Paris.  The City of Lights.  The places where dreamers go to dream, fashionistas go to twirl in dresses at the foot of the Eiffel tower, the place of slow walks through the park and where macaroons and red wine seem endless.  So many people dream of their time in Paris.  I know I did before my first visit.  I was 17 when I first laid eyes on the city; it was fascinating. I returned 3 more times; all different experiences.  At 31 I returned for my 5th rendezvous with my old friend. This time, like the other times, I felt comfort in the familiarity and surprise at the differences.

This trip was different because I brought my children.  Seeing them explore new places is exciting to me, but this time it felt more exciting and more personal.  This IS Paris after all.