Heave a sigh.

 I am back in the states -- a bittersweet homecoming, for sure. Wonderful to see people again, less thrilled to settle into life in the midwest. Time to plan the next adventure. But you know what? I have ice again, so maybe it all balances out. Here's a last glimpse into my everyday life across the sea.

Paris, Part Deux

Champs-Elysees

 

 

Rue St Vincent

 And a high-speed train back to Amsterdam, first class; they wouldn't stop feeding us! Au revoir, Paris!

You've got that thing.

Where was I? Paris! This city was too pretty. It didn't seem possible. I'd seen hundreds of photos and films, and I assumed that there was no way that it could be as lovely as it is portrayed. Wrong. It was beautiful. Cafés and balconies and flowers. Horrifying. We worked in as many clichés as we possibly could: fresh croissants for breakfast, wine and cheese and a baguette at the Eiffel Tower at night [a block away from our hotel], ice cream at Sacré Coeur, buying a book at Shakespeare & Co, strolling The Seine. We did our best.

Waiting for midnight.

 

Bit of trouble with the wind.

 

 

 

And yes, we hopped on the Metro and high-tailed it back to the steps at midnight [photo via].