Nos nouveaux amis

Day 9:
We headed back to London, just in time to catch a train to Paris. When booking our travel arrangements in advance, we tried to take the most timely and cost-effective routes between each destination. The Eurostar, the train that travels between London and Paris, was quite pricey and we discovered why: this high-speed train travels under the English channel. We were somewhat disappointed and somewhat relieved to find that it was really not much different than any other train ride. When we arrived in Paris, we were welcomed into Vanessa and Remi's home like we were old friends. After asking for restaurant recommendations, they insisted that we join them for supper. Remi had prepared a classic french dish that was similar to a quiche but oh so much tastier! Since most of our day had been spent travelling, we decided to bundle up and take an evening stroll to the Notre Dame, just a few blocks away. 

Day 10:
Our new friends took the day off to show us some of their favorite places in Paris. We started the day by visiting the Sacre-Couvre, where they showed us the best view from a VERY long staircase to the side of the building. We then walked around Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement, and stopped for the most filling salads on a sunny outdoor patio of a darling cafe. They showed us what they considered to be the most picturesque street in Paris, a place where they dreamed of one day buying a home. Vanessa is originally from Italy and she said the most authentic  gelato in Paris can be found at Grom, and while we were waiting in the unfailing long line, it began pouring rain. We shared an umbrella while we made our way to the Place de Vosges, the oldest planned square in the Marais district of Paris and the rain had already subsided by the time we arrived. We pulled up chairs so we could kick up our feet up around the fountain. Our final stop before heading home was the Jardin du Luxembourg, which was only a few blocks from their flat. Remi teased us all day about taking candid (or with his French accent-- "can-deed") photos but we're so thankful for these Parisian friends of ours and the memories we made with them that day. It was such a welcomed recess from staring at maps for an entire day. Merci beaucoup!