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Published: December 28th 2011
Midnight in Paris
Waiting for the tower to sparkle with lights at midnight! After a twenty-day visit, Matthew hopped on a flight from Brussels to Philly this morning. The moping ensued immediately as I rode the train home alone and walked into my all-of-a-sudden
HUGE apartment. I dare you to name a girl who
wouldn't be blue after spending nearly 3 weeks in Blissville, Belgium. You can't do it. She doesn't exist. Luckily, he's left me with a gorgeous new painting, tons of photo memories, and most importantly: a full heart.
Although I was stuck in class for the majority of the weekdays before December 23, we managed to squeeze in plenty of quality time including a few date nights, produce/waffle shopping at the Farmers Market, explorations of the Kerst Markt in Leuven, mid-morning pannenkoeken making sessions, and even a rainy trip to Brussels.
Paris was the destination for our first Christmas together! We were up super early on the 23rd and biked to the Leuven train station. From there, we traveled by train to Brussels where we met up with our bus! A large coach took us the 4 hour journey to Paris. Crying babies, multi-language cell phone users and a smelly on-board toilet made our arrival in Paris
that much
SNAILS!
Enjoying delicious escargot at Chez Oscar in Paris on Christmas! sweeter!
We arrived by metro to the Place de Bastille and walked around the corner to our hotel! We stayed in the heart of the tourist region and were a short metro trip or stroll away from every must-see in Paris. Lucky kids!
Our first night was spent walking to Notre Dame and enjoying the crowds and lights of the season. After dinner, we walked through the sanctuary which was practically empty and so peaceful. It was gorgeous to hear soft hymn music and visit the floral nativity display inside.
The next morning we metroed to Sacre Coeur and had breakfast before climbing the stairs up to the cathedral and Christmas Market. It was a beautiful sunny day without a cloud in sight. We couldn't believe our luck. Throughout the next 2 days we would visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, Arch de Triomphe, The Louvre, Galeries Lafayette, Mountmartre, and Saint Chapelle. Our feet were toast and our eyes were sore from all the gawking and gazing!
Christmas dinner (complete with martinis and escargot, wine and delicacy entrees) was spent at Chez Oscar. Our server was a hoot and Matt's sommelier skills were on point. We
Pork stick delight
Matt's favorite meal in Leuven, HANDS DOWN! really had a lovely evening, laughing and telling stories of our families from Christmas' past!
Although we missed our friends and families this Christmas, Matt and I enjoyed our time together during our Euro-Christmas adventures. Next year with our families will be all the more sweet after spending this year away.
The tears should dry soon and the diet starts tomorrow.
Santé,
Whitney
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Valerie Castro
non-member comment
Jealous
Whitney: I am jealous of you because you are experiencing what I can only dream of. Keep experiencing all the fun, knowledge and life you can. Thanks for sharing with me.