Rooftop Paris

I seriously wasn't expecting to feel sad as I was going through these pictures this morning.   But truth be told, I got a little teary eyed.   It is not the content, but really the context.    I felt the same way while I was up on the roof looking over the most beautiful city in the world.

This was my last day in Paris.    Yesterday, I brought you through the Galleries Lafayette which is so amazingly gorgeous with its stained glass cupola.     I have never seen anything like it.    Truly does make shopping a beautiful experience and not just a crappy trip through your neighborhood mall.  (I am not a fan of shopping malls.)

But I had heard that the rooftop of the Galleries Lafayette was not to be missed.   You have to trek up quite a few sets of stairs and weave your way to the top, but it is so worth it.     The door opens to an expanse overlooking this beautiful city.   See... I am getting teary eyed again.

There are so many wonderful spots in Paris to observe the city from.   The Eiffel Tower, Sacre Couer, the Arc de Triomphe.   All beautiful vantage points.     I like to think of the Galleries as a little hidden gem though.   A special spot of my own.    Before you think it is undiscovered, it is actually quite a popular spot, but I think its unique location sets it apart a bit.   Plus, it is free.  

I have a distinct memory of photographing a German couple up on the roof.   They were so happy in love and clearly enjoying their time in Paris.   It made me sad that I was alone, but at the same time, excited to start the journey home and begin my own life as part of a couple.     You see, part of this trip was about saying goodbye and preparing to move onto the next phase of my life.    I couldn't have asked for a better transition.

If you make it to Paris, please do checkout the rooftop views from the venue of your choice.    You will not be disappointed and it gives you a new perspective on just how lovely this city is.

From here we begin to say goodbye again and move forward.    Over the next couple of posts, I'll be highlighting some of my final days and sharing some of my early reflections.     Au revoir!

Galleries Lafayette Paris

Shopping in Galleries Lafayette in Paris is such a fabulous experience.  I can't believe I waited until my last day in Paris to make it here, but I'm so happy I finally went.    Where else can you spend an afternoon soaking up all the latest fashions and design in such an elegant environment?    Would be a great way to spend a rainy day in Paris, but honestly, it would not be a waste of your time if you spent some time on a nice day either.

Galleries Lafayette is Europe's largest department store.   Opened in 1896, the building has an unbelievably gorgeous stained glass cupola roof.   Truly a destination for this alone.    So luxurious and beautiful.    It is located at 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France, near the Opera.

Floor after floor of fashion, food (the markets are amazing), everything you could want or need.   Unfortunately, as I was heading home the next day, I really didn't need anything.   Or more likely, I had no more room in my bags.    I did leave with a head full of inspiration.    Honestly giddy with it all, I called John on the way out and said we must return here.   I know it sounds silly to say this of a mall-like environment, but throw every idea you have of a mall out and trust me, just go here if you are in Paris.   Amazing.

Oh... and the views from the rooftop... wait until you see this!

Endless Flowers

My well intentioned Romance Week fizzled out as quickly as it started.    Sometimes life gets in the way.     After dealing with feeling terrible for a couple days with some random illness, I managed to pull it together to get some needed things accomplished before John and I headed to St. Louis for the long holiday weekend and our first official meeting of the families and wedding related celebration.    

So while I didn’t quite get around to sharing the planned romance with all of you during this past week, I assure you we did a pretty nice job behind the scenes.   This weekend was perfect in so many ways and if anyone in my new family is out there reading, again our thanks to each of you for making it so special.   Our dinner on the lawn surrounded by candlelight, fireflies, great new friends and family and wonderful food and wine, is an evening we will never forget.  Truly magical.  

One of my favorite things from this weekend was a gift from John’s parents.  A gorgeous flower vase.   Even better is the gentle reminder given to John that it is his new responsibility to make sure it stays filled each week as we enter our new married life together.   Isn’t that the loveliest gift?   I certainly think so!   I have to say, John is really pretty good about flowers.   He is always surprising me.   This just makes it an official duty.   Yay for new families and new traditions!  

All this talk about flowers reminds me of one of my favorite spots in Europe.     On our very last day on board the ship, my new group of friends and I ventured out to Nice for the afternoon.    We had a  truly special time filled with lots of giddy laughter and fun.   

I especially fell in love with the Flower Market in Nice.   Row after row of gorgeous flowers in all shades and textures.     I was thrilled to finally visit as it was a place I had always heard about but had never seen.     I love flower markets in general… I mean really… how could you not?   But this one in particular was really special.   Something about the light in Nice makes everything sparkle a little.   Very fresh.   Just gorgeous.  

And a little tidbit for any of my male readers (you know who you are!), next time your wandering around a gorgeous flower market with a special someone, one of the most romantic gestures you can do is buy her some of her favorites on the spot.   Nothing says I love you more than spontaneous flower buying.      I’ll always remember the guy in Rome who was being pestered by one of the ever present rose sellers at his dinner table.   Most of these sellers get brushed away, but this particular guy bought the entire bunch of roses for his date.    How romantic is that?

Wishing everyone a romantic and flower filled day!    And a very special Happy Anniversary wish to John!   Three years ago today.    I feel like the luckiest girl alive and I am looking forward to a lifetime of flowers with you.