Paris

{I'm so close to finishing my re-cap. I have only Bayeux/Normandy to review and then it's all England time baby.}

Paris was a whirlwing. Literally, it was quite chilly most days, but lovely all the while. We stayed in a hotel in the southeast of the Seine, and got used to the metro real fast; well, not exactly. It was a little complicated.

We arrived late at night so we didn't see much of the city then, but the next morning started with a walk down the center of Paris. I was totally Tour de France geeking out the whole time.

Saint Chapelle was a mystical wonder. I had no idea what to expect, and boy these medieval windows are insane.

Next stop: Notre Dame. Well enjoyed and no pickpockets.

Story time: There we were, taking pictures Utah girl style (hand on hip, bent back, tilted head). I was looking at the pictures Drew took when this guy came up and asked me to show hime how to do it. At first I just assumed he was asking for us to talk a picture for him as he handed us his phone, but no he wanted to learn how to pose. He was quite chatty and wanted to hang out, but we kindly DECLINED. 

fake love lockdown

That night we took a bus tour around the city..

and ended up at the Eiffel Tower just as it began to sparkle like no other. It cast a spell on us- my friend got straight up smooched right at this spot. We were all giddy for the rest of the trip, as you can imagine.

The next day we ventured to Versailles bright and early. I loved it, but I was so exhausted. This day alone I walked 22,000 steps. Europe kicks your butt! and my butt is lookin good!

vital Hall of Mirrors pic

Just livin the peasant life 

We also marathoned the Louvre that night. I had to give my self periodical pep talks to make it through. It was amazing of course, and shout out to Mona Lisa. Oh yes, leaving the Louvre, all I wanted was dinner. The food court was closed, and as we trekked up the third and final elevator, I tripped and smacked my knee on the escalator step. The fiasco almost ruined my new pants, but we ended up at a McDonald's and I ate a burger that was surprisingly decent. I continued to limp.

It was also my sister-in-law's birthday, so Mona wished her well.

We had some free time the next day, so we walked to a flea market, but never made it there. We found this sandwich shop and I had the greatest baguette sandwich, the greatest sandwich, I've ever had. We still talk about it all the time. We went to Sacre Couer and took a peek around.

At the bottom of the hill, we found Fragonard (the prized perfume shop) and a carousel.

We met as a group to visit the Musee d'Orsay, and then that night we went to Shakespeare and Company and died.

 I stopped at Notre Dame for one more selfie, but check out my swag bag.

 We had to eat at the much talked about St. Regis and try the lemon chicken. The restaurant was cute and cozy and the marinara sauce was insane.

I had one more crepe (that I couldn't finish, I was over Nutella for the first time ever), and said farewell to Paris.

I can't believe I've been able to see all of these things that I've imagined my whole life. France was a real treat- and was full of treats (especially those Lion bars).