I Louvre Paris

So, my return to work date is still waiting on a bunch of red tape. Im perfectly well, in my humble opinion and was ready long ago to return, but what do I know?

So, even though I said London would be the last trip, I was able to squeeze in some Paris action last weekend. I loved it!! The staff there was excellent, the PHL crew was wonderful and the station manager in CDG was the sweetest lady ever. I thought I was going to get bumped, then I had a middle seat, then I had an aisle, then I was in Envoy. She was the nicest!! I really just wanted to get back.... but anyway....Paris is so different and you notice it the moment you start entering the city.

For starters, the buildings all sell the tops of their structures to advertisers, so at night, every single building is "sponsored" by another business. Even though that building has nothing to do with the business whose name it screams in the dark. Most everything is translated into English, but I caught myself confused when I saw some walls with graffiti on them. I found myself irritated the offender did not provide an English translation for the dirty word they so skillfully plastered all over beloved Paris. Then I realized how silly that seemed. I just assumed they all meant the F word and moved on.

It was cold, you could see your breath lingering in the air, but Paris was very very sleepy in the morning. It doesn't really seem to get busy until about 10 am.
I found the locals to be very helpful in giving me directions and speaking in fluent english. No one gave me the "stupid american!" attituted I kept hearing about and fearing.

Checked into the hotel, the Novatel at Mountpurnasse (sp?) and then went to the Lourve to visit one Mona Lisa. She looks good for her age. Little smaller than I thought, still beautiful though.

Walked around the city, saw Notre Dame, crossed the river, saw the Musee de Orsay, said hi to Monet and Van Gogh, my homies, and then had dinner at Le Departe. I picked that restaurant because it had the shiniest lights. Saw Julie and Julia earlier this year and was dying to try Beef Bourignon. So that's what I had. It was FANTASTIC. Had some nice wine and Choocolate Crepes for dessert, then over to the Moulin Rouge for a show and champagne. Then went to the Eiffel Tower and saw it light up brilliantly. It was magical!!

Was able to see the retired Air France Concorde and also a Singapore Airlines A380...both very impressive.

So, that was my little trip and week in a nutshell. I'd still rather be at work...but if it's not my weekend for the kids, and I have nothing else to do, I suppose I will just visit a different country until they either fire me or bring me back. At this point, I don't really care and I'm about ready to find another job just so that I can have $$$$$!!! I fly free indefinitely with or without the job because of Joel, so I really just wish something would happen one way or another.

I have been doing SO much better though. Hanging onto a weight that I would have balked at last year, and happy about it. Life is good.

I love you all. All the way to the moon!! IN FIRST CLASS!!!!

xoxoxo