Paris in the Fall

Recently I had a day off during the week. I made the decision to spend the day walking around the city and exploring instead of the list of things that I could do at home (laundry, prep for classes, clean, etc). I am trying to be better at taking time for myself and take advantage of the little things that are at my disposal. I know that we won't be in France forever so I am sure when I look back on this time I am not going to regret the days that I made the decision to wander around Paris and soak it all in. I think you would agree, right?!

So if you'd like to join me for a walk around the city on this Friday afternoon, please do. We'll start with a walk along the Seine River. See the Eiffel Tower peaking through the trees!

The colors along the river are so vibrant.

 There are many dinner boat cruise options to consider.

 The Tuileries are a perfect place to spend some time soaking in the sunshine and crisp fall air.

The Louvre is grand and amazing any time of year but the colors of the Louvre against the blue sky and colorful trees is extra magical.

 This group of ladies make me smile from ear to ear. They know how to enjoy life!!! I want to spend my afternoons in Paris, with friends, and soaking in the sun, anyone want to join me?

 In addition to some amazing fall colors, the Tuileries have a fun art installation going on.

 A walk past Notre Dame is good for the soul.

 This park has beautiful mums adding some fall cheer.

 My last stop of the afternoon was Shakespeare and Company. This is a famous landmark bookstore in Paris and it was my 1st visit. I didn't go looking for it intentionally but stumbled upon it. It's a great story as to how it started out, you can read about it here.

And I know it isn't very Parisian but it was VERY exciting that Starbucks of Paris had PSL on the menu! Just a little familiarity and comfort from home to end this great day!

Happy Friday and Bon week-end mes amis!

Fall in France

Living in MN most of my life it was easy to take for granted that we have 4 distinct seasons of weather during the year. It isn't hard to remember that winter exists but often times it feels like we skip over autumn and smack right into cold, snowy winter.

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. I love the trees as they change into glorious colors, the excitement of kids going back to school, seeing the kids in the Halloween costumes, football season and watching the games with friends or family on a Sunday afternoon. In all of my visits to France, I have never been here during autumn. Prior to the move here, whenever we talked about the weather differences, James often talked about how much I am going to love winter here since it is so mild compared to a MN winter. I had inquired about autumn and he assured me that they have weather similar to MN. I can officially say that he was right and it is currently fall in France. It doesn't have all of the elements that I love about a MN fall but it is pretty close.

James and I took a walk around the city one day last week and captured some of the beautiful signs of fall.

On a side note...In a conversation one day about the blog, he thought it would be important to show more pictures of us. He joked that maybe someone needs to know that I am really taking the pictures that I post on the blog and that I don't take them from other sources or fabricate anything. So for good measure we have been trying to take more pictures of us in them. So for all of you who need "proof" or just want to see pictures of my hot husband and I, enjoy the following.

One last thing...I never realized how BIG of a deal Halloween is in the US until seeing the stark contract of what Halloween is like in France. The last month when we had been out shopping it was rare to see costumes or displays of Halloween decor and candy. So when Halloween night arrived this week I wasn't expecting to see any signs. I was surprised to see a handful of children out trick or treating (and by handful I mean like 5 of them)! During the entire Halloween evening we had ONE trick-or-treater come to our door, no joke! So that lucky little ghost with a pitchfork had to have their picture taken so that I could share it with all of you!

Elly giving treats to our ONE trick or treater of the evening!