Final thoughts and some more snaps from Paris
As you can see from the posts from Frankie, Wesley, and Jes we had an exceptional time in Paris with Michelle’s brother Timmy and family. This family meet-up was timed quite ideally near the end of our trip as it had been nearly 3 1/2 months since we’ve really connected with anyone outside of our little 4-pack posse (not including the locals and other tourists we chat up along the way).
Some highlights for myself include an early a.m. bike ride with Wesley from Timmy’s house and neighborhood of Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine. Their city or “commune” (similar to a suburb) is situated on the southwest side of Paris approximately 4 1/2 miles from the city center. We biked for about 2 hours through various neighborhoods on a paved bike path very similar to the Greenway in Minneapolis back home. It was great to be out on two wheels together in a foreign place. This was a great way to see the city and a welcome break from all of our time jockeying subways and trains.
Pia, Timmy’s wife, was quite an amazing host and could certainly give even the most seasoned Parisian tour guide a run for their money as far as knowledge of history and sights. Pia is originally from Finland, but has lived in France for the past 25+ years. She seemed just as excited as we were to take in the local sights including a boat cruise on the River Seine, the Louvre Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a personal favorite, walking amid the Latin Quarter and Left Bank. It all feels like a movie set and it’s certainly an endless, visual adventure regardless of where you seem to be headed. I took my share of photos and then some, especially of the Eiffel Tower from varied viewpoints throughout our time wandering the city.
I am so happy we had the chance to be here with everyone, even more memorable for the kids alongside their big sister Jes and cousin Venla.
Au revoir Paris and merci beaucoup Timmy, Pia, an Venla for such a fine stay in such a beautiful city!
-Jonathan
