La Luna - La Bella Luna
Now, I know the title of this post is Italian and from one our favorite movies featuring all Italians, but the moon (which is just a tad shy of full) is so gorgeous tonight that I had to use it. Today was our last full day in Paris before we head back home to San Antonio. I'm not sure how to describe it, but at dinner, I told John, how at ease we are in Paris and how well we know it now. As we walked over 17,000 steps today throughout the 3rd and 4th, it was a full day of shopping and, of course, eating. Alas, our goal of coming home with our French knives did not come to fruition, but we do know how to contact the manufacturer, so there's at least that. Instead, there are shoes and more shoes, and an art piece of Notre Dame that took our breath away. Last night, we saw it through the window on our walk home and just like on our last trip on our last day when we found the perfect piece of art, the same thing happened. We had to return today, hoping the gallery was open and my poor husband knew that I would not be deterred. It's a one of a kind by a young Parisian artist.
With most of the day spent walking in the direction of the wind, the day was colder today. It really didn't matter, though as we made several trips back to the hotel to drop off our various purchases throughout the day. Between wine at lunch over a fabulous charcuterie board and several stops in churches, there was so much to reflect upon before we head home. I hope that the love we feel for Paris comes through and that you see Paris, not through the ridiculous eyes of shows like Emily in Paris but through those of two people who know what this city brings to their lives. It has been such a part of us seperately for so long and now it's part of ours together. That makes each step we continue to take here that much sweeter. To make it even more meaningful, we see and feel our mothers in every church we visit and every incredible sight we see. They were part of this city with us and that bond radiates throughout every step we take here.
We've ended our trip at the same restaurant that we had dinner at when we came here during part one of our honeymoon. It is the same eatery where I took my mom back in 2010. And on the way there, seeing the splendor of the moon meant something special to John and the memory of his mother. It's a full circle of events that make each trip to this city much more special that you can imagine. The wine was even more delicious tonight and I thought, why are we searching all over the city for that wine when we can just buy one here? It's wrapped and padded in our luggage. We'll uncork it for something special when we return home. Maybe there will be a full moon when we do.
La Luna - La Bella Luna. It's the same moon that you all are seeing tonight, and it makes you realize that the world is not that big. We all should find time to take in its beauty. I don't take for granted that we are lucky to experience it here, in a city that gives us so much joy. What an incredible end to one year and the start of another. We can only hope that La Bella Luna will continue to shine on us. But, no matter what happens, we'll have each other and....we'll always have Paris.