Europe here I come!
Photo from this link about Paris.
I must say, this year, I'm quite proud of accomplishing a few things on my bucket list. First, I ran a marathon (lolol, and I haven't run since), and now I'm heading to Paris, France!!!!!
In high school and college, I took 4 years of French lessons. Everyone was like "Um, you live in FLORIDA, why aren't you taking Spanish?" But my answer was always "Because ONE day, I'm going to Paris!" And, eh, not that I remember any of the French now a days, but it's finally a dream come true.... I'm going to Paris!!!!
Mom and I wanted one last big mother/daughter adventure before I get married next Spring. Before my dad got cancer, we were planning for the three of us to go to Rome where my dad always dreamed of going. But when he got sick, obviously that trip didn't happen. So now mom are heading to not only Rome, not only Paris, but all over Europe. We are taking a guided tour with a group of people, starting in London and working our way through Europe down to Rome.
Eeeeeeeek! I'm so excited! I've been to other countries in the Caribbean, but never a non-tropical country. I can't wait to simply be a tourist, instead of traveling just for work. I will though have my camera and look forward to sharing photos when we get back!
I would love to hear from you any tips you have about traveling in Europe! Or if you are in Europe reading this, can you tell me what the weather is like in your country? I'm clueless what to pack and wear.
Also, with this said, I'm turning this into a true vacation and will answer all emails and phone calls when I am back in the country and back at my desk on September 13. In the meantime, I've got my blog scheduled to share some amazing weddings I second shot in California with Stephen in July. Enjoy those while I'm gone!
Labels: Personal
posted by Scarlett Lillian // Jacksonville Senior Photographer at 1:03 PM
20 Comments:
How Exciting! I went France for 3 weeks in May of 2005. It was incredible! #1 bring your camera (obviously) #2 it's warm in the summer months, and there isn't much air-conditioning. #3 Buy a guide book, they usually feature incredible walking tours that are so much fun! #4 be sure to go on a night river cruise in Paris (We didn't and I still regret it!) #5 take a few hours to explore inside Notre Dame. I was so utterly and completely moved by the presence of our Father inside the cathedral. I was instantly moved to tears when I walked in. The feeling was so powerful, almost shocking. It is something I will never forget and carry with me always!
I hope you have the time of your life!! I can't wait to see the images you capture! You should plan to make a coffee table book when you get back!! :-)
God's Blessings to you!!
Love,
Kellene
It all depends on what time of year you go.
I lived in Europe for a summer and I was shocked when I had to use my peacoat the majority of time when I lived in England and in Ireland--- and it was May!
However, the weather in Florence was very similar to Florida except it was like a heat island because of the concrete everywhere.
I've never been to France, but if you're stopping for a visit in Florence, let me know. I lived there a month and a half and took all sorts of classes in the area ( with daily walks to the sites) so I feel as if I know it pretty well.
http://www.ciaobellamakeup.net/
Thanks for the tips Kellene! Yeah I was already planning on doing a photo book from the photos! :-)
Spend a day in Paris doing nothing! Just walking the streets and enjoying the cafes. That was the best thing we ever did. We did a night cruise and it was awesome! My favorite city in the world!
As for London, make sure you go to high tea. I have to look up the name of where we went. It was awesome. Again, another great city to wander in.
As for Italy, don't know if you're planning on Florence, but we took the train from Rome to Florence and it was beautiful to see the countryside. Florence was like every picture of Italy you see come to life.
Europe was on my bucket list before I had a baby and I'm so thankful that I got to experience it with my husband and then again with my mom. ENJOY!
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I went to Paris in early September 2008. I would say definitely pack layers and possibly even a coat b/c it is COLD at night during that time! Blissful with a slight chill in the daytime. Sightseeing tips, lay in the Jardi outside of the Louvre and people watch / marvel at God's creation while enjoying a picnic lunch with your Mom (the crepes there are HEAVEN) on the beautiful grass. I'd also recommend handfeeding the piegeons outside of Notre Dame. Both of those were my most cherished memories and ironically enough, they were the free ones!
If you plan to see a lot of the museums I'd also recommend a 2-3 day pass. Not only does it save a lot of money but it also helps you avoid all of the lines. We still had a day left on ours when we were leaving so we did a good deed & passed them on to some fellow Americans that were staying in our hotel. Paris is all about art & beauty. I cannot (yet) speak for the other European cities but trust me, you will fall in love with the city.
Lastly, the jet lag killed me all week. The same Americans mentioned above told us their trick was to avoid napping when you arrive. Just return early for bed & wake refreshed the next day. We took naps immediately after arriving & never did completely adjust (we were there a week) so I'd say give that a shot if you can absolutely fight it.
Thanks everyone!
I know, I'm worried about the jet lag b/c of how my routine is already whacked up by video chatting late at night with my fiance in California. Now to get on a schedule of 6 hours ahead, I have feeling it's going to kill me. :-)
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It's rough, for sure! Close to miserable when you're in such a majestic place & don't WANT to feel crummy. I meant jardin* up there too btw. :-) So excited for you!
I just left a message on facebook, but a good friend of ours, Danielle, and her husband, Paul, own a bike tour company in Paris. Here is the link. I've heard great things. They've been expats there for years.
http://www.bikeabouttours.com
We lived in Aix en Provence for a bit and loved it. It's an AMAZING city. Home of Cezanne. If you can get to the south of France, it is really beautiful.
Okay, in Paris. There's this fabulous little crepe shop that you MUST go to. Of course, I don't remember the name, but if you're looking at Notre Dame, take the street that runs to the left, parallel to it (like you're walking down the left side of the Cathedral.) It's down there a block or two on your left, and it's a MUST-DO! I could've eaten one of those every hour of the day!
And we went in May of '06. The weather was pretty much like it is around here, minus the 100 degree heat. (I live in MS.) I wore sundresses most days and jeans a few days. Always took a light jacket with me because it tended to get much cooler at night. But the weather was wonderful. Hope it'll be the same for you!
Have fun! You will adore it! I can't believe you have never been, Paris was made for you! One tip though, take it or leave it. I wouldn't wear you engagement ring. Thieves and pick pocket-ers are HUGE in Europe and a dear friend of mine was help up on the subway by knife point for her big rock. Not only was it scary, but devastating to loose something so precious.
Oh my gosh, good point about the ring! I didn't think of that. Thanks for that tip!
I've read that if you exercise as soon as you get to your hotel, it will "reset" your biological clock and the jet lag won't be so bad. Oh, and I don't know if you do this, but when I travel, I like to bring a purse that zippers instead of latching/magnet-ing/etc.
Have fun! I'm so jealous!
three friends & i just went earlier this summer. i agree on the no naps when you get there. any international travel i do, i always try to hang in there until about 8 PM or later before i try to snooze. definitely dress in layers and be comfortable...there will be lots of walking! :) my favorite day in paris wasn't visiting any major tourist spot...it was just taking our time and walking the streets of paris, popping in quaint little shops, visiting a cafe or street vendor, etc. LOVED it!!
what a fantabulous adventure to have with your mom!! you guys are going to create so many special memories. :)
you are going to have a wonderful time! Rome in the summer is H O T and there isnt much A/C to be found. Also, if you have a chance...spend a day just walking Rome not being pressed to "see thing." Its a magical city once you let yourself fully experience the culture by sitting in little piazzas, or grabbing a mid day macchiato at a cafe. One of my biggest tips, eat late. in Rome locals dont do dinner till 9 or later. The feeling of the city is completely different, but great! Go out around 8 for an appertivo and then you'll be already for dinner...and be sure to eat at places off main drags. if it looks full of tourists you will probably be over charged and the food wont be as great.
and my jetlag cure, wine! haha my first night I always try to have two glasses, totally helps falling asleep. Not even joking, has worked everytime (3 yrs running)
:)
OH! Trestevere is an AMAZING neighborhood to just wander for an anfternoon, stop at a little cafe etc. Its also extremely picturesque. You'll love it!
Have a super Super SUPER time in Paris! When I went to London for Erin & Philip's Engagement Shoot it was not only magical, but surreal at the same time. As the famous comedian; Eddie Izzard once said: "Europe is where the history is from." LOL!
Have a fantastic time & I'm eager to see your photos when you're back stateside - cheers!
David Esquire
Esquire Photography
www.esquirephotography.com
You're gonna lovvvvve it. I took French for 6 years in high school (and that was back in Israel!) and have visited 5 times in the past couple of years. I actually just did a maternity shoot in the French countryside a couple of months ago!! First of all: dress fashionably! Find some cute flats to tour the city in. But then again, I don't think you would dress non cutely. Second: beware of pickpockets! I got pickpocketed in the subway system. Keep your passport/money on a belt that goes underneath your clothes. Third: Parisians can be rude - but if you attempt to speak in French, they tend to be a little less rude. Something as simple as "je veux cafe au lait" can get you better service! And lastly: bring your favorite scarves if you want to blend in. I'm sure you'll pass for a Parisian with no problem!
ETA - we stayed at the CUTEST hotel in the 5th district... Let me know if you need the name!
Noa
www.noablog.com
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