Vacation Blues

I have arrived home safely and, of course, I am struck with a bad case of the "great vacation blues". I am grateful to be home and I missed my kids and my guy terribly, but I couldn't help but find myself wondering where I would be and what I would be doing if I were back in Paris:

I certainly couldn't go out my front door and walk over the the Louvre to get in my daily dose of culture. The Mona Lisa and the Last Supper and the many masterpiece's housed there would not be at arms length away.

Breakfast will not be croissant and melted chocolate served hot, with a side of rich, whipped cream and chocolate crepes.

I couldn't take a leisurely stroll on the banks of the Sine and watch the artists while they worked.

Today I will not be taking a 3 hour bike tour of the city where I would find hidden gardens and tiny villages in the streets of Paris I would have never been able to find on my own.

Sunday's mass will not be at Notre Dame, where the actual nail hammered into Christ's hand on the crucifix and the crown of thorns worn on his head were on display.I won't be having a lazy glass of wine and a plate of cheese at a fabulous outdoor cafe, where I could soak in the local culture and talk with an English speaking Parisian about life in the great city.

I can't go have a nightcap in the famous Hemmingway bar in the Ritz Paris, where a shrine has been erected to the elusive author of so many important literary works. It was rumored to be his favorite stop when in the city, spending countless hours there doing his favorite work; drinking.

Diana slept here.

Instead I am at home with my family where I belong. Of course, there is laundry to do, cooking and cleaning and work that sits waiting for me to attend to it.

I don't mind, really. I consider myself so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have gone and experienced it and I am so glad to be home.

But between you and I, and for a moment today.... I dream about yesterday.

Bon Jour!! Day One

Greeting from Paris!! Wow!! It was a very long day today. We arrived safely at 5:45 am and went to our hotel where we took a small nap! (much needed) Then we were off on a walking tour of the city. It was a glorious day and the weather was perfect with lots of bright, sun and warm temperatures. The first thing we did was eat!! But of course, and check out the cappuchino!! Ooo la la, tre bien! (excuse my pathetic attempts at French)

The patisserie's are amazing and I wish I could bring home chocolate and macaroons for all of you. The candy above is sold in a stand in front of the movies!!! There are so many varieties of candy, it was amazing!! Tres chic!! (yes I purchased some. I couldn't resist)

This is the Place Vendome, and is directly around the corner from our hotel. We did a little shopping, Oui, oui!! We then went over to the Louvre, a most spectacular site to see!

Those are my girls!!! I love them!! We then went to the famed Latin Quarter for some wine and cheese at an adorable outdoor cafe and engaged in our favorite sport of people watching. More about that later.

Before I go, I wanted to share with you this little French bulldog, in his little French shop, on his little French street, in his little French country.

I love it here!!!