Nothing beats knowing Paris than actually being there. For the kids, it was a huge exciting adventure, especially after we started on Madeline lapbooking and reading about the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa. Well...but I must say, my impressions of Paris are greatly thwarted by reality. Mention the word 'Paris' and everyone gushes about the language, the culture, the romantic images and the wonderful shopping. But no one told me about how the place reeks with 'urine' [from dogs, cats or whatever], no one told me that the streets are filthy, no one told me how many heavy smokers there are in Paris who are happily puffing away [including mothers lighting up on one hand and holding their child's hand with the other] and of course, I think some did mention about the high cost of living in Paris. On the contrary, the snootiness about the French language and its people is one that I did not experience. We met several nice people who showed us our way, who served us so kindly in the restaurants, knowing that we have 2 active toddlers and to top it off, a waiter in an Italian restaurant gave Sarah and Sammy chocolates before they left and kissed them on their heads. It was truly an eye opening experience like all our other trips and it did more education to me than me studying my books.
Like always, Daniel's greatest joy and comfort whenever he travels is to have his family tag along. People think we are crazy and silly to travel to such countries with our kids in tow...but we have decided to embark our adventures as a family together. That decision is not the easiest to upkeep as it does take a toil on us...but we always emerge a family that binds closer through joys and sorrows and that is all that matters to Daddy - not the travel, not the holiday.
Paris was truly a memorable holiday as we struggled initially with our baggage and two running toddlers, walking for long distances without our trusty Phil and Ted and not to mention how Sammy accidentally threw his crocs into the River Seine. That was hilarious according to Mrs Chua and Gail, our travel companions. We took the next few days to settle down, rent a double pram and bought new shoes for the boy.
The kids were absolutely thrilled to ride up the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower, play pushboats at Luxembourg gardens as well as enter the Louvre in search of Mona Lisa and of course heading to Paris Disneyland. And not to forget, eating the yummy gelato & french pastries:)
Much things to think about as I reflect on Paris - its a harsh city with a people who have lived hard lives, including refugees. Very much different from the protected Singapore and its complacent citizens.
More to come...
Like always, Daniel's greatest joy and comfort whenever he travels is to have his family tag along. People think we are crazy and silly to travel to such countries with our kids in tow...but we have decided to embark our adventures as a family together. That decision is not the easiest to upkeep as it does take a toil on us...but we always emerge a family that binds closer through joys and sorrows and that is all that matters to Daddy - not the travel, not the holiday.
Paris was truly a memorable holiday as we struggled initially with our baggage and two running toddlers, walking for long distances without our trusty Phil and Ted and not to mention how Sammy accidentally threw his crocs into the River Seine. That was hilarious according to Mrs Chua and Gail, our travel companions. We took the next few days to settle down, rent a double pram and bought new shoes for the boy.
The kids were absolutely thrilled to ride up the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower, play pushboats at Luxembourg gardens as well as enter the Louvre in search of Mona Lisa and of course heading to Paris Disneyland. And not to forget, eating the yummy gelato & french pastries:)
Much things to think about as I reflect on Paris - its a harsh city with a people who have lived hard lives, including refugees. Very much different from the protected Singapore and its complacent citizens.
More to come...
