View from our Airbnb
After a long day of travel, Rachel and I were finally just one Metro stop away from our Airbnb when our RER turned a corner and there, in the break in the buildings, was the Eiffel Tower. “Wow, look at that!” I breathed, pointing at the massive structure. Rachel gave voice to the exact words in my head: “It’s bigger than I expected.”
We exited the Metro via an escalator leading us outside, where we got our first breath of French air. Sunlight filtered through the trees that smelled like jasmine, and birds chirped happily nearby. It was perfection.
We found our Airbnb, dropped off our luggage and ventured out into the city. After getting caught in our first French rainstorm and having our first cup of French coffee, Rachel and I entered the beautiful gardens of Musee d’Rodin. The lush gardens were shaded by trees dotted with rose bushes, making our walk cool, sunny and fragrant.
“The Kiss”
After walking around the outdoor paths and discovering “The Thinker”, we made our way inside where we found “The Kiss”. It is a breathtaking sculpture – possibly my favorite ever – because the intimate pose is both passionate and sweet. In my experience, it is hard to find both, but it is a love worth waiting for – and one that models the love that God has for us all. His love is strong.
Rachel and I enjoyed a chocolate-filled afternoon, stopping at both the quaint Jean-Charles Rochoux and the swanky Patrick Roger, as well as getting our first chocolate croissants from a chain called Paul. I saved some of my chocolates (hazelnut dark chocolate and rose dark chocolate) to savor while we sat in the grass at a small park, enjoying the sunshine.
For dinner, we ate at a restaurant I’d found on Yelp: Au Pied du Fouet. I ordered the canard (duck), and it was delicious, although I felt self-conscious because the friendly chef stood at the door to the kitchen watching me eat.
Rachel and I ended every day by climbing seven flights of stairs (127 steps. I counted). Then we rewarded ourselves with a hot shower in our plastic porta-shower and then… sleep!
Authentically Aurora
Authentically Aurora 
I’m looking forward to the rest of your Paris adventure. J.
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Thanks, J! Have you ever been to Paris? How is your summer going?
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No, I’ve never been to Europe. All I know of Paris is what I see in the movies. I am enjoying visiting it vicariously through you, though.
My jobs are keeping me busy this summer, but they are also keeping me in air-conditioned buildings, which I appreciate. I hope your summer, post-trip, is going well. J.
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Spectacular. So you had some sunshine? I heard there isn’t much there, so you had some good luck huh? We’re still trying to get some sun here in Seattle!
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It rained almost every single day, but fortunately, it was usually just a drizzle of an afternoon shower. Our second day was the day it rained the hardest and longest, and it was COLD! But for the most part, we were lucky to get some sun!!! Maybe there will be more sun in your new place of residence. 🙂
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There definitely will be sun in our new residence. It’s a desert. We might even get snow every once in a while, which I could do without, but at least it is a change from all the rain.
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mmmm chocolate!!
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