It's a Holiday in Holland! So we're off on Holiday!

Holland has Ascension Thursday off and the next day as well. Jerry's office is closed and we are going on holiday to Paris, France. The kids are very excited. Paris is such a recognizable destination, and they have seen movies and read books about the city, so they can't wait. I am excited too, this is my first visit to Paris as well. We are on the road at 8am and at the hotel, 15 minutes west of Paris by 1pm. We have our picnic lunch(I have a cooler and a huge food bag!) and head into the city. We had thought to take the train or metro but having done this a few times with the girls, we have changed our minds. It is very stressful for them with the jostling on and off in the crowds, finding a seat, jumping off at the right time, and by the time we buy 5 round trip tickets, all together not worth it. Everyone we spoke to warned us about driving in Paris, but we decide to just give it a shot. And you know what? NO problem. It is busy city driving, but Jerry and I both like to drive in NYC, and Paris, we thought, was easier than that! We parked near the opera house, the Palais Garnier, and walked around the outside. It is beautiful! Constructed between 1861 and 1875, it is the most famous opera house in the world. It is the setting for Phantom of the Opera, both the book and subsequent films and shows, and is a Paris icon. We went to a movie called the Paris story which explained the history of Paris for the last 2000 years, and learned alot. Then we walked, and walked and walked! Down to the Seine, across the park that houses the Louvre, by the Eiffel Tower, across and back on many of the bridges, and with each step practically we would look at each other and say  "We're in PARIS!!"
We went to Notre Dame around 6pm. and happened upon a "Day of the Bread"! Story to follow..
Though the weather is cloudy and cool, it is a thrilling city to walk around and just be in. Can't wait to explore more tomorrow!

Palais Garnier

even the light posts are amazing

step sitting like the locals

maybe my niece Claire could attend?!

the first of 400 pictures I took of these two!

made me think of Honora, my Nana

Joan of Arc

at the Louvre

we didn't mind the pyramid..do you love it or hate it?

trying some trick photography

my cool traveling man