Round 2: Paris

After a failed attempt to see my friend Natalia in France last year, I finally got the chance to visit her last week in her territory. She has been able to visit and explore nearly each place we've lived in Europe and my turn to come visit on her turf was long overdue. Conveniently, we are now living in the same country which makes a short trip very doable. She and her family live about an hour outside of Paris in St. Quentin.

Living that close to Paris, it's impossible to pass up a couple of relaxing days in this memorable city. So, thus we did. We took our time and wandered the city, soaking up the Parisian lifestyle. We stopped at this charming English bookstore only to find that it was closed. But it led us to another just around the corner. It was literally filled with stacks of books leaving hardly enough room to maneuver.

  

We also had the opportunity to spend some time at the Palace of Versailles. I have faint memories of visiting this place as a child but much was forgotten. I was thankful for the chance to return now that my appreciation for history and traveling is greater than when I was a child. 

This place is extravagant and full of ornate and beautiful detail.

After spending some time in Paris, we headed back to Lavar and Natalia's hometown and enjoyed a few relaxing days that involved a bit of shopping :)

 Natalia's two handsome little boys! They are quite the little charmers!