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There and back again.
We joked that this whole London | Paris adventure was our own little game of chicken and since neither of us ever blinked, we went. Really, it's not far from the truth. Both of us have had to cancel previous trips so what were the chances that this would happen? I think we were were both a little stunned and delighted that it actually came to be.
It was the best of times, it was the...no, it was really just the best of times. It was spectacular, really. Christie's the perfect travel friend. No dramas, no conflict. Just great conversations and good laughs and general marveling at the beautiful world beyond our usual borders and comfort zones. There was only so much we could see in the few days in each city so we made a few choices and embraced as much as we could.
Highlights:
high tea at the Orangery at Kensington Palace
Driving Miss Daisy with James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave
lunch with Therese at Jamie's Italian
Les Mis (even without the calling-in-sick Alfie Boe)
catching a rainbow over the Tower of London
Westminster Abbey & Poet's Corner
high speed chunnel train from London to Paris
Fat Tire Bike Tour around Paris
then, the next day , an all-day Fat Tire Bike Tour all around Versailles (sometimes in the rain)
lots and lots of great pastries and food
our signature drink, chocolat viennois
buying our lunch of bread + cheese + veggies at the Versailles market
catching High Mass at Notre Dame
And that's all I can scrape together with the words jet lag has not robbed from my little brain. It's equally divine to be home. Travel has a remarkable way of rebooting my settings and making me feel so grateful. I really am.
*No pictures of Christie here since she is bound for home and unable to give the thumbs up approval on any photos including her image. But check in here for her version of the trip once she finds a few minutes to post. C, miss you already! Happy re-entry to real life.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 | 16 Comments 
Reader Comments (16)
Is that a spot of tea?!?
Yes, a nice spot of herbal. Chamomile, two lumps of sugar. :)
What an awesome trip. I'm totally jealous. And in an act of solidarity I did little to NO work on my dissertation in the last week. Finally sat down today and made myself stick to a schedule. Only got in about 2 hours...but it's a start. I'll be starting earlier tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes through Instagram. Take a nap for me...
Oh you did the bike tour!!! I hope you loved it as much as we did. Now that I see the name in writing, I remember that was the one we did. Looks like the perfect trip. I LOVE girlfriend trips! It's been FOUR years since I did London with my girls. I need to get back!!
Your pictures are fabulous - still a dream-like quality in my mind. Amazing to see the proof in print that we actually did go. I would love to get mine up. Sadly, I am so wiped. Don't think tonight will be the night. Here's hoping for tomorrow.
Truly, thank you for the trip of a lifetime. You are the best. Love you bunches!
Looks like a fabulous trip. So jealous! (but not in a bad way :), so happy that you had such a wonderful trip.) <3 Jen
lov-er-ly.
what an absolutely fantastic game of chicken!
well played. :)
Your pictures are wonderful Annie. I really enjoyed seeing them. We really must go to Paris again soon, it was 9 years since our last trip. Glad you had a fantastic time. I was thinking of you.
Lindsay
x
My 16-y-o saw Driving Miss Daisy with JEJ and VR in NYC this spring. She adored it (but Warhorse was her favorite). Adventure is out there...
Your photos are gorgeous. I really am jealous.
Oops! All you English teachers out there. Yes, I know I spelled "there" wrong. It should be "They're" for heaven's sake. Duh.
Annie, what is the photo of the fence with the locks and names on it?
Looks like you had a jolly good time.
Tres magnifique!
Mom, it's the love padlocks on the Pont de Archeveche. Couples write their names on the locks and secure them to the bridge. (Apparently the city went through and removed them all last year but this year they're back again.)
You lucky, lucky girl!
Dare I dream? One day, maybe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures! (What a great birthday treat)