J'adore Paris... c'est vrai.

I would like to think that after four months in Paris I am becoming a savvy visitor. I try to find out the secrets of the city: remember the boat ride on Canal Saint Martin? I would also like to think that I am genuinely trying to embrace Parisian life: remember the Fete de las Musique? Over the last few months I have come to respect France for more than its socialized healthcare. This past weekend is a great example of why I love living in Paris… it was relaxing, fun-filled and, best of all, free.

Saturday night was the Nuit Blanche. Started in 1997, the European idea of Nuit Blanche is an all-night event where the city opens its doors to art. Similar to the music festival, art (in all forms) are exhibited throughout the city (in museums, courtyards, streets, etc.). The idea is that you can walk around the city and see different types of art until dawn (for free). John and I had a little trouble finding the bulk of the planned exhibits but wound up taking a great tour of the Marais/Chatlet/Hotel de Ville/Notre Dame areas. The things we did see were really cool, especially the suspended wire Spiderman on a side-street. We also stopped and watched a few street performers, which were surprisingly impressive.

It also happened that it was the first Sunday of the month which has come to mean one thing to me: free museum entrance! John and I decided to go to the Pompidou. I’m not the biggest fan of modern art but must admit that I liked it more than I thought. At first I couldn’t help but say, “Ok… I don’t get it.” But eventually I realized you don’t have to get it. We spent the entire afternoon looking at the permanent exhibit (two floors)!

And there you have it, ladies & gentlemen. Two educational & cultural activities that cost me nothing… even as a visitor. Paris (and I’m sure France) is full of these little things that make all the difference. I’m continually impressed by what the city does for its residents. This is just one of the many reasons why I love living here. I would hope that by now my blog has given you an idea of my other reasons.

Beinvenue Colombe

I am honored to report that the newest addition to the de Vitton family, Colombe, was born at 8:21pm on September 28th. Perhaps my extreme enthusiasm stems from the fact that this is the first time I've followed someone's pregnancy and anxiously awaited their baby's arrival. Or perhaps because this was the first time I've met such a young person and will be able to tell her one-day (en francais) that I met her when she was five days old.

Biased or not I think her story is really amazing. Daphne moved to Paris back in August so she could have the baby in Paris but Guillaume didn’t come until the 26^th. Guillaume came into Paris on Saturday morning and by Sunday night/Monday morning Colombe must have known her parents were ready. Her timing could not have been better!

Contrary to American custom, Daphne stayed in the Hospital (but in more of a hotel-like accommodations) for five days after Colombe was born. During these first days Guillaume was our connection to them because of the strict no visitor policy. I believe this is because of the flu but am not entirely sure. Guillaume would give John some pictures and we would look at them and gush over how cute Colombe is. Come the 3^rd we were so anxious and excited to finally meet her!

I have to admit that Colombe is perhaps the cutest baby ever. I continue to be amazed at how quiet she is (though I’m told she cries more now). I could watch her forever; her expressions, movements, and tiny features hypnotize me. Though even more beautiful than Colombe (if that is even possible) is the amount of love and support she already has. Her entrance into the world has been met with a family that could not be happier. It is so obvious that Daphne & Guillaume already love her more than words can say. And already there are hundreds of pictures of family and friends meeting her for the first time where you can actually see the love.

Congratulations to Daphne & Guillaume, you have a beautiful daughter. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. I may not be family but I already care for Colombe as if I am. If you ever need a babysitter you know where to look!

I would also like to congratulate John for becoming an uncle. From the amount he speaks about Colombe I can tell she is very lucky to have an Uncle who will be bragging about her to anyone who will listen. As well as Grand-maman (Christine) and Grand-pere (Joseph) for becoming first time grandparents. And of course big congratulations to the rest of the Morel-Silva-de Vitton family… Your newest addition to the family is so precious. I look forward to seeing all of the things Colombe accomplishes as she grows up (though it would be a-okay with me if she took her time growing up!).