Paris at last

Kellen and I arrived in Paris on the evening of Monday, August 1. Even though the train ride from London to Paris was quick and very easy, we were both really glad to arrive and start our vacation. Our friends David and Kristin have a really cute apartment that they have generously opened up to us, and they have been so sweet to show us around and be our tour guides. That first night, we shared some meat and cheese boards and wine at one of their favorite local spots. We then walked around and sat on the Champ de Mars, just in time for the 1AM sparkle of the Eiffel Tower.

We have eaten some terribly fantastic food here. Our first full day here, we went to get lunch at L'avant Comptoir, a tiny standing-room only restaurant where we had fried fat (it was delicious; I thought it would be a textural nightmare, but it was were really good. Similar to a fried mozzarella stick), delicious tuna, beef carpaccio with parmesan, and a truly delicious artichoke...and of course wine. D&K then took us on a walking tour where we picked up some delicious chocolates and some macaroons at Laduree, then went to the Louvre to have a taste test. (FYI: the melon macaroon and the coconut macaroon were the clear winners; citrus thyme, raspberry, guava, and strawberry mint fell short.)

Some of the treats at Laduree

Just outside of the Louvre, a street artist's work caught our eye. Kristin had been wanting to bring some art back as a souvenir, so we looked through all of his work trying to help her find the perfect pieces. The artist, who we learned was named Michel Lode, did not speak much English, but we were able to communicate a little with him.

Admiring Michel's work

Bargaining with Michel

Kristin decided on 3 pieces, and after bargaining with Michel, she was able to get all 3 for a reasonable price. When he was rolling up Kristin's pieces, he threw one in for me...for free!

Kristin, Michel, and me
(photo: David Christie)

We walked around some more, then decided to head home to shower and get ready for dinner. We went to one of D&K's favorite restaurants, Chez Gladines. We had David's favorite meal here in Paris, which was duck with potatoes au gratin and the most delicious roquefort sauce you can imagine. Actually, no. The sauce was better than you can imagine.

(photo: David Christie)

We are all really having a great time. I am so thankful to have D&K to show us around. I was afraid I would be a little overwhelmed being in a country where I don't speak the language (except for counting...any time we need to count 1-15 I have that covered), but it has actually been fine. As long as we attempt to speak French, the locals are (for the most part) very nice. Many people here actually know some English, so if they see us struggle with speaking French, they ask if we want to speak English. It has been a wonderful trip so far, and I promise to post more updates soon.