It’s been almost two weeks of non-blogging. I have to say I almost quit on this thing, it’s hard to divorce the ego from the blog and I was beginning to hate myself for getting so wrapped up in how many people read this everyday. Taking a break was good, and perhaps my stats will take a hit and reassure that this is about the writing, not the reading.

Anyway, Christmas and New Years was in Paris.

As seen from the Louvre

Paris is almost exactly the way I wanted it. It is the most beautiful city I have every seen. The architecture is incredible, and well demonstrated. Boulangeries abound with the best baguette you’ve ever had. Fromageries and Butcheries are equally abundant. I was saddened to see the enormous tourist market there (some overpriced food and crowded ‘sights’) but what can you ask from a world-famous city? Restaurants were delicious and not overly priced if you stay away from the obvious choices. The metro is as good as they say, reminds me of New York and Boston. Restaurant service was awful, and the people weren’t all that friendly, but damn it was good to be back in a city. I like the ability to run to the corner store for a forgotten vegetable or hear the neighbors party late. It’s good to feel in the midst of so much life, particularly coming from the mountains.

We stayed at a friend of Kate’s, which was much classier than we ever could have wished for. So much so that it inspired some photography:

Don't they look French! (they're not)