Over the next several days I began to experience some new sensations—my sense of smell grew beyond all proportion (Pre-pregnancy, I didn’t know we lived in a world with such varied kinds of, um, aromas.). About a week and a half later, my stomach decided it didn’t like London fish and chips at all. But otherwise, I tried to carry on as normal. In fact, I didn’t tell my cousin that I was pregnant even though I did tell my mom and dad—Craig and I felt it would be better for mom to know in case I had any difficulties while travelling.
So we arrived and began our explorations, but mom and I didn’t talk about the pregnancy because I had a huge desire to keep it quiet, and I needed to act like everything was usual. Truth be told, I’m sure I would’ve felt a little awkward bringing it up with my guy cousin despite the fact I’ve always considered him a close friend.
Not long after we hit the ground in Paris, we were walking over to the Louvre—it was only a few blocks from the Hôtel de la Tamise, the place we were staying, so it made a good place to hang out our first day.
I can’t remember much about that day (We were so jet-lagged.), but I do remember walking up to the Louvre, and feeling taken aback by the stunning juxtaposition of the I. M. Pei pyramid against the older architecture of the rest of the museum.
Isn’t everyone?
Funnily enough, I also remember being relieved to sit down and drink a slightly strange-tasting Diet Coke in a basement café later that afternoon.
After all, snack breaks are always a good thing.
In a journal I was keeping for Craig I wrote:
The plane ride was grueling, the taxi driver possibly “took us for a ride,” and we have not showered in over twenty-four hours (I think); but Paris is still one of the loveliest cities I have ever seen. On the to-do list today: 1) Check into our hotel. 2) Visit the Louvre. 3) See the Eiffel Tower. 4) Buy post cards.
The Louvre was wonderful. It had that peaceful, museum feeling at times and then pandemonium the next. Although I didn’t think the crowds as bad as we had been warned. We viewed the Mona Lisa, Venus d’Milo and several other great works of art….
People are friendlier than expected, more flowers are in bloom, the trees have not yet turned to their autumn colors, and the architecture on many of the old buildings is cool.
None of these observations were earth-shattering, but I’m glad I kept a short, albeit unimaginative, journal to take back to Craig.
After a rather non-touristy day at a marché aux puces helping Steve shop for antiques for his business (“Combien ça cout?” I repeatedly inquired while trying to figure the price with the exchange rate via calculator.), and eating gourmet, artichoke pizza out of a temporary store front at the market; we visited Notre Dame, St. Chappelle and Versailles on our last day in France.
Here’s a smattering of what I wrote:
We were rather disappointed in Notre Dame…
St. Chappelle was lovely. The exterior stonework is wearing down giving it a fanciful look…it’s all painted woodwork inside—blue, red and gold.
Versailles was the highlight for me. The size was incredible…we learned a bit about the different personalities of the kings and their times by viewing the rooms they decorated…
The grounds were wonderful…fountains and statues were everywhere. My favorite part was the Queen’s Village.
Okay, we did find some fall leaves.
Through the Chunnel to England, and through it all, I tried to act as if nothing was unusual.
I think I was pretty good at it.
But my flimsy facade was soon to crumble.