PARIS WEEK THREE!

Bonjour! Our third week in Paris was all about celebrating with each other and the beautiful people we are meeting along the way! As most of you know, Charles and I do not meet strangers. We talk to people wherever we go and guess what? They talk back, which has evolved into the most incredible conversations here in Paris.

As time is running down for our adventure here in Paris, Charles and I decided to make the pilgrimage to The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre Our apartment in Paris has a very clear view of the Sacre’-Coeur (Sacred Heart) Church, which we have seen lit up every night since our arrival.

Circle back to our arrival, Charles and I made the decision day one to head straight from the Airport to the Church of the Sacred Heart as a start to our Paris Adventure. However, a series of misdirection in our bus and train connections, from the airport took us instead to the apartment where we would be staying.

After visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, we now know that God saved us from ourselves. There are a minimum of 200 stairs leading up to the church’s entrance. Now, remember we are rolling with backpacks, so imagine us hiking all those stairs fresh off the plane. Hear me when I say, going the wrong way is sometimes the exact way you need to go! (Let that simmer for a minute)

Charles and I are doing Paris “Our Way” and it’s been beyond magical, fun-filled, and joyful beyond our imaginations. For us a visit to Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is more of a priority than seeing the Eiffel Tower. The Love that Paris gives is what has resonated most for us during this time. Honestly the love for us is in the food, the architecture, the people, laughter, music and how the city just LIGHTS UP at night. We are simply not the touristy type of folks and guess what that is okay.

We finally made it to the Eiffel Tower during week three. We went with our friend Allan from Brazil the night before he left Paris. Although it was fun to see the dancing lights up close and we were able to capture some great photos and video; overall we were underwhelmed by the Eiffel Tower experience.

Why? Well, I am glad you asked! The Eiffel Tower has become a tourist trap, overran with vendors, pick pocketers, and people all over the place trying to capture the best shot. We walked a short distance from the base of the Eiffel Tower and was able to capture great pictures with minimum chaos. Now just to be clear I am not discouraging anyone from going to see the Eiffel Tower, I’m just saying it was not our cup of tea.

Just like in Portugal, we were once again aligned with an amazing group of people to spend the holiday with. We called ourselves the Christmas Misfits, which initially did not sit well with me. However, once I paused and allowed it to really sink in, that was the perfect title for us.

We were six Americans in Paris, three of the six were total strangers to Charles and me. Yet, by the end of the day we were laughing, singing, and dancing like old friends and family! Generally Charles and I are pretty low during the holidays, but our European experiences shifted us into high gear, and it’s been exhilarating saying yes to new adventures.

We have yet to see the outside of the Louve Museum because going in is not really what’s resonating with us. We are visiting amazing museums and churches, mostly off the beaten path. We have also been to the movies (cinemas) three times because that’s our jam!

We have one more week here in Paris and we are most definitely going to finish this adventure strong. Celebrating Life will be the theme of our final week here in Paris. Charles and I felt it appropriate to dedicate this last week to celebrating since it’s my birthday week. Your girl will be celebrating 59 years of life in Paris France, eternally grateful and blessed! We have very cool things planned and have allowed space for very cool things to happen, as well. Stay tuned and look out for the final update to read all about the Woodford’s final adventures in Paris: “THIS TIME”.