Okay. I have no idea when this will post, mid-afternoon your time on Wednesday, I guess. It’s about 8:30 pm in Paris. We’re exhausted, as we’ve been going constantly and we’re still not quite over jet lag.
To get the negatives over with – and there are hardly any – we chose a discount airline (Norwegian Air) that flies out of our local airport because we didn’t want to have to take the bus into Manhattan, then get all the way out to JFK before we even got on a flight overseas. In retrospect, I’m not sure that was the best idea. Everyone on the flight was very nice, the vegetarian meal we ordered was delicious, but the seats were unbelievably uncomfortable. Don’s knees were smashed up against the seat in front of him. There was no way he could get comfortable and my back started complaining about a third of the way into the flight. Eventually, I found three empty seats and sprawled across them and I slept for a couple of hours. Since I’d woken up at 4 am that morning, this left me seriously sleep deprived. Don hardly slept a wink either. Because of strong tail winds we got into Edinburgh earlier than expected and we had to kill about 5 hours there before we flew to Paris and that flight left late. That’s another story for another time. ANYWAY, by the time we got into Paris we were close to hallucinating from lack of sleep. I’m exaggerating a bit, but only a bit. The combination of the hard seats and then two flights in 24 hours was too much. We won’t do that again.
Nevertheless, as we took a cab in from the airport – we were not about to do anything but get into the city as quickly and easily as possible – we saw this extraordinary city appear before our eyes and we were thrilled. Photos will be in random order because I’m too tired to do anything else and I have hundreds of them, so it will take me weeks to share them all with you.
Hello!
Both of these photos were shot from the car as we drove into the city.
Our hotel is absolutely charming. More photos later. No, it’s not the Holiday Inn. That’s across the street.
Photos from the next day:
The Metro.
Église Saint Sulpice – Eglise means church.
And this next church is the oldest church in Paris, AD 990. Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés. We went inside and it’s gorgeous.
We were headed toward the Seine when we discovered the churches. Eventually we crossed over to the Right Bank to visit the Louvre, but it was closed on Tuesday. We went to the Musee d’Orsay instead. (Don’t worry, we went to the Louvre today.)
The Seine, which is beautiful and ever-fascinating.
That’s the Louvre on the right.
Love locks on a bridge. I see them everywhere. It’s a tradition started by couples who are/were in love, and they often threw the key into the Seine.
I couldn’t wait to visit the Pont Alexandre because it’s spoken of in the story of Anastasia. It turns out it was the bridge we drove across the night we arrived. It’s so beautiful.
Me on the Pont Alexandre.
Handsome husband on some steps leading down to the water.
We saw the Eiffel Tower. We want to see it at night later in the week.
We found Laduree! Of course we bought some macarons. It’s a gorgeous shop.
We ate here tonight and sat outside people watching. Cafes are on every corner. I love the pace of the city. We’ve met truly nice people, none of the rudeness we’d been warned about. Everyone has been helpful and kind and very charming.
I think this must be the most beautiful city in the world. I’ve fallen totally and completely in love with it. If I could get away with staying here permanently, I would. It has won my heart.
So far, we’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, the Musee d’Orsay, several churches, including Notre Dame, the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company (right across the Seine from Notre Dame) the Louvre, the Tuileries and we’ve done that in two days! We’re going to slow down a bit tomorrow as our feet are tired, we’re tired, and Don’s knees are complaining.
I told Don a few months back that I wanted to buy some designer sunglasses in Paris. I wear sunglasses a lot, as my eyes are sensitive to too much sunlight. Today, we found a shop on the Rue de Bonaparte and wandered in and the next thing I knew Don was buying me a pair for our anniversary. I have a wide face (heart-shaped) and I often can’t find sunglasses that are big enough to suit my face and also fit the bridge of my nose. These are very modern and though you can’t see the color in these photos, they are a sort of burgundy with grey side pieces. I feel very Parisian in them.
Outside the shop.
And because my husband takes lots of pictures of me, another shot.
We’re having the time of our life. We have fallen hook, line and sinker for Paris. We’ve walked along the Seine and shared kisses. We’ve had romantic dinners. We’ve laughed like crazy. We’ve turned to each other to say, “I can’t believe we’re in Paris!!”
More later. I have a lot to share with you, but I’ll probably wait a day or two to share more. Miss you all, but know that we are so happy!
Happy Wednesday.
So happy for you both! I must get to Paris one day. You’ve packed a lot into a few days. I would too – wanting to see it all. Next time you go you may be able to have a more leisurely pace. The pics are beautiful! the sunglasses – tres bien! (about the extent of high school french I can recall).
I’m glad to be following you here and on IG. Your trip looks wonderful. Since you both love cameras, I’m wondering which cameras you took as these photos are great. Surely these aren’t taken on your phone.
I am so happy for you both. I’ve been wondering about you and was glad to see the new post when I checked again today!! The pictures are great. Take care and keep having the time of your life!!
I’m repeating what has already been said, but “I am so so happy for both of you” … and you both look absolutely delighted with la vie parisienne- wonderful pictures …it’s a treat looking at them-
enjoy every minute-
Barb in Texas
you look like a citizen of paris!
I can definately see you living there!
You both look fabulous in the pictures- and I love your new glasses
Enjoy each day of your amazing trip
Siobhan
Me thinks you are falling in love with each other all over again! Claudia, you look happy and relaxed, and yes, very Parisien! Your post brought a big grin to my face!
Oh, I KNEW you’d love it! There is no place like it. Loving your pictures. Making me excited for my third trip back next spring. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Claudia, My heart is so happy for you and Don. To be there in wonderful Paris, together and in love. You two deserve this vacation so much. I like the room also. Blessings to you both, xoxo, Susie
If you have time, visit Pere Lachaise cemetery. You will love it.
Wonderful hearing about your Paris adventures so far; terrific photos, bringing a lot of memories back to me from a long, long time ago. The weather looks fab, too.
Claudia, you look quite slim! Why were you ever saying you’d gained weight? You look perfect!
I’ve missed you! How wonderful it all looks and I can tell that it is better than wonderful. Enjoy, enjoy!
Thank you so much for sharing some of your photos. It is bringing back very good memories of my husband and my visit to Paris a few years ago. Your photos are so much better than what I captured. Wishing you and Don a truly fantastic anniversary in the city of love.
JJ
Wonderful pictures! Such a beautiful romantic place. Love the story about the locks….I do hope you and Don can find a lock to place there. The glasses look stunning. I would love to hear how eating vegetarian is going in Paris. Looking forward to the rest of your trip. Thanks for taking us along.
Very, very sweet post. Thank you for sharing your journey with us back home. ♥
Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing them.
Oh Claudia…these pictures are a feast for the eyes for me…how wonderful it is to see you both there and share in your happiness…I hope that you will leave a lock there for your anniversary!
You both look truly at home in Paris. On our trips, I never found any more rudeness than in any other big city, and always found helpful, patient Parisiens of all ethnicities. They aren’t as effusive as Americans which some people misinterpret. You had glorious weather. It’s lovely to see you looking relaxed and nourished. Thanks for taking time to share your experiences. Really great photos!
So romantic!
sorry about the glitches of unhappy airplane seating and a longer wait for your second flight. there’s often a glitch somewhere, huh? glad you got yours over with. :)
i am so happy for you and don to be able to enjoy such a wonderful trip! you’ve seen and done a lot so far! hope you are sleeping better and resting your feet and don’s knees.
lovely story about the locks. perhaps you and don could do the same before heading to london?
thanks for taking the time to post here and on instagram. now please either go out and explore or sleep! and have a real croissant for me! and a macaroon or two. :)
kathy in iowa
Gorgeous pictures! You two look so beautiful in your black! You just belong in Paris. And the boats on the Seine remind me of “Charade” with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I can hear the music now. Thank you, thank you for the pictures.
P.S. I’m humming now.
I am so happy for you two! I just told Brian that he has to take a look at your photos later; that they simply make me want to go to Paris now. I can see why you’ve fallen in love with this city. On my bucket list, for sure. Thank you for sharing with us and taking us along on your beautiful trip.
Ah….so nice to hear from you! I can see how happy and content you are by the pictures…relaxed too! Great!! Airline travel is not for the faint of heart…airline seats are not meant for tall people.
The pics are terrific….lots to see I would imagine. Glad to hear you are getting to see the sights you desired. Looking forward to seeing more.
You two fit right in with your surroundings….right down to the sunglasses. Guess you two were meant for Paris! Enjoy!! ;)
I must say that Paris is my favorite city in the world. Something so magical about it. I’m so happy you and Don are enjoying that magic for you Anniversary. So much to see, so much walking! The joy from you both is making me smile. Enjoy and keep posting those photos. Hugs!
Claudia,
Beautiful pictures. You look great also. You look relaxed, like stress has exited your body. Enjoy!
OH WOW!! How Fabulous I don’t have the vocabulary to say anything but.WOW!
Claudia I’ve Never seen you look more Beautiful and HAPPY! Don also I don’t know anyone that deserves this any more than you do! Thank you so much for the Fab pictures.
God speed. Judy A
Oh my, what a romantic adventure you two are having. You make me feel like I am there with you. Enjoy every moment and may your trip feel thrice as long as it actually is.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful times with us.
Thank-you Claudia! This radiates joy! Just wonderful! Carry on as beautifully as you are and maybe you can linger here and there to offset the wear and tear! Thank-you!!!
Sorry your trip over was not without its discomforts, but so glad you arrived safely and are loving things now. Those photos taken on your ride in from the airport are amazing – was the cab moving at the time? Because it certainly doesn’t look that way. Well-done! Glad you like your hotel too – it looks comfy & super nice. Great choice re the new shades – they totally suit you. Looking forward to whatever’s next in Paris. Rest well & keep on having fun! Peace. 🇫🇷
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
Wow….just….WOW!
Thank You for the tour. The photos are lovely.
Marilyn
fabulous photos! don’t bother to reply; I’d feel guilty for commenting!
Thanks for sharing. I am happy you are having a fabulous time.
Thank you for taking us along! You look absolutely gorgeous in the sunglasses! Love them! Keep having fun!
FRIDAY OCT.12TH HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE VERY BEST COUPLE, I
HAVE EVERY KNOWN!
THE VERY BEST TO YOU, ALWAYS
Judy A
Nothing to add—it’s all been said! Thanks for the peek into your happy trip!
Yay!
Bonjour Claudia
How wonderful that you are in Paris – my favourite place on earth.💕
I have visited it many times as my daughter and her family lived about an hour and a half south of Paris for 18 years!
I’m glad to hear you say you want to slow down… I remember my first visit when I wanted to see it all at once. But gradually you will just savour each day, absorbing the magic of everything around you, letting Paris into your heart and soul💕
Just reading your post and seeing your great photos, I’m back there too, feeling the vibe & wishing I could hop on a plane tonight! I’m in New Zealand and it was always two 14 hour flights – sleep deprived but happy once we touched down at Charles de Gaulle!✈️
I used to join you for A Favourite Thing Saturday a while ago now! I miss it.
My blog has been neglected as Ive been without a laptop, but I’m getting back to it soon!
Thinking of you both enjoying Paris⚜️
Shane😘
Your photos of Paris are lovely. I must say I do love Paris. I love the cellar restaurants and so much has been preserved never having been bombed, which is sad about so many other European cities.
But it was occupied and we kept trying to imagine how it must have been having Nazis march down the Champs Elysee.
Thanks, Christine!
Great sunglasses! And of course you fell in love with Paris — what’s not to love?! I cannot think of a lovelier way to celebrate an anniversary. I wish you joy.
Thank you so very much, Jeanie!