We just got back from a trip to Paris where we met my son, daughter-in-law, and 3 year old grand-daughter who were on their way home from 2 years living in Mozambique. We decided to rent an apartment there for all of us, and thanks to my wonderful daughter-in-law, found a great one in a great location close to the Bastille and the Paris Opera. While we went to museums, for me (she who could live in an art museum) the great attraction of the trip was getting to be with my family in Paris, and especially with my grand-daughter, whom I had not seen since we were in Mozambique at Christmas. We arrived at the front door of the apartment building at about the same time (they had already been in Paris for a few days)and she greeted me from her stroller with the biggest smile ever saying, "It's not easy to be this glamorous!"
We loved the apartment which had 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and plenty of room for us to roam around in - a full length balcony overlooking a small street below and a large boulevard to the right.
Every room was complete with a chandelier and sconces for lighting. The living room had a French marble fireplace with a large mirror over it.
Below is the combination tv room/dining room. The only reason the tv was ever turned on was because we needed to catch up with the Tour de France. Chris and family would go to see the riders finish on the last day.
Below is the bedroom Jeff and I had. No closets, of course, just a large armoire. Jeff's stuff filled it almost entirely (he still hasn't learned totally about downsizing and packing light).
Our bathroom was smallish, but the tub/shower area was very large.
Below, the master bedroom.
Below, the master bath which also featured a clear shower.
The Musee d'Orsay was a highlight, though far too crowded for my taste. A crowded art museum is awful; museums should carefully monitor the number of people allowed in at one time (and I know that they do for fire codes, but having more than 3 other people in one of the gallery rooms at one time distresses me, especially when they are not true art lovers, but people who know that they are "supposed" to visit the museum).
We also went to EuroDisney (I can hardly believe I did it), but it was all totally worthwhile when we saw the large Goofy in the distance getting off the special Disney train and A. started screaming and laughing at the same time. I swooped her up and ran with her to get as close to Goofy as we could as he flapped his ears up and down; A still laughs when I remind her about Goofy. She also got her picture taken with Mickey (wait in line was approximately 45 minutes) and still talks about how his hand touched her!
And I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention this: I have dealt with the French (whom I love) and know that they have a terrible reputation for being unfriendly, unhelpful, and even downright rude. I have experienced it myself. But on this trip, EVERYONE was wonderful. I don't know if it was having the 3 year old A. or if something has drastically changed, but every French person we dealt with was absolutely charming, helpful, and lovely to us, even suffering through my terrible French without being the least condescending or patronizing. I ADORE the French!
