Perfect Paris

I know you're thinking that we should have taken more pictures of the tasteful Parisian holiday lights (though they were not as noteworthy as the Marmite display in London, I must admit) and the lovely streets filled with Parisians.   We have visited Paris twice during August, when Parisians flee the city, so in December, everything feels different.  However, the highlight and the reason for this trip, was seeing old friends.  We did take the kids to the Louvre (closed during our last attempt to visit).  Though they are weary of museums at this point, Frans and Rose enjoyed the Mona Lisa's roaming eyes (so did I) and we enjoyed a beautiful new exhibit of Islamic art with amazing mosaics and beautiful wood carvings.

Rose creates the optical illusion of swimming in the fountain in front of the Louvre pyramid.

Frans looking like a teen as he snacks in front of the Louvre.

Funny to include a picture of Katia and I from the back, I know, but there is something about walking and enjoying the company of a dear friend, someplace special, with the sun beaming down.  Nice...

Andrei, Katia and Sergei's 8 year old son, was our tour guide for the afternoon when the rest of the family was busy elsewhere.  Andrei took us to the botanic gardens and then we peeked at this beautiful Mosque nearby.  This picture doesn't quite capture the stunning detailed moasaics and carving in the courtyard behind us.  I love the way Andrei, who is extremely polite and patient, is standing there as if he's thinking "no really, I am not responsible for these Dutch-American tourists.  I am a Parisien."  Though Andrei had only been to this part of town once on a class trip, he easily led us by subway across town and back home, where he offered us coffee as we came in the door - apparently he's a trilingual tour guide & a barista!

Erzo & Ellen in front of the mosque (proof that Erzo was on this trip too)...

In front of Katia & Sergei's place with Andre & Sergei.  Winter is coming, and it's chilly even in Paris, but the sunshine was heavenly.  Back in Delft, I'm still drying off from today's slushy commute...