Home!

We are now home safe and sound! We are already missing Robert and Paris, but it is nice to see our families! Talk to you all soon! We love you!

Sami & Emily :D

Paris Day 19 & 20!!

Yesterday morning, Bastille Day, Sami and I woke up around ten. We immediately turned on the TV and watched the Bastille Day parade down the Chans Elyeses. It was absolutely amazing! Each year the French invite a different country to be represented at the parade. This year it was India. There was snychranized marching bands on horses, multiple divisions of armies, marines, etc... and a ton of airplanes with parachuters! We could even hear all the planes and helicopters flying over the city in our apartment. It was a beautiful day out too. We headed out with Robert around 2 to do some shopping and to cruise the streets. We were out until 7 and then we headed back to have some drinks and relax before we headed off to see fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. After a nap we made some frozen rum punch. It was refreshing and really cold. We also made chocolate chip cookies which lasted about ten minutes :D Then Sami and I packed a little while Robert was taking a shower. We still can't believe a month has gone by! Once Robert was ready he came down and we all headed out. We picked up a piece of pizza and a coffee to wake us up then took the RER towards the Eiffel Tower. Due to the fireworks, the train stopped a station before the Eiffel Tower. It was dark when we got out of the station and the streets were packed! We figured the fireworks were going to start soon because it was dark enough so we started walking faster. Then, once the fireworks started we started running to get there. There were so many people everywhere and it was really hard to manuever around them. The police had blocked off streets so we couldn't get to the lawns of the Eiffel Tower. We ended up standing in the middle of the street and had a pretty good view. We were still close because there was constantly ashes falling on us during the show and we could feel the rumbling vibrations of the explosions. We got some really good pictures and videos of it all. The fireworks lasted for about 45 minutes and were way more spectacular than any 4th of July celebration back home. Once the show was over we tried going back to the street that was blocked off earlier to leave. It was still blocked off and there were even more policemen there to make sure no one got through. They wanted us to return to the metro station at Les Invalides to get home and not the Eiffel Tower station or walk on the streets in that direction. Although no one stormed the gates, people were extremely mad. There were thousands of people! Even more than we saw on the night of summer soltice. Sami and I saw more people on one block than there are in Salem! The police would open the gate for motorcycles, cars, and ambulances so people would try and get through then. At one point, about four guys had climbed onto the back of a passing ambulance trying to get through, but they were pulled off and shoved into the crowd by police. Finally, after about an hour, they allowed us to exit on the sidewalk. We didn't want to take the metro back because it would've been packed and taken longer than walking. We started walking back home, but then decided to get bikes. Robert wasn't able to check out two extra bikes so we only had two. Sami rode one and I sat on the seat of Robert's while he peddled. It was fun riding around and there were hardly any cars out. We did end up finding another station and rented another bike and rode home. We all called home and had a late night packing most of our things up. Today Sami and I got up around eleven and headed out to do our last walk around. We went to Shakespeare and Company where Sami got two Jane Austen books and I got a book called Norwegian Wood. After that we went and got crepes at the same place where we got our first crepes. It was good closure to our crepe fettish :) Then we got metro tickets to get to Charles de Gaule and headed back to the apartments. Tonight we're going to Madrigal with Robert and his friend Dean. It will be a fun last night. Sami and I are heading out at 7 tomorrow morning to head to the airport. I think we are expected to get in to PDX around 9:45pm. See you all soon! We miss and love you all!

Sami & Emily :)

More pictures from the historic wedding festival in Deauville, Normandy

Sami, Stephane, and I after the parade at dinner

Stephane and other reenacters, including his mother (second in on the left) and his niece Clementine (far left)

Sami and I with our vintage umbrellas

Sami and her bonnet

My bustle :P

Pictures from the historic wedding festival in Deauville, Normandy

The hair dresser, Christine, and I with my hair done and bonnet on

Sami and I in front of the Mayor's office

Sami and I dressed in our 19th century costumes

Sami, Robert, and I looking like we came straight out of the 19th century

The dinner table

Pictures from Normandy and Mont Saint Michel

The yellow Panda Fiat car Robert rented

The manor Stephane and Robert used to own and renovated

Sami and I with Mont Saint Michel in the background (low tide)

Sami and I at the village in Mont Saint Michel

The abbey at the top of Mont Saint Michel

Normady Day 4/ Paris Day 18!!!

Today we went downstairs for breakfast a little after ten. There we met with Frederick, Stephane, and two other friends of Stephane. We all ate breakfast together and enjoyed 'listening' to their conversations and retellings of the festival. They are all so animated when they talk and you don't really have to understand what they're saying. After we ate we walked to the photography store. There in the window were pictures from the festival. They were displayed alongside pictures from the past and you couldn't tell the time difference. Then we walked back and said our goodbyes to Stephane's friends. As we were going up the stairs Stephane realized he wasn't going to be able to see us before we leave. We said our goodbyes and it was very sad, we all teared up. Stephane reminded Sami that she's like his own niece. It was cute. We both hope to see him soon. We had to hustle and get out the hotel because we still had a three hour ride back to Paris and we had to get the car back by two, even though we left around 12:30. It was a smooth and quicker ride getting back to Paris. It was later than two, but there was no issue with the car's late arrival. Sami and I are unpacked and Robert is moved back into his apartment. We feel right at home again, even though we won't be here much longer. These last couple days we plan on enjoying the 14th at the Eiffel Tower and seeing Harry Potter hours before everyone back home. We have absolutely loved Paris and our stay here with Robert and Stephane. It will be nice to come home and see everyone, but we are sad to leave. We will put pictures up later tonight, we're tired right now. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

Normandy Day 3!!

As usual, on Sunday, we got up in a hurry, realizing we needed to get downstairs and eat. After a breakfast of cereal, breakfast tarts, croissants, baguettes, yogart, applesauce, fruit, cheese, sausage, juice, coffee and tea, we drove to the school where everything and everyone was getting ready for the festival. Everyone was very busy; Stephane was doing womens hair, putting on headwear and making final adjustments on costumes. He was extremely busy with all his dutys and people coming to him with questions and problems. Finally we got in line with Madame Christine to get our hair done. When she saw us she had me (Sami) take the curlers out of my hair since hair plans had changed. Then she had us go find our bonnets. Emily's was cream and dusty pink, the bonnet is what a fiance from Val de Serre would wear. It was very pretty! Mine was cream with darker cream colored flowers. My bonnet is called a Coiffure de Pierrier, which was a bonnet for girls having their first communion :D After we collected our hats, she started on Emily's hair. She started out by brushing it back from her face which made it pretty straight. Then she put it into two ponytails; with the bottem part she made one braid and the top she made two. Then she twisted them around to make a bun. She kept moving Emily's head back the way she wanted it, but with all her brushing and pulling her head kept getting moved different ways. Then she put the bonnet on her and tied the bow under her chin, which didn't look very good so Stephane tied it again later. After that she moved onto my hair. She brushed it back into a ponytail and curled it into a bun. She practically used a full can of hairspray on both of our hair, to keep everything sleeked back in place. Then she put my bonnet on my head and tied the ribbon, which Robet ended up retying. Then we realized we better go to the bathroom before we put on our dresses. So we found our dresses and went searching with Robert for a bathroom. In a school you'd think that'd be an easy quest, but it wasn't. We went upstairs, but every direction that should have had a bathroom was locked. Finally we found one, used it and then changed in a coat room. We had to get Robert's help on a few things, but for the most part we were able to manage. We now understand why women had maids because putting on one of those dresses is really a two to three person job. Finally we had everything situated and headed to Stephane for final approval. He added pins to both of our dresses and adjusted bits and pieces. Within an hour we had moved into another century. Once we were dressed a group of us, Robert included, headed down to the village to check out the stores. The main reason for our venture into town was to get clips for the documentary being filmed. We saw people making lace, forging copper, spinning wool, and other people dressed up in their own costumes. Every couple steps people were either taking our picture or clapping for us. We had lunch at one of the girl's grandmothers charcuterie/house. We felt like we were in Little House on the Prarie, because the house was just like one that could have been in the town. Once you passed through the shop you were in a dining room and up the stairs was the rest of the house, very similar to the Olsen's Mercantile. We had ham and butter on a baguette, with some lemonade. Speaking of Little House on the Prarie, one of the girls in the group was Stephane's niece Clementine or as Robert called her Nellie Olsen. She was kinda bossy and Robert's teasing frustrated her. After lunch we headed back up to the school to start the parade. We all gathered in the courtyard of the school for a group picture, which turned out really good. If placed beside a real picture from that time, no one would know any difference. Then Stephane paired us all up with our partners, I was with Robert and right behind us was Emily with a man from Argentina named Gustavo. At the front of the parade were the young children, then a carriage with the bride and her "parents," then came a group of couples (us included). Following us came a carriage being pulled by a donkey with an elderly couple, then came a group of young couples, another carriage pulled by a donkey, another group of people, another carriage pulled by a horse with a group of elderly women and a young lady being escorted by them. After that came another group of people and finally a carriage being pulled by a horse with Stephane and his "mother" inside. There was a total of eighty people involved in the reenactment. We wandedered through the town, people would cheer and yell, "Long live the marriage!" Others would take pictures and clap. Robert loved waving at all the older people who would wave back smiling. The sidewalks were completely packed, there were around four thousand people! Along the way we stopped for hard cider and brioche, where people continued taking pictures of the group. All this while Stephane was running around taking pictures with people all over the place and making sure everything was organized. At the same moment we stopped for cider the clouds parted and the sun came out. We were then able to use our umbrellas that were loaned to Stephane from this man who has a huge collection of them. After our little break we continued to a park where the ceremony was to be performed. We walked around the crowd once, which was growing as people filtered in from the streets, then we prepared for the dance. It wasn't a big deal really because the dance wasn't that hard (right heel, left heel, right right, left left). We danced around in a circle, then proceeded to the stage. Once all the people who had roles in the ceremony and older people were seated, the rest of us filtered in. Robert got us a really good spot right up front! Then the ceremony began, and people presented the couple with the dowry. The dowry included sheets from his "mother," some sort of pot/bowl from a lady, a pair of crotchless bloomers from a 95 year old lady who was a fabulous actress, she also gave them a snuff box. Then the creamer, who looked like Robin Williams, presented them with butter. After that his "cousins" from the country showed up and presented them with a pig, which pooped all over the stage and a couple people, including Stephane's real father. As we said it had it's shit scared right out of it. It was sooo funny!! The entire ceremony was very comical. Stephane throughout the ceremony was mouthing the lines along with the people saying them, he knew the entire script by heart. The whole thing was in Patois, a dialect from the region. Thus I understood nothing and Robert understood a little. During the entire parade and ceremony the documentary crew and people from the news were filming, and a hired photographer was as well. Stephane said he would hook us up with any picture we want. However, Robert stole one of the group photos being passed around at dinner, since he thought the one Stephane was getting would be damaged. After the ceremony we "mingled" in the park while the news crew was filming live. Then we wandered over and had some more cider and a variety of cookies. Then we all got back in formation and headed up towards the school. We were taken to a place near the school where a huge dinner was set up for the "wedding party" and guests. Before dinner the documentary crew pulled us aside, as they were with many other people, to interview us, especially since we are "American women." He asked us how we felt being involved and yada yada yada. We hope we don't sound too American or unpolished and that make Stephane and Robert proud. Under a big tent there was a long table set with place settings and menus with our names on them. We sat next to each other, thank goodness, and across from us was Robert. To Emily's right was a French couple who are living in Tennesse, and to my left were two couples who live in Normandy and speak a little English. Then our seven course meal started with a chicken broth, bread and cider. Then came a butter roll stuffed with ham-pot-pie filling and a piece of saussage on top. Next came chicken and steamed carrots and potatoes with with a white cream sauce. Then came an aperitif which was the French version of Applejack Brandy. Robert wanted us to get a picture with Stephane and our drinks, but since Stephane was so busy he told us to just drink them. That seemed like a good plan, but then he came back for the picture and Robert found us two more shots that we drank. The Normans around us cheered and said we were one of them now! The next course was lamb and beans, which was followed by a plate of salad. After our plates were cleared we had rice pudding, which was absolutely delicious!! Throughout the meal people were dancing traditional country dances. Emily joined in during a waltz, which Robert and I enjoyed watching. Stephane was out there almost the whole time, he is an amazing dancer, very graceful and quick on his feet. We were all starting to fall asleep so we headed back to the school to get changed and go to bed. We said goodbye to Stephane's parents which we had met earlier in the day. They are both very nice and lively. They wanted me tell Gramma Karen hello for them, so thats for you. Then we had our bonnets taken off and our hair undone. Both of us had rather volumous hair after that. With our dresses hung up and put away, we headed back to the hotel and went to bed around 2. It was a long day, but we will never forget any of it. Everything was quite extraordinary.

Normandy Day 2!!!

On Saturday morning we woke up around ten, got dressed and ready to go, and headed down for breakfast. The breakfast food was all very sugar-filled; nutella spread, coco puffs, and hot chocolate. But, we did manage with some bagettes with jam, apple sauce, and rasin bran-like cereal. After stealing some jam packets, apple sauce, and sugar packets, we headed out for Mont Saint Michel a bit after eleven and got there around noonish. The drive there was beautiful, winding through fields and little farm houses. We stopped right along the road to Mont Saint Michel to take pictures. It was an amazing backdrop and we got some great shots! Mont Saint Michel is built on Mont-Tombe. A sanctuary was built there in 708 after Saint Michel visited the Bishop of Averanhes, Aubert. At first the Aubert didn't listened to him so Saint Michel touched his head and burnt a hole in his skull. Finally convinced, they built a santuary on the Mont. Since then it's been a pilgrimage site. The sand surrounding the Mont is quicksand, a good defense against invaiders when the tide is out. Unfortunatley, many Monks and pilgrims were lost in the sands and quick moving tides. At one point, the abbey was turned into a prison, until it was restored in 1874 and classified as a historic monument. It is now one of the seven man built wonders of the world. When we entered the village that winds its way up to the cathedral and abbey it felt like we were walking into a real life Enchanted Forest. There was a draw bridge, cobble stone streets, and little tourist shops. There was a lot of people there because it was Saturday and a busy weekend, but we went with the flow of foot traffic and it wasn't too crowded. We climbed up to the abbey and got in line. When we got to the ticket counter, Robert told us not to talk. Since he speaks fluent French, he told the ticket clerk that we were 18 and she assumed we were French, which got us in for free! Afterwards he said "Don't you love having an uncle who speaks French?" We both agreed. The abbey and cathedral was beautiful as were the sights from the courtyards and windows. Inside some parts of the abbey it was quite dark. At one point, Robert was walking behind Sami and yelled "Look! It's Harry Potter!" A boy that was walking infront of them whipped around with huge eyes looking for Harry Potter. It was hilarious! Later, Robert tried many times to scare us while we were in a dark hallway and standings a edges. Some tries were succesful, others were not. He also tried to convince other people that Harry Potter was right around the corner. It was very entertaining and we can't imagine what he would've done at some of our other tourist spots. We went outside the abbey and checked out the gardens. They were very peacful and had beautiful flowers and views. On our descent down through the village we stopped at a creperie. The service was terrible and Robert even got a glass of water with food in and on the glass. We were so grossed out! But, the crepes were delicious and the view was amazing. When we left it started raining so we went into practically every souviner shop. There were some interesting trinkets, including faries, dragons, and knights. We left the Mont in the late afternoon and headed towards Villedie les Poêles, the city of copper. When we arrived we checked into our hotel, a cute building on the main strip in town. Our room was nicely decorated and had its own toilette and shower. Shortly after our arrival we went out to dinner with Stephane, some of his friends, and the film crew that is making a documentary about the festival. It was a fun evening even though we didn't know everything that was being said at the table. After dinner we headed back to the hotel and went to Madame Christine's room, the woman who was doing everyone's hair for the festival. She put curlers in Sami's hair and told us her plan for our hair. She was going to pull it half-way back tight with an "American braid" and have the rest of our hair billowing out. The funny part of that is what we call a "French braid" they call an "American braid." We were so excited for the festival we could hardly sleep! We had to get up early and out by nine to eat breakfast and get ready for the festival.

Normandy Day 1!!!

On Friday morning we got up around 10:30, took showers, ate breakfast and made sure we were all packed. Emily and I (Sami) quickly ran out and picked up some black shoes for the festival while Robert picked up the car. Once we were all loaded up we got some food and headed out. The car we rented was a Panda Fiat in pale yellow. It was so cute and pretty roomy! After being stuck in traffic for about an hour, for an "accident" that we never saw. There were a lot of people heading out of town for the 14th of July weekend (for Bastille Day). First we headed towards Deauville, where the manor Stephane and Robert used to own is located. They bought this manor and totally renovated it, it looks exactly as I (Sami) imagined it from when I was eight. The new owners added a pool, a tennis court and turned the stables into living quarters for their family, and the barn into an apartment and pool house. When we pulled up there was an electric lawn mower roaming around the front lawn, it was so funny to watch and pretty cool. That whole area was beautiful, with lots of clean air, which was refreshing. Then we drove through the heart of Deauville which is located along the beach on one side of a bay and on the other side is a town called Trouville, where we had dinner. Both towns are similar to Carmel, since everything is upscale designer stores. We walked along the boardwalk looking for a place to eat and we finally ended up along the main strip at a seafood restaurant. For dinner we had salad, a white fish with cream sauce and rice, hard cider to wash it down and for dessert chocolate mousse. When we left for Caen around 10 the sun was just setting. We ended up spending the night at a "Formula 1" hotel in Caen. The hotel is kinda like a pod hotel, with the rooms separate from the community showers and bathrooms. The room was fairly tiny; we slept bunkbed style with Emily and I down below on a double and Robert up above on a twin. The room did a have a tv, a little table and chair, and a sink. Everything was very clean and worked perfect for what we needed. We took our showers that night, because we thought since they were community showers it would be extremly busy and hard to get in one in the morning. Then we headed off to bed, since we were planning on going to Mont Saint Michel in the morning.

More Cafe George Pictures

Pictures from Cafe George

Having fun with Robert taking model pictures at Cafe George...
Pretty in pink :D

Pictures from Versailles

Sami and I in the main gardens with the canal in the background

Awesome designed gardens

Hall of Mirrors

Hall from Marie Antoinette the movie (the scene when she runs down this hall when the Strokes song "Whatever Happened" plays)

The front gate of Versailles

Paris Day 17!!

Today Sami and I got up and made it out of the apartment by 10! We picked up a pain aus chocolat headed off to Versailles. It was about a forty-five minute metro ride and we were there! We did end up standing in three diferent lines for an hour. The first line we stood, which was line A, the line our maps told us to stand in for individuals, we stood in for about 25 minutes. When we got to the front we found out it was the wrong line, you had to already have your tickets to go through that line and enter the palace. So, we headed over to another line to get our tickets where we waited another 20 minutes. It is almost humorous, but then just annoying when the museum clerks say "you can get in for free," because they think we are under 18. When we tell them we're 18 they say "where are you from?" We answer (somewhat reluctantly) U.S. They respond, "oh too bad, you can't get in for free." In order to get into most museums for free here you must be under 18 and or from a european union country. It is very dissapointing considering we would not have had to spent a lot of money and makes us wish we were younger or not Americans. But it all ends up being well worth it! Sami and I got our tickets and then went back to stand in the line we had been in before, but now it was even longer. It didn't take more than 20 minutes until we were in. First we went through the palace which is absolutely amazing. I (Emily) have been there before and loved it even more and Sami enjoyed it as well. After we went through all the rooms the public is allowed into inside we headed out to the gardens. The gardens are 7 miles long with countless paths, ponds, and statues. We took our time meandering towards the Grand Trianon. The gardens are so beautiful and it smelt wonderful. The weather was a bit chilly and made us shiver when the wind blew so we were happy to get to Marie Antionette's private palace. We ended up going into the Petit Trianon first due to more line complications. Inisde was decorated very lavishly and Sami and I had fun picturing Marie Antoinette and her court there having dinner parties and balls. The exit lead us outside to the gardens which over looked a beautfiul white marbel gazebo. We walked through seclusive garden paths to get there and it was even more beautiful up close and we had a wonderful view of the Petit Trianon from there. From there we walked on more paths, making our way to the Grad Trianon. The sounds of the birds chirping and the beautiful scenery was almost magical. We ended up coming apon an octagolano shaped pavillon. It rested up on a small slope above a large pond. The small building was ornatley decorated in a music theme. It was most likely used for an evening concert or an afternoon tea for the queen and her close subjects. We wound our way back to the Grand Trianon and it was even more oustanding than the Petit Trianon. There were at lease one huge chandeler in every room, if not more. Sami and I enjoyed the different chair and drape fabric patterns that varied in every room. The gardens outside were outstanding! I wish their lawn and maintance team would come to my house. After that we went to Angelina's, a small and well known Parisan cafe where we had sandwhiches and hot chocolate. It was scrumptous. On our walk back we enjoyed the gardens and picked up some ice cream. We left Versailles a bit after 4 and we were exhausted! Since then we have relaxed in our room, ran to the store, and started packing. Tomorrow we are leaving for Normandy around one. We plan to drive along the coast and visit the Normandy manor that Stephane and Robert used to own. Then on Saturday we are going to Mont St. Michel! Sunday is the festival and then we will return on Monday. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

Paris Day 16!!

Hey! Today Emily, Robert and I (Sami) started out a little slow. By two we were out of the house and heading towards the Pompidou Center. On our way we checked out a couple tourist shops, and might have found a couple of things ;D Then we wound our way to the BHV which is really close to the Pompidou Center. We found some black knee highs for the festival this weekend, but we are still looking for some shoes. Then we grabbed a crepe to hold us over for a little while, Robert and Emily got a nutella crepe, while I went for a cheese one. Then after we ate those we headed into the Pompidou Center. Oh, by the way it has been drizzling on and off all day, so it was a good time to go inside. After standing in line and watching a little girl throw a fit for about ten minutes, we got our tickets to the Kandinsky exhibition. The exhibit had a number of his better known pieces, along with some of his more obscure works. We could have stayed there all day trying to pick out new things from each painting. Then we went to George, a cafe on the top floor there (owned by the same people as Madrigal), Robert took some cool pictures of us and then we had drinks. Emily and Robert went for coffees and I had a limonade. After that Robert headed off to the gym and we went back to the apartment. After a quick clothing change we headed to the Eiffel Tower to check out the Trocadero. We got some great pictures of the Eiffel Tower and saw it twinkling for a while as well. I found a pair of sunglasses and we watched some of the street performers dancing. Then on our way back to the metro we picked up some ice cream. Today was a nice day and we were able to check a lot of places/things off our list. Tomorrow we are going to Versailles! We miss and love you all!
Sami & Emily :D

Even More London Pictures!!!

Camden Market


Us and two Bobbies

Paul McCartney's London House

Outside of Abbey Road Studios

Tower Bridge

More London Pictures!!

Us at the Hyde Park music festival (I... Sami... am not really drinking 2 beers it was Delanie's)

Us at the Kanye West concert

Kanye West on the big screen

The view from the London Eye of Big Ben

Our High Tea, mostly eaten, which consisted of scones, jam, clotted cream and English Breakfast tea

London Pictures!!!

St. Paul's Cathedral

Buckingham Palace

Westminister Abbey

Us in front of the London Eye (ferris wheel)

Us at Hampstead Heath with London in the background

London Day 5 & Paris Day 15!!

Yesterday Sami and I (Emily) got up early and went with Delanie to take Hudson to school. After we dropped him off the three of us went to a yummy bakery for breakfast. It was somewhat upleasent because the waitress spilt steamed milk all over Sami! She was carrying her tea and milk over on the same saucer and when she placed it on the table the milk tottered over and spilt everywhere. Even thought Sami's pants smelt like soiled milk, she did get a free pastery and it was delicious! Then Delanie took us to her yoga class. Her yoga teacher, Tori, was very nice and helpful. We enjoyed the class and her Brittish voice was very calming. Sami and I are now a little sore, but we bent in ways we had no clue we could. The class was very relaxing and it was a good warm up for us before we take one of Robert's classes. Then Sami and I went off to the London Eye. The lines weren't too bad and the tickets were reasonable. The ride around is half an hour. The carrage holds up to 25 people, but there were probably only 20 in ours. The entire ferris wheel weighs over 2,000 tons! The panaromic view was incredible and we could see all of London. We stopped by the gift shop and then headed off to find a cafe or restaurant that had high tea, scones with jam and clotted cream and tea. Our search was very difficult and we got some interesting looks. People didn't seem to know what high tea was and we were starting to lose hope of finding somewhere that had it. Finally we found a restaurant that did and the search was well worth it. It was delicious! We had warm scones with a raspberry jam and clotted cream, thick buttered whip cream. Along with that we had English breakfast tea. We were happy to have gotten the true Brittish experience of high tea :) We were in a bit of a rush to get back to Delanie's because she had called a car to pick us up at 4 to take us to the train station and it was already 3:15. We made it back with time to spare and said goodbye and thank you to her and the boys. We were sad to leave London, but excited to be back in Paris. We didn't get to our apartment until a little after 9 and spent the rest of the night unpacking and doing laundry. Our apartment really feels like our home now :) Today Sami and I slept in until 11! We had a very lazy and relaxing day. We helped Robert clean out his apartment because he has people renting it. It was very funny because he stuffed his kitchen full of all his belongings, stuffing books and bathroom things in the washing machine and oven. He is staying on the day bed in our apartment until we leave for Normandy. We are now leaving for Normandy on Friday because it's the same price to rent the car for 3 days as 2. Sami and I are going to head out to a cafe in just a few to get a cup of tea :) Pictures to come very soon! Tomorrow we hope to accomplish some things that are on our list. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

London Day 3 & 4!!

Sorry we didn't write yesterday, we got home late and were totally pooped! Yesterday morning Emily and I got up early and took the tube into London with Ryan. He showed us how to find a couple stores and the bus tour we wanted to take. So we started walking down Oxford street, which is the most busy shopping street in the world. Delanie told us about this store called Primark, she said they have clothes similar to H&M, but cheaper, so of course we had to go! Everything was very cute, really cheap, and we could have bought everything, but didn't. We did find a number of cute things, and neither of us spent more than 15 pounds! Then we walked to the Big Bus Tour stand and bought our tickets (Sorry Gramma Karen we wanted to try your London bus tour, but we didn't think we had enough time and didn't have enough confidence in ourselves yet). This tour took us all around! We saw the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the London Eye (which we might go on either tomorrow or Monday), Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey. We got off the bus at Westminister Abbey and went in, I (Sami) remember the cloisters from the last time we were there. The church is beautiful, but we felt like there were tombs and graves shoved into every little space available. We also got off at Buckingham Palace, there were no guards outside the gate, unfortunately, but we did see some. We also got off at Saint Paul's Cathedral and climbed up to the top. These stairs seemed like nothing compared to the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe and Robert's apartment everyday. It wasn't that hot all day, especially in the morning. We think the British are a little crazy if they call this a "heat wave." So we took the tube back at the end of the day to get changed and go out with Ryan and Delanie for drinks and dinner. We took a taxi to the Punchbowl, which is a club owned by Guy Ritchie, Madonna's exhusband. We had this drink which was good, we have no clue what it was, but it was good. Then we went to Hush a really cute restaurant not far away. There I had Victorian sausages and Emily had a steak pie. Then to drink we were hooked up with a Champagne Rose Beer, it was really interesting, but pretty good, very light. Then when we were walking down New Bond Street after dinner trying to hail a cab, the paparazzi swarmed and out of a car comes Kissinger's daughter and STEVE MARTIN. They were going into Gordon Ramsey's restaurant at the Claridge Hotel. He was looking pretty old, but that was our first star sighting and it was pretty cool. Then... this morning after waffles we headed towards Camden Market. It is an adventure traveling the streets with the boys, but a fun one. On the way we went to Abbey Road! I (now Emily talking) was so excited :D We got some good pictures walking across the famous road and in front of Abbey Road recording studios. I even walked across the street barefoot, just like Paul! Afterwards we walked to Paul McCartney's London house. Then we were off to the market. Camden Market is where punk rock evolved. It was such a cool area and we could've spent all day there! There were so many booths, eateries, and people. It was a lot of fun. Sami and I then headed off to Harrods, a huge famous department store. It was really busy because right now all the summer sales are taking place. The store is amazing, especially the food area. There are champange bars, practically every kind of restaurant, and sections devoted to cheese, wine, candy, and almost any food you can think of. We strolled through the different departments and even looked at wedding dresses and versace gowns :) The washroom (bathroom) was very impressive. There was a woman there greeting you and directing you to an open toilette. They even had a wide spread of perfumes on the counters you could try when you were finished washing your hands. Sami used Marc Jacob's rain and I used the classic Chanel No 5. We left Harrods and went into a couple other stores nearby. Then we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum. There was so much to see, but Sami and I are a little exhausted from museums. We did our best exploring and headed back to Delanie and Ryan's. When we got down into the tube there was a huge backup because so many people were trying to get on the line. The platform was so over crowded they stopped the ticket machines and made people wait to go down to the platform. Finally the train came and we were let through. We had a delicious dinner, including a hummus platter, coos coos, and shiskabobs. During dinner and before hand we watched the Wimbeldon championship matches. They were great. After dinner when the boys went to bed, Delanie, Ryan, Sami, and I watched Twilight. I was very excited because it is one of my favorite movies and none of them had seen it. Tomorrow Sami and I hope to make it to the London eye, but if not there is always Monday! We are also planning on going to the music festival in Hyde park tomorrow evening. That should be lots of fun. We have a ton of pictures, but we will probably wait to post them until we get back to Paris. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

London Day 1 & 2!!

Today Sami and I got up dark and early at 4 am! Of course we didn't get out of bed until 4:15, but we did get ready and ate breakfast with time to spare so we headed off to Gare du Nord at 5:45. We took the metro to the train station and got in line to go through check-in and customs. We got our passports stamped twice, which we were really excited about! The train ride was a little more than an hour and was interesting. In our cabin of four sets of quad seats there was one obnoxious family. They had a toddler and a nine year old who were constantly talking, whining, and making noise the entire ride. Fortunately Sami and I had our iPods so we slept and listened to music the majority of the time, but that family definitely didn't make the ride enjoyable. Inside the train got really cold when we went under the Chanel, but we were able to get sweaters out of our bag. When we got off the train we went to a currency exchange and exchanged some of our euros to pounds. It is so nice to be in a country where they speak English! Sure, the French experience is an exciting a good one, but it is nice to speak in english once again. We got a cab with no trouble and our driver was a cute, older man whose accent we loved. The drivers in London are crazy and we have already learned that pedestrians do not get the right away. Just as we were driving down Ryan and Delanie's road we saw Delanie walking home with Layton! The driver let us out and we walked down hill for a block with Delanie to their house. The Hamstead area is so charming! All the houses are made of brick and have elegant gardens. Private drive ways that lead to beautiful brick homes are closed with ivy covered gates and the streets are quaint. Their home is absolutely beautiful! Layton, their youngest son at the age of two, is adorable. He is loving the attention from Sami and I and was showing off to us. Sami and I are so thankful to be here in Ryan and Delanie's wonderful home! This afternoon Sami and I went with Delanie to pick up Hudson from school. He is four years old and adorable. He even has a little British accent! Then we walked to the Heath, a huge park where there were lots of ponds and grassy fields. We were able to see out over London on the top of a hill. It was a bit hazy, but the view was still great. Then we went to a little Italian restaurant for dinner. It was delicious. Then Delanie took the boys home and Sami and I wound through the streets of Hampstead. We are just hanging out tonight and may watch a movie later. Tomorrow Sami and I are going to get up early and take the tub to one of the tour bus' stops. There, we are going to ride around and hit up all the big tourist spots we have on our list of things to do. The bus will be so nice because you can get on and off at the stops as you please and we will be able to see everything the city has to offer! We are very excited for our stay here :) Just wanted to let you all know we made it here safe and sound! We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)

Paris Day 14!!

This morning we headed to Montmartre! When we were walking to the metro this morning we noticed it was cooler than it had been yesterday, so we were hoping it would continue for the rest of the day. We made it to Montmarte without a hitch, but once we got out in the air it took us a little bit to figure out where we were. But we walked over to Sacre Coeur and up the main stairs. There were lots of Africans trying to put bracelets on people's wrists, including ours. One guy walked up to Emily, but she was able to blow him off pretty easy. Then another guy walked up to me (Sami) I told him no several times and he put his hand on my arm and was asking me why I was being so sour and why I didn't like Africa, but I just told him no really sternly, finally I shook him off. But I was walking the whole time, oh well I delt with it. When we got up to Sacre Coeur we realized we weren't going to be able to go in because we weren't wearing the proper attire. But then we walked around the corner and saw the crypt and decided we should check it out. When we were buying our tickets, the guy there asked us if we were going to go up, not knowing what he ment we said yes. Well we got in and found ourselves winding up these stairs and realized that we were going up to the dome of the church! The stairs were dimly lit, narrow, no railings and poor air circulation, but the view from the top was spectacular! There was a breeze that cooled us down and after taking pictures of everything we sat to enjoy the scenery. When we were leaving the crypts the air raid siren from WWII went off and Emily freaked out. She thought maybe there was someone with a gun or something, and I was just a little puzzled. Then Robert called us because he knew Emily would be sared to let us know what it was all about. Then we walked to the Musee du Montmartre where artist such as Renoir and Lautrec once had studios. There Emily found some of her favorite pieces of art. The gardens there were quaint and elegant. Then around the corner is a small vineyard, which reminded us of home. Emily was reminded of work and I was reminded of Pat and Leigh's vineyard. Then we walked to the tourist square where there are tons of artists. We got our silhouettes done (2 coppies!) and they look exactally like us! Then we went around the corner, down two flights of stairs to the metro without any problems! Once we got back to the apartment we had lunch and packed a little. Tonight we are going out to dinner with Pat, Helen, Stephane and Robert for Pat's birthday. Tomorrow we go to London until Monday! We will try and post when we are there! Pictures of our day to come later! We miss and love you all!
Sami & Emily :D

Paris Day 13!!

This morning Emily and I (Sami) made french toast!!! It was soo delicious, we had 4 pieces each! Oh but before that a little before 6 this morning there were three girls sitting on the step in front of the building. They were talking so loud it woke us up. So I (Sami) got up and stuck my head out our window and said, "Hey girls, could you keep it down out there?" They were speaking english so we decided they must be with the American students upstairs. So they got quiet for about a minute, then their friends from upstairs came clomping down. They slammed the door shut and headed out. It was good they left then, because I was about to go yell at them! Robert helped us figuring out how to get to Ile de bois Vincent. In order to get there we had to take two new metro lines, we handled the transfer a lot better than we did on the way to the Eiffel Tower. Once we got there we found the pond and rented a row boat. So I rowed us around for a while and we soaked up some sun. Neither of got burn, maybe a little tan even :D Earlier today both Robert and Emily told me (Sami) that I looked tan, I do believe that is the first time anyone has told me I look tan! But the pond and and scenery was beautiful, there were tons of adults and children bearing the heat. We picked up some ice cream and headed back to the metro station. We had made three stops and a twenty minute walk from home when the train stopped at the station, we didn't understand what they were trying to tell us, but after waiting 10 minutes we got off the train to figure a way home ourselves. We wound ourselves to the Louvre and from there to the bus station. Once we got home we made ourselves lunch then headed up to Robert's. When we got up here we had a nice suprise, Stephane is back...with our dresses! So we tried them on! Emily's looks so pretty on her and very elegant! I tried on two, the first one he was just hoping it would fit, but I couldn't breathe very well :( But, he had another one ready for me! They both are amazing and we are sooo excited! We don't know what is going on tonight, but probably dinner :D We are planning on Montmarte tomorrow, hopefully it is a little cooler! We miss and love you all!

Sami & Emily :D

Our boat trip

Emily in her dress

Me in mine...both will have accessories added as well

Paris Day 12!!

Today Sami and I were up and out of the room by 10 and headed off to the Invalides. We took the metro and stepped out into the sun. It was really hot today... at least 90! We walked through the gardens leading towards the Invalides and enjoyed the hot sun. After walking around to the front, known as Eglise du Dome, we bought our tickets and headed to Napoleon's tomb. Inside was nice and cold because it is all marble. We enjoyed the change in temperature and the amazing architecture. Napoleon's tomb was huge! He is placed in five layers of coffin and then a sarcophagus. It is ginormous! Then we went and walked through the World Wars museum. It was interesting and very heavy on the mind. After that we went into the gift shop. I (Emily) bought a small poster of Libery Leading the People and I'm really excited about hanging it in my dorm room in the fall. Then we walked to the Grand Palais. As we were crossing the bridge we saw a bride to be, the fourth we've seen so far! She was very pretty and had an ornate gown. Sami and I started talking about what kinds of dresses we want at our weddings : ) The Grand Palais is currently under renovation so we couldn't go in, but we did get some pictures of it and of the Petit Palais. We took the metro back to the Louvre and from there we walked to the Palais Royal courtyard. We meandered through all the vintage shops and new stores, like Marc Jacobs (who goes to Robert's gym and has known him for nine years!) We felt a little out of place because everything was out of our price range, but it was still fun to look. Then we took the bus back to Robert's and had some fun rading the vacated apartments. We left with a lot of goodies, including orange juice, a beach mat, and other things. Sami and I have been relaxing and writing in our journals since then. It is still really hot out and the heat is suppose to keep up. Sami is getting creamy and I am getting tan : ) Sami's great aunt and uncle showed up not to long ago after an intersting journey. Who knows what we're going to do tomorrow. Maybe try on our dresses! Stephane isn't here quite yet, but he should be soon. Sami and I have accomplished a lot of our 'to-do' list, but there are endless things to do here in the city of love : ) We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily : )


Sami conquering her third of the watermelon

Smile big!

At the Invalides

Beautifully ornate

Napolean's tomb layered in six coffins