Bon jour! It has been awhile. I did several fun things over the Summer, but a LOT of my free time was taken up by a huge work project that I turned in 2 Sept. I’m so happy that’s over. I could go into more detail but since this is more of a fun blog than a work blog, let me give you a hint where I am…
Oui, je reste en France pour un mois! SMS, my high-school level French, and I are hanging out in France. SMS is staying for two weeks and then, due to lack of excessive PTO, he heads back (sad!). I’m staying for another two weeks and really, I am just so excited for a one month vacation/sabbatical! I love my job, but I love vacation so this is going to be a great month.
Flight to Paris
We flew out on Saturday, 9/20 and landed Sunday morning 9/21. On Saturday, I attended a morning work conference before heading to the airport with my luggage. I actually think this might be a great martial harmony idea since I tend to get stressed in the hours before departing. This way, we just met at the airport.
My luggage consists of a large purse and a carry-on. I fit a lot in and while my bag does weigh about 3x SMS’, the convenience of a roll-aboard only is delightful. I fully intend to have a checked bag when leaving, but that will mostly result from shopping towards the end of my trip.
We flew United and were in row 51, where we had a two-seater row. There was more legroom than I expected and really, it was a great flight! I binge-watched the entire season 4 of Hacks, which was excellent. All four seasons have really held their own and with the ending, it seems there’s an opening for season 5 although I thought this was the last one? But that’s what I thought about Ted Lasso and that’s getting a reboot so, idk.
We also saw the Northern Lights, which was super cool. We opened our shade to see if it was dark and I saw green on the horizon. It lasted about 20 minutes and even though my photos won’t make it into any sort of nature magazine, it was still pretty cool to have seen.
Since we arrived on Sunday, I thought it would be best to stay in Paris for the night before heading out to Normandy for a few days.
Paris
The train was down, so we took the bus into the city. We had to stand and, in retrospect, a taxi would have been worth it. There are flat rates and really, that would have been better. We stayed at Hotel La Tamise, which is in the 1 arr and a truly excellent location. We took a nap, which may have been a mistake but I couldn’t quite see myself making it through the day without throwing up from fatigue. So, I think ok? Even though we were dragging afterwards for awhile.
We walked through the Jardin de Tuileries towards the Seine. We walked along the banks and then cut across the square by the Louvre.
I had reserved tickets for the Bourse de Commerce on the last day of the “clinamen” installation by Céleste Boursier- Mougenot. It was beautiful. The sound aspect was impacted by the crowd, but it was still nice to see. We wandered through the galleries and then headed to the Marais for dinner.
On the way, we saw the Centre Pompidou. My high school French textbook photos were coming to life!
There, we went to Comptoir Gourmet, where we had a salad and fromage/charcuterie plate. The owner was very chatty and interesting. I’m intrigued by the hints he gave regarding a colorful life story but I will have to fill in details with my imagination.
Then, we walked back to the hotel and went to bed. There were a few sleepless hours in the middle of the night for both of us, but it wasn’t the worst jet lag I’ve experienced. Overall, a solid start to the vacation.
THIS IS MY JAM!!! I hope you post every day, but of course you will be busy enjoying your trip. 3 years ago right now I was in Paris, at the very end of a two and a half week trip. Paris is my favorite city, and the French countryside when you are traveling to Normandy is so beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do!
I have a 1 month sabbatical next year…I am hoping to do something similar, travel part of the time with my husband and daughter, and some of the time either alone or with a friend. Fingers crossed! ENJOY EVERY MINUTE.
Hi J! It’s so nice to hear from you- I was definitely neglecting my blogger life this Summer. Your sabbatical plans sound delightful. I’m so glad this month worked out for me. SMS had suggested this upcoming Spring but Fall is pretty wonderful.
Don’t know how you can travel so light! Sounds like you are off to a great start!!!
It’s not light by weight, haha. I think I’m going to send some clothes home in SMS’ suitcase, which is RIDICULOUSLY light. I don’t know how he does it.