OT---From Europe

[Esther]

For all of you that live in France....I am SO JEALOUS!!!! I loved Paris, the beauty of the art is without compare, the Louvre, the Opera House, Notre Dame are all just amazing. It's obvious how much the French appreciate art, the details are all breathtaking. The French people are just such lovely, gracious people.

Sitting in Sacre Couer (spelling?) I felt like I was in a Holy place, I could just feel waves of healing flow over me. I am just in love with the whole city of Paris. I can't wait to come back to Paris soon.

I bought a purse as a souvenir of my trip, and will treasure it always. We spent a day in Geneva and I'm now in London. I have never done so much walking in my entire life.

It's been an awesome trip, and I actually feel really great, it's renewing my desire to work out once I get home, as the exercise seems to have a really positive effect on me.

I'm looking forward to my return home to the US and my pug babies, I miss them so much! I've missed reading the her2support board, but haven't had alot of time to read the e-mails.

See you all back online soon!!!

[Sheila]

Ester

Loved your post...we are all so jealous....what a great way to recoup! We need to see a picture ...of the PURSE!!!!!!!
Thanks for letting us know what a great time you are having! I envy you!
It is so hot here right now you can't do anything!!!!!

[Barbara H.]

Esther,
You take the best trips!! Can't wait to hear more.
Barbara H.

[chrisy]

Great! I enjoyed being in Paris vicariously through you!

[al from Canada]

Esther,

Jealousy is alive and well and living in Canada..............not that Seattle wasn't one of the coolest places on the planet, (thanks Steph), you are so fortunate, savour it like a fine wine.
Cheers,
Al

[sarah]

Dear Esther,
As someone living in France - the south - I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your trip. I also think Paris is very beautiful. I wrote you some suggestions but I don't know if you saw them in time. I'm also glad that you didn't mention anything bad about the French - often people find them rude and unhelpful and of course they think of themselves as very polite and Americans as rude!!! Having lived in both countries I'd say the Americans are friendlier and more helpful but I enjoy living here, have wonderful French friends and the medical system is excellent and they believe it is everyone's right to get the very best treatment regardless of income! They are terrible drivers especially in the south - that is the worst thing about living here. It must have been very hot though in Paris.
A bientot!
sarah

[Unregistered]

Hi,
I am u/r because i haven't posted since the change over. But i am Roz from Rozelle, Sydney. Esther I have thought alot about you while you have been gone. It is funny when it's "holiday' summer time for you guys, it's winter, and introvert time for us down under. I was hoping that you have been having a great time, such a great thing to do! I hope to do it as well in the near future. Perhaps in 2008, when the grandchildren are all at school and I don't need to do the pre-school pickups. (As much as I love them, may I say)

[Esther]

Sarah, I read your reply to my original post just before I left for Europe. I actually spent some time studying french before going, so I knew some words on my own. My sister speaks fluent french, but when I wasn't with her, I used my sparse words, and dropped in some Spanish as well.

Everyone seemed to be able to understand me and were just so gracious. Of course, I was in love with the city and just enjoying myself so much, that I think they sensed that and were happy for me.

The purse I bought was a long-time desire I'd had. I bought a classic Chanel purse at the Chanel store off the Rue St. Honore.

We took the bullet train to Geneva, and actually saw the french police arrest someone at the station and they did even that with so much class and finesse!

London was very different from Paris, the art and architecture were not as spectacular. I noticed a true crime thread throughout most of their tourist attractions. The Tower of London, The Dungeons, Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, etc. Things were alot more spread out in London, so getting around was more time consuming.

I know my way around the entire Paris and London undergrounds, we used them quite a bit. Wish we had something similar in Southern CA.

Awesome trip, loved Europe, I'm ready to go again anytime! For the whole 10 days we were there, I didn't even remember BC.

[sarah]

Esther,
Good for you!!! Glad you had a wonderful trip.
take care, be well
sarah

[chrisy]

Esther, Glad to hear you had such a fabulous vacation - especially the part where you were able to "take a vacation" from thinking about bc! That happened to me, too on my vacation in May - my profile picture is of me NOT thinking about bc, in Ireland.