ah, paris.

I'm not quite sure where to begin, as the last week has been basically a blur. I think we have somewhat of a rhythm by now - and I have this very odd feeling that we might be having fun. It's difficult to say though, because like most things that I'm really enjoying I don't realize it at the time. Mostly in hindsight.

Paris is a bit of a beast. You are constantly out styled, out monied, and perhaps in a bit over your head. Walking the streets I know I'm seeing but a glimpse of all the happenings behind the mammoth doors and can't even imagine their contents. Parisiens' reputations precede them, and are living up to that nicely. And considering it is fashion week and I know the Olsens, Kanye, Cory Kennedy, and lots of 14 year old Russian models are all in the city...I know there is a lot we aren't seeing. Physically we are all a little beat. Walking and walking, hoisting the stroller up and down the Metro, 100 steps to our apartment.

Leif is a supreme traveller. He has taken to the stroller well, although finding one outside the city was quite the adventure. We don't really use one at home (besides a jogging one that I avoid quite well) so I'm happy to see he is so keen. We usually try to not have him in there too long, although if we time things right he'll nap in the stroller so we can enjoy a prolonged lunch. He is becoming quite the expert on French slides (they are very different - made from wood and steel) and can savor them either on his tummy, back, knees, and sometimes forehead. Today at lunch he had strawberry soup with mint and ice cream, and *gasp* he likes pomme frites.

Speaking of food, today I have eaten 2 whole baguettes. One for breakfast, one for dinner. The carbs here are really ridiculous. The baguette I had for dinner was still warm when we fetched it from the patisserie. Outside is like paper thin glass which gives way to tender/soft fluff on the inside.

We are thinking of heading out to the country, perhaps the Perigord (Sarlat?), on Friday with the Baba and Papa (they joined us on Sunday). Should be nice to see some unpruned vegetation and maybe hear some quiet.

More later.