views of paris

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And so we went to Paris. And now we are home. It was lovely and more than I even imagined it could be. I had anticipated that all the cliches of Paris were made-up touristy ideas. But, really, for the most part, they weren't. Old women walked down the street with several baguettes underneath their arms. Lovers were constantly making out--on the subway, in the museum, at the cafe. I never saw a French woman or man in a t-shirt or sneakers or shorts; they do indeed know how to dress well. People leisurely sit around the cafes for hours, smoking and drinking wine. And the French really do quite often say "oh, la, la!"
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I took almost 3000 pictures on the trip, not just of Paris, but also Strasbourg, Rothenburg, Dover, Oxford, and London. (Goodness knows how patient my family was as I constantly lagged behind them in order to take pictures. And by the end of the trip they were making fun of my "Perfect! Just one more!" Um, if that picture is perfect, why do you need just one more? And, of course, one more would turn into ten more.) More on the other cities and some of our adventures later, but for now, a few pictures of Paris:

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Also, quick note: all photos are taken by me except for the fifth from the bottom, which is by Amy. And by the way, you should check out her blog; she's in Oxford for the summer and writing frequent updates!
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all's grace,
Jessina

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paris à l'été

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Taking a little study break this afternoon . . . and thinking of summer, or really, our family's little unexpected vacation to France (and a quick stop in England) come June. Just a little excited . . .
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(credit)
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If I calculated correctly, it has been around eight years since we've last been in Paris (well, except for Brother). And except for a few foggy memories of a busy cafe along some Parisian street and being atop the Eiffel Tower, I don't remember much from France. I am so anticipating just strolling around the city with camera around my neck and journal in hand.
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As a part of my intentional study break this afternoon, I stopped by a bookstore and perused all the French guidebooks and maps, trying to grasp in my mind how the streets of this city work and making lists of all the places I want to suggest to the family to visit. And really--it wasn't a study break, because a quarter of the architecture for my AP Art History exam next week seems to be in Paris . . . at least that's what I kept telling myself.
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I've also been making a list of all the books I want to read in preparation for our visit or while we are there:
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1. Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
2. Your Name is Renee by Stacy Cretzmeyer
3. Citizens by Simon Schama (doubt all 976 pages of this would get done before the trip . . . )
4. . . . and the stack of guidebooks I have on hold at the library
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Now I just have to make it until Wednesday and then I can actually start to read them all.
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thinking of cafes,
Jessina
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