mes parents

My parents touched down in Paris a mere 30 hours after I did (having just returned from K's wedding in Lake Tahoe, California). It was hectic and ambitious to have them around: (1) because I was very adamant about them enjoying themselves, especially as it was my dad's first ever experience in Europe and (2) because I was very dedicated to enjoying myself as well in the last two weeks of my actual-living in the City of Light. We somehow managed to eat and drink well :) a brief overview of how we spent their five days:

{Friday, 4:30pm: wine tasting on the Seine; 7pm: Clamato oysters with Lorelei}

{Saturday, 1-5pm: overpriced bus tour}

{Saturday, 8pm: dining at Le Quincampe with my French family; competitive Mikado game included}

{Saturday, 11pm: boat cruise on the Seine by night}

{Sunday, 9:30am: breakfast at Rose Bakery}

{Sunday, 2:30pm: simple lunch en famille in Melun}


{Sunday, 5:00pm: stroll down the Promenade plantée}

{Sunday, 8:50pm: El Nopal tacos on the canal}

{Monday, 11:30am: visit to the Châteaux de Chantilly}

{Monday, 8pm: Wine, cheese, and charcuterie at Comestibles et Marchand de Vins} 

 {Tuesday, 10am: AUP graduation and delivery of MA degree}

{Tuesday, 2pm: graduation lunch at Bistrot du 1er with Marie, her mom, Rachael, and Lorelei}

{Tuesday, 8:30pm: Paris Beer Week celebration at La Fine Mousse}

My dad fell in love with Paris (despite ever-gray skies) and my mom is happy when he is, so I'd call the visit a success. I basically celebrated my birthday all week basking in their company and generosity, too. Yay for "traveling" with my parents for the second time this year! Growing up is a funny process in and of itself, but I'm finding the evolution of our relationship most intriguing. This just in: they're two especially wonderful and imperfect people, doing their best and figuring out life as they go along. Lucky me.