AHHH Pareeh……How I really love thee. If I could, I would move there in a heartbeat. I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time there in my life time — as a child in the summers with my dear and lovely French family (I went to a French immersion school, and lived with an exchange family for the summers) to my adult life with the Natoris and their beautiful apartment. It is unlike any city and I am in love. Here are the highlights of my trip this past weekend for the Paris Marathon! A whirlwind trip, that will forever be remembered!
The Marathon
Obviously, the main reason I went to Paris, but just one of the many activities I did over the weekend. The route was incredibly scenic and beautiful!
Place de la Concorde
My marathon stat keeper. Shaved off 5 minutes from last year (3:54). And next year, 5 more!
The starting line with loads and loads of French men. Hellooooo BO.
Shopping with my mother in law
Shopping takes talent and skill, and my mother-in-law is a professional shopper. She knows the “it” places, the cool hip stores, and has an eye for beautiful items. We had the opportunity to shop with her, which is truly an experience. She is also the most incredibly generous woman, and spoiled me rotten with shoes and a shirt for myself, and a whole Spring wardrobe for the kids. ME = ONE SERIOUSLY LUCKY DUCK.
Bon Ton. Even the displays are beautiful.
Necklaces and fashion at Bon Marche
Spending time with my Family
I am incredibly grateful to my father and mother-in-law for being a part of this special weekend. Not only was it nice to have their support and love, but also irreplaceable to see them together. I am so lucky that my two families get along so well.
Exploring together. Father in make shift fanny pack (aka jacket around his waist to mimic his fanny pack look and feel) and chic, sophisticated mother-in-law.
My papa and me stripes. We LOOOOOOVE stripes.
Beautiful apartment, beautiful music, beautiful family (as you may know, Mrs. Natori was a concert pianist)
The Flea Market
Always a fun place to shop around and look for what-nots, what-its, and furniture. So much to explore and see. A true Parisian adventure.
Flea market
Piles of colorful fabrics
Vintage Hermes bags. Just 10K Euros. No big whoop.
Visiting with my host family
The host family I spent my summers with growing up has been a part of my life since I was age 8, but for whatever reason, we have been out of touch for the past 7 years. But this year, we were able to meet up, and HOLY SMOKES, it was so great to be reconnected. It was being with family. I feel so connected to them and just love them dearly. Bernadette et Elsa — JE T’AIME! I didn’t know if I had it in me to trek to the 18th arrondissment after the marathon, but I did. And it was worth it — probably the best part of my entire trip!
The door
The apartment. Flooded with childhood memories.
The food
OBVI.
Croque Monsieur
Pie
I could live on ham and cheese alone.
Again
So there you have it, my incredible weekend. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. And Paris — I can’t wait to see you again!
So beautiful. Shopping with Josie Natori must be a hoot!
Seriously — so fun!
Sounds like an amazing weekend. I am going there as part of my honeymoon there in July. Any suggestions? Congrats again!
Just walk around and soak in the real air and light! Go to Bon Marche!
Beautiful pics! Looks like you had a wonderful time.
Thank you!
The food looks delicious!!! One of my favorite things about Paris…yum!
I want to go back just to eat.