Tuesday, September 23, 2014

I Dreamed I Traveled to Paris ~ Part 1

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly,
but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey,
or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.

I always dreamed about Paris.
Now, in my sixty-eighth year, my dream came true.

La Vien Rose

Our eight days in Paris lingers in my mind.  
Warm memories to last through the coming cold winter.  
Paris' September weather was like summer, reaching the mid-70's.  
Luckily, I brought a white sleeveless silk blouse, 
(you will see re-runs of my wardrobe in my pictures,  
a downside of packing only a carry-on and large purse).  
Upside: I don't have so much to unpack when I return home 
(Rob is smiling; he taught me well).


Our hotel was a block off the Champs Elysees
Our four days with our Swedish friends, Danne and Birgitta were carefree. 
Oh, how Birgitta loved traveling through the city on the underground metro.  


Oh, the hundreds of stairs.  And oh, my left knee!  
But Lady Leaf is a determined, tough traveler, 
even with accumulating blisters on toes from 'too-tight-comfortable' shoes.  
Yeah, right.  And I know better.  Oh well, keeps me on my toes.

Yes, we ate--and sunned--at
many cafes along our journey
I adore goat cheese melted over toast
The architecture throughout the city is breathtaking.
The Opera House, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the museums.
I don't care to travel with tours, but they have their positives:
They do all the planning and thinking for you
(no wrong turns, no lines)
Negatives:
Strict schedules, no sleeping in, no napping when needed,
no exploring and/or getting off the tourist trails. 
If you'll be taking your first trip to Paris, I recommend taking a 2-day bus tour, 
hopping off whenever and wherever you choose.
(unless you love the metro and thousands of steps)  
Of course, spend a few hours boating up and down the Seine, day or night.
Spend an extra twenty+ minutes over lunch ...


...  a little street shopping and/or

... indoor shopping at the La Fayette.

My friends had wonderful suggestions of where I should go while in Paris.
There are websites and books galore.
I chose 'Walking Paris' pocket guide by National Geographic.
I studied the map closely--right bank, left bank--
then told Rob,
"I am creating my own journey.
Relaxing.  Fun.
Memorable."

Have you been to Paris?
Take a moment to share your own journey with me
(leave a comment)

 As you travel your journey, remember,
Let God direct your path
and you will never go wrong.

My foot has held fast to His path;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.
Job 23:11 NASB

More to come next time!

2 comments:

debra123 said...

I will take your advice, when I'm 104 yrs.and walking the streets of Paris. Until then I live vicariously through you.
Deb

Sharon Leaf said...

Debra, perhaps we shall walk the streets of Paris one day. Lets see, if you'll be 104, then I'll be ... well, never mind ... lets just say, a little older than you! In the meantime, lets just keep walkin'!

On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!