Hi everyone! I've missed YOU!

I have returned, recovered from my jet lag and finished the laundry. I'm back to my usual tricks of staying up late, fantasizing about making things and trying to pay attention to the mundane details of my real life.

My camera took over 700 pictures of the things I actually saw on my trip to Europe with my husband who was a real champ taking me around, wine-ing and dining me in some very special places. He tried to keep up with me and when he couldn't he let me keep on walking until I was satisfied and good and tired.

My new computer comes in few days and I have to wait until then to post any photos because I am afraid that if I upload the first memory card it will knock out this crippled thing I am banging on right now.

I got so many great comments wishing me a good time that I am sure it had a huge impact on my trip. Thanks! I did have a wonderful time! And we only had one two short arguments which isn't so bad for two people who have been married for 22+ years and spent 24 hours together for 17 days. (You try it.)

In Amsterdam we saw the VanGogh Museum and it was spectacular to see all those paintings! They let us take photos! Just you wait!

Then in Paris we saw St. Chapelle and the Picasso Museum. What a contrast! More photos! When my husband's energy flagged one day I walked from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre and across the river Seine to the other bank and up again back to the hotel on the Avenue Marceau. I don't know how far that was but it was far. My blister got a blister that day.

We rode the metro very easily; it was the buying of tickets that was hard. So many choices and this interesting interactive ticket purchasing machine with a rolling cylinder shaped thing that scrolled through all the choices in french. It was a good thing we weren't in a hurry.

One of my favorite neighborhoods is "the Marais" and it is a stop on the metro. There are shops and shops of everything you could think of: pastries, fruits and vegetables, cheese, a stationary store, and book storeS! Nearby is the Place des Vosges which is a beautiful fenced in park with gates and all these people just go there and hang out. Happily, with a band playing in an adjoining street that was lined with fantastic shops (full of clothes and handmade things like jewelry and fabrics and books) all the way around the park and probably down most of the streets in the charming neighborhood, we just sat and watched people walking, reading, laying on the grass, all ages, the sun was shining and I took pictures of the light between the trees, oh and some birds up close. If I ever go back to Paris I am going back there and staying in some small hotel off of one of those streets. There are places in there I am waiting to discover someday.

On the day before we left my husband and I went to this favorite neighborhood of ours and got some lunch and pastries in a shop and then sat on a bench on a wide street and ate our food under the trees. He promised me that later that night after dinner we could walk to the Eiffel Tower and I could take my pictures - moving pictures. Ha! And we did. I can hardly wait to show you those pictures! Oh gosh I am getting carried away and with no pictures today. Well, I can see it in my mind and it is glorious!

Comments

[Shirley Ende-Saxe]

Oooooohhhhhh! St Chapelle! I am sooo jealous! I read that its just a skeleton of masonry and the rest is glass. What an amazing thing that it still stands!

I can relate to the fantasies about making things, some people do it to fall asleep, it keeps me awake and I have to tell myself to STOP or I'd never sleep.

[Vickie Hallmark]

I love living vicariously through you! My DH is totally uninterested in going to France, while I am SO attracted by all the glowing reports I hear from every artist who goes. I'm so looking forward to your photos!

[Brenda]

Oh Catherine. It sounds like it was a fabulous adventure! Can't wait to see your photos. Reading about it just made me smile...and feel full of joy for you my friend!

[Cindy]

It sounds like you had such a wonderful time. I can't wait to see the pics!!!!

[Lisa]

Surprised we did not run into each other in an airport!!! Your trip sounds amazing!!!
Let's travel on my passes and do a building 16 trip to Paris!!! All us girls!!! And Shirley too!!!

[dori]

I'm squealing with delight that you are back! I agree with you that only 2 arguments is quite an accomplishment. I wanna go see that lovely neighborhood "the Marais". Maybe we can go together and you can be my "Guru" again. Have fun with your new computer and I can't wait to see the photos. xoxo, d

[Maija Lepore]

I am so excited to see your photos!!
Welcome home!

[Jamie]

Welcome back, Catherine! I've been keeping an eye on your updates. Looking forward to seeing your photos.

[Paulette Insall]

Thanks so much dear Catherine for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment! I've not had much time to keep in touch with friends lately and it was so wonderful to hear from you!

It sounds like you had an absolutely amazing trip and I can't wait to see all your pictures!

xoxo,
Paulette

[Dneese]

mm! The Marais is where I stayed, so colorful. YOur trip is bringing nack the most delicious memories, not ony of Paris, but the food, the wine and that great chocolate fountain nearby...

[Deryn Mentock]

Welcome back! What a tough transition...Paris to dirty laundry!

[minnie]

catherine, i am so happy for you. i wish i had known about this neighborhood marais, i only went to the tourist spots, and never found the charming little spots like this.....so when i go to paris next time i will be sure to ctc you for information.....also the photobooth shots....what program was that with mac? they are wonderful...we have a new mac too, but i dont remember my husband showing me that