Paris Part Deux

Paris, as I mentioned before is absolutely enchanting. So much that it had us lost and wondering through its streets. We ended up in places we would have never found even if we tried. I had an amazing time but wish I would have been more prepared. But again this was totally last minute, as are most of our plans are so we did what we could. Anyway, the little time I did have to look up things to do (more like eat) in Paris, I made sure to make a list and write down as much detail as possible. We did not do all we wished to do but we tried our best to do as much as we could. Here are some suggestions if you ever find yourself coming to Paris:

• First off, there is a LOT of walking you will be doing, but as long as you have a GOOD map (we did NOT) and a good sense of direction, you will see that everything though it is not all "super close" it's at a distance, and there is so much to see that you won't even care and you'll be loving it all.
• Plan out where you are going. I wish I would have had time to map out a plan. Would have saved SO much time. 
• Train, Metro, Bus. We have come to LOVE public transportation. It is so magical. We bought unlimited two day pass that included, train, bus and metro. Was perfect because just fyi, the train to go to the airport is not the same as the metro, so separate fare. Nothing worse than getting fined in Euros. 
• Sundays- we were leaving on Sunday but decided that since we would be there the whole afternoon we could put off some things to do until then.....BIG mistake. Most things are closed on Sundays. Like a TON....I was way bummed but yea. Don't plan to do much if you are going a whole weekend and think you have two days. 
• Pick pocketing is something you have to always be careful with, no matter where you are in my opinion, but we've heard a few stories and were warned to always watch where your money and important items are. There are trixy little people out there.
• Be stylish. If ever you want to not look like a tourist (always!) it's in Paris. I love the effortless style those Parisans have. You'll be inspired to look chic, promise. 

Here are some things I recommend you eat and when you do, you will thank me

• Croissants, you have to eat a croissant at Eric Kayser. I read this and was like, ok I literally eat at least two croissants a day here what could be so great or different about these....oh my gosh, EVERYTHING. It's melt in your melt deliciousness. We tried the chocolate one, DELISH
• Crepes, I'll be honest, I'm not a huge crepe fan, but we had like 3 in the day and a half we were there. It is a quick "cheap" snack, and yes they were quite taste. I prefer a savory crepe especially ham and cheese.
• Macarons, so I don't know what it is about these little clouds of deliciousness that I love so much. I know there are a lot of people that end up tasting them and are like, "yeah, ok, whatever" and tell me they are not all that great, maybe, but I LOVE them. Most people have heard of Laduree, very famous for their macarons, but I had read about Pierre Herme and wrote it down and thought if by a miracle I found this place I of course would have to try some. That miracle came and they were SO good. They were very different. They had crazy flavors. Not your typical choices and they also had amazing chocolate.
• Chocolate and Caramels. We tried the chocolate, really really good. Never got around to trying to caramels, but next time for sure I have to find Jacques Genin to try some.
• Something that I was truly bummed I didn't get to try was a Kouglof at Vandermeersch Bakery. I have no clue what they are but every site that I looked up must eats, there they were. So next time!

Oh gosh I want to be back there already. In all seriousness I told David I want to live there. Even if it is for a little while. Oh gosh, this dreamy city has got me in a daze. Until next time Paris!

                                     
paris1 from melissa on Vimeo.

When in Rome....

Rome, truly a spectacular place. I honestly couldn't believe I was there. It was like I had to pinch myself. You study about these places, but to actually be there is something else."It's real!" I kept saying that in my head because I was in awe of everything. I was like a little kid in Disneyland for the first time. Everything seemed magical.

We booked the flight and hotel a night before. We for whatever reason thought it was like a hop and a skip away so we were taken by surprise to know that it would be best to fly. So we just decided what the heck...it's one of our last weekends here. So we went. We were NOT at all prepared, no plan, nothing....not the best way to do things. Nevertheless we had a blast and enjoyed every moment. Even when we were lost confused, and sweaty (which was 90%) of the time we loved it. 

Rome is the place to go. That simple. There is so much history, the people are nice, and the food is delicious. It's not cheap, but if you are going to splurge on sight seeing, this is the place to do it. There is so much to see. We did learn a lot as far as what to do next time when we do a trip like this and here is a few of the things you should know if you wanna come to this lovely place.

• Invest in a map- We bought a laminated map for 3 euros and it was seriously our life saver. So many tiny little streets to go through that it's very easy to get lost and the map is a great guide if you are like us and don't have a GPS.
• Don't be afraid to walk- We got there at night so we didn't really get to see how the city was, so we bought a ticket for those hop on hop off buses thinking that it would help get from one place to another faster, that seemed to be a good idea, but we soon realized everything is relatively close. Also you waste time waiting for the bus, and sometimes there isn't any room left and have to wait for the next. We got on the bus twice, so not worth it if you don't mind walking.
•  Public transportation is your best friend (kinda)- We were super lucky to get a hotel that had the bus stop right outside that took you to the city center, but because we were so unprepared we had no idea that you couldn't pay with cash. We noticed no one else was so we were like "ok free ride".....not so much. We later learned there are  in random locations(machines) where you can by your tickets or passes. We bought a pass and the next time we got on the bus they were checking for tickets. We got lucky, but if we didn't have a ticket, but would have been slapped with a big fat fine. To be safe, if you know you are going to use the bus or metro purchase your pass at the airport and that way you don't have to track where to later.                                           *Bus and Metro use the same kind of pass. The train (like to take to the airport) uses the same pass as the Bus and Metro only for certain routes, for most it is a different ticket you have to purchase, something we had to learn.
• Map your route- As amazing and magical this little lady (Rome) is she is not very organized or "sign friendly". For example when you are on the bus, you better notice around when your stop is because if you don't you will probably miss it. The drivers don't stop unless someone is at a stop or you request a stop (as do all), but there are no signs that tell you what stop is next so it's tricky if you don't know the area. David was good at studying the map we bought and noticed the streets we should be on, so it helped to figure out where the stop should be.                                                                                                                                          
• Don't be afraid to ask- People were super nice! Most people either spoke English or Spanish so we were able to get by. It also helps to have a cute baby, that just makes them extra nice.
• Tour guides- We were limited on time, and we went on a Saturday, so you could imagine the lines to everything were ridiculous, so we had to cough up some money to cut in line. Overall though it was totally worth it. We especially liked our tour guide Jason from When in Rome when we went to the Vatican City. It's not only nice not to have to wait in the huge line but you get to learn things you wouldn't going in just by yourself.   
• Vatican City-  This is especially for the ladies. If you want to go into the Sistine Chapel (duh you do) and St. Peter's Church, you need to have your knees and shoulders covered. A lot of ladies took shawls, and if you happen to forget there are about a million people outside the city selling them. Just an FYI. Luckily my dress hit my knees so I was good. Also if you want to send a post card from there (which I think is pretty cool) take addresses....I didn't have any so I was disappointed. It's it's own city and country so pretty unique to  get a post card from there.
• EAT EAT EAT- Seriously I wish I had more time (and money) to just eat. Maybe it's because I've been deprived here in Switzerland to have a decent "home cooked" meal that I loved the food here so much. Also gelato is SO delicious. Don't be deceived though by  the crappy gelato though. Make sure you find the good ones! You can kind of tell by the place. I don't know how to explain it, but I'm sure when you see it you will be able to tell. Some places have very few flavors....those are the ones that probably aren't so good. If you have to pay a little more it is worth it, trust me.    
• Water- It was SO hot when we were there, we were drinking water like no other. Paying 2 euros for a small bottle was not being so kind to our budget, but our tour guide told us that the water was clean and best of all cold from the fountains. From then on every time we saw a water fountain we were refilling our bottles.  These fountains are not hard to spot. Just don't think I'm talking about the Trevi fountain, these are just like small hoses.  So buy or take a water bottle and enjoy all the free water.

I feel so lucky to have been able to go to such a wonderful place, and I think next time I'll be more prepared. Even though it was crazy and last minute it was worth it! Til next time Rome, arrivederci!

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Gelato is pretty much the best thing...here's baby David's "Gelato Face"

MEXICO

"MEXICO lindo y querido," words that are true. When I was six years old I told my dad I wanted to go to Mexico for the summer. He looked at me said yes and shrugged it off thinking that I would forget, I didn't. My six year old self had made up it's mind and even if it was alone I wanted to go. I knew that once there I would be with my grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, and eat the best food....in other words paradise. My dad tried to convince my brothers to go but they didn't want to. So they bought my ticket and I packed my bags. I remember being so excited, but once I got to the airport I remember feeling very scared. I had been preparing for this adventure but now I actually was going and I was unsure if I could do it. I didn't want to show fear though (stubborn since I was born) I never liked people to see me cry and I knew my parents themselves were scared so I held everything in. We were at LAX and back then you were allowed to go through security and see people off. Also because I was under age they gave me a bright orange badge/necklace that had all my information. I was about to be handed to an airport official before I boarded the plane, and there with my teddy bear Paolo one hand and Keroppi tin box in the other I hugged and kissed my parents goodbye holding back all my tears. I couldn't break, because if I did they would too, and that would make it harder. I said my goodbyes and walked out to the platform. I couldn't hold back my tears after I turned around. They rushed down my cheeks. I didn't turn back, I didn't want my parents to see, but I could feel there eyes on me as I boarded the airplane. I arrived to Mexico saw everyone there to pick me up and I was happy. I was there for two weeks. During those two weeks I was spoiled rotten by everyone around me. I enjoyed every moment. Missing my parents of course here and there but after those two weeks they, along with my two brothers at that time, joined me. That was the trip that I fell in love with Mexico, and I wanted to do that all over again. So I did  the next summer, and some more after that.

I've always been afraid that my kids would not have the same opportunity to know of where their grandparents came from, to not speak Spanish  and or to lose the culture. I was super blessed to find my Mexican hunk and he shares the same enthusiasm to have our kids grow up with the Mexican culture even if we do end up living here in the States.

We went to Queretaro, where David grew up. It truly is a beautiful place. Most people think all of Mexico is ugly, dirty and filled with crime at every corner. It is not. Like everywhere in the world there is good and bad places. As long as you know where is what you will be fine. If you don't believe me look for yourself. We had an amazing time.

One of my favorite parts, the fruit. I was seriously in heaven.

He was extra cuddly with grandma

Right before he pulled half his grandpa's hair out

He loved playing with his grandma

and hanging out with his aunts and uncles

My handsome brother!

Baby David found some fun reading material at the yogurt shop

The week went by so fast I barely felt it. I also was bummed because I got really sick the last two days and ended up going to the doctor, and so I could not proceed with me eating everything in sight. I am so fortunate to have such great in-laws. They are seriously the best. They nursed me back to health and spoiled us the whole trip. I have so much to thank them for, especially their Baby David. I know he is the man he is today because of them. Also the love they show towards me and my family is incredible. I am so blessed to have them in my life. Baby David is going to miss his grandparents a ton and so are we!

 Here is a short video so you can see more of our trip