Harris in Paris

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