Paris, Day 2

This morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast in our hotel.  Then, we went on a walking tour in Paris.  Our first stop was to Fragonard, a perfume museum and store.  We went to a perfume class and got to make our own perfume.  It was fascinating to smell all the essential oils and pick scents based on how they made us feel (we weren't allowed to read labels until after we wrote down our thoughts and feelings about each scent).  I could recognize some of the scents that I diffuse regularly in our home.  We learned the difference between eau du perfume, and eau du toilette, and eau du cologne.  
After the class, and making our own scent, we had a tour of the museum and shop and learned how they get the essential oils from the plants.

This is how they express the essential oils.

After the Fragonard, we had lunch at the Opera House restaurant.  It was of course phenomenal.  

I had French Coffee after lunch, which is really a shot of espresso.  It comes in a tiny glass.  If you want more coffee, you have to ask for coffee American.

We walked around the Opera House and took in the sights.

On our walk, we also saw the Magdalenae Cathedral.  It looks like a Roman Temple.  Napoleon had influence in the construction of the building.  It's a tribute to the French soldiers, but is a Catholic church.

The next stop was Laduree, which is the birth-place of macaroons, as we know them today.  They were the first to add the filling to the delicate cookie with crisp outside and soft center.  We have never experienced dessert so lovely.  I had a rose and raspberry puff pastry and mom has the raspberry macaroon.  They also brought out samples of various macaroons.  They make flavors based on what is in season.  I had an Orange Blossom macaroon, which was sensational.  

The ceiling was beautifully painted.

Ladies tea room

These were our options for dessert - it was nearly impossible to chose

Next stop was the honey store, La Maison Du Miel.  They have so many different flavors of honey that are all-natural.  Some of our favorites were Cherry Blossom, Thyme, Pine (surprisingly good), and Thyme.

Mom like the cute boy hat worked there.  He was very helpful and gave me a bunch of free honey candy for my kids.

Finally, we stopped at La Maison Du Chocolat.  They are a well-known chocolate store in Paris that makes hand-made chocolates.  They are known for perfecting the ganache.  

Other sights on our walk -

Tonight, we have dinner at Grande Cascade.  It's hard to imagine eating anymore after our marathon sampling this afternoon.  Tomorrow morning, we head to Normandy, which will be an emotional day.  I love London and could never imagine another city taking up as much space in my heart, but Paris is sure proving me wrong.  Paris is winning me over.  They're passion for food and beauty make this experience a great one.  Can't wait to learn more about this city.

London, Day 3 & Paris, Day 1

After eating breakfast and walking through Kensington High Street, we said goodbye to London.  We took a taxi to the train station and rode the Chunnel to Paris.  It was a short trip.  They served us lunch, we took a quick nap, and then we were there.  We took a taxi from the train station to our hotel in Paris.  So, we haven't seen much of Paris yet.  Thrivent had their welcome dinner this evening, complete with entertainment.  The food was a representation of food from all over France.

Our restaurant in the hotel had this cool light.  It's made of some sort of wood.

view from the window by the elevator - We thought it was neat that the fern was growing in such a random spot.

just because it's London

One of the things I love about London - they sell fresh flowers everywhere, even in front of church

Another pure London photo

Train Station in London

All dressed up, ready for the opening dinner

centerpiece at dinner

What a gorgeous room!

live French music

Cancan Dancers