Paris is waiting. France 2012 Travelogue (1)

Note to my readers: For updates and fun photos of my summer 2012 travels, "Like" the French Girl in Seattle page on Facebook. See you there!

Parc Floral, Vincennes (2011)

A few more hours, and Junior and I will be landing at Charles de Gaulle airport. The wait is almost over. 

We wrapped up a busy week, capped by the 6th grade Graduation ceremony. We said our goodbyes to the wonderful Upper Elementary teachers' team at the school. In September, Junior and his friends will begin their secondary education in a different section, and a different building. But that is another story. We said our goodbyes to school and neighborhood friends. We tidied up the house and stocked the freezer so Le Husband (who is staying,) will not go starving. The bags are almost packed, almost being the operative word. Junior's is easy to put together (as long as I don't have to worry about his electronics, cell phone and well stocked camera bag.) 

I, on the other hand, take more time, you see. This French girl likes to pick her outfits carefully; one does not pack for Paris the way one packs for a week in Nice's Old Town on the French Riviera, after all. I am going to both locations, and this took some careful planning. Oh, and let's not forget accessories. A few scarves. A few pins. Some costume jewelry. A couple of favorite handbags. Shoes. It's been fun being "a girlie girl" for a few hours (I know some of you can relate...) 

My parents said the weather may or may not cooperate after we arrive, at least for a few days. Welcome to my world: Seattle. Paris. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. 

No matter. Getting really excited now. Going through checklists one more time. Paris is waiting. 

They are waiting...

Meeting Mutti at the Luxembourg Gardens. (Summer 2005)

Junior and Mutti.  (Summer 2008)

Meeting "Papy Zinzin" at Charles de Gaulle airport.
(Summer 2008)

Yee-Haw!

With Theo, "Papy Zinzin," "Mamie Lyne" (2005)

Cousins in the subway (2009)

Cousins racing. Château de Vincennes (2009)

Le Brother, his wife, and Les Américains
(Deauville, Normandy 2000)

Paris is waiting... 

No matter where our summer travels take us around Europe, we always come back to the French capital.

The Eiffel Tower will still be there. The elegant gardens, with their instantly recognizable benches, chairs, ponds and fountains.

Future sailor...
Jardin des Tuileries

Summer 2006

Les Tuileries

Junior and Dad. Les Tuileries. (Winter 2009)

There will be beautiful squares; world-famous museums; stately buildings.

A l'Opéra Garnier

Musée d'Orsay (summer 2007)

Orsay

Place des Vosges, Le Marais

Once again, we will wander for hours around the city, on foot, or in le Métro... Just as long as I don't have to drive - or park - in Paris, I will be fine! (No, little brother, I will NOT ride in the front seat with you this year, as you speed around L'Arc de Triomphe three times in a row at rush hour!) 

Les Abbesses, Montmartre

"Plus rapide que le métro!" (faster than the subway)

There will be delicious meals in small bistros; espressos enjoyed leisurely at a café terrace watching the world go by; friendly banter with garçons de café (waiters;) Kir Royals to whet our appetite; Scrumptious desserts and snacks... Bon appétit to us! 

Santé, Mutti!

With Christelle, my sister in law

Once again, it will be tremendous fun playing tourists in a city we once called "home," while rediscovering familiar sights...

Visit chez les Bouquinistes...

Fighting a "Colonne Morris"

"How many postcards do we need?"

We will make time for several shopping sessions, bien sûr. This year, we will be among the lucky few to hit the famous Paris bi-annual sales! Monoprix, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Le Bon Marché, Antoine et Lili, here I come (and not necessarily in that order.) Oh, and I will pay Mademoiselle a quick visit. Traditions are traditions, you know.

Department store or museum?

I must leave now, there are bags waiting to be closed (Will someone please come sit on the suitcase while I pull on the zipper?!;)  two airplanes; a long night, and, when this is all over, we will be à Paris, settling in the old familiar routine; savoring Nutella crêpes and baba au rhum; and partaking in a few French (and sometimes inexplicable) traditions.  

I will be in touch, and I apologize in advance to the fellow bloggers who have contacted me over the last few weeks if I can't meet you all during my travels. I will do my best, I promise. 

Until next time, 

A bientôt.

Inexplicable family tradition: What was that about?!

Promenade parisienne

One of the finest pleasures in life:
Pouring rum on your own "Baba au Rhum"

From one French Girl to another:
"Bienvenue à Paris!"

Special thanks to Le Husband, our favorite photographer. We know you would like to come with us. We will miss you. PS: Do not forget to cook the frozen entrées before eating them!

All photos by American Frog Photography.

Please do not use without permission.

France - Summer 2012 Travelogue: Read the other stories here!


Part 2: Paris is Still Paris 

Part 3: A French Girl on the Riviera

Part 4: Villa Ephrussi de Rotschild and Cap Ferrat

Part 5: In Nice with Malyss

Part 6: Making a new friend in Menton

Part 7: Au revoir Paris, until next time...

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Bagatelle gardens: a magical place so close to Paris
The ten steps to enjoying Paris like a Parisian