Bonjour, C’est Bonne and nes parle Francais are the few phrases I know, but somehow we managed just fine.  They say that the French are rude and don’t like Americans.   Just to prove whoever they are wrong: while we were lost on the streets of Paris,  a Parisian came up to us and asked if we needed help.  Then he helped us find where we needed to go.   In fact, everyone in Paris (as far as I could tell) was kind and patient with us.  When I got stuck in the metro turnstyle, a Parisian without saying a word pushed me out.  When my friend wasn’t sure which train to take, the nice Parisian man pushed her onto the one she needed to get on.   I am pretty sure they thought, stupid American but they still helped us… LOL.      I also made several other observations while walking the streets of Paris.   One is that there are no fat people in Paris.  Seriously, none.  The other is that no one is Paris wore white tennis shoes or sweats.  No man had droopy pants.  And everyone wore scarves even the men.   Everyone looked fashionable.   I loved it.   If it wasn’t so cold I would have loved it more.   Fifty degree weather in Paris is not at all the same as 50 in Kentucky, just to give you future travelers a heads up.. bring a winter coat!  Here are some of my favorites from the trip, starting with Notre Dame.

FYI.  The back of Notre Dame is beautiful and a lot less tourists wondering around.   There is man near that square who makes the best crepes!  So, we grabbed a nutella crepe and waited in line to go to the top of Notre Dame.   If you are not in shape, don’t even try to go up the narrow spiral steps that never seem to end.

We were seriously panting by the time we reached the top, but it was definitely worth it.   The architecture on top was so whimsical.  I can’t believe someone took the time to try and make each gargoyle look different and even give some personality.  My favorite was the one sticking out his tongue.

In the below picture you will see my friend, Amy, chasing the pigeons. She’s such an American.. haha, I may have told her to do it :).  But seriously, so many people there like these nasty pigeons.  Many people feed them so it was very hard to chase some without making people mad.   We had to wait for a few to wander away from the safety of the crowd and then we struck. LOL.

Near Notre Dame is a bridge where everyone proclaims their love with a lock.  I’m kinda a hopeless romantic so I kinda liked it.   I’m not gonna lie I probably could have stayed there all day reading locks but Amy was cold so we went to get more warm crepes. That seemed reasonable to me.   Look at the LOCKS!!  I enjoyed seeing not only couples but also pledges given to families.  I thought it was super sweet.

One of my favorite parts about Paris was when they served us water in wine bottles.  The Parisians even made drinking water fun.   So, if any one has any clear wine bottles – you should hook me up.  I really want to do it at home.  Make my day a little more fancy..lol.We did have one beautiful day in Paris and this is the day that I feel I fell in love with Paris.   We started our day going to see Moulin Rouge, no not the movie, the place that inspired the movie.   Consequently, this area had many adult entertainment places, being there just reminded me of the ministry I’m involved in called Scarlet Hope.  So, while we walked and ate yet another crepe – I prayed for my people at home.  Here are some of favorite photos from my favorite day in Paris.

This is Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart.   It was so beautiful and the view over the city – AMAZING.   We came to Paris in the low tourist season.. haha, I cannot imagine what it is like during the high season – so many people!!  Around the back, there is this amazing little square with artists and small cafes surrounding the square.   So, of course we had to stop and enjoy the surroundings and enjoy a cappuccino.

Yes, I ordered this rhubarb pie all by myself in an all French speaking bakery.  Major props to me and to the baker.. cause this was so delicious!!

Sometimes performers would do amazing things to earn some money. Sometimes performers didn’t quite measure up. This guy was a trip. All of the local artists were egging him on, he may even been drunk. He was definitely humorous. I couldn’t only record a small bit because I was afraid he was crazy. haha.

Walking along the Champs Elyse – the most famous road in Paris.  Lots of shopping to do.    One thing you should know about Paris is that shopping is awesome there.   There are so many choices.  In Paris, they celebrate the small business owner and do not allow monopolies to take over.  Thus, there are so many style choices.   When I walk into our local mall, most of the clothes look the same – not in Paris.   So many styles and options.  I loved it.   

On one of the colder days, we just couldn’t bear to be outside for too long.   So, we decided this was the perfect day to see some art.  We went to the modern art museum called The Pompido.   It’s known for it’s original architecture with outside piping and external walkways.    The Pompidu is also the home for the more modern artists such as Picasso, Sandusky, Matisse and countless others.  

I must admit the first day we saw the Eiffel Tower, it was so foggy that we couldn’t even see the top.   The cold and dreariness of the day didn’t help either.   However the further away we got, the cooler the Eiffel Tower became.  
Inside the Eiffel Tower… We were trying to waste some time so that we could get some pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night.  So, we decided to eat at this little restaurant where we had steak and wine.   The most amazing surprise was waiting for us when we got done.  (see below)

I have tons of these Eiffel Tower pictures .. the skyline of Paris was just completely amazing.  So, here is one more :)

Au’ revoir Paris!

Thought it would be fun to have a little contest where you get to vote on your favorite photo!! All you have to do is vote on the one you like – or even a few of the ones you like… and the picture with the most comments.. will win!!!!! All you have to do is become my friend on facebook to leave a comment on the photo that you love. The winner represented in the photo will receive a FREE MINI PHOTOSHOOT which they can keep or give away as a gift. So go on over to my page on facebook and check out the gallery of some of my favorite wedding, senior and portrait photography of 2009. I had to narrow it down some or it would have been super long. The deadline for the contest is February 8. So, get your votes in before then and we will tally up the winner of the Photography Contest shortly thereafter. AND yes, you can tell your friends to vote for you. And just for fun and because every post is better with a photo .. here are FEW of my favorite non-people photos.

Spent the day at Ryland Lakes – looking around and preparing for an event and wedding. I have some wonderful outdoor photos. And – i caught some pictures of some of the fun surroundings. Here are a few: