In many ways, Paris might be the most recognized city in the world. Fashion, food, architecture, history, art, or simply joie de vivre, almost our finest example of a living museum! Janie and I visited in 2008. It was so surreal. I am not an artist, but couldn’t help but fall in love with the scenes in Place du Tertre, Montmartre. I’m not a musician, but so fondly remember the Frenchest of melodies of the street side accordion player in Ile de la Cite. Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower… Overtly the engines of the powerful Paris tourism industry laden with vendors, tacky souvenirs and pickpockets. But my God, you can’t help but feel like part of a dreamy scene when in their presence!
My intent on this trip is to recapture the thrill of visiting some of the monumental sites of Paris with Janie and kids, while taking more time to get off the worn trail and experiencing Parisian life outside the glitzy centre. Perhaps sourcing a bit of simplicity in what is a very complex city! Markets, trails, parks, neighbourhoods… Dabbling these opportunities in with those core experiences that are “must dos” for visitors.
Going to try and blog daily as well! I experimented with this more on our last trip and appreciated the capacity to do so. Just follow the link below… I’ll try and manage a few pics too! Got my staff photographers on it! You can creep along with us or comment (bottom of each page) if you like, as we share what we see and do in the City of Light.
Looking forward to traveling with you guys…. in a virtual sort of way. Sounds like you have some interesting stuff planned. To the Traveling Lumsdens…. enjoy!!!!!!!!!
We’re very much looking forward to it! I don’t start to relax until I make all the flight connections… I’ll breath easier when we get airborn at Trudeau. If you’ve got any questions while we’re on the move Mike don’t hesitate… Cheers!
Ps.. I’ll keep my eye out for another Europa…
So happy for you all. The kids are getting an opportunity of a lifetime. No travel package in the world would be as good as a Chris Lumsden planned trip.
If the teaching gig ever folds up Eileen maybe I can just travel around (lol)… Thanks for the wonderful compliment! We’re at Moncton airport awaiting our connector to Trudeau. Interestingly, this is the most important flight of the trip… Being late for our Montreal – Paris leg would throw all for a loop! Fingers crossed… Take care!
Great to see that the Lumsden clan is off on another great adventure. We really have to schedule another get-together of the Mount A crew, whether north or south of the border. Good luck!
I agree Elias! We wait too long between visits. Just got checked in to our apartment in Paris… It’s a peaceful Sunday Morning here. Monica and Peter are pretty soggy, it was a 6 1/2 hr flight! Hope that all is well in Appleton.
Well Chris the flights over were successful. It is helpful on a trip like this that your kids can sleep as soon as the opportunity arises. I’m a tad envious hearing about your cruise on the Seine River . I am counting on pics to follow!
Kids were great Eileen… They really are seasoned travellers! We sprang back to life today and put in over 30,000 steps (re: iPhone counter). Pics are tough on a moving boat after dark with an iPhone… But I think Monica got a few keepers of the Eiffel Tower. Great evening! Just posted Day3 which needs a few pictures added… Mrs Lumsden is helping with the proofreading… Mr Lumsden found a nice wine at 3,50€ today! Cheers Eileen…
I am guessing you walked more than five and a half miles yesterday. Footwear may be an issue before Saturday!
Everything at the house appears just fine.
Just checked the Paris temp on my Phone and see it is 13 degrees. I am getting to be such a “teckie?”,right Monica?
You’re a great little understudy for Monica to train!
Yep… Lots of walking today again. It’s by far the best way to see the city. Tomorrow we head out of the city for the bulk of the day… Going to Vimy Eileen to visit the Canadian memorial… Hope all is good and the snow stays at bay for you! Take care…