Well, Mom and I "trotted" over to Paris this weekend via the Eurostar. Yes, I know, we're world travelers. The first thing that must be said is that Paris in the middle of December, like Minnesota, is freezing. I thanked God that I was from the Midwest and could handle it, while Mom put on 7 layers of clothes. Then, with our "Lonely Planet" guide book in hand, we were off to see the city.
I won't even try to recount the entire weekend, b/c we really did see the city. So, as Mom tries to stuff more treasures into her already +50 lbs. suitcase and I further procrastinate my final papers, we will make a list of some of our top observations/memories of our Parisian adventure:
1) It's true: if you don't know French, don't expect a warm welcome. My attempts to learn the basics did not even suffice.
2) Paris, like any big city, has many different faces. From the small, twisted streets of the Latin Quarter to the extravagant boulevards such as the Avenue des Champs-Elysees to the hilly paths of Montmartre (to the more "colorful" area near our hotel)...we saw them all.
3) The French know how to make pastries...and crepes.
4) It's expensive. However, one can save 30-40 euro a meal by purchasing some cheese, fresh baguettes, wine, and grapes - bon apetit!
5) Mom still does not have an appreciation for nude art, but this is not from lack of studying it.
6) The Eiffel Tower is beautiful. However, if you actually want to go up it, either pre-order your tickets or be prepared to wait in line for several hours.
7) The art scene is still alive and well: although Manet, Degas, Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gough are memorialized in the numerous museums, check out the Montmartre square to see masterpieces being created.
8) If you don't have a significant other, don't be deterred...it's just as romantic w/ your mother.
Tell your Mother that she is not alone in her dissatisfaction with nude art. haha! Glad to hear you had a good time! God bless.
ReplyDelete-Ehan