posted November 26, 2004 11:28 AM              

I returned from Paris a few days ago and though I have been there a few times before, I must tell you that this trip was by far the very best I've had!!!!!
I didn't want to divulge my destination earlier, as I know there are some bitter feelings here towards France in general. (Ok, politically speaking, I guess I include myself in this category as well.) BUT.....I have to tell you all, the people there could not have been friendlier. And the men.....well, that is a different story altogether. They are simply the most charming creatures on earth in my experience.... Anyway, I went there with my friend and since she has lived there before for a few years, she knew all the "ins and outs" of the city. I totally skipped all of the touristy areas this time and just concentrated on getting to know the daily lives of the people and the more "hidden" sections of the city, which are BEAUTIFUL!!!! I had such a wonderful time there that I am now studying French so that the next time I go back I will be able to speak the language much better. I also met several new friends there who I am keeping in touch with via email. They were so kind as to invite me to stay with them upon my next return. This experience also prompted me to (finally) square away all the paperwork pertaining to my Irish citizenship application. My father happens to be an Irish citizen and by virtue of that, I can also gain this status provided that the correct documentation is provided to the Irish Consulate. And since Ireland is now a part of the European Union, I will be a citizen of the entire EU, which means if I want to, I can live in any country that is part of the EU (including France, Italy, Spain, England, Ireland, etc...) It's pretty exciting! Of course, the U.S. is my home for now but to have the opportunity to experience other walks of life in other parts of the world, that is something else!! If any of you have the opportunity to visit other parts of the world, I highly recommend it. It is truly an eye opener.

So, I leave you all with this story for now: During a conversation I was having with a Parisian I met there, I asked what he thought of Americans in general in terms of overall impressions. His response was that people should be judged as individuals and that each person is different and special, not to be grouped into one large box. While there are some who would debate this response, I thought it was a beautiful sentiment and was so heartened to find that there are people all over the world who see this truth. Needless to say, he is one of the people I am keeping in touch with.

While there is much strife and hardship in the world, there are also great miracles and wonderful people to be met along the journey. If one looks hard enough, one will always find them!!!!

Beaucoup l'amour!!!! (Much love!!!!!)

posted November 27, 2004 04:37 PM              

Harpyr, my Grandma's parents were both from Ireland. Cool beans. I

I've always wanted to go and visit... not necessarily to meet family, as I have no idea who I'm related to over there. Pullen and O'Connell... that's about all I know.

Did you read the books Angela's Ashes and 'Tis? They (Angela's Ashes mostly) made me want to go there and see where it was my family came from.

posted November 30, 2004 06:17 PM              

I am thinking of going around the February-March time frame. So far, the fares on British Airways look the best.

Oh, I've read Angela's Ashes too. It's a beautiful and engaging book.