Paris spring ’14 -taking it all in

Our morning photo on our balcony before the adventures begin.

A love that won’t die.

The love padlocks have been a phenomenon in cities all over the world.

My husband & I displayed and dedicated ours to our three children; our best accomplishments in life.

Since late 2008, tourists have taken to attaching padlocks (love locks) with their first names written or engraved on them to the railing or the grate on the side of the bridge, then throwing the key into the Seine river below, as a romantic gesture.

Although this is not a French tradition and has only been taking place in Paris since the end of 2008, with locks occasionally being cut off by city workers, since 2012 the number of locks covering the bridge has become overwhelming, with locks being attached upon other locks. In February 2014, Le Monde estimated that there were over 700,000 locks.

If you thought romance was passé in Paris, all you have to do is look at Paris bridges to see it is being displayed in full force.

The Eiffel Tower, the iconic Parisian landmark, was constructed with latticed wrought iron in 1889.

The Eiffel Tower has had a level of success that no one could have possibly imagined when it was built in 1889. It attracts some 7 million visitors every year and over the decades has become one of the country’s most important monuments.

Capturing the tower up close and personal to all around the city.

Romantic afternoon picnicking in the park.

Looking up as the eiffel during construction phase as they are adding a glass floor.

As touristy as the eiffel tower is we always spend a afternoon or evening there.

It was wonderful to be there in the spring with the beautiful blooming trees. Seeing it differently with added pastels surrounding it.

This live greenery building we passed on our way walking to the eiffel tower. It was a eye-catcher and so interesting.

Streets of Paris…

The Conciergerie

Gothic, riverside fortress & French Revolution prison, housing Marie Antoinette’s former cell

Notre Dame selfie

Local artists showing their talents

We spent the morning at the Louvre and afternoon at the Tuileries Garden

The Tuileries Garden is a public garden located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris

Louvre

We made it back to our hotel with a bottle of champagne and just in time to enjoy the sunset

Thankful for friends that buy me amazing travel candles. It also puts a smile on my face thinking of them every city & country I light it.

Good morning Paris!

Every morning waking up to fresh squeezed OJ & warmest, just out of the oven croissants. This memory of aromas and tastes will never leave me.

Exploring is on the agenda today!

We could not pass up these crepes on our way to Dehillerin the oldest kitchen equipment shop in Paris.

Never miss an opportunity to capture plants, flowers & greenery.

Dehillerin known for their copper pieces along with having every gadget and baking pans made.

Our next stop was Patisserie Cuisine to pick up supplies.colors for making macaroons. La Cuisine cooking school shared both of these with us and could not have been more ecstatic to know and go to both.

Visiting Laduree this time was completely different from years past. Learning how to make the perfect macrons from La Cuisine they share everything to look for when picking the perfect ones. When you pay as much as you do for these cookies you should want to buy the perfect ones.

Lunch at our usual stopping grounds in Paris -Champs-Élysées is a few blocks from where we have always stayed.

These walkways where the trees are in repetition and birds chirping loudly are some of my favorite to walk.

This was amazing to capture The Arc de Triomphe and seeing one of the busiest streets; Champs-Élysées closed to traffic.

May 1, May-Day has been a day for celebrating old French customs since King Charles IX first received a gift of flowers on May 1 in 1561. Families take part in ancient traditions while the working class and trade unions unite to stand for social justice, trade union rights, and international solidarity. It is a holiday for all and barely anything is opened on this day.

The bronze plaque placed is in the western-center of the Place de la Concorde which commemorates the site of the guillotine and the executions of King Louis XVI, Marie Antionette. They were not the only two executed here in front of large cheering crowds. History states 1,200 up to 1,500.

Colonne de Juillet

Soaring Corinthian-style column topped with a winged gold statue commemorating the 1830 revolution.

Luxor Obelisk

Ancient Egyptian granite obelisk, originally from Luxor, with hieroglyphs & a gold-leafed top.

Angelina was once known as Rumpelmayers and this tea salon was first established back in 1903 and was once a favorite of famous people like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, more recent Angelina was taken over by the Groupe Bertrand in 2005.

It was a must to bring this back for my annual holiday party with my girlfriends.

A preview of us enjoying Angelina’s cocoas with a twist and turned it a bit naughty (spiked).

Sharing the history with the ladies and how special this cocoa is and dates back to the early 1900’s.

Lunching and taking in the culture on the beautiful day in Paris

Watching the storm roll in and enjoying its beauty

Paris, you did not let us down.

Every time we have visited, you have shown a rain shower or two.

Never lasting long or have dampened our plans in any way.

Adding clarity to the air we breathe!

As we say goodbye once again Paris, you will always be held tight in my heart from the first visit I met you. You are ever-changing like the world. I will see you again in another chapter.

Until then I will cherish the memories you have added to my life.