Giddy Up!

For Halloween, the US Embassy here in Paris held a treat or treat. I helped set up the little party and was able to meet a few people. Boston loved dressing up as a cowboy. We didn’t really think to come prepared with a costume, but after a trip to the toy store (not many costumes are sold here) and borrowing a hat and bandana from a friend, we were golden.

I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to bring the gun in since we had to go through security, but the gentleman at the entrance said after its inspection, “well, if we take it away, then no one will know he’s a cowboy.” He made a great point. We taught Boston to say, ‘trick or treat’ as we walked around to all the offices and to also say, ‘howdy’.

He still wants to put on his holster every day. I’m loving it. Now to find him a horse.

The Red Carpet

One Saturday morning we ventured out to see some antique markets. We came across one that had a beautiful red carpet flowing through it and old movie paintings lining one of the streets. Boston loved trying the crawl under the fenced off area to get to the forbidden painting. It was fun- I’ve never been on a red carpet before.

Week 3: Versailles

We had a great day visiting Versailles a few weeks ago. The gardens were absolutely incredible. I loved the symmetry of it all. The trees and hedges were trimmed perfectly. It was a tad cold, but we loved walking the grounds and seeing the fountains hidden throughout. We also liked the Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. Throughout her little chateau were fashion pieces made by modern designers that drew their inspiration from the era. It was a very interesting exhibit.

Eric had read beforehand that the fountain show in the gardens is fantastic. We went in with high expectations only to be a bit disappointed. You see, we were thinking Bellagio fountains and of course they were nothing of the sort. They were quite beautiful, just not the Bellagio.

Just outside in MA’s garden, we came upon a goose that did not like visitors. It snipped at Boston’s shoes and Eric’s clothing. We thought it was funny. He did not.

We had a great time and Boston loved being given his own headset to listen to. It provided great entertainment for him and allowed us to be able to listen to our own.

Week 3: Bubbles and Orsay

After church one Sunday, we walked through the square and saw some performers. Boston has a deep love for bubbles and could not get enough of this street performer. I need to learn how to make bubbles like this because it kept him entertained for some time- And look at how huge these bubbles are!

After walking through town we went to the Orsay museum. We didn’t take many pictures. Just a few. We especially enjoyed eating cookies outside.

We ended our day overlooking the Champs Elysees.

Week 2

Eric is really enjoying his job and the issues that he is researching and assisting with. He was invited to a fancy dinner with his colleagues. Too bad B and I had to stay home.

B and I enjoy make long strolls around town and picnics in the park. He loves to see the cool high school kids although I hope he doesn’t pick up on their smoking habits. Everyone here seems to smoke.

This week we visited Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon. It’s so lovely. We also came across the slut walk protest. I’ll let you look it up. I find it to be somewhat of an interesting subject, but I won’t state my opinion in the matter.

And since it was the first Sunday of the month, that means free museum day. Oh how I miss not having to pay for the museums in DC. We visited the Pompidou modern art museum, which is right by church. No one was there since they don’t have a satellite connection and it was GC.

We spent some time strolling the streets and found this yummy-looking candy stand on the walkway between two busy roads- and why not? Seems like a perfectly good spot to me too.

We also happened to come upon a fashion show- at least that’s what I think was going on. So I snapped a picture. As we were walking by we saw four large rolling racks full of black garment bags being rolled into the back door of this building. When I went in for a closer look, I found lots of beautiful women getting their hair and makeup done. We walked around the building to see if there were any signs up as to what was going on, but no luck.

Week 1

We landed in Paris. Is this real? Are we actually going to live here for three months? So far it just seemed like we were on holiday, but after schlepping our things around the city trying to get to our apartment, it seemed a little more than just a vacation. Maybe there’s a reason to Eric’s madness when he only lets Boston and me bring carryon luggage whenever we travel home to visit our families. I should have taken a note or two from my friend WK, who is the queen of schlepping.

We spent our first week getting oriented with the area. We spent our anniversary laving a picnic at the Eiffel Tower and strolling the Champs Elysees.

We traveled to Notre Dame and saw one of the many lock bridges.

While Eric works, Boston and I spend our time exploring the many parks this town has to offer and eating as many baguettes and chocolate éclairs as we can (it’s a good thing we walk a lot).

First impressions of the French people: Could they be any nicer?! They are always willing to help me carry the stroller down the stairs and my neighbor, a restaurant owner, brings us free food. If I try to speak French and make a mistake, they kindly correct me and tell me to keep trying. That I’ll get better. I’ve already been invited for coffee at another neighbor’s home. I’m loving it here.

As Boston and I were strolling one day along the Champs Elysees, I saw this beautiful gate and a long line of people waiting to get in. I knew it wasn’t Louis Vitton, that was farther up the road, but I had to get a closer look to see what I was missing out on. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH—really?! I don’t know why I find this so surprising. Maybe I just don’t think it’s that great or as much of a luxury.

We made it to Paris.

Bon Jour!!

 

We finally made it to Paris.  We arrived yesterday afternoon and made our way to our apartment.  Our apartment is just outside of the city in Boulogne-Biliancourt.  It is a quiet walkable residential neighborhood.  Our apartment is on the 5^th of an old building with a winding staircase and creaky wooden floors. We had quite the adventure lugging our bags across town to our apartment but we made it.

 

We spent today exploring our neighborhood which has several grocery stores, a morning outdoor food market, a park with a nice playground and a Gap all within a couple of blocks.   This evening we went to the Eiffel tower and then walked down the Champs Elysees. 

 

We have plenty of room and a fold out couch if anyone decides they want to come and visit.