Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas In Paris

Hey all,

I admit it.  When I first heard we would be spending Christmas in Paris, France, I did the happy dance.  What could be more romantic than sipping hot wine and snuggling together as we wander under the Eiffel Tower?

Well, I have to say, the reality was even better than the dream.  The first night we had off we rode the metro down to the Trocadero and visited a French Christmas market.  It was amazing.  Although I've been to many Christmas bazaars in my time, these were quite unique.  Little chalets and the best spreads of food I've ever seen.  And crafts of every kind.  We visited several markets, and it's like stepping into another world.

The food is beyond belief.  You name it, they have it.  Bakery goods, sausage and sandwiches, candies, dozens of cauldrons of hot wines and something you don't often see in the states... Foie Gras which is another name for goose liver.  And for a fraction of what you'd pay in the states.  I don't eat the stuff, but if your palate leans toward the rich and fancy, you can go crazy for less than 5 euros.

What I enjoyed the most were the displays of foods and crafts.  They make them so beautiful each booth was a work of art.  I took a few pics just to show you.  Check 'em out...


Candy.  Bullet type chocolates filled with creme.  Totally yummy and airy.  All for only a euro.


Bakery goods.  A little out of focus, but you can see the variety and display.  Beautiful.

Clothing.  You name it, they got it.  Right now they're doing great business with scarves, mittens and coats.  And the fur lined boots are selling like hotcakes.

 And of course Christmas items are huge right now.  I bought a stocking for myself.  We buy a stocking in every country we visit if it's Christmas.

And the food....seriously, you can get very fat...very fast.
Anyway, these are just a few of the things we saw.  It's a wonderful way to spend an evening with your sweet baboo.  Wandering the streets with your hot wine (or in my case hot OJ made with honey, lemon and cinnamon) in hand.  Christmas in Paris is an exciting start to our amazing traveling adventure.

We'll end our Christmas season with a midnight mass at Notre Dame cathedral and then spend the next day on a very special outing.  More on that next week.

I'll try to be back again before Christmas, but with things being so crazy and the internet so iffy here, I'm not sure as to when I'll be back on.  Until then, may all your days be filled with love, laughter and joy and I pray you and yours with have a very Merry Christmas!

God Bless!

CJ

3 comments:

Ilenia F. said...

I love Paris! passes for my fashion blog and if you follow me I would be very pleased!
http://theworldinacloset.blogspot.com/

Ray said...

Your post reminded me that you need to visit the Palace of the Sun King in Versailles in the spring when the garden is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. In the town are things as you describe in the markets you saw. I saw cakes in the shape of different architectural features and pastries you can actually eat. The palace it self is interesting, but nothing beats the gardens.

What is strange from my visit to the Eiffel Tower is that until I spoke the other tourists thought I was a local by the way I was dressed. In Italy I was mistaken for a Russian. No one ever thought I was an American if I kept silent.

Ray

Phylis said...

Looks like a fun adventure! Have a very Merry Christmas! I just love getting to look at you pictures!