Sunday, July 20, 2008

Live from Paris!


Bonjour.

I arrived in Paris yesterday (Sat, July 19), and Mike, Josey, and Max will arrive Monday (July 21) morning. Monday evening is our flight to Montpellier.

Paris is lovely. I have enjoy a quick meal in a cafe, walked through the park beneath the Eiffel Tower (it's bordered by the Eiffel Tower at one end and the majestic Ecole Militaire buildings at the other end), and strolled through some downtown streets. I found a boulangerie where I bought a baugette and pain au chocolate (chocolate croissant), and both were heavenly! So far, French yogurt is also positively delicious.






Here is a bit about London, too. I spent a week there, and I was charmed by the people (thank you, Asheena, my first friend abroad) and awed by the sites. I was fortunate to have 2 afternoons in London after work and 1 free day. In that time, I managed to see Big Ben, the London Eye, Parliament (on the left), Buckingham Palace, the posh shops on Bond St., Covent Gardens, Trafalgar Square (below), Westminster Abbey, walk along the Thames, and stroll many other parts of the city.










On my free day, I saw Windsor Castle, which is breathtaking! The picture below doesn't do it justice, as you only see part of the enormous buildings - and most of the true beauty is inside in the State Apartments. St. George's Cathedral is even more awe-inspiring. They have held religious services every single day for over 750 years!

Some of the buildings in London are beyond my words to describe . . . the best I can do is majestic, ornate, and nothing like I've ever seen before.
I may become a student of history after my first 7 days abroad. I have never experienced the overwhelming wonder when gazing at a building that has been standing, in grandeur, for over 700 years. Can you imagine?

Love to all,
Gayle

5 comments:

Marjorie said...

It is so delightful to see how your experience has mirrored my own when I traveled to Europe. I just kept saying....wow! This is the real thing!"

Bonne Journee,
Marjorie

JB said...

I am so proud of you and Mike for packing up the little ones and setting out on this adventure. I am really going to enjoy following your travels via this blog. Great pictures! Keep the updates coming!

Clark-Lynch said...

Thanks for the photos and commentary. I am truly inspired by you!

Sue Shotland said...

It is with great anticipation that I open the blog each day hoping to get a taste of London or Paris. You go girl. xo Sue

Grom said...

We are so proud of you guys! Can't wait to hear and see more. Is your new home all you had hoped?
xoxoxo
Grom