We were all set to watch Game 7 of the World Series last night but we fell asleep on the sofa at 8:30, woke at 9:30, went to bed and woke up this morning at 4:30.
Jet lag is real, my friends.
So, it’s now 8:30 and I’ve been up for four hours.
Anyway, I’m not sure how much about our trip you’d like me to share. I’m happy posting about it every day for a few days, but if you’re thinking, “We already read about it last year…” I will refrain. Let me know.
Our flight there was an overnight affair and we landed and arrived at our hotel around 11 am the next day. We couldn’t check in until 1, so we had some lunch and then walked around in a sleep-deprived haze. We ended up walking a bit too far, but the Seine was calling to us, so we had to answer.
The weather was cooler than last year, with many days of gray skies, not unlike the weather back home. In fact, the temperatures in Paris were often very close to the temps here in the Hudson Valley. We did have two beautifully sunny days, and a bit of rain, though it didn’t last long. Paris is beautiful and fascinating no matter what the weather and we loved it just as much when skies were gray.
One of the many courtyards in Paris. This one is on the Rue de Bonaparte, a favorite path to the Seine.
Our mantra this time was to just be. We wanted to let the days evolve without muscling through them. For the most part, we were successful. We had some thoughts about where we wanted to go; Shakespeare and Company, the Seine, Jardin du Luxembourg, explore a bit more of the Right Bank – but other than that, we let it happen. I kept a journal, which I now realize was a necessity, because my brain is foggy and I can’t remember chronological order.
More of the courtyard. I love, love, love that door.
We did a little buying; books (both new and old), egg cups, a beautiful vintage bowl, a couple of interesting vintage finds for Don at the Flea Market, and some miniatures. I’ll share all of that with you as I recap our adventure over the next few days. Our purchases were modest, but meaningful to us.
We had great conversations with the many Parisians we met; all of them, to a person, kind and generous and friendly. My goal in the next year is to work on my command of French. I studied it for 4 years in school, but I’m very rusty. I can get by and I know how to pronounce the words with that French touch (courtesy of my schooling and my work with dialects) but I feel that I put more of an effort in last year than I did this year. I plan to be much more conversant on our next visit to Paris. A good project over the coming winter months.
I’m not sure how to say it, but I feel the most closest to ‘me’ when I’m in Paris. It’s as if I remember who I am. I have such a strong connection to that city that it seems as if I’ve always known it somewhere in my soul. People used to tell me I looked French (never understood that one, though I think it had to do with dark hair and big, dark eyes) or that I seemed European. I don’t know if any of that was true or is true but I do feel a connection to Paris deep within my bones. It became even stronger with this, our second visit. Don loves it, too. He already wants to go back.
I’ll share more. I’m trying to sort through my feelings and impressions and, at the same time, battle jet lag. Tomorrow should be better.
I’m so grateful we went. I came close to cancelling the trip, and I’ve thanked Don over and over for pushing me to go when fear took over my reasoning process. It was a priceless experience.
More tomorrow, my friends.
Happy Thursday.
Linda Enneking says
Thank you for sharing your photos and thoughts about Paris. I am looking forward to seeing much more . I will never be able to go to Paris, so I am living vicariously through you. What you have shared thus far is wonderful.
Claudia says
Thank you, Linda!
Joanne says
Beautiful photos. So glad you changed your mind about going, ENJOY every second!
Blessings, Joanne
Claudia says
Thank you, Joanne!
Shanna says
Lovely. I think that if Paris is on your mind you should post about it—whenever and as often as it may be! I will love seeing/hearing about it.
I understand about feeling to be your true self in a place, too. For me, it is definitely San Francisco, though I do have a strong connection to France and the French. I studied the language for years, too, but many years ago. And since I haven’t kept up with it, most of it has left me. (Boo hoo.) Maybe if I had been able to study it at a younger age it would have stayed with me longer.
Claudia says
Thank you, Shanna!
.Melanie says
I’ve been to various places in the US (not as many as I’d like), Canada, Mexico and England. I have found that the places that speak to me the most (so far) are Lake Michigan, the Pacific ocean, and England. I find so much beauty and …. something I can’t name … in those places, that that they bring me to tears.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip…yes, keep posting about it!
Claudia says
England has always done that for me as well.
Thanks, Melanie!
Cara says
Thanks, Claudia, for sharing. We were in Paris in late May. It really is a wonderful city.
I hope you didn’t go on the evil union-busting Norwegian Air this time and had a more pleasant flight.
I actually enjoy going to bed really early and waking up early when we get home from a Europe trip. I find that my days seem so productive when they start early, and I also find I feel more rested in that schedule. Unfortunately it doesn’t hold.
Claudia says
We can’t fly that airline anymore as they no longer go out of our local airport. And the seats were the hardest I ever sat upon!
We flew Delta/Air France. They were great.
Thanks, Cara.
barb brownlee says
LOVE all the stories and pics from the trip- vicarious travel is often the best part of the day- your happiness just shines through-
regards from here (where it got actually cold)-
Barb in Texas
Claudia says
Thanks, Barb!
Deborah Robinson says
Bienvenue Claudia!
Please, please, please share your journey/trip with us!
Merci,
Deb
Claudia says
Thank you, Deborah!
Donnamae says
Oh yes…blog all you want about Paris! We love to travel…and hearing and reading about others’ travels is always fun for me. Yes…jet lag is real. I think the it’s worse coming back home then the other way around.
I am in awe of the architecture of European cities. Be it a church, or a courtyard, a brick street, or a great door. And yes …that is a great door.
I’m anxious to hear and see more. Currently, I’m staring out the window at almost 6 inches of snow, and it’s still falling. It’s way too early for this!! It’s definitely time to plan a getaway. Enjoy your day! ;)
Claudia says
It’s much worse coming back! We’re having a very hard time. Sorry about the darned snow!
kathy in iowa says
glad you had a wonderful time (except for that awful pickpocketing experience) and safe travels! best wishes on dealing with jetlag.
while your posts serve as a journal for you and don, you also kindly share so much with us and i appreciate it all! as someone who hopes to get to paris someday, i hope you will share all that you want (no pressure intended though). merci, too, for the photos you posted on instagram during your time in paris.
great photos. love the moody sky in the first photo (and glad you weren’t hampered by too much rain). my favorite parts about today’s post? these words: “… the seine was calling to us, so we had to answer” and especially these: “… on our next visit to paris”!
and your choice of the word “visit” (rather than “trip”) made me smile. we visit friends, don’t we? :)
hope you have an easy day today.
kathy in iowa
ps: glad you know the language and felt more yourself in paris. i have such a feeling when i am with my family, when i am here in town or minneapolis or new orleans, whenever i am in or by water, in my car or at home and when i am knitting, writing or painting,
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Kathy!
jeanie says
Well, I hope you share everything you can! Photos, what you loved (or didn’t); where and what you ate or saw or did! And I don’t care one single bit if you posted it all before in last year’s post. It will be like a visit to a home I’ve only visited.
And yes, jet lag is real and never let anyone tell you otherwise!
Claudia says
Thank you, Jeanie!
Dee Dee says
Welcome back Claudia! Please share every aspect of your visit to Paris, it’s evoking so many memories of that wonderful city. Sorry to hear that Don was pick pocketed whilst you were there. The first time I visited was with two girlfriends, we were in our late teens, had very little money and stayed in a very cheap hotel near to Bastille which we suspected was doubling up as a brothel at night (that’s another story😀). Anyway it was the mid Seventies and long belted cardigans were all the fashion. My friend Julia had one but the belt loop tore so she fixed it with a small safety pin. Later in the week it went missing from our room but we couldn’t be sure she hadn’t left it when we were out sightseeing.
Next morning Monique maid of all trades in the hotel, served us breakfast wearing Julia’s cardigan!! “Give me back my cardigan!” Julia shouted in her best French. With a Gallic shrug of the shoulders and no apology, Monique handed it over.
Happy Thursday
Claudia says
That’s quite a story, Dee Dee!
Thank you!
tammy j says
this land locked armchair traveler NEVER tires of it!
thank you dear bean. xo
Claudia says
Thank you, Tammy!
Melissa Farley says
Inspiring! Thank you and keep writing!
Melissa
Claudia says
Thank you, Melissa!
Carol says
Claudia – I love seeing your reflections on Paris! I’ve been there several times and it is so enjoyable to read your reflections! Carol
Claudia says
Thank you, Carol!
Elaine says
Please keep talking and showing pictures of Paris. It is a place I will never get to visit. I would like to know how the people live, eat, what restaurants are like. Thanks for sharing.
Claudia says
Thank you, Elaine!
Martha in SF (fires ending, more clean air, please) says
Yes, please, Claudia, more, more, encore!
Enjoying it all!!
Nice clarity to your photos. J’aime toutes les photos.
The water at the Louvre – I can smell the air almost, a little cold, yes.
The wrought iron railings on the balconies.
The metro sign – one of my favorites – and the fiche advertising a “Hallowe’en” event – becoming more and more popular throughout France (they picked up on the chance to make a buck, too ;-)) ) – reminds me also about missing the nice school vacation in October, one good thing about religious holidays.
Claudia says
Thank you, Martha!
Janet K. says
I agree with the previous comments. Please continue to share your memories. Your commentary is great and along with your lovely pictures it gives us a reminder that we are all a part of a beautiful world. Thanks for sharing!
Claudia says
Thank you, Janet!
Kelly says
Hi Claudia, I was tickled to learn you and Don were visiting Paris again this year! And I love hearing of your adventures and seeing the pics. Please continue to share!
Claudia says
Thank you, Kelly!
Helga says
Can`t get enough of it. Pls share more pictures of Paris, Claudia!!! Thank you for sharing your voyage !
Claudia says
Thank you, Helga!
Marilyn says
Thank You for sharing your trip to Paris. I enjoy seeing the sights. That is funny that you are mistaken for French. My late mother’s ancestors came from La Rochelle France. My mother’s family did inherit the sallow skin color. Some say my older sister looks French and English. My twin sister and I look Irish.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you, Marilyn!
Nancy says
Please share your photos and descriptions for as long as you want! I love virtual vacations!
Claudia says
Thank you, Nancy!
Linda Mackean says
Please share all you can with us. I know the magic of Paris and I so relate to feeling more like yourself there then anywhere else. It is where I long to return and pray that will happen while I’m still able to enjoy walking this amazing city. Hugs!
Claudia says
I hope you can return to Paris, my friend. xo
janohio47 says
I hope you will continue to share about your trip(s). I doubt ever traveling to Paris, so enjoy your pictures & narrative of your visit there. My sister has traveled extensively in the world, and I remember how much she loved Paris.
Claudia says
Thank you, Jan!
Grace says
Welcome back and it would be a pleasure to enjoy whatever you wish to share Claudia!
Claudia says
Thank you, Grace!
Nora in CT says
Welcome home! Thank you for the photos and introduction to your journey back to “you”. I love that feeling of belonging to a place, feeling it in your bones. I wouldn’t mind taking months to hear about this trip. You know the saying “you can’t step into the same river twice”. Paris is not the same city from day to day. Whatever you feel like sharing, whenever, I’d be more than delighted to hear.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Nora!
Karen says
I would love to hear more about Paris and your trip there. I’ve never been.
Claudia says
Thank you, Karen!