le blog

It is with a sad heart that I left my beautiful winter wonderland Paris... Just a little snow... but, not before a spectacular nighttime dinner cruise along the Seine! We dined with the other teachers and people from Passports and had a wonderful time. One of the couriers, Kate, who had taken a real shine to Madison and her panda hat asked if she could wear it - which Madison (who had likewise taken a shine to Kate) happily obliged. Kate Looking Smashing in Maddie's Panda Hat As the snow blustered about, we sailed up and down the Seine and enjoyed fabulous people.... Bill & Will - Dinner Cruise Madison, Moi, and Gabby- Dinner Cruise  good food... Our Appetizer  Main Course - Cod Choice Main Course - Veal choice Dessert - Oui, s'il vous plaît!  and gorgeous sights.... The Eiffel Tower - Glittering and Glowing at Night  (photo credit: Bill Switala) Two World Icons  (photo credit: Jennifer Boyer-Switala) Lady Libe...

We awoke this morning to more snow in Paris! I don't know how Parisians feel about it, but I absolutely love it!  The Louvre in the Snow  (photo credit: Jennifer Boyer-Switala) We tried to go back to the Mémorial des Déportés, but even though it was supposed to be open, it was not. I was pretty bummed, but at least I will be back in July and can go then. Inside Notre Dame Since it was right behind the memorial, we took the kids to Notre Dame. We studied the outside for a little bit then went inside where it was warm. Being Sunday morning, there was a mass going on and the cathedral's air was heavy with incense. Mass at Notre Dame The Crèche was still set up on the right side of the cathedral. It is, by far, the most intricate one I have ever seen. It really has no comparison - absolutely beautiful! The Crèche at Notre Dame Will and Maddie were "starving" (because a whole hour and a half had passed since breakfast) so we went to a little café...

A Winter Saturday in Paris.... Winter Eiffel Tower - ( photo credit: Jennifer Boyer-Switala 2013) In the morning, we had the good fortune of a three hour bus tour of Paris with a most knowledgable guide. In fact, I learned a few things I did not know before! In the past, our bus tours have always made stops at places like Pont Neuf and le Jardin du Luxembourg, but not today. Apparently, a new law has been passed that limits the places such tour busses can stop, but on a snowy cold morning such as today's, I didn't complain too much! We did have one stop at the Eiffel Tower (much to Madison's pleasure!)  Gabrielle, Bill, moi, Maddie & Will at the Eiffel Tower Gabrielle, Madison, et moi   After lunch and a brief nap for the three kids, we headed to the Louvre. We had an absolutely spectacular time there. Will was totally fascinated by the Egyptian artifacts (he is studying ancient Egypt in school right now).  Will at the Mastaba of a Phara...