Tuesday, March 16, 2010

bonjour!

I meant to talk about our big family trip before we actually went away; but, isn't it so much better that I didn't and can just dive in now? Yes, let's go with that.

So last week, the Wandering Seals wandered across the Atlantic and spent spring break in France. We concentrated our adventures in Normandy with the occasional trip into Paris by train.

It was awesome, and when I saw "awesome," I actually mean mind-blowingly spectacular.
I am not going to lie, international travel with two kids is no cake-walk. It is not for the feint of heart, it is not for the weak, people! But oh, was it worth it!We left Friday(3/5) evening thinking that the kids would, obviously sleep through the whole flight there and wake up ready to go.
Obviously, we are fools. They were so amped up that it took them a few hours to finally sleep and by the time we got there, everyone was tired.

We stayed at a beautiful place in the town of Connelles, right on the Seine (our balcony gave us a great view).

We spent time in Honfleur, quite possibly, the prettiest fishing village, ever.

And we also went to Caen to see the World War II Memorial Museum.
We went to Paris, of course.


Twice, just to get in as much as possible (I can not go to the Paris and not go to Monmatre).
And we went to Rouen.

We also went to Bayeux.
We went to the American Cemetery on the D-Day Beaches and saw Omaha Beach (this was actually the whole purpose of the trip, really--or at least what sparked the initial plan to go).

We spent time in Lyon a la Foret (the prettiest village in France)
.And then we bopped into little towns near Connelles like Val du Ruil, Elbeauf, Louviers, Ande, and Herqueville to shop, eat and explore. We had a great time.
And in case you were unaware, the most popular tourist destination in Europe is Disneyland Paris. I know, it suprised me too, but if Rick Steeves says it's so, it must be true.I put 30% of our photographs from the trip up in flickr; but, there is no processing and no additional information there (because, seriously, I don't have time to comment on 300 images in a timely manner). If you want a little narration and would like to see pictures with a little bit more fine-tuning and more critical selection (hi Papa!) please check out my other flickr account here, there you will find only 10%--but that's still over a hundred pictures, so grab a snack, I guess.

Au revoir!

5 comments:

The Pampered Bride said...

Wow you are brave! Yes I don't think I could take our little ones to Paris until they are older, but glad you got to have the experience!!! Next time you go you have to see Versailles if you didn't this time.

lesapeamusings.blogspot said...

I'm following you now and I absolutely love your sense of adventure. Safe travels.

Ashley and Henry said...

what a wonderful vacation...y'all ARE brave! Hope all is well and hope to see you this summer??? Pinch those cheeks for me!

Jill said...

And I thought driving alone with two kids and a dog to MI, 17 hours one way, was rough! I can imagine Europe with two parents and two toddlers was just as much of an endeavor. Great to hear you had a good time! Hope to see you soon!

Anonymous said...

Loved your blog! I went to Europe in January, which included Paris. Next time check out Versailles!