Well, Hello France!
Surprisingly enough finding our apartment wasn’t difficult. Thanks to Estelle, our host, who left instructions on how to arrive. We took the RER-B (the train) to Châtelet-les-Halles, were we jumped on the 11 and got off at Goncourt. The metro was pretty simple, just like the trains of NYC, there are signs and arrows leading you. Once we left the train it was almost 3 blocks away. The apartment is nice and bright, and I’m glad I had all the instructions and codes to get inside, especially since we got here earlier than our check in time.
Estelle has left a welcoming note,there’s orange juice in the fridge and a bottle of red wine in the counter just waiting for us. Thank you!
We’re all exhausted, hungry and just waiting to jump in the shower, wash our asses. The men keep cracking up because the shower is so much smaller than we’re used to and they look humongous inside of it.
It’s time to get breakfast and it’s also time to bundle up. It’s cold and drizzling here, now what should we eat?
I ordered croque madame, with grilled ham, cheese and a fried egg. I ordered a potato soup that was delicious and everyone started dipping their bread into it. Café Bonne Biére was warm and toasty. We strolled through the streets to visit our first museum.
Centre Pompidou, the outside looked like the bones of the building. Pipes everywhere. Inside there were sculptures and paintings everywhere. Pablo Picasso being one of the infamous and many others, some more disturbing than others.
It was raining, and even though it was wet and cold, from how high I was, the view was beautiful. I’m glad I packed about 3 pairs of glasses with me, because without them, I wouldn’t be able to take in everything.
After we got back to our flat, we noticed that the cafe we munched on earlier, was the same one that was the first target of the shootings a few months ago. The Paris attacks reflected in monuments full of flowers, candles and memorials. It was a sad kind of beautiful. 
One day away from the big trip. I just got to Chris’s house, I’ve had about 8 margaritas with my coworkers. Right now Chris is weighing all of our luggage, making sure all of our bags weigh less than the regulated 44 pounds.
Mini Getaways are the best.
As always, we were all ready to party. We had no worries, but to drink the night away, laugh and make some memories.
Our first night was filled cheeseburgers and loud music. Our second day, everyone headed to the waterpark, while Chris and I enjoyed our view at the local lake. We took advantage of the time and stuffed our faces with wings and cheese fries..yum! When we got back to the cabin, everyone was still out, so we cleaned up the whole house and decided to play naked tag around the house.
Tonight was the night to play “Never have I ever” and we quickly started learning new things about each other. We all started taking sips, and if you were the only one to do something, there was a shot with your name all over it. I have so many more pictures to add, I’ll get one that once I get home. See you guys soon!
Vacations. We all need them, and want them even more. Chris’s mom, Millie has spoiled us rotten. She planned a whole family trip to Atlantic City. I’ve been brushing up on my card gaming skills, you know, just in case.
