Louvre and Final Goodbyes

Hello Everyone!!

I can't believe our final day has arrived, this whole trip has felt incredibly fast and slow. If you asked me which city I was most nervous for. it was Paris. I was worried about the people and their prejudices, along with it being a major city. You see, Paris was never my dream, it was my mom's. But my brother and I got an opportunity to travel with my Uncle here 18 years ago and my mom sent us abroad. We weren't treated very kindly, and it was a difficult trip. I'm very happy to report that Paris this time around has been completely different. The people here have been wonderful, everyone we met has absolutely loved that we're from LA (not quite sure what that obsession is about). and the hotel staff has gone above and beyond to make it feel like home. I'm so glad I came back and gave Paris a second chance. 

Our mornings started off like always with a delicious croissant and cappuccino. Unfortunately we had to get up extra early this morning in order to make it to the Louvre, so I didn't catch that precaffeinated mom had chopped off part of my head in the photo lol! It's still too cute not to share. 

Today we saved the best for last, the Louvre! I remember on that same trip with my Uncle, we spent two hours waiting in line to see the Mona Lisa and then he wanted to leave immediately. Even as a teenager I could be stubborn, so I managed to negotiate another half hour and practically ran from floor to floor to see as much of the art as I could. I called my parents that night crying and my mom promised that one day we'd come back to the Louvre together and spend as much time as I wanted. Well folks, today was that day!! And we spent SIX hours in the Louvre. 

The artwork was phenomenal, and my clubbing days came into handy when I pushed my way to the front of the mosh pit so that mom could see the Mona Lisa up close. Guess some college life skills come in handy after all! Having mom with me was like having a private tour guide, she knew which artworks were famous, the techniques behind the paintings, and the dramas between the artists. I think the Winged Victory of Samothrace was my favorite work of art. It's from an Greek Island and was carved back in 190BC! 

We also had the sweetest Frenchwoman take this picture of us and send it to me. My ankle was really hurting today, so we found a little alcove to rewrap it. This woman passed us by and said she couldn't help but take a picture for us because she felt the moment was so tender and reminded her of her mother. I absolutely love how she framed the shot, at first glance we look like we're part of the museum art. 

Before the Louvre was a museum, it was palace. and they maintained some of the original rooms which are over 150 years old. Mom and I got to see Napoleon III's staterooms. That man definitely knew how to live in style! He would put Hollywood to shame with the amount of glitz and glam. I could not get over the chandeliers, they were stunning!

If you can believe it, even after all that time in the museum, mom and I still had portions of the Louvre we hadn't seen, despite walking for literal miles. Thankfully we had a feeling this would happen and prioritized all mom's favorite artworks, including the Lacemaker by Vermeer, so we were satisfied when it was time to leave. 

My dad's cousin from the other day really wanted to show us his tech repair shop, so was decided to make a quick stop at his place before our meeting with Aude's aunt that evening. He was so happy that we visited, and even fixed my cracked screen and gave me a brand new phone case! It was really kind.

We then went to the famous White Horse hotel rooftop bar to meet Aude's aunt, Catherine. She doesn't actually live in Paris but happened to be driving through that day on her way to the alps. I have heard about Catherine for years through Aude; and Aude always said we would get along. She was right. Catherine has had the coolest hobbies, like windsurfing and scuba diving,  all while being an extremely successful career woman. She even invited me to stay at her place in the alps if I wanted! I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing women in my life. Also on a totally different note, had I worn a white top we would have almost been the French flag! lol

Mom and I said our goodbyes and slowly walked back across the river to our hotel. I honestly thought I wouldn't be hungry for dinner but when 9:30 pm came around I was starving. Thankfully the crepe place next door was open so we had another Emmental tomato confit crepe and a brown butter apple crepe. The flavors were absolutely scrumptious, and such a sweet note to end our trip on. 

It was the perfect lasty day in Paris. Now we've got to pack before our flight tomorrow. I guess this is so long until the next adventure! 

Sending you all my love, 

Carolyn