Welcome Home

We arrived at CMH International Airport Sunday evening at about 6PM.  It was a long, grueling trip from Paris to Cincinnati, then Cinci to home.  The flight left CDG (Charles de Galle) airport at 11AM.  As we processed through the many layers of security, I found myself wondering if anyone was trying to bring explosive devices on-board.  I figured that there wouldn't be much I could do about it, but was obviously hoping for a safe return to the U.S. 

Luckily (???), both flights were reasonably smooth.  Processing through immigration, then customs in Cincinnati was pretty painless.  The plane from Cinci to Columbus was tiny.  I'm glad we are now on solid ground.

Mark's dad picked us up at the airport after we retrieved our luggage.  The kids and Toby were equally glad to see us.

Early Monday morning, at 4:30AM precisely, Mark told me he was going to arise and get to work, as he was tossing and turning.  I decided to drag myself out of bed and make my way back to boot camp to see my lady friends and get a good workout.  I'm glad I did - it helped me get myself back into our routine.

As I reflect on our lovely trip to Paris, I have decided to post the Top Ten Memories from this trip, and the Top Five Things to Know before you visit Paris.

Top Ten Memories:

1. Visiting the Musee D'Orsay on a rainy Saturday afternoon 
2. The divine beet/mache and lentil/arugula salads at Les Editeurs
3. Taking a photograph from the top of Montmartre, revisiting the site on which I based my painting
4. Lunch with Peggy and Victoria at Cafe du Flore - a ladies lunch
5. Fancy breakfast set up at the Hotel Louis II - china coffee cups and saucers, lovely table cloths
6. Dinner with Mark and his clients from all over Europe - talking with french Emilie was a riot
7. Running and exercising in Luxemburg Gardens with Mark
8. Dinner with Mark at Les Ferendaise - the mashed parsnip, egg and beet emulsion dish was incredible
9. Casual eveing 'in' with Mark in the hotel lobby - wine, cheese, bread, skype with family
10. Having a day with Peggy - no children or spouses - how often does that happen???

Top Five Things to Know Before You Go

1. Parisiennes love their dogs.  They don't love to clean up after them.  Watch where you walk.
2. Speaking of walking, be prepared for a lot of it.  It's the best way to see this LOVELY city.
3. Try to speak the language.  They are much more willing to help you when you put forth the effort.  
4. Take an eye mask and neck pillow for the long flights.  They really help! (A little melatonin or Advil PM would help, too...:))
5. Paris is beautiful and inefficient.  The first time I went to Paris, I was astounded at how inefficient everything is.  I was frustrated and wanted to reorganize everything to save time for everyone.  I missed the point of Paris - to slow down, view the lovely details, and immerse oneself in this timeless place.