Our week in Paris
The week has flown by...The first couple of days were sort of a blur of travel and jet lag but now we seem to be getting it together.
The flight was difficult but not terrible. The kids slept for about 1/2 of it (maybe more). Sayer had been horribly sick the morning that we left. He was a limp, lethargic and feverish lump on the couch at my studio. Like a true friend, Brene came to my work that morning bearing gifts- chewable kids advil that lasts 8 hours and gatorade. Between those 2 silver bullets and some rest, we managed to make it out of town and onto the plane. Mmmm...ice cream sundaes (minus the chocolate per Mommy's orders, couldn't have them amped up on chocolate on an 8 hour night flight right?).
On day one, we set out for the Eiffel Tower, which has been the thing Sayer keeps saying that he wants to see. This was his first glimpse as we walked up the Seine. He was so excited!
The Eiffel Tower is really a sight to behold if you get a chance in your lifetime. It is HUGE! The way the metal weaves its way up is just amazing.
We saw this near the Eiffel Tower, I swear for a second we all thought it was real.
After a lot of walking, which my Texan kids are not used to, Sayer asked if "we could please take a little rest". We found a shady spot and had their favorite drink, which happens to be a product of France! They have been very excited that Orangina is widely available here in almost every cafe and shop.
Today, we spent the afternoon at the Luxembourg Gardens. French people know how to set up a garden, that's for sure. There are acres and acres of public gardens here. One in particular, Le Jardin de Tuileries, is something like 3x bigger than NY's Central Park. The French people know how to enjoy a park too. Every one that we went to was full with people sitting, reading, sunning and enjoying the beautiful day. Here are some images from our day at Luxembourg...
The kids were being complete stinkers when I tried to get this shot so this was the best that I ended up with.
In front of this amazing, uh, house? Not sure exactly what to call it. I don't think it is a castle either. All around the water and the gardens are these beautiful statues of past queens. Kind of out of place among the queens was this very large head. Pretty cool though huh?
They have an amazing children's playground there too and the kids wore themselves out. Next to the playground was a great old Carousel as well. A few of the parks have marionette shows for children. Sayer was so sad to learn that it was closed today. So, on our return trip, that is high up on the agenda.
Finally it was time to head home. They love the Metro here so taking the train has been pretty easy. I'd kill for a stroller though because they get really tired of all of the walking. Note to readers: coming to Paris? Bring a stroller!
I am sitting on the balcony now looking out at the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and the rooftops of buildings. This city is incredible. It's so full of buildings, cars, people and lights! It's hard to imagine so many people all living in one place. When you go up on the Eiffel Tower and look out it is just mind blowing. The city goes out as far as you can see and is dense with buildings the whole way. We've been pleased at how nice everyone has been. You know Paris has a bad rap about being a rude city. I have never experienced rudeness. I have, in the most touristy areas, had people be quick (almost curt) with me but that is the same as you get in NY or any other big city. My experience here is that if you are humble, smile, say Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you) and S'il vous plait (please), people will be polite in return. And, you simply have to have a real French baguette in your lifetime. It's a whole other thing than what we eat at home. I know this well...I have just eaten 3/4 of one while I wrote this!
Tomorrow we board the TGV (fast train) down south to the place where we'll stay for the next 4 weeks. Stay tuned!
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 03:53PM
by
Farrah Braniff
in My Kids & Family, Travels, France- summer 2008
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1 Comment
Farrah Braniff
in My Kids & Family, Travels, France- summer 2008
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1 Comment
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Reader Comments (1)
I just got around to viewing your fabulous photos from Paris. What a place! The castle and flower shots are my favorites. One question: How did the red geraniums get into the bike basket? (photo outside your window)
C-ya,
Jodi