Paris. Need I say more?

I, however, will say more.

I was a bit anxious to travel to Paris at first. Partially, because I had to go alone and be alone for a while. And, partially because the French scare me. Not that I have deduced through my own personal experience, but rather, through the mouths of others and stereotypes built up over the years in my head.

Even with my anxieties, how could I not go to Paris? So, I was going no matter what. One night (at L'Abri) I was talking about my plans to head to Paris for Thanksgiving. Mari overheard and said she was ´planning on going to Paris the exact same dates. Perfection. We planned our trip to Paris together. I also planned to meet an Edina family (The Olsens) that I know very well for Thanksgiving dinner and other activities. Dana Olsen was my childhood best friend.

Everything happened to work out perfectly. I never felt like I was ditching Mari, or ditching the Olsen's for the other. I spent 2 1/2 days in Paris. During all of the daylight hours that I spent there, I was wandering the streets of Paris. Well, not exactly wandering.

Thanksgiving dinner was more like just a dinner in France. But, it was nice to have the American company at any rate. We had wine, and lots of memories and laughs about the good old times of being young and michevious.

Dana was the travel guide--she made the itinerary for her family. I kid you not, her parents had not a clue what they were going to do...until Dana told them. This, was so curious to me. No offense mom and dad, but I don't think you would ever trust me with such a task.

One of Dana's huge successes was her planning for this wine-tasting. We all did not really know what to expect. Dana just found it on Google. We entered a very small establishmet and walked down a old crumbly winding staircase to the basement. We saw a couple tables set with wine glasses. Everyone there was American (okay, that's not fair, there were Austrailians too). So, this also made us a bit wary of the whole thing. Finally, the young (maybe 27 year-old) french-man started his presentation. It was clear this guy knows wine. He was not only educated, but he spoke so well and was very engaging with everyone there. I have learned so much about wines (particularly those from France)--I am excited to show off my new skills. More than that, I have a better appreciation for wine.

I was thinking about this: you know how we Americans are always trying to figure out how to introduce our children to alcohol? Should we be completely silent? Should we tell them alcohol is the devil? Should we buy alcohol for our underage kids and host drinking parties at our house so we can watch all the kids get smashed in the basement (because that's a safe way to do it)?
Well, I think I will bring my kids (slightly underage) to wine tastings. There, they will have to think about the wine, smell it, taste it, appreciate it. It will be fun.

One word about the Paris Metro--sort of intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, pretty easy. My proudest moment in Paris is when I answered a question about the metro--to a French girl. She asked me the question in French, but I could understand what she said because she used the name of a metro stop and pointed in a direction. I knew that stop, and I knew that direction. I nodded yes. I didn't reveal my American status. Ha.

That's another thing. I have nothing bad to say about the Parisians. Nothing. No one was mean to me. Or, that I witnessed. Whenever I did need help and asked for it, everyone was willing to help me. One of my tactics was to first of all, dress the part, second of all approach the person in a kind and humble way, say, "pardon" as French as you can and as soft and humble as you can, then bring on the English for your actual question. I have yet to be turned down. Knock on wood.

I loved Paris, but I think I need a round 2, 3, and 4 as well. Something to look forward to.