City of lights, city of no right angles

I've been to France once before when I spent a few hours in Strasbourg. You can ask mom, I spent the entire time lost. I usually have a pretty decent sense of direction, but something about this country throws off my inner compass. (Coming from a grid city, I find the constant name changes and endless diagonals confusing.) Nick's been using this to his advantage, constantly surprising with the different sites of Paris.

Day one was the the easiest day for him to do this, since we were trying to figure out how to get places from our hotel. I think he may have been surprised a few times himself.Unbelievably, we're wrapping up day 4, but we've managed to hit most of the major sites and still spend many hours lazing in the city parks. We've visited the louvre, notre dame, the d'orsay, Rodin museum (which means I need to finally visit the one in Philly), Montmartre, so many neighborhoods and patisseres. We've picnicked in multiple parks, become fluent in riding the Metro, walked everyday until our feet ached, and then walked some more. And everytime we see the Eiffel tower (from ANYwhere in town) I apparently squeal "GEEE!" (pronounced with a hard 'g'.)

I find myself constantly comparing this town to the Paris of my imagination (the one of Gene Kelly films, Pixar's Ratatouille, and disney world). It is simultaneously just like all of those and unlike them at the same time. I really wish I could speak the language.

We've one more full day in Paris before we head to Belgium. The plan for tomorrow is to climb the Eiffel tower, either by foot or by elevator. We'll see how it goes!

Many thanks to Christin, Elizabeth, and Anne for their suggestions!

-R

A quick hello

The internet situation is not at all ideal. Suffice to say, we're here and okay. Reg is having a blast. Must be quick about this. Will write more later. Au revoir.

Soon to Depart

Twas the hours before Europe and all through the house
The humans were stirring, the dog quiet as a mouse.

The bags are all packed with some semblance of care
Knowing full well that soon Matt would be there

The Reg and the Nick eating and showering
While visions of Paris made Reg go wowering!

Soon we'll be off over the great Atlantic
So we bid you adieu, from Reg and Nick!

Here we go again

Summertime is fast approaching which means one thing: Reg and Nick on tour!

This year is a quick 10 day jaunt to France and Belgium. Okay, really, we're going to Paris, Brugge, and Brussels, but saying "France" sounds more sophisticated.

This was a much harder decision than it appears. Neither Reg nor myself wanted to plan a vacation, it has seemed like a huge chore. The decision to go on this trip was mine after finding a sweet price on an open-jaw ticket, into Paris, out of Brussels. We'll be gone from June 27th until July 7th.

This will be Reg's first time to any of these places and I must say she's pretty stoked. If she knows that you've been there I'm sure she's let you know and asked for suggestions. If you do have any that aren't, "Go to Notre Dame" (because really, we weren't planning on going there or the Eiffel Tower! {note, huge heaping amount of sarcasm}) please let us know. We're also thinking of spending a day in Chartres and if you do have any experience there, that'd be great. Also, Antwerp, Ghent anyone?