Louis Vuitton in the Park

Each weekend we try to find something new to do.   It is easy to really get into a routine and forget to appreciate the fact that we live in one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in the world. So that we do not take our situation for granted, I've tried to make sure we do more than just errands on the weekend.  Even if its just going to the park.

Thankfully for us, going to the park isn't always a mundane event.  The French really know how to create outdoor spaces that everyone can enjoy.  Whether its beautiful formal garden that surrounds a chateau or large forest with hiking paths or even multi-use city parks, the French know how to make good use of public spaces.  Considering how our 48m2 apartment is considered large by French standards, it is a good thing that Parisians have access to green grass, fresh air, and space.

Return to Normalcy

After all the craziness of last week, we thought the best thing we could do was to continue with what we had planned for the weekend.  After stopping at the kosher supermarket to lay down some flowers and pay our respects, we headed to the Chateau de Vincennes on the outskirts of Paris.  

“The only security of all is in a free press” - Thomas Jefferson

On the morning of January 7th, two terrorists infiltrated the offices of a french satirical magazine and assassinated 11 people (including 8 staff, one maintenance person, one police officer assigned to protect the editor, and a visitor). These people were killed because the terrorists did not agree with what the magazine said.  Moments later, the gunmen went on to kill another police officer who was responding to the attack.

Joyeux Noël in the Midi-Pyrenees

Cozy country cottage that is Scout approved

Since we were staying in Europe through the holidays again, we wanted to find some place that was Christmas-y.  We wanted to find a small European town with the old world feel, snowy fields where we could hike with our beagle, and a small cottage with a fire place.  Thomas and I had originally thought about going to the German Black Forest for the holidays.  However, the complications of renting a car in Paris and driving to Germany which has stricter rules and regulations made us change our plans.  Both countries might be in the same union, but it is surprisingly difficult to find a rental car in Paris with all the specs required in Germany (specifically snow tires which are required by German law, optional in France, and only available on rental cars in Lyon or closer to the border).  Given this complication we decided to stay in France. The question now was which part.  In the end, we found a charming little cottage surrounded by working farms in the foothills of the Pyrenees.  No snow, but it was a great location.  It was within a short drive (less than an hour) of fortresses, medieval castles, hikes, and even wineries.  It was also about a two hours drive from the mountains and ski resorts, and hiking trails are everywhere (even one that passed right by our house).