Caitlin and I landed in Paris this morning. This is our third trip to France together, and one of many, many journeys for me to France since I was a two-year old boy. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to be here in my second country. It’s been five years, far too long!
This particular trip has us taking a two-week tour of the southwestern part of the country:
- The Loire River Valley, Tours (chateaux/castle country)
- Bordeaux
- The Aquitaine countryside near a little town called Dieulivol with the monastics in Plum Village
- And, to close, a night in Paris!
Our first trip together in France was about nine months into our relationship during the summer of 2003. We toured Paris extensively, and visited my grandmother’s chateaux in Provence (she has since relocated to Ashburn, VA, right by me).
The second trip was even more romantic. Five years ago on Labor Day weekend, I proposed to Caitlin on the French Riviera in Cannes . She knew it was coming because I was a bit of dork about it, but the sunset made it just right. Further, she wasn’t expecting the massive bouquet of flowers awaiting her in the hotel, or the seven course candlelight meal atop the Sofitel overlooking the night time Cannes vista. Truly magical. Caitlin carried the bouquet with her to Nice, and back to Paris. I think that was the best trip I have ever taken.
Other great trips to France include a two week stay in Basqueland on the Atlantic Ocean in Biarritz as well as dozens of summers in Provence. I am blessed to have visited this gorgeous country so frequently.
I promise to take lots of photos!