Over the Pond

Hi, folks:

I've been feeling the urge to post some pictures since the moment we arrived in France, but we've been all out since we touched down here on Sunday afternoon.  The trip went very smoothly, and the kids did great.  Seriously, this is a rock-star team.  They handled the flights beautifully (thanks in part to truly outstanding inflight entertainment, courtesy of Iceland Air).

Ready for take-off

Stephanie and Steve were kind enough to host us for the week leading up to the departure, and to drop us at Logan Airport, and we managed all the luggage about as well as we could have.  The five of us were a bit of a sight, pushing two carts heaped with suitcases through the airport, but we made it through just fine; even Leo with his 'Thomas the Train rolling luggage.'

Leo watching for our flight announcement in Iceland

We made one stop in Iceland for about 90 minutes, and then on to Paris, where we were met at the door by one of my dearest friends, Elisa.  We walked out of the baggage/customs door and there she was, holding high a sign that said 'Daphne, Cora and Leo.' That was a welcome sight, and I very acutely felt the relief of having finally arrived, after all the planning and work that has gone into this move.

Elisa and Katherine lead the way to the taxi in Paris

Elisa has been a saving grace to us here.  She has lived in Paris for around 15 years now, and is helping us navigate what I am now calling 'French Pledge Week.'  This entails meeting with personal bankers, insurance agents, city hall administrators, mobile phone providers, etc.  More about 'Pledge Week' in the next few posts....

From the window of our Air B and B (which reeked of cigarette smoke, but hey, look at this view!)

We spent two days in Paris attending to some of these appointments, but also walking the streets of this spectacular city.  The kids, still tired from the flight, were impressed with the food and VERY impressed by the sight of the Eiffel Tower :)

Best playground ever!  Right on the grounds of Notre Dame Cathedral... 

Daphne's favorite sight in Paris

St. Genevieve

Rainbow over the Seine River

We enjoyed great meals and terrific time with Elisa, and then, before we knew it, it was Tuesday afternoon and she heroically assisted us in dragging our bags from our Air BnB to the train station, where we boarded a two-hour, high speed (200 mph!) train south, through Burgundy and into our new city of Lyon.

200 miles per hour, Leo!!

We were really dragging by the time we pulled into the city, but the sight of it truly took my breath away.  I had no idea how beautiful a place it would be.  Our landlord met us at the station and helped us haul our bags to a taxi.

When we arrived at our new apartment, I was amazed at the surroundings.  We are in Vieux (Old) Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Renaissance area in France.  More on that later, but it's important to put it out there, because when the taxi dropped us off at our door, we realized that the next step in our journey was carrying each bag (nearly 50 lbs) up four flights of a 15th century circular, stone staircase.  Yes, my back survived it.  It think my endorphins saved me.  Again, more on this soon.

The girls, exhausted after climbing our new steps

Looking up at our apartment from the courtyard beneath (Katherine is waving from the window). 

Our street, Montee du Change

I'm attaching a few pictures of our new neighborhood here, and will post again about our apartment, neighborhood and what we've been doing for our first few days when I have a bit more clarity.

But, long story made short:

• Long trip.  
• Kids have been excited, exhausted and trusting.  
• Elisa is invaluable as a friend and as an advocate for us. 
• Lyon has surprised us with its history and incredible beauty, already.  
• We have major stairs now, and we're tired.
• We're happy that we decided to do this.

Moon over Lyon, day one.