Au revoir France!  Today we spent our last day in Paris.  We did the typical tourist things! We are headed back to Chicago tomorrow.  This is my last post!- 50 total- a lot more than I had expected.  I have enjoyed sharing our stories and photos of this past year. I can not believe how quickly this has all happened.  We have seen so much and experienced even more. Chris and I have always believed that life is about having new experiences and we would not have changed a thing!  The travel bug has bit us (not that it hadn't already)!  We plan on having many experiences abroad as well as within the US.  There is still a lot for us to see in USA- we now are realizing what a large country we live in and we need to take advantage of it all while we can! In my first month of postings- I wrote of all the things I missed in the US... and now I will conclude with all the things I will miss from France....and my list is 3 times longer!!

1.  A good cup of coffee.  Sitting at a cafe and really enjoying it.  No to- go cups!
2.  The pastries and bread.  There are boulangeries and patisseries on nearly every street.  You can always find a good baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat, eclair, macaron, or chausse aux pommes.
3.  The restaurants and fine dining.  I know we have some great restaurants in Chicago so I plan on making reservations when we return.
4.  Chocolate.  Everyone just accepts it for the greatness that it is here. Whether it's a small chocolate with your coffee or a big piece nestled in a fresh baguette.
5.  Wine.  Drinking wine at lunch and dinner.  Getting a  good bottle for less than 15 euros.
6.  Double cheek peck kiss.  I love greeting friends with the double kiss.
7.  Kids speaking french. I am so happy we decided to put the littles in a french school.  They have not only learned a new language but learned about how to manage difficult situations with laughter and joy.
8.  French idea of a work-life balance.  When we first moved here we were appalled that the french took off the month of July or August for vacation.  Doesn't anybody understand the value of work??? Well- maybe they have something.  The time we have taken in the south of France has been so relaxing and brought the family together.  There are no "stay-cations" here- life is not about staying in your home...its about seeing what else is out there!
9.  Driving.  Not all of it.  I hate the motorcycles and mopeds! I do like the roundabouts...why do we have 4 way stop signs in the US??  I like that we can park on either side of the road in either direction.  I especially like that I can temporarily park on the sidewalk when I can't find a spot and will only be a few minutes.
10.  Walking.  I love that you can walk anywhere and it keeps you in shape. We drive way too much in the states.
11.  Friends I have made here.  It so easy to strike up a conversation and laugh at our ordeals and vent the same frustrations
12.  Travel. Ability to get a TGV ticket and travel on last minute notice to somewhere fantastic for less than 100 euros.  Or get on a flight and in less than 2 hours be anywhere in Europe.
14.  Strikes and Protests.  OK- may seem strange.  The french strike for everything all the time.  Yes- it can be inconvenient but I love the fact that they are vocal with their concerns.  They have strong beliefs and do not sit back, do nothing and complain about being victims.  They make themselves heard!
15. International school/friendships. Kids have unknowingly shattered stereotypes and embraced all cultures.
16.  Style.  People in France, especially Paris always look neat and tidy.  What I like is that most take pride in their appearance. It doesn't need to be chic and fashionable- just simple and ironed! People here do not where gym shoes and t- shirts with advertisements.  I have never seen a french person at the grocery store in their work out clothes!
17. The outdoor food marches.  To be able to get fresh food everyday at a good price- priceless!
18. Feeling uncomfortable!   Not speaking french very well always kept me a little off balance.  At first, I was fearful but now it is a good reason to keep me on my toes!   My only regret is not learning more french....but we will be back!

Travel as much as you can, as far as you can and as long as you can.  Life is not meant to be lived in one place!