ohh...the jetlag...so worth it!

Paris was wonderful! It is such a beautiful city. No matter where you looked, there was something amazing to see. I could see, though, that the locals don't notice or appreciate it...our friends live in a flat directly across from St. Paul - St. Louis Cathedral in the Marais - what a view - but they aren't impressed. They've become so used to the beauty that they can't see it anymore. Too bad for them - I thought it was spectacular. My absolutely favorite moment was a dinner out at a fabulous restaurant named L'ecurie in the Latin Quarter by the Pantheon. 16th century stables below ground - dark rustic setting - served Sangria as you sat down - which was DELICIOUS! I enjoyed a Tomato Salad, Bavette Naturale (grilled beef) and Chocolate Mousse. Oh, good stuff - you're then served cognac to round out your meal. It was overall a very enjoyable meal. Good food, great decor and good company. It was a highlight for me, for sure. Of course, we went to the typical tourist destinations: Notre Dame, The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musee D'Orsay, Sacre Coeur Bascilica, Pompidou Centre, Pablo Picasso Museum, Musee d'Cluny and the Seine - all wonderful. Each night my feet ached and I slept very soundly but was ready to hit the pavement the next day. 7 full days was great - but you could use more time to see areas outside the city. I guess that'll have to be for next time. And by the way, if you're going to Paris and need a place to say - check out the hotel chain IBIS. We stayed at two different locations within the city and they were perfect. Clean, not too small and nicely priced (best deals are found when booked 30+ days in advance online).

My hubby did a wonderful job on his talk at College de France. He's a geneticist who does research on the fruit fly - his talk was part of a day long symposium regarding specific methods of genetic manipulation used in researching development. I actually learned quite a bit and can use some of my new knowledge when I go to work at the lab maintaining the labs stocks of fruit flys. (Yes - I have been swallowed into science despite my lack of qualifications - and we're now even training the kids too! Can we say lab techs for dad's lab someday?) Anyway - he did very well and came off so relaxed to the attendees.

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, but the return to the US was hard on my body. I caught some kind of cold virus plus I've been sooo tired. It's been a week today that we've been back and I can finally say I feel "back to normal". YEAH!
Knitting and crocheting are back on my agenda. I'm going to get back on track and make some stuff! Happy crafting!