Matt here:
Well I just wanted to make a quick note about Paris. It is a great adventure but emphasis on the challange that adventure implies. We have two difficulties: language and a five year old. Now the thing is, we are getting most of the trip paid for because I have a meeting here and since we are in the UK already, the flights are cheap but if you were to plan a once in a life trip to Paris you would probably try to learn some French (not that it would help) and probaby not bring a small child.
Now that being said, we are also very lucky to have this chance and it is actually seems to bring us closer when we have no one but ourselves to depend on. And to be honest, Frankie is very patient considering. I have actually been trying to learn a little French for the last few months but it is too little to late. Odds are that thier worst English is better than my best French.
But the truth is no one has been rude or caused us any problems, it is just we are confused very often. Part of the problem is that it is not just a language barrier but a cultureal barrier as well. For instance, we don't know if you just sit down at a restaraunt or if you have to be seated. Well if you can't ask the waitress what do you do, gesture awkwardly appears to be the answer until they realize you are American.
Anyway, having a good time but it is exhausting.
It sounds like a great adventure for 30 year olds for sure. You will look back on this and remember it as a wonderful, humbling, experience. It sounds like a team effort for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your gestures are perfectly lovely and not at all awkward, Prez. ;)
ReplyDeleteSounds indeed like an adventure. I hope you have a chance to see some amazing sights, and if anyone can buck the "ugly American" stereotype, it's you all!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous and excited for you all at once! Mostly just excited. But pretty jealous of the flea markets at least.
ReplyDeleteMy advice: No matter what language you do it in, PLEASE ask for a street panini! You will not be sad.
It's so funny to hear Tiffany talk about the flea markets. We went there on our last day and watched our friend RJ spend a fortune on unique glassware and other Parisian tchotchkes. I loved the odd taxidermied animals. The French are so French.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm jealous you're there. I love the Marais (perhaps for obvious reasons). Please find some macarons sooner than later. Check out Fauchon. It's incredible, as is Hediard. They're both filled with epicurean delights. Frankie will love to look at all the brightly colored eclairs in the cases.
Miss you guys!
Chad