Our trip is just a week away. And, like so many times in life, I have not accomplished the things I wanted to yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not stressed about the trip itself. I know that we will have a great time. It's a vacation in a beautiful location. That situation takes care of itself.
I suppose I just wanted to make the most of the experience. Perhaps read a bit of French history, learn a few French words... like soufflé and escargot... and taste my way through wines and cheeses in preparation. But the days are slipping away and I find myself too busy with life stuff.
We tried a few wines (White Loire, Sancerre, and Chignon). It confirmed that we are not going to be long-term wine connoisseurs. But it was helpful if for no other reason than it prompted a conversation with another mom at church choir practice who has been to France several times. She told me not to hesitate to just order the table wine. It's a good value and if French people order this, then it's going to be a good reliable wine.
As for French words, well, we don't have any. I picked up a couple of kid vocabulary books while I was volunteering in the library at Anna's school. And I grabbed an audio language lesson set at the public library. Did I get anything out of it? No, I just didn't have time to dedicate to it. But, again, another mom of one of Anna's classmates has a sister who teaches French at Northwestern. As a result, she has visited her sister several times in Paris. She tells me as long as we address people properly and politely, they are happy to speak English. I already knew that everyone could speak English, I guess I just didn't want to be that horrible brash American. She told me not to worry, so much of it is attitude and respect. I shall tip my hat accordingly... Kidding. That's weird.
We picked up an international phone charger and signed up for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. The current question I'm struggling with is what shoes to bring. Now hear me out, this isn't just a vanity issue. We are going to be traveling to Normandy and visiting D-Day beaches and Mont St. Michel. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, but I am also wondering if it would be a good idea to have a pair of shoes that can get muddy. I really don't want to cart rain boots over there, but I'm struggling to figure out what a good alternative would be. I'm taking my Danskos (or should I just suck it up and take tennis shoes?) and some flats.
We will spend Monday and Tuesday in Normandy and then travel to Paris on Wednesday and remain there until we depart. Oddly enough, Paris is the portion of the trip we don't have any plans sketched out for. But there are so many BIG things to do there, I think it will fill up quickly. Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Seine river boat cruise. Macaroons at the one famous place.
So much to think about... what am I forgetting? What's the one thing you would do in Paris?
Welcome! We're just your average family, trying to maintain our sanity and keep our sense of humor while raising two beautiful children and surviving suburban life. Contact me at hithereMaggie@gmail.com
1 comment:
EAT.
sit somewhere.
soak it in.
(that's the one thing I'd do in Paris.)
I vote Danskos, skip the tennis shoes. You can rinse mud off Danskos pretty easily I think if the need arises. (But of course I don't actually recall what shoes I wore there??)
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