Paris – so far…

So, here we are at the end of the 4th day and I finaly found A) an internet café and B) an English keyboard.  Both are making me very happy.  I have been able to check email but composing has been a challenge.  I still can’t find the @ sign on the French keyboard.

I.Love.Paris.   I don’t love Paris weather in the springtime and definitely packed terribly for the trip – but the beauty of this place MORE that makes up for the cloudy skies and cold temperatures.

I have taken hundreds of photos.  It’s a budding photographer’s heaven.  Everywhere you look there is something beautiful to look at and I’ve tried to capture as much of it as I can.  I hope, when I get home and look at the pictures, that I’ve done it justice.

Some highlights and other observations:

• I rock in French.  I’ve been complemented by strangers and I am extremely proud of myself.  And I’m loving speaking and listening to people speak the language.  I just may be a Francophile and didn’t  know it.
• Paris is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in my life – and possibly the stinkiest.  I don’t know if it’s the time of year of terrible luck, but everywhere we go (especially metro stations) it reeks like pee.  And that makes me want to vomit.  I haven’t yet – but have been close.
• The food.  Oh, wow, the food.  I could eat the bread and butter and cheese every day for the rest of my life.  It’s amazing.  And we have not been disapointed at any meal.  We leave full and happy every time.
• The wine.  Yum.
• Our hotel is tiny and adorable and perfectly French.  Including the outlets.  Turns out my hairdryer will overheat and come close to burning my head if I try to use it.  Yes, my bad for not checking.  I assumed that as long as I had the outlet adapter I could use it.  Not so.  I know now, fried head and all.
• The drivers are CRAZY.  Or the street lights are.  Either way I see at least one person almost get hit every day.  And I’ve been *that* person once..or twice.
• We have walked 8000 miles since we’ve arrived.  Ok, a slight exaggeration, but just barely.  My feet are aching.  Beyond aching.  Perhaps bruised.   Thanks to those who suggested comfortable shoes, because without them I would likely have to amputate both my feet.  I now totally get why French people are so skinny.
• The Eiffel Tower visit was so worth it.  And at night, on the half hour, it sparkles.  That may be my favourite thing so far.
• I was wrong.  I don’t just miss Jaia (and Dan).  It ‘s more than that.  I wish they were here with me.  Next time.
• The hot dog are ridiculously long.  Weird.

More to come……………….with pictures…