Jeff and I had the opportunity to say hello - bonjour - to Paris twice - deux fois - this year. Once with his parents in June and once with our friends, The Anthony's, in September. For me, the first visit was more intimidating than the second. As excited as I was to go and see - just to name a few - the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, the Pantheon, and Notre Dame, I was very nervous to speak French. Back in April, I had a two day temp gig and, one of those days, I had been asked to lunch by one of the employees - who happened to be French. Over lunch, we talked about how life was for us growing up - she in Paris, France and I in Corsicana, Texas. I told her her that in spite of my crazy excitement to visit Paris, that I also was very anxious to speak her language; I didn't want to screw it up! She assured me that as long as I attempted to start a conversation in French rather than English, acceptance from the locals would be easier. Sure my French wasn't perfect - not even close - but such great advice! I will say that I don't know what I would have done if Jeff hadn't been there. There would be times where I'd try to speak, but it would come out as a whisper. Jeff was the main voice during both trips, and I am so grateful that he picked up the slack. Thanks love. :)
The sights were beyond incredible and the food amazing! I sure do like macaroons, tarts, pastries, and - possibly my favorite - ice cream from Berthillon! Talk about food coma - more like a daze for me. Hands down the best ice cream I've ever had. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed both trips to Paris!
Paddington Station decked out for London 2012.
Jeff's parents.
The tired two.
Delicious Quiche Lorraine.
Yikes, tourist trap! Two 1/2 liter Cokes for 21 euros = 16.8 pounds = 26.9 dollars = INSANE.
Arc de Triomphe
View of the Eiffel Tower atop the Arc de Triomphe.
Louvre Pyramid
The Winged Victory of Samothrace or Nike.
Venus de Milo
Popular lady.
We made it to the front. She's well protected.
This was in the same room as the Mona Lisa but wasn't getting near the attention it should. It's incredibly detailed and huge!
Lunch in the Louvre courtyard.
So lovely at night.
Eiffel Tower
This pose is a must.
Incredible.
Jeff and I in front of Notre Dame.
Inside Notre Dame.
Back of Notre Dame.
Best ice cream ever.
Yum!
The Pantheon
Actual burial spot of Louis Braille inside the Pantheon.
Remember Cafe Debussy from Inception?
It's actually a cafe called Da Stuzzi in Paris.
Side view.
The place with amazing tote bags!
Anniversary gift - Longchamp tote bag!
Got a second chance in September to strike this pose.
Our sweet friends - Nicole and Tyler.
Of course we spread the news about the best ice cream on earth.
