MoGo A Go-Go: Paris, Paris, Paris, Paris ... How Many Times Must I Type It to Show I Love It?

So all I've been hearing since I've moved to Brussels is: "Paris is only an hour twenty on the train." Clearly, everyone here in Brussels great appreciates its strategic traveling location, just as I do. With Sheelah here to visit, we decided it would be a good idea to hop on the Thalys and head to Paris for the weekend.

Beautiful sculpture and flowers in the Jardin du Luxembourg on the Left Bank

After enjoying the free wine and food on the first class train (summer sale ... actually cheaper than second), we arrived to a gorgeous Friday afternoon in Paris. Lovely, warm, sunny ... so much nicer than we expected. Once we checked into our hotel on the Left Bank, we strolled through the Jardin du Luxembourg and then headed to Notre Dame to meet Jim, my fancy-schmancy friend who just happened to be spending an entire week in Paris for work (I am seriously jealous of him and his work travel, if you must know. Next stop - Croatia!). We met Jim and headed toward the Centre Pompidou to sit at a cafe and people watch. I didn't take any pictures, but trust me, if you are in Paris, go there to people watch. It is great. Also, we had this awesome smoked salmon on pancakes with creme fresh. It may sound odd but it was delicious. The Parisian version of bagels and lox.

Their future is so bright, they've gotta wear shades. Does anyone else remember that episode of Head of the Class where they made a music video to that song? I always think of that when I hear that song.

And then came my favorite part of the day ... the most awesome Parisian celebrity sighting ever. Yes, when we were over in the Left Bank having drinks and dinner, I looked up and saw Julie Delpy walk by. I love Julie Delpy. I love Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. I love 2 Days in Paris. And as Amanda knows, I love Killing Zoe. I couldn't think of a better celebrity sighting to have in Paris. Maybe Carla Bruni? But really, I love Julie Delpy so I was super excited.

Bonjour, Julie! If only you were still dating the Hebrew Hammer ... dare to dream.

So what to do after dinner in Paris? Visit the Eiffel Tower, of course! La Tour was beautiful, lit up to celebrate the EU (Sarko is really enjoying the EU French Presidency). We took pics, had a lovely after dinner drink in the Trocadero, and made our way home to prepare for a full Saturday in Paris. The pics didn't come out super well, so I can't show you La Tour. But here is a pic of me and Sheelah.

So the rest of the weekend was fun, but also a comedy of errors. We saw a cool exhibit of Richard Avedon photos; had drinks at Le Fumoir with my colleague James and his girlfriend Sabine (she lives in Paris ... again, jealous); and had one of the best meals I've ever had at a tiny little bistro near Place des Vosges. I also ran into a poll while reading a map and have the most disgusting bruise ever; was allergic to the sheets on my bed and had to sleep on the floor to stop itching; and had a panic attack on the ferris wheel in the Tuilleries (note to self: ferris wheels scare you to death ... DO NOT RIDE). But other than that, Paris is great fun. Can't wait to go back to meet my Mom and Dad there in two and half weeks! I leave you with my favorite statue in Jardin du Luxembourg.