Ode to Paris...in the form of a Top 10

1. There are SO many things that I love about France, but I think that one of the things that I love the most has been speaking French. Not only is it great to be understood and to understand others, but I also feel so very chic being able to Parler Francais! I might have hated learning it and getting frustrated with all the friggin past tense verbs, but I have found it to be an invaluable skill to have. I have met so many people who said that the Parisians are really unfriendly, but I have not come across any of these people. Just like anywhere else, by making the effort to communicate in their language they are all the more willing to help you out. My kids are SO going to be bilingual!
2. Paris - I knew I was going to love it, I just didn't realize how much. It has surpassed all my expectations and did not disappoint in the least. Yes the metro stations reek of stale urine, and there are some very cheeky men around, but you forget it all when you remember you are in PARIS!
3. Crème Brulé - I can't get enough of it....my love of it might have even surpassed my love of cheese cake (I know Tanya...it’s THAT good!)
4. And what goes better with Crème Brulé, or really anything for that matter, but Champagne! I always knew I loved it, well our love affair has actually just started in the last few years or so, but it has only grown since I have been here. I have it whenever I can and with the oddest things...I actually had it with the French equivalent to grilled cheese. It will remain my drink of choice and will always be found in my fridge...either champagne or sparkling wine...but only the good stuff!
5. I will forever remember my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and how if felt to actually see it in person. I don't know what it is about that huge hunk of metal that just makes my heart patter away, but I just can't get enough of it. Wherever I am I try to see it and have taken a billion pictures of it from every angle and at every time of day. It just takes my breath away, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, it brings tears to my eyes.
6. French food will be my down fall, and it is for this reason that I think that I subconsciously decided to spend 2 extra nights here. The quiche, pain au chocolait, crepes, baguettes, croissants, the list goes on and on...if I happened to live in France I would have to buy that book about how French women don't get fat because I really don't get it.
7. Public Radio in small towns. I don't mean like a CBC kind of public radio, I mean some guy or girl sitting in a booth playing music and doing commercials for the local stores, and blaring it out of speakers all over town. Its pretty cool, except some of the music is a little sketchy. Saved my Mp3 batteries though!
8. Hanging out with my gals from Rome in Angers again. I've said it before and I'll say it again, nothing beats hanging out travel friends for the second or third time. It’s just really nice to be beyond that initial 'where-are-you-from? where-have-you-been?' stage of the conversation
9. Amazing friends that gave the BEST museum suggestions! Heidi's and Adam's favs totally became my favs too! I could have spent days wandering around in the Musée Rodin, the Musée D'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou.
10. Going to the Ballet. I have wanted to do it since I started my trip, but the fact that I got to see two ballets here in Paris, and for only 15€ together, made it even more special. I am now hooked and am going to pursue my dream of becoming a 20-something ballerina!