Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Paris holds one of the keys to my heart...


Ten years ago I had what I would put on my top 5 list of life changing experiences. It was my Junior year in college I decided to follow in the footsteps my mom had taken several years earlier and study abroad in Paris. It was a 3 1/2 month program. I didn't know anyone in the program prior to the program. I barely spoke french and it was my first time traveling to another country (besides a small trip to Mexico). It was an experience of a lifetime. I came away from that program an enlightened 20 year old. I also came away with some lifelong friends who have impacted the person that I am today.

Last week I had the opportunity to return to Paris with those dear friends and with a close friend of ours who we would never have met if not for Paris..

I have a pretty amazing husband who supported my trip and some pretty amazing parents who watched the kids while I was gone for 6 days..

Here are some things I want to remember from the trip:

Our bike ride that took us from Notre Dame, along the Seine, to the Louvre, through the Tuileries Garden, and under the Eiffel Tower.




Strolling around the neighborhood (near the Pompidou Center) we knew so well because our classes were held there..





Returning to the Sacre Coeur and to the artist spot behind it..


I saw something new this time and it was the Pantheon and we even got to ride the bikes again..



Driving to Honfleur (in Normandy) and finding the perfect french town (even though they were mean and all the restaurants closed just as we arrived)



Versailles and reliving our "perfect day" by riding our bikes through the gardens..





Noticing all the places I would want to kiss Boyd



Noticing all the places the kids would like



Getting to places just after closing..Eating as much crepes/pastries/chocolate food as possible the last day for fear that we wouldn't get them again..



Spending a week with Monica, Jules, and Gina..


I missed my family and I was excited to see them when I got back. I do think it was good for all of us, though. Eli, however didn't want anything to do with me when I got back. He wouldn't come to me at first and he only wanted Boyd for the first 3 days. I was interesting to see Boyd at the top of the pecking order. Gavin was just excited and all smiles. He kept asking me "if I went to Paris with my friends." I brought a toy train back with me and he kept talking about his "train from Paris." I had a hard time adjusting to reality when I got back. Luckily my parents stayed for 5 more days! Thank you Mom and Dad!

Hopefully, I can return again soon...

14 comments:

ClinTeeny said...

It was so good to hear from you. Your kids are so cute, and your trip looks amazing!! Keep in touch! Kjerstine

HS @ Our Debt Blog said...

wow... don't ask how I got to this blog but you just reminded me that I don't have a life LOL.. amazing, keep enjoying life!!!




hs

Unknown said...

*sigh* Em I am so jealous, that was so neat that you got to back to Paris with your friends and revisit old haunts and see the sights. ahh c'est la vie.
I hope Eli warmed up to you again! ;)

Ryan said...

I wish I rented the bikes! I am so glad you got to go back. Paris is such a beautiful city. Fun to see you gals together again.


The street performers always freek me out. I think they are hiding somingthing and I am suspicious of them

Tara said...

That looks like so much fun!!! I'm more than just a little jealous!

cheyney webb said...

That is so wonderful to have a girls trip like that! Paris is a place you just can't get enough of. It looks like you did it all in the 6 days you were there! I am hoping Ryan will sponsor a girls trip for me!

Hemingways said...

Looks like so much fun! What an amazing experience. I'm impressed you have all stayed in touch for so long. I love Paris...the food is so yummy.

Jed and Kate said...

Looks like so much fun! I LOVE Paris! What an amazing trip! We're glad to have you back tho!
-Kate

Karen said...

Nothing says it like the vanity license plate I saw today, "GELOUS"! How fun!

Anonymous said...

That's so amazing that you were able to go back to Paris. I love all the photos. They reminded me of my study abroad. I miss Paris. If you are ever dying to reminisce on adventures in France, I am more than willing.

Lindsay said...

Man!! What a beautiful trip. I am totally inspired by your energy and zest for life- you are always doing amazing things. Keep it up!

mysomedaylist said...

Wow Em,

I'm so jealous. It looks like you had so much fun. It is hard to leave your kids, though. When Jeff and I took a small trip a while ago, Liam wanted nothing to do with us when we got back. He only wanted Aunt Jen. It just kills you. Also, don't you love how, now that you have kids, when you are away from them, you think, wow, _______would really love that. That was totally what Russia was like this summer. Glad you had fun!

Justin Call said...

That sounds like a wonderful trip, it must have been wonderful to return there after so many years.

Unknown said...

Take me next time!!! :) Love you!