As many of you know, Harris aka "Harris from Paris" inherited the name after we settled into Paris, Texas two and a half years ago. Even the OB said when she came in to deliver Harris...it's time to meet Harris from Paris. So it's just strangely ironic how we actually had the opportunity to take Harris to France and say (well, at least for three days) that he was "Harris in Paris."
So, how did we pick Paris? Well, it's just one of those European cities that's always at the top of the list. We thought it would be really pretty to visit in December with it being so close to Christmas. It's already the "City of Light" but the extra lights would be much more inviting. We were excited to bring along Matt's mom and experience it all together! And of course Paris didn't let us down. It's everything you've ever heard and more. If I ever have the chance, I would love to go back! We definitely covered all the big attractions, but Paris is so big that it would take a few more days to cover other neighborhoods. The first day we did lots of walking and sight seeing. We had some really good French cuisine and covered the Louvre where the Mona Lisa stays. Just after sunset we saw the amazing night view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero area. When we turned the corner of a few tall buildings and saw this magnificent structure all lit up, I think we were all blown away! So after sitting down and figuring out the complex metro system the first night, we did a little less walking but more climbing stairs with a stroller on the second day. We caught a morning view of the Eiffel Tower and took more pictures, visited Shakespeare and Co bookstore, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and then headed back to the hotel. Jan offered to stay in with Harris, while Matt and I hopped back on the metro to have dinner, stroll Champs Ellyses, and see the Arc de Triomphe.
After two days in Paris, we took a train to Brugge, Belgium to get another taste of European culture. Brugge was a small charming town with lots of history. It was a bit relaxing after our fast and furious adventure in Paris. Lots of old and well preserved buildings with cobble stone streets and canals running through. We visited a few churches and the town square had lots to offer with an ice skating platform. Of course we couldn't leave without getting some wonderful Belgium chocolate.
And so that was our Christmas present to ourselves:) Links to pictures below...
Paris pics: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDhQjwk
Brugge pics: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDibmhq
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Holiday Cheer
Hello everyone!! I know...it's been quite some time since our last post and my apologies if you have been checking only to find nothing new. Since the last update, we have moved into winter in full swing. We had our first snow on Halloween, and the temperature has steadily dropped into single digits. The air here is really dry so it's quite tolerable...not the bitter wet cold that we are used to back home. We just have to make sure fingers and toes stay warm! The river across the street has snow around the edges and steaming. We even saw a few people ice fishing today...literally walking on the river's shallow area and setting up their chairs. The trees around the river are completely white and appears to be the beginnings of a winter wonderland. We have been told that the peak of this "winter wonderland" will be here in a few weeks so can't wait to take pictures and share.
So to back track a little...for Thanksgiving we had dinner at the Pauly's. Angi made a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal to share with us. Harris had fun watching Elf with Lane and Alayna. It was nice to celebrate this holiday with special friends!
The last weekend in November, we had yet another invite to the Pauly's for a company holiday party for the locals (most of us being expats, but some permanent residents too). Angi and Paula had arranged for a French chef to come to her home and cook a French cuisine with a little Finnish touch. So the menu included...champagne for starter drink, pate' and a couple of salads, reindeer steak, sweet potato mix, fondue chocolate, and cognac drink for dessert. We were amazed at how the chef, Jean Marc was so efficient and calm...he set the tables, cooked, served, and cleaned all the dishes within a 3-4 hour time frame. It was a wonderful evening! Some tables were even moved for a little after dinner dancing:)
The first week in December we had our first US visitor...Matt's mother Jan. We had a great visit and know that she enjoyed seeing Harris and how much he has grown and changed. After Jan caught up on some zz's, we introduced her to Imatra and Finnish customs/culture. I introduced her to the other IP women and children at a Christmas cookie gathering Laura hosted. Harris was able to get his sugar high on after eating about 10 cookies, and then had a dance off with the girls. At the end of Jan's first week here, we jetted off to France and Belgium which will have to be another post.
Tune in...I promise not to wait another 2 months for pending posts:)
Love to all,
Stacy
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So to back track a little...for Thanksgiving we had dinner at the Pauly's. Angi made a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal to share with us. Harris had fun watching Elf with Lane and Alayna. It was nice to celebrate this holiday with special friends!
The last weekend in November, we had yet another invite to the Pauly's for a company holiday party for the locals (most of us being expats, but some permanent residents too). Angi and Paula had arranged for a French chef to come to her home and cook a French cuisine with a little Finnish touch. So the menu included...champagne for starter drink, pate' and a couple of salads, reindeer steak, sweet potato mix, fondue chocolate, and cognac drink for dessert. We were amazed at how the chef, Jean Marc was so efficient and calm...he set the tables, cooked, served, and cleaned all the dishes within a 3-4 hour time frame. It was a wonderful evening! Some tables were even moved for a little after dinner dancing:)
The first week in December we had our first US visitor...Matt's mother Jan. We had a great visit and know that she enjoyed seeing Harris and how much he has grown and changed. After Jan caught up on some zz's, we introduced her to Imatra and Finnish customs/culture. I introduced her to the other IP women and children at a Christmas cookie gathering Laura hosted. Harris was able to get his sugar high on after eating about 10 cookies, and then had a dance off with the girls. At the end of Jan's first week here, we jetted off to France and Belgium which will have to be another post.
Tune in...I promise not to wait another 2 months for pending posts:)
Love to all,
Stacy
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
A Hike and More Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
The last two weeks have been busy yet fun filled! Two weekends ago we spent our Saturday with the Paulys and the Pereiras. It started out with a tasty breakfast at the Paulys and then a hike near the river here in Imatra. It was a short hike but we landed at a really pretty spot that offered a fire pit and a beautiful view of the river. We introduced Harris to trails, gathering kindling, starting a campfire, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. He of course had a blast! Anything that involves the outdoors he is all game! We have a few pics of him with Lane, Alaina, Rafaela, and Lane's sweet Finnish friend ( I would try to spell his name but pretty sure it would be wrong:)
On Sunday we gathered our things to spend a few nights in Svetogorsk, Russia, to catch up on visa maintenance. We made sure not to forget important goods as there is some difficulty in finding a nice grocery store on the other side. It wasn't so bad this time...other than the brown water that came out of the faucet in our hotel room. Don't worry...distilled water was on hand! It rained most of the time we were there, and when Harris and I had had enough of the room, well then I just put his rain suit on and off we went to jump in a few puddles!
When we arrived to our apartment Tuesday night, we had a big boy bed waiting for Harris in the living room. The transition has been a little challenging, but I'm sure that being away from the apartment hasn't helped any. He has no trouble getting in. It's the staying in that we have to work on:)
This last weekend we jetted to Copenhagen, Denmark. Like everything else we have seen here, it was amazingly beautiful. Unfortunately their biggest attraction was closed for the season...Tivoli Gardens which is Europe's first greatest amusement park that had influence on Walt Disney. We didn't have any trouble finding other things to see and do though. Saturday we took a canal tour around the city center which outlines the water. Harris was enamoured by the ride and it gave him a chance to get out of the stroller. We had lunch at a quaint cozy cafe that served smorrebrod (open faced sandwiches and a Danish cuisine). It rained quite a bit so we strolled around as much as we could and then took a break at the hotel. For dinner we ate at a unique candle lit but still casual restaurant called BioMio. This was my absolute favorite eatery with a perfect atmosphere. It was in an old Bosch building that still had the old sign lit up. Reminded me of midtown Memphis! The menu provided all organic foods with codes under each dish to show what the meal was rich in...Vit A,B,C etc, etc. The food was excellent!!! Thanks Rick Steves for the recommendations:) On Sunday we started early with a danish and coffee at an old 1870's bakery. Then we headed to the Rosenborg castle. We let Harris run around in the gardens and took lots of pictures here. We were so thankful for the pretty weather! Had lunch along the Nyhavn canal. Harris took a short nap while we sat outside under heaters. The man with the clarinet was nice and all and it made for a real European vibe, but Harris woke up from the Ava Maria blaring. Next we visited an "alternative" commune neighborhood that was mentioned in Rick's book, but we could have done without that stroll. I will just let you use your imagination on this one, but I will say that we saw some barrels with a fire going, a guy that had his nose all taped up, graffiti everywhere, and their main street was called Pusher street. When you were leaving there was a sign that said "now entering the EU". How is that for alternative? Matt says that was no hippie hangout with love and peace...just a bunch of dirty gypsies. Next we visited the Disney Store in city center...Harris' first time. He got a couple of cars for being such a trooper. We ate dinner again in the meat packing district...this time at a pizzeria called Mother. Another great atmosphere with good food!!
So Monday on the way home we stopped at the massive Ikea in Helsinki for lunch and picked up a couple of items for the apartment. The drive home wasn't so bad with the 8 rainbows that we spotted. Including a double one! The colorful leaves were at peak and the spotty areas of sunlight on them delivered some gorgeous views! And then home sweet home. Whew! I think that wraps it up in a nutshell. Hope it wasn't too detailed. Haven't written in a while so got a little carried away:)
Here are a few pics along with a link to Flickr...
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCpUxKK
Love to all!!
On Sunday we gathered our things to spend a few nights in Svetogorsk, Russia, to catch up on visa maintenance. We made sure not to forget important goods as there is some difficulty in finding a nice grocery store on the other side. It wasn't so bad this time...other than the brown water that came out of the faucet in our hotel room. Don't worry...distilled water was on hand! It rained most of the time we were there, and when Harris and I had had enough of the room, well then I just put his rain suit on and off we went to jump in a few puddles!
When we arrived to our apartment Tuesday night, we had a big boy bed waiting for Harris in the living room. The transition has been a little challenging, but I'm sure that being away from the apartment hasn't helped any. He has no trouble getting in. It's the staying in that we have to work on:)
This last weekend we jetted to Copenhagen, Denmark. Like everything else we have seen here, it was amazingly beautiful. Unfortunately their biggest attraction was closed for the season...Tivoli Gardens which is Europe's first greatest amusement park that had influence on Walt Disney. We didn't have any trouble finding other things to see and do though. Saturday we took a canal tour around the city center which outlines the water. Harris was enamoured by the ride and it gave him a chance to get out of the stroller. We had lunch at a quaint cozy cafe that served smorrebrod (open faced sandwiches and a Danish cuisine). It rained quite a bit so we strolled around as much as we could and then took a break at the hotel. For dinner we ate at a unique candle lit but still casual restaurant called BioMio. This was my absolute favorite eatery with a perfect atmosphere. It was in an old Bosch building that still had the old sign lit up. Reminded me of midtown Memphis! The menu provided all organic foods with codes under each dish to show what the meal was rich in...Vit A,B,C etc, etc. The food was excellent!!! Thanks Rick Steves for the recommendations:) On Sunday we started early with a danish and coffee at an old 1870's bakery. Then we headed to the Rosenborg castle. We let Harris run around in the gardens and took lots of pictures here. We were so thankful for the pretty weather! Had lunch along the Nyhavn canal. Harris took a short nap while we sat outside under heaters. The man with the clarinet was nice and all and it made for a real European vibe, but Harris woke up from the Ava Maria blaring. Next we visited an "alternative" commune neighborhood that was mentioned in Rick's book, but we could have done without that stroll. I will just let you use your imagination on this one, but I will say that we saw some barrels with a fire going, a guy that had his nose all taped up, graffiti everywhere, and their main street was called Pusher street. When you were leaving there was a sign that said "now entering the EU". How is that for alternative? Matt says that was no hippie hangout with love and peace...just a bunch of dirty gypsies. Next we visited the Disney Store in city center...Harris' first time. He got a couple of cars for being such a trooper. We ate dinner again in the meat packing district...this time at a pizzeria called Mother. Another great atmosphere with good food!!
So Monday on the way home we stopped at the massive Ikea in Helsinki for lunch and picked up a couple of items for the apartment. The drive home wasn't so bad with the 8 rainbows that we spotted. Including a double one! The colorful leaves were at peak and the spotty areas of sunlight on them delivered some gorgeous views! And then home sweet home. Whew! I think that wraps it up in a nutshell. Hope it wasn't too detailed. Haven't written in a while so got a little carried away:)
Here are a few pics along with a link to Flickr...
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCpUxKK
Love to all!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Another Notch
I think we are starting to get the hang of this fast and furious travel schedule. This weekend it was Stockholm, Sweden. The weather was a little inclement, but that did not stop the whirlwind tour.
Saturday
8 am (Finnish Time) - Board flight in Helsinki
8 am (Swedish Time) - land in Stockholm
9 am - drop off the bags at the hotel
10 am - hit the children's museum
11:30 am - see the Vasa museum (Sweden's celebration of shoddy boat building)
12 pm - Swedish meatballs at the Stora Gungan Tavern at Skansen (huge botanical garden/village/museum)
2 pm - Got lost on the island of Skeppsholmen
3 pm - Made it to Galma Stan
4 pm - hit a cafe in the middle of our self guided tour
4:30 pm - juice break
7 pm - reindeer steak, more Swedish meatballs and some Swedish microbrews at Ardbeg Embassy restaurant
8 pm - bed for the bruiser
Sunday
7 am - cafe
8 am - window shopping
9 am - chased some pigeons (Hoorah, it's the American tourists!!!!!)
10 am - train
12 pm - fly home
Hey Sweden, consider yourself checked off the list. Here is a link to our flickr pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewhigh/sets/72157631613515511/
Saturday
8 am (Finnish Time) - Board flight in Helsinki
8 am (Swedish Time) - land in Stockholm
9 am - drop off the bags at the hotel
10 am - hit the children's museum
11:30 am - see the Vasa museum (Sweden's celebration of shoddy boat building)
12 pm - Swedish meatballs at the Stora Gungan Tavern at Skansen (huge botanical garden/village/museum)
2 pm - Got lost on the island of Skeppsholmen
3 pm - Made it to Galma Stan
4 pm - hit a cafe in the middle of our self guided tour
4:30 pm - juice break
7 pm - reindeer steak, more Swedish meatballs and some Swedish microbrews at Ardbeg Embassy restaurant
8 pm - bed for the bruiser
Sunday
7 am - cafe
8 am - window shopping
9 am - chased some pigeons (Hoorah, it's the American tourists!!!!!)
10 am - train
12 pm - fly home
Hey Sweden, consider yourself checked off the list. Here is a link to our flickr pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewhigh/sets/72157631613515511/
Sunday, September 16, 2012
A New Partner-In-Crime
Congrats to my brother-in-law David and sister Kathryn on their new arrival. Welcome to the world Halford.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Autumn Is Here
This week seemed to go by really fast! With the help of a sweet neighbor of ours and another Finnish friend, Harris and I found a play group on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is supported by an Imatran church and is for parents and children to meet and play. They start out by doing a craft, then play time, snack/juice for the kids and coffee/tea for the parents, play, and sing at the end. Harris and I picked up on "The wheels on the bus" in Finnish by the tune and motions. We were able to participate but of course with only the motions. There were a few parents that spoke to us. The directors were very nice and inviting. They had picture day yesterday. Harris had an individual photo taken and then they had a group pic of kids and parents. I think it will be good for both of us, but especially Harris. I'm glad he has a couple of days to play with other children!
I had found a bike for Matt a few weeks ago, and then one for me on Monday. We are excited to all ride together now. Our friends Laura and George gave us a child's seat to put on the back, so we can take Harris for rides. Harris is liking his own bike, but still learning how to pedal.
I started a tennis lesson group on Thursday. Imatra has a brand new indoor tennis facility with two courts. I told the coach that I didn't mind what age group/level I was with - I just wanted to get back in the game. It was an hour and half of fun and can't wait for next week! Hopefully I won't be as sore after the second lesson. Just a little something to make you laugh...so I totally picked up a sparkling water bottle instead of regular and it spewed a little on the (carpet) court. I was so embarrassed!! Ughh! I guess I will get most of these labels down before we leave.
Matt's job is still going well! He rode his bike to and from Russia yesterday because the shuttle wasn't running. He enjoyed it, but I don't think he will be making it a daily routine.
It rained all morning here. We were finally over it and just decided to get out anyway and make the sausage contest at the square. We lasted about 30 minutes. Between the rain and the crowd, it just wasn't fun. We did make it to one tent though, and had some yummy sausages!! And what do you know...as soon as we got back in the car, the sun popped out! Well, it was time for Harris to go down for a nap anyway. This afternoon we played outside behind the apartment. The leaves are changing and the apples are falling from the trees. Hello autumn in Imatra! Harris had fun riding his bike, playing with his hockey stick, and picking apples. Anybody want to guess what he did with them?? Yep, threw them in the bushes...
The pictures below are from today. Matt made his specialty pizzas tonight! We have a video of Harris eating peppers from the pizza. This child is so much fun!
Apple trees are everywhere! Glad that we have one to pick from in the back yard!
Look at these cheeks!!
I had found a bike for Matt a few weeks ago, and then one for me on Monday. We are excited to all ride together now. Our friends Laura and George gave us a child's seat to put on the back, so we can take Harris for rides. Harris is liking his own bike, but still learning how to pedal.
I started a tennis lesson group on Thursday. Imatra has a brand new indoor tennis facility with two courts. I told the coach that I didn't mind what age group/level I was with - I just wanted to get back in the game. It was an hour and half of fun and can't wait for next week! Hopefully I won't be as sore after the second lesson. Just a little something to make you laugh...so I totally picked up a sparkling water bottle instead of regular and it spewed a little on the (carpet) court. I was so embarrassed!! Ughh! I guess I will get most of these labels down before we leave.
Matt's job is still going well! He rode his bike to and from Russia yesterday because the shuttle wasn't running. He enjoyed it, but I don't think he will be making it a daily routine.
It rained all morning here. We were finally over it and just decided to get out anyway and make the sausage contest at the square. We lasted about 30 minutes. Between the rain and the crowd, it just wasn't fun. We did make it to one tent though, and had some yummy sausages!! And what do you know...as soon as we got back in the car, the sun popped out! Well, it was time for Harris to go down for a nap anyway. This afternoon we played outside behind the apartment. The leaves are changing and the apples are falling from the trees. Hello autumn in Imatra! Harris had fun riding his bike, playing with his hockey stick, and picking apples. Anybody want to guess what he did with them?? Yep, threw them in the bushes...
The pictures below are from today. Matt made his specialty pizzas tonight! We have a video of Harris eating peppers from the pizza. This child is so much fun!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Just Hanging Around
We have been taking it pretty easy over the last two weekends. We made a run to Lappeenranta (20 minutes away) to see some more shops and views. Harris and Stacy made some new connections with a bi-weekly Mommy and Me class. I am sure it will provide a great place for Harris to expend some energy once the darkness sets in during the winter.
In the meantime, he is spending about 90% of the time that he is awake playing with his new car ramp that Mommy got. I was pretty excited to put it together this morning seeing as how it had about 174 pieces and a certain somebody didn't want to wait for it to be put together before playing. Here are some pics from Lappeenranta, the trail by our apartment that goes around the river, the dam, and a mushroom straight from Super Mario Brothers.
In the meantime, he is spending about 90% of the time that he is awake playing with his new car ramp that Mommy got. I was pretty excited to put it together this morning seeing as how it had about 174 pieces and a certain somebody didn't want to wait for it to be put together before playing. Here are some pics from Lappeenranta, the trail by our apartment that goes around the river, the dam, and a mushroom straight from Super Mario Brothers.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Happy Happy Birthday
Momma had a birthday back on the 13th so we had a nice dinner on the main drag while Angi and her kids kept a watch over their new toy - Harris. Stacy had a really good filet and I took the opportunity to eat a reindeer steak. We never would have thought that we would be celebrating a birthday in Finland this time last year!
The 18th marked the second year that Harris has been in the crew. We were so excited about the big day that we celebrated it twice! The Pauly's threw a birthday party for Harris and all the other ex-pats from the mill came by to celebrate. It was a great turnout and Harris had a blast. We had another mini-party at the apartment so Momma could dress him up properly. As expected the outfit was covered with chocolate within the first ten minutes. Mommy and Daddy settled on a bicycle for the big day. Thank you to all of those who helped celebrate and sent gifts or well wishes.
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