Planes, Trains & Automobiles!

Bonjour tout le monde!

I can't believe I'm finally here!!! 

My flights on Icelandair were incredible! Unfortunately for me, I couldn't sleep a wink. The entertainment system kept me amused with the likes of The Hangover and Glee! Titanic seemed a bizarre film option, as it’s the true story of ship that goes down in the north Atlantic, which was duly noted on our travel route map as we traversed 35,000 feet above said ocean. Nevertheless, I survived to watch the gorgeous sunrise over Iceland! Iceland is so geologically different than anything I’ve ever seen. It is so peaceful and charming. I’m also convinced that Iceland is home to  la plus belle population on earth ;). I can’t wait to return next year and see geysirs, & glaciers & hot springs!!

Miraculously, I navigated my way through Charles de Gaulle in Paris. After running over many people with my 100+ pounds of poorly maneuverable suitcases, I’m fortunate that the dismal extent of my French language abilities extends to “excusez-moi,” “je suis désolée” and “parlez-vous anglais?”. What more would you need to know? Most times I start in French and I get a reply in English, but the occasional native French speaker makes me earn my keep!

I was so excited to take the TGV today!! I refuse to ride CN Rail ever again. There is such a thrill in flying through the countryside at up to 300 km/hour! Bucket list item: CHECK!! That said, you have no right to judge someone before you have seen her lug her body weight in luggage off an escalator and into a train.  The train turnaround time is very fast- 5 minutes on and off. Alors, as I struggled to hoist my massive 50-pound suitcases into the train, a growing horde of passengers amassed behind me and the conductor frantically blew his whistle. Stress, what stress? Que sera, sera!

I’ve been so fortunate so far that the French are a very helpful bunch! They are very busy and always on the go, but I was pleasantly surprised by their courteousness. I also can’t get enough of admiring their fashion choices and adoring their itty bitty cars! Many people bike here, and even more smoke. However, I hold their cuisine in high esteem. Croissants chocolats! Macarons! Des grand baguettes avec fromage bien sûr! And they sell wine in the grocery store! Bottles from 1,80€ to 7,22€! Civilized! It's just too bad I don't really like wine...yet!

The city of Tours est très beau and I had a blast walking around today- I clocked over 10 km! Certainly compensates for all the eating I did today! Tours is so beautiful and walkable. I have such admiration for French culture, cuisine & architecture! 

Z <3