris.

We are off to Ponte Neuf tonight for a boat tour on the Seine and then off to dinner at Alcazar. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go walk down the hall to the IRONING ROOM. Why yes, the French prefer to iron in a community environment. Thank you France for that fascinating lesson in our cultural differences!;)

Paris

I know Paris is just a place, like any other. It's morning smells of the night's past transgressions, stinky drunks, and jet-lagged tourists trying to find the McDonald's. The same sun rises over immense monuments standing tall for the world to stare agog. The stray dogs and falling leaves are no different than they are here in Colorado. The stone and pavement are just as hard and unforgiving as any other place I've walked. I've never imagined it as an impressionist painting. I've never imagined it as heaven on earth. I know the history, anguish and filth that's been awash in it's streets since it first sprang into being. But there is a magic there, I believe. Even those of my friends that are well traveled admit that Paris still holds them captive.

My early concept of Paris stemmed from books and the rash ideals spawned from their musty pages. Growing up in my tiny town, with my colorless reality, Paris seemed like the place where real life must begin. Everyone in Paris must be brilliant and stylish, the food must be incredible, the history and art overwhelming, and the scenery wondrous. I promised that I would go there. I promised that I would go and memorize each blade of grass, and each drop of water in the Seine, and each note of music floating on the breeze.

My life isn't colorless now. My world revolves around my brilliant and stylish friends, amazing food, and gorgeous scenery of Colorado. I cherish my life, and hold no hopes of finding new beginnings in Paris. However, I still hold my ideals formed amongst the seaweed and fish scales of my childhood. I owe it to my inner child. I must go see taste and experience everything I promised her I would. I plan to wander with my sweet husband and taste all the delights that Paris has to offer. I'll attempt to speak French, I'll try whatever food is placed in front of me, I'll memorize all the scents of city, I'll capture the gardens at Versailles, and every stroke of paint in the Louvre. When the 8 days are finished, I'll drag my tired bones back to my home, rich in memories and drunk on life's possibilities.