Tuesday, November 29, 2016

What's this?!



Folks, I just want to take a moment and tell you a little story. Wade and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary last Tuesday. It started out like a normal day and then took a turn for the weird. We decided to eat at a local Chinese restaurant. That was mistake number one! It turned out to be a buffet--mistake number two. Then we read a sign wrong.  We thought it said shrimp.  It wasn't. After eating a few bites I said, “This tastes like fishy chicken.” In reality it was frog legs! Let that sink in--frog legs! The worst part was that I actually didn't mind them! Okay, now onto the rest of the blog!

We went adventuring again to places we had already been to and places we had yet to see! The one difference of this little trip was that Wade’s mom, Teri, and sister, Lacee, decided to join us. They took the train from Paris to Forbach, and we picked them up at the Forbach train station. We rented a car which was nice because we didn't have to walk the mile back with some suitcases dragging behind us. The plan was to drive to Füsson, see the Disney castle, drive to Freiburg (the Freiburg Germany that doesn’t have an LDS temple), then on to Strasbourg for some Christmas town fun!


We left Forbach in search of the Alps, a castle and some Christmas. Folks, one thing I should mention at this point is that at 4:30 pm it gets dark. So we entered Füsson in the dark and were pretty bummed because all you could see of the Alps was a dark mass. We grabbed dinner and then headed to the Airbnb. The next morning (Thanksgiving) we were up bright and early. We really wanted to see the castle again! We walked up the “big hill” and once at the top discovered some bad news. The trail to Mary’s bridge (you know the bridge I wouldn't walk across that everyone takes pictures on?) was closed! Closed! Folks, the front entrance of the castle is pretty underwhelming. The best view is from behind on the bridge! We took the news better than expected and continued on to our tour of the castle! At one point we decided to drive out to a road that had a perfect view of the castle. Right as we parked to take some photos, the fog rolled in and covered only the castle! By the time we did everything, darkness was again upon us. We decided we needed a Thanksgiving feast! They, of course, don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe, but Germans sure do know how to make a meal that Thanksgiving would be envious of!

                 

The next morning we were off to Freiburg! So let me clarify something. There are two Freiburgs in Germany. There is Freiburg (where we went) and there is Freiberg (where the LDS temple is). For about half our drive we thought we were going to the latter. Some investigation on Lacee’s part made it clear we were headed to the Freiburg that did not include the temple. We picked Freiburg because it was half way between Füsson and Strasbourg. Freiburg was a little underwhelming, but it did have a very big Christmas market! We wandered the city and ended up in a beautiful cathedral. We did go to the Christmas market, and it definitely put me in the Christmas mood!

    

After a night in Freiburg, we were off to magical Strasbourg, France! I say magical because it is literally like we’re Jack Skeleton wandering around asking rhetorical questions like, “What's this!?!” There are Christmas lights everywhere! On every inch of everything! The little Christmas markets have every Christmas thing you could ever think of or want. If you ever end up there, go at night! Everything is so beautiful, and it puts you in the best of moods! Although when we got there, it wasn't dark yet, so we decided to tour the palace, which was very cool. We did a river cruise, which was both a good and a bad idea. The good part was old town Strasbourg. That’s where all the Christmas stuff happens. The bad part was the cruise was about an hour and a half, the boat was cold, and new town Strasbourg isn't nearly as bright and Christmasy as old town! All in all, Strasbourg is a wonderful place to go to fill you with Christmas spirit and warm hot chocolate.

Sadly the next morning we were headed back to Forbach! We got back and hung out for a bit. Then we decided to go to Saint-Avold, which is about fifteen minutes from Forbach. Saint-Avold has the biggest WWII American cemetery in Europe. It was an amazing yet solemn sight to see. It was a beautiful monument for all the young men who sacrificed their own lives in the name of liberty and justice.




After the cemetery, we headed to my favorite city, Metz. Teri and Lacee had to catch the train there to head back to Paris. We had a few hours to kill, so we showed them our favorite places in Metz which included the eclairs we get at the same bakery every time we are there! Folks, these eclairs are still better than having a lifetime supply of peanut M&M! Now that's saying something! Metz also has a Christmas market, so we got to wander around that one too! This week sure put me in the Christmas mood! After a few hours, we helped them to their train and stood on the platform waving goodbye. I was sad to see them go!

Folks, here are some things to take away from all this. The Disney castle is awesome but even better from Mary’s bridge. Fog ruins everything. Germans make a great Thanksgiving meal! There are two Freiburgs in Germany, so don't get confused and disappointed when there isn't a temple! Strasbourg is so magical that even Jack would be overwhelmed by all the Christmas spirit! Saint-Avold has the biggest WWII American cemetery in Europe. Metz is always a good place to end a long journey. And lastly, Europe seems to love Christmas because there are Christmas markets in every city! Dare I say it, even in Forbach!

Thanks for reading folks!

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Fidgety Feet



Wade and I woke up Saturday morning and decided then and there that we were going to Metz. We packed a bag and walked to the train station. The train ride was uneventful--well, other than the fact that I listened to Christmas music! I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet! My reasoning is that they don't have Thanksgiving in France, so I'm justified in listening to some jolly tunes! “When in Rome”... am I right? When we got off the train in Metz, Wade saw another English assistant who works in Forbach. Apparently there are two middle schools in Forbach. She was sent to the “nicer” one. Anyway, we start talking to her, and I'm just smiling like a dork because usually I don't understand the conversation because, well it's usually in French. I then remember she is from Scotland and is speaking English… I know these words! Sadly, I realized this a little too late and only said a few things to her. As we walked away, I told Wade I was sad that I didn't talk to her more. I miss speaking English to people. I know what you're thinking--just learn French. I'm currently learning, but it's a slow go.




We checked into our hotel, which was conveniently located right across from the train station. We decided we wanted to spend a day in Nancy. It's a town about thirty minutes from Metz. We got on another train and headed there. We didn't really know what there was to do in Nancy. We walked to the historic downtown, which was pretty cool. There is this square that has golden gates at every entrance. That was pretty neat. We went to a very big and beautiful park and walked around. We then started to realize there wasn't much else to do. We ended up walking down the shopping district. We went into a store that sold books, games, electronics, Apple products--basically it sold everything. We bought a book and then headed to the train station and back to Metz.  We had decided that we liked Metz even more than we liked Nancy.

We got back to our hotel and watched some TV. Folks, we watched a station that literally just kept playing The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Seriously, it would end and then another one would come on! It was even in English. So weird. We ended up going to a movie theater in Metz. Folks, they were showing Doctor Strange in English with French subtitles! It was the most exciting thing ever! We bought our tickets thinking we would be the only people actually seeing it.  Nope! Apparently everyone universally loves Marvel movies. Let me just say that it was the coolest movie I have ever seen! I liked it more than all the superhero movies! It was fantastic! The movie theater was pretty nice too. Instead of regular seats, they had nice comfy ones. The chairs kind of looked like little couches. It was cool. Another fun fact is that we didn't get back to our hotel until 11:30pm. We haven't stayed out that late in a very long time!

The next morning we walked the freezing cold 20 minutes to get to the church building. The people there are so kind and always happy to see us. Regretfully, we hadn't been for a couple of weeks, so we were happy to be there! You can feel the spirit so strong in this tiny little chapel with the handful of people who attend. It's an amazing feeling. I'm grateful we have the opportunity to be around such wonderful and faithful people. It really strengthens my testimony to see and feel their devotion to the gospel.

After church, we walked back to our hotel, hung out for a bit and then walked to the train station. We were standing in the train station when I saw some glorious donuts. I wanted one immediately. Wade encouraged me to order the donut by myself. I was nervous and second guessing myself, but I managed to sputter out some words that resembled French. Wade then decided he also wanted a donut, and I had to add another incoherent phrase to the first. We ended up with the donuts, and I was kind of proud that I tried to speak French to an actual Frenchmen and not just Wade! We got on the train, and I defied the rules again by listening to Christmas music.

Folks, here are some things to take away from today’s read. Listen to Christmas music whenever you want to. Also there is no Thanksgiving in France, there may be one in Canada but not in France. Metz will always be my favorite town to visit. Jimmy Fallon is always on TV for some reason. I saw a English movie in France. Doctor Strange is a great movie! Church is always the best place to be on a cold Sunday morning. And most importantly, donuts are always worth making a fool of yourself!

Thanks for reading folks!

Monday, November 7, 2016

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens



Wade and I decided not to go adventuring this weekend. I know, how lame are we?! But sometimes you just have to relax.  So, let's talk relaxing in Europe. For me, It involves a lot of a yoga and a lot more of Netflix! Yes, there is Netflix in France and yes, it actually has more TV shows and movies!

I know what you're thinking, “Why is she rambling on about Netflix?” Well, I've been pretty homesick lately, and it may sound weird but it's kind of comforting knowing I can watch Netflix still. Folks, I know it may sound so lame, but it's sadly true! Now Wade and I have basically watched all the TV shows ever. I honestly feel like that proves how boring Forbach is.

Anyway, we have recently discovered a new Netflix original series! It was a very exciting moment for us. Folks, I'm going to need you all to turn on Netflix and watch The Crown! It is an amazing show! So amazing that Wade and I watched all ten episodes in two days. I'm kind of regretting that fact right now! It leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more!

Now that I've got you hooked on The Crown, let's move on. As I was saying earlier, I'm pretty homesick. I miss just about everything. Don't get me wrong--I do love being here in France with Wade, and I do enjoy all the adventures we get to go on together. But sometimes I miss Utah a lot! Yesterday, was an “I miss Utah a lot” day! Wade knew this and as we were flipping through Netflix we found the movie The Sound of Music! Folks, if you know anything about me, you know that I LOVE musicals! I blame my mom for this lovely trait. Anyway, Wade knows my love of musicals. He decided to turn it on to help me be less sad (Awww). Folks, just like that I was less sad. There is just something about Julie Andrews singing about raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens that makes me feel so much better!

     

That movie made me think about my family. The Asays are musical junkies--again, a lovely trait from my mother! I remember being little and listening to Into the Woods.  I remember getting up early enough so that I could watch Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at least once before I had to go to elementary school.  My happiest memories with my awesome siblings include us all watching what seems like every musical known to man.  It was nice to remember all this while I'm thousands of miles away from all of them. They are all my favorite people, and I'm lucky to have them.

Okay, so a few things to take away from this one. Um, obviously this post wasn't really about travel. Wade and I were lame this weekend and stayed home. There is still Netflix in France, so that’s good! And you may have learned that I love musicals, especially since they help me feel better when I'm sad and missing my family! Last but not least, my siblings are pretty cool!

Thanks for reading folks!


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

It Takes Two


This past weekend Wade and I tried our hands at being a couple of tour guides. Don't worry-- we didn't show anyone around Forbach because, ya’ll know by now Forbach is the worst! Wade’s friend Ryan and his wife Alyssa decided to visit Paris. Wade is still on his two week break from teaching, so we got to show them around.

                  

Wade and I got to the Airbnb a day before they flew into Paris. The apartment we stayed in was in a cool location. There was a flea market located a block away, so Wade and I got to check that out! For some reason, though, the apartment smelled strongly of pickles! Pickles of all things! We opened the windows, still smelled like pickles. We would light all the candles they had, but still the pickle smell lingered! After getting used to the smell and picking a room to sleep in, we decided to get on the Metro and walk around Paris. It was nice. We sat on the steps of the Opera House, walked around the grounds of the Louvre, and sat by some fountains enjoying the sunset.

The next day Ryan and Alyssa got to the Airbnb. We decided to go to the Latin Quarter to get a late lunch. After the food, we walked around for a bit and made our way back to the apartment. The next morning we were up bright and early! We stood in line to climb the stairs for Notre Dame(for Wade this is the fourth time). We climbed all those stairs and the view was still well worth it. The rest of the day was spent cramming in as many museums and other sites that we could! They were only staying for two full days, and there is a lot to see in Paris!

At one point, there was a pretty dramatic moment on the Metro. We were trying to get on to go to the Louvre. As the train pulled up, we saw that every car was full--people everywhere! The doors opened, and no one was getting off the cars. We hesitated.. which is the worst thing you could do. We hurried into the least crowded car. The doors shut and Ryan was standing on the platform letting out a string of swear words. He didn't make it into the train car! We panicked and honestly didn't know what to do. His wife was obviously upset. All of the sudden the car door opened! It was a miracle! He jumped on, and we all laughed with relief. Folks, the Metro is a little confusing, so getting lost is a real fear.


We got to the Louvre, and they just wanted to see the famous stuff, which is actually what we did last time, so we were totally fine with that. We walked through the Egyptian exhibit on our way to the paintings. Folks, we ended up losing Ryan and Alyssa! We are literally the worst tour guides! We lost them! Wade and I had no clue what to do. I know what you’re thinking--”Just call or text them.” We tried to call Ryan, but his phone was off. We didn't have Alyssa’s number either. We decided that I would walk up the hall where we last saw them and Wade would walk up the opposite hall and then we would meet back at a certain spot. Folks, that obviously didn't work. Wade started to wonder if we could page them or something. As we were trying to come up with another game plan, Wade got a text from Alyssa! They told us where they were, and we ran to find them. You would think we lost our kids or something! Nope, we just “lost” two full grown adults. They didn't seem too shaken up about it. A side note, I really enjoyed the Louvre this time around. It was nice. That night, we went to the Arc de Triomphe (more stair climbing) and then went back to the Pickle Apartment. While we were gone, the smell had inexplicably gotten stronger.

The last day we were in Paris, we walked around some more and then went to the Eiffel Tower. We didn't end up climbing it because they had had enough of the stairs. We just walked underneath and around it. Folks, Paris in the Fall is beautiful. All the trees around the Eiffel Tower were turning rustic colors. It was beautiful, and I'm grateful for this opportunity Wade and I have to be it such an amazing place!

As Wade and I got off the train back in Forbach, I started to complain about Forbach being the worst! Because, you know, it really is. Wade is the optimistic one and is always trying to make me see the bright side; that's one of the things I love about him. Anyway, he was trying to cheer me up by saying it's still nice here. I wasn't convinced. We walked into our apartment, and it was like walking into an igloo! Apparently they turned the heat off in our building because it's a two week break, so no one is working! Folks, I'm talking we can see our breath at times. We have taken refuge under all our blankets and have put about three layers of clothes on. The break ends on Thursday, so we only have one more day to try not to freeze to death!

Here are a few things to take away from all of this. Wade and I are okay tour guides and only sometimes lose people on the Metro and in the Louvre. Two week breaks involve no heat. And the most important thing--Paris is beautiful in the Fall! Please come visit us if you get the chance! I promise we won't lose you!

Thanks for reading folks!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Edelweiss


Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Wade gets a two week break every six weeks. His break started last Wednesday. We decided to go on a mini trip that would lead us to a castle in Germany, and a fortress in Austria!

 

We rented a car because it is cheaper and a little easier than riding the train. Wade had enough courage to drive on the Autobahn! It’s crazy how fast people drive on that thing! Anyway folks, all I can say is, Germany is a beautiful country! There are green hills everywhere and the leaves are changing into rusted reds. Even the cows are cute! We were headed to the German town Füsson which is set in a valley that overlooks a beautiful lake. Nestled in one of the high mountain peaks is the town Schwangau, and in that town is the Neuschwanstein Castle! (The Disney castle--cue excitement!) We had ourselves a good night's sleep in a cute farmhouse hotel and the next morning headed off to the castle!

  

We drove the 15 minutes to Schwangau and parked the car. We bought our tickets for the tour of the castle and wandered around the cute little village. Now the castle is about a 30 minute walk uphill. If you don't like the sound of that, you can either take a shuttle or a horse drawn carriage! Wade and I decided to walk; we didn't want to look like those lazy American tourists who can't walk up a hill for longer than five minutes. We noticed that there were people either walking or riding in the carriages. No one opted for the shuttles. I guess it's not as whimsical to be in a mini bus riding up to a castle. Wade and I were joking that if we had a castle in America, and people had to walk thirty minutes, there would be rioting in the streets. As we were laughing,we overheard an American woman yell to her husband, “I ain't walking up that!” Guys, we were literally five minutes from the top! Her exasperated husband tried his best to reason with her. I guess the shuttles only take you up so far, and you have to walk the five minutes to get to the castle.


Once we were at the top, we were surrounded by beautiful trees, mountains, and--oh yeah--a castle! We waited in excited anticipation for our tour to begin. Our tour guide spoke English, so that was good! The castle was beautiful inside and out. The tour was pretty fast, which was nice! I would definitely recommend going if you get the chance! After the tour, we wandered onto a path that had a very precarious bridge and a great view of the castle from afar! I, of course, hate heights (I didn't used to hate heights; I've become a wuss in my old age!) so Wade had to take all the cool pictures. After the pictures were taken and I was safely far away from the bridge, I decided this was my favorite place we had been so far! The little village was straight out of Beauty and The Beast and so was the castle.

  

The next morning we were off again, but this time to Austria (cue Maria singing about the hills). We wanted to visit Salzburg. We stayed in a little town about thirty minutes outside of Salzburg. We didn't really plan anything to do or see in Salzburg, so it could have been a disaster but it wasn't! We ended up in the historic part of the city. It was pretty cool! We rode a tram to the fortress they have on top of a cliff! We also came on a day when they were doing a trail running race. We got to watch the people do that too! It was odd, though, because they started the race at like three in the afternoon! I digress! After the fortress, we walked around the streets. It was awesome to see all the old history. As we were leaving, we heard a street performer playing “Edelweiss.” It was the perfect way to end our mini trip!


The next day we were on the road again! This time we were sadly headed back to Forbach, a six hour drive. About halfway through the drive, I had to use the restroom! What's good about Germany is that they have rest stops on the road every like 30 miles. So I didn't have to wait long for sweet relief! We saw the sign for the bathroom, exited the freeway and parked. I'm off like a shot! I get to the first door only to find that the toilet is clogged. I run to the second door--same thing. Folks, all five toilets were clogged! We got back in the car and decided to just stop at the next one. So we stopped, I got out and ran like a crazy person. I get to the first door and open it. There was a perfect toilet, but no toilet paper. So I run to the next door--same situation. I checked all five bathrooms.  None of them had toilet paper! I ran out and told Wade ,with panic rising in my voice. I just kept thinking “Of course this is happening!” Wade finds some napkins, and I'm off again!

So some things to take away from the week’s post:  Go to Germany.  It's a beautiful country. If you have a chance to visit a castle, please do so!  Maybe don't complain when you have to walk five minutes to reach your destination. Don't walk across a bridge just for a photo--have your husband take instead. Go to Austria and try not to cry when you hear “Edelweiss” playing in the street! When you see the Alps, remember Maria with her little guitar! Lastly, always bring toilet paper with you, folks! You just never know!

Thanks for reading folks!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

One Short Day!



We recently took a day trip to the German town Saarbrüken. At first I wasn't that interested in going because it’s thirty minutes away from Forbach, and we all know how I feel about Forbach. I just thought it would look just like Forbach. I found out that's not really the case.


We took the bus, but we didn't really know which stop to get off, so we picked a random place to get off. It was in the center of the busy city. I thought we were pretty lucky to have chosen correctly! Folks, Wade and I aren't the best at planning when we travel. We usually get lost, so to actually be in the right place was nothing short of a miracle!

We decided to just walk down random streets. (That's usually how we end up getting lost.) We just wanted to explore the city and see the awesome buildings. Every cathedral we walked past was beautiful and, for some reason, included a lot of dragon statues! One of the cathedrals had an awesome hedge maze that we looked at. It was pretty entertaining.


We had been walking around awhile when I started to get hungry. No peanut M&Ms were in sight, so the situation was getting a little desperate. We turned down a street and ended up in a square that had food trucks gathered around a cool fountain! It was like manna from heaven. We picked the food truck that was closest to us and went for it. What we ended up with was two curry bratwurst and two cokes! I know what some of you are thinking--ew! It was actually delicious! Instead of the bratwurst being on a bun, they gave it to us in a dish and gave us a homemade roll we could dip in the curry concoctions. We sat on the fountain steps and ate our eclectic meal. It was very picturesque!


After the food, I was much happier and more willing to randomly walk places. We went to a few museums only to find out they were closed (Question: Who closes a museum on a Saturday?). We did see plaques telling the history of some of the buildings we were walking by and the history of the museums we wanted to go into. When we went to read the signs, we realized that they were all in German. I don't know what we were expecting. I mean, we were in Germany, for crying out loud! Anyway, Wade remembered that he had read an article about Google translate. You basically download the app, point your phone at the text, and it converts it into the language you speak and understand. Folks, it's really helpful if you don't speak the language and you’re wanting to read a sign. So that's your travel tip today! Google Translate is awesome!


Now let me tell you about our interesting bus ride home! We went to the bus stop and literally everyone was smoking. I was pretty sure second hand smoke was going to kill me. I was happy to see the bus come around the corner. We were pleasantly riding the bus and had made it to the outskirts of Forbach when everyone on the bus got off at the stop right before the train station. Wade and I were the only ones on board at this point. All of the sudden, we stopped at the train station and the bus driver stood up, looked at us and said, “I have to use the toilet.” So he turned off his bus, walked off and locked us in! We saw him talking to some random guy on his way to the bathroom. He had asked this random guy to watch his bus! We sat there in stunned silence for about ten minutes. All I could say to Wade was, “Is this actually real life?!” Eventually, the driver came running back, unlocked the door and sat down like he hadn't locked two clueless people in his bus. He did end up giving the random bus watcher guy a free ride, so that was cool of him.


Folks, let's just sum up what we’ve learned today. Saarbrüken is a cool old town with cool buildings. Always try to plan your adventures even if they are mini adventures. It's fun to walk down random streets because they may lead the the best bratwurst you’ve ever had. Google Translate is a great tool if you don't speak the language. Lastly folks, don't worry if your bus driver has to use the restroom. He’ll lock you in and ask a random guy to make sure the bus and you are safe.

Thanks for reading folks!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

I Know Things Now!


After telling Wade a corny joke about how I have writer’s blog, instead of writer’s block, I realized that I was going to tell you folks about Paris! The week we spent in Paris was a pretty neat week. We got a Paris pass which got us into the museums and other places without having to wait in a ticket line. It also comes with a five-day subway pass. I would totally recommend getting the pass! It may be expensive, but you definitely get your money's worth, and it's cheaper in the long run. Also, if you're going to be spending an entire week of walking and climbing stairs, bring good shoes! Even with your trusty walking shoes, prepare to have your feet ache at the end of the day!
Marie Antoinette's Symbol in La Conciergerie
The first full day we spent there was pretty great and full of jet lag which may have involved me actually falling asleep on the subway a lot! (I'm telling you, every time I sat down I was asleep within seconds.) Our first stop was La Conciergerie. It was a jail that at one point housed Marie Antoinette. Her jail cell was later turned into a little chapel. Our next stop was Notre Dame Cathedral. The stained glass windows are as amazing as everyone claims they are. After you walk around on the inside, you hop in a very long line outside so you can climb all 387 steps to the top, all the while talking about how the Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a lot happier than the book. I, for one, have never read the book, and now I don't think I want to. Once you are at the top of the building, you have a wonderful view of Paris! You get to see the very big bells too. It takes time to get up there, but it is well worth all those winding, stone steps! We then walked to the Panthéon. The Panthéon has a very large crypt full of famous French citizens. We saw Victor Hugo’s crypt, along with countless others. After all the walking, we went back to the hotel to take a little break. After sleeping for awhile, it was time to get back out there! We ended the evening by taking a little river cruise past the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

  


On the second day, we spent the whole day at Versailles. If you want to go Versailles, get there right when it opens. Avoid the huge line!  That's exactly what we did. Wade has been to France twice before this, so he knew that the line was going to be long and that it would take forever to get in. So, in this case, the early bird wins. I say “in this case” because in most cases waking up early on vacation is never anything anyone should do. Anyway, we toured the palace, and it was amazing--so much gold trim everywhere. We then went to the gardens, I remembered that my sister Char had told us to rent bikes because it's such a big place. We got there too early, so the bike place wasn't open, and when it did open, we were too far away.  By then, it made more sense to just walk around. However, I soon started to regret not following my sister’s advice! That place is so big, folks! There is so much to see and do.  It would have been easier with a bike. So take Char Garn’s advice and rent bikes! We went to Marie Antoinette's “play village”. It was a legit village that she would go to when she wanted to get away. She liked to pretend she was a peasant. We then got lost in some gardens, and it took us about an hour to find our way out! It was a beautiful place, and I totally want to go back. Historically speaking, at first I was sad that they cut Marie’s head off, but after seeing Versailles, my opinion changed. She was so out of touch with what was going on around her. As the French Citizens were starving, she was “playing peasant”. Not cool, Marie. So after Versailles, we, you guessed it, took a very long break! For dinner we found a Malagasy place that Wade was so excited about. Let's just say that the Malagasy lady charged us for, in Wade’s words, “the worst dish they serve in Madagascar.” Wade walked out of there a little sad. Poor Wade. After that, we went to the Arc de Triomphe. I would definitely suggest going at night. It was so cool!

Our third day was exciting because we finally got to climb all 674 steps of the Eiffel Tower. Once you get the the second level, you ride an elevator all the way to the top. It was so awesome! It was a great view and all the steps were worth it in the end! Folks, if you don't want to climb that many stairs, I don't blame you.  You can always ride an elevator to the top! The line is shorter for the stairs, though. Now I know why.  After all the climbing, we went to Napoleon's tomb.  I've never seen anything like the tombs they have there! Napoleon’s tomb is the biggest thing I've ever seen. I just kept thinking, “Did they build that thing in here or did they have to carry that sucker?!”  After the tomb, we went to the Opera house. Guys, don't go on a tour.  Just walk around by yourself. The tour takes a long time. and it's--dare I say it--boring. It was cool to see Box Number Five though! (Shout out to all my musical theater nerds who understand the significance of Box Number Five!) After that, we went to the Louvre. We wanted to go at night because we figured it wouldn't be as busy. We were right. So do that. Anyway, I have always thought the Louvre was just a bunch of paintings. Nope, it has so much more--so many artifacts and sculptures. Honestly, I was overwhelmed with it all, and my feet hurt. When we finally got to the Mona Lisa, I was confused as to why it was so popular. There are just so many other paintings that I would rather look at. Guys, please don't think of me as an uncultured swine, but it's a very small painting, and again, my feet really hurt!

The fourth day, my feet almost refused to get in my shoes. They figured I was trying to kill them or something. I finally did put my shoes on, and we were off again! By this time it was Saturday, and we had been to all the popular places. We decided to go to this cool castle. When we got there, we found out that we couldn't go inside because it was under construction. Big bummer. We ended up going to the Latin Quarter. We found out there was a Middle Ages museum there, so we went to that. It was cool. Not as cool as a castle would have been but still pretty cool. We walked around for awhile and folks, that was all we did.

  

Our final and last day in Paris, we went to the catacombs. Guys, the line was so long, and they only took about 200 people every 45 minutes. We were in line for an hour and a half. We didn't wake up early, but I suggest you folks do. Learn from our mistakes. It kind of reminded me of a line at Disneyland! When you got to the entrance, they had a counter that would track the number of people in the catacombs. Now, I know I went to all these different cool places but I must say that the catacombs were my favorite thing we did.  Definitely go do that if you get a chance to go to Paris. We ended the night by going back to the Eiffel Tower where we said goodbye to our awesome Paris adventure

Folks, here are a few things to take away from all of this. Wake up early so you don't have to stand in ridiculously long lines. Bring your best walking shoes, and just be prepared to have your feet hurt no matter what. Don't eat at Malagasy places because they will rip you off. Don't feel bad if you don’t think the Mona Lisa is that amazing. And finally, go to all these awesome places and try not to feel sorry for Marie Antoinette!

Thanks for reading folks!