Who's who in "Our Paris"?

[sistereurope]

Hello everyone,

Since the "bloggers" have a little biographical info on the home page, I thought it might be interesting to hear more about the brave souls who ventured over to the new and very improved (IMHO) Paris fanatic board. I know that we can read each other's profiles, but I thought it might be nice to introduce ourselves to one another. Or not - I think that this board is very welcoming to all points of view so join in only if you feel comfortable!

So, here goes:
I chose my username because it's a song by one of my favorite 80's bands...and my sister lives in Germany. I live just outside of Baltimore, in a big old Victorian house that is in a constant state of renovation. I just celebrated my first wedding anniversary with my wonderful second husband. I have a 14 year old daughter and my husband has 2 sons, 15 and 18. Thankfully they get along - or not - just like regular siblings. I'm a city girl and my husband is a country boy, so we have a garden and 7 chickens but we also love to go to concerts and eat out at wonderful restaurants. We both like to cook and we've succeeded in raising 3 kids who hate McDonald's as much as we do. Life is busy but happy. I work as a grant writer for the Baltimore City Schools - it's a challenge. My husband works for NASA and builds space ships when he's not gardening or playing guitar.

I love to travel, but I've only been to Paris twice...although I am continually dreaming of going back. I told my husband that it was fate that I waited to go there until I met him. We had the privilege of meeting someone from Paris who is now a very dear friend of ours (he was a post-doc here in Baltimore for several years). He keeps me linked to my favorite city in the world. I want to learn as much about Paris as I can so that each time I go there I can discover something new. I hope that I can share some things as well.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Okay, we wouldn't want you to be alone. So here goes: I'm a "woman of a certain age" (as the French say -- although I don't actually know the French for that), living in Berkeley, California (across the bay from San Francisco), and right now staring out my office window (in SF) at the Bay and at the Ferry Building clock tower.

I'm a lawyer and my husband is in sales. We both love to travel, and recently bought a small (two bedrooms) village house in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, which currently is under renovation (now THERE'S an adventure!), which we hope we will be able to visit several times a year once it's completed. Unfortunately, that's probably about a year away at this point, given how long it takes for planning permission in a "listed" village. We think it will be worth the wait, and we are having great fun finding more and more original features hidden under generally awful "improvements" (e.g., what appears to be an old dry sink partway up the stairwell, filled in doorways and windows to the sides of the house on upper floors -- although if still operable they would open into the adjoining houses, etc.). Most recently, demolition of a very tacky relatively recent fireplace exposed a much older one (which the architect says probably is about late 16th century -- it won't be made operable, but will be fun to look at!). We are taking most of the walls back to exposed stone, and looking forward to working with local artisans for the various crafts we need. (We have been told that the best local stone mason only takes jobs he thinks are interesting, so we are waiting to hear whether we merit his attention!)

I have loved France (and Paris) since my first visit at least 15+ years ago. My husband was very doubtful when I first met him (1999) about ever going to France (he had bad/snotty experiences with a few business acquaintances in Montreal and Quebec who thought themselves "French," and was concerned that that's what the "French" might be like -- although understanding intellectually that it said nothing except about those particular individuals). I got him to try Paris by making the offer that if he went once with me on my terms and didn't like it, then in future I would go alone (as I mostly had in the past). So we went together for the first time in 2001 (were there on 9/11 -- a story in itself, the impromptu memorial near the embassy was incredibly touching and I have a photo taken there on the day we heard about it, with a rainbow over Place de la Concorde). Even with that disaster hanging over the trip, however, he loved it (we had a small flat in rue de l'Universite -- I simply MUST figure out how to make accented Es on my computer!) and we've gone back many times since, to Paris specifically and to other parts of France as well.

We settled on the location for our vacation house because we really love the Dordogne (several bicycle trips in France, including there) and found this village just over the western border into the Charente. It's a darling village and very old (two churches, one dating back to the 9th century, and a fortified chateau dating to the 11th century), and is virtually unknown to Americans (but popular with the English tourists, plus a lot of ex-pats who live fulltime or part time in the area).

Okay, this should be enough so that sistereurope doesn't feel alone!

[holger]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently 71 at least till June when Iwill become 72. Have traveled widely, still work as an anthropologist, professor and administrator. Love cats and have three. married to a former professor, recently retired. Two grown "children," three grandchildren. One of whom we have raised since she was three and she recently turned 21.
When we travel, food, museums and art galleries, antiques and jjust people watching are important. I love to shop, not necessarily to buy but to shop. Like to spend time in one place and use it as a base. Do not like tours at all. In years past we stayed in houses or apartments, more recently like to stay in small hotels and get spoiled.
We were in Paris last June for the first time in 49 years and we are returning in August-September. Just returned from Montreal and Quebec City--which I love.
Am nearly a technological illiterate and have tried unsuccessfully to use the chat room here.
I tend to find that I like new experiences but also like stability and continuity so will tend to go back to same locations, etc. So it is fun to learn of things and experiences from others and get to select from some of these.

Ta,
Holger

[iank9]

Evening, afternoon, morning, depending where you are everyone!

Iank9 introducing myself/ourselves.

My user name derives from my present occupation- I lecture in Animal Behaviour at Durham, UK, and I have a small animal behaviour consultancy, near Newcastle where our two wonderful GSD's assist in my work.

Two sons, one studying at Uni, other a Chef at a restaurant in Newcastle, The Fisherman's Lodge.

I proposed, and we honeymooned in Paris, and have managed to visit at least once each year since, and have just returned from celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary.

We are both confirmed "Francophiles" and we holiday each summer, dogs and caravan in tow, between the Touraine at Ste Catherine de Fierbois, south of Tours, and Houlgate in Normandy, with a usual stop over either at Chantilly, or Camping Bois de Boulogne.

Paris now means leasurely strolls from our hotel, the Prince de Conde, on Rue de Seine (last stay was our seventh at this hotel and we have already booked again for last week in March 08), discovering new cafe's and gardens, returning pm to Cafe Mabillion, read a book with a glass or two of Sancerre, a meal later, before retiring to La Palette and a Calvados (or two)!

This blog has kept our enthusiasm from our last visit at its height, and we are already putting a new itinerary together for next years visit. Excellent links, and I particulary enjoy dipping into "A Foodie Froggy in Paris", where an attempt at Anne's Ginger & Salmon Cheesecake will be made on Friday!

This will indulge my other passion of cooking.

Looking forward to gleaning more info regarding hidden gems that we have yet to discover.

Best wishes

IanK9

[cybee]

HappyGoin! I am with you! I am afraid everyone will fall asleep when they read my bio! Maybe that is not the worst thing for all insomniacs in this forum, but the rest..oh, dear. Anyway, I live way out on the plains in South Dakota. I grew up in Omaha, met my husband in law school in Nebraska and as he grew up in this area...we moved here upon marriage. I have three children. Two in college. The eldest was considering law school, but now is considering taking the GRE (despite great offers from law schools!). The other just finished his freshman year at the University of Nebraska and is home for the summer (planting trees is his summer job!) and I still have my "baby" who is 13 (will be 14 in June) (BTW Holger, June is a very good month to be born! B^)). Whilst my husband does not like to travel , I do! I love Paris! I love to dream about my next trip on these forums and hear about other's knowledge and adventures on the same! I love to read..love coffee in the a.m....love the beach (wish I lived near one!)...and that is the news about me and so now have a good sleep! (if you are not already quite asleep from reading this! B^)) Love hearing about your lives too...but all sound so much more glamorous than mine!
Here I am with my daughter in Paris:

[les]

Sault! I'm a married mom to two small children (3 and 1), a French professor (mostly grammar courses and civilization) , a former high school French teacher as well.

I also owned a French import shop (tableware from Provence) for a couple of years, until I had baby #2 and the euro went through the roof all at the same time! I have great stories about bizarre customers with very weird generalizations about the French.

I lived in France while an undergrad (Tours, for 1 year), then as a grad student when I got my degree at the Sorbonne (Paris IV). Best time of my life. That's when I acquired a true love and understanding for Paris, and a bunch of great life-long Parisian friends. I also spent a year in Madrid, as I was a dual major. I'm a linguist at heart.

I used to go to France a few times a year, before babies. Now it's about twice a year. I bring small groups on tours of Paris, we do a ton of walking tours, eat at the best neighborhood places (but I'm always looking for new ones, there are so many), it's wonderful. That business is not very old and I'd like to grow it. When I go on my own, I usually stay with friends. But when I go with my tour, I try out the quaint hotels.

I also started a web site about paris, www.paristriptips.com . It's a lot of fun.

My students tell me the best thing about me is my "unbridled enthusiasm for France and all things French."

[Truffaut]

Hi, guys. I work as a fund raiser for an agency that serves people with mental retardation. I majored in opera performance and currently sing professionally throughout the eastern U.S., mostly in oratorios, as a soloist with choral ensembles, and in recordings of new choral music.

I also am co-owner of an antiques business, www.KensingtonHouseAntiques.com, that specializes in antique jewelry, but also deals in Art Deco barware, glass, porcelain, paintings and other miscellaneous antiques and collectibles.

I have been with my partner for a little over 14 years and we have a beautiful Dalmatian who some of you may remember from my TA avatar (wearing a University of Ottawa baseball cap given by our friend LuckyLuc). We live just outside Washington, DC, but spend as much time as possible in our Paris home in the Quartier Batignolles.

I've been a Francophile since the age of 7, when I began listening to French lesson recordings on LPs from my aunt's college classes. She didn't learn much, but it sort of stuck with me! I studied French for 3-1/2 years in middle and high school, before moving on to German and Italian in college. Except for music, I didn't use French at all until travelling to Paris for the first time nearly 20 years later. I was amazed at how much came flooding back from the dark recesses. I don't believe in reincarnation, but I must say that I feel at home in Paris more than any place I've ever lived, and I can't imagine facing a future that doesn't include frequent doses of Paris. Fortunately, my partner feels much the same way and we have a marvelous time whenever we're in la ville lumière.

[annettecinca]

Hi everyone! Guess I'll be next to put you all to sleep (but this reading has been interesting, and I'm not nodding off at all!) I live in southern California and will soon be an out of work stay-at-home mom. Before I "retired", I worked as an administrative assistant at a hospital, then did part time/at home work as a cruise specialist for a local travel agency when the kids were young. My husband and I were high school sweethearts and have been married 28 years. He's an architect and owns a firm, doing mostly commercial projects and schools (elementary, middle & college). We have 3 great kids--2 daughters aged 17 & 25, and a son who is 23. Our oldest is married and lives nearby, and is expecting our first grandchild in July. We travel as much as we can--at least one big family trip per year, a one long bonding trip for hubby and me, and shorter getaways as often as we can. Once we discovered Paris, we've had a hard time getting excited about visiting anyplace else! I also love to cook and naturally have been into French cooking these days (Truffaut, I'm waiting for a report on those lemon/raspberry macarons! ) We have a vacation home in Mammoth where my hubby thinks we might retire, but I haven't given up hope for a cute little apartment in Paris to live in a few months each year. That's me...who's next?


Hubby & I last October 2006 (taken 4 days before Paris--can't you see the glow of anticipation in our faces?! )

[Shoesy]

This is awesome. I've always wanted to know about the others.
As for me, here goes:
I've just turned 58, and I honestly feel much younger. I'm currently retired, but used to teach English as a second language in junior high school. I taught for 29 years, but it became monotonous so I requested early retirement and was ecstatic when it was approved. So now they actually pay me for staying home .........and chatting on the forum!!! (I wanted to insert a smiley, but I can't find it.)
I'm an ex-New Yorker (I grew up in Westchester), and I've been living in Israel since 1971. I spend a good part of the summer in the States with my family. (My daughter lives in N.Y. and will be getting married this summer. ) My son, who lives in Israel, will be getting married in 2008, so this is a happy time for us.
I've been to Paris only twice, and I hope to be there again in June, 2008. I'm amazed when I read about how well some of you know that beautiful city, and I'm fascinated by all the fancy dining experiences that some of you are used to having, though it doesn't take a fancy restaurant to make me happy.
My hobby is dancing ballet. I took lessons as a kid, like so many other young girls, and I developed a real passion for it, though my talent was quite limited, even in those days. Then after 35 years of almost no physical activity, I joined a class of teenagers, and I immediately rekindled my love for it. Of course there's a great challenge involved since it's hard to compete with 15 and 16 year olds. I'm grateful for being able to fit in, and I enjoy every minute of my classes. I know my limitations, and unfortunately, I'm no longer flexible.
A few years ago I finally learned how to swim, which meant overcoming a fear that I had had my whole life. (I guess it has to do with the fact that I was on the Titanic in a former life. (Darn it -where is that smiley icon when I need it?) I enjoy going to our local pool a few times a week, but I haven't been there ever since I hurt my arm 2 months ago. Since I'm much better now, I guess I'll try swimming again one of these days.
This new forum is still very new to me, but I'm starting to fall in love.............

[terezacz]

Great to know you guys better!

I´m turning 27 in 4 days, live in Prague. I run my own small travel agency that focuses on selling cruise holidays. Last year I decided to finish my university studies (after 1 year break) so now I´m dealing with it and it´s really hard to go back to books after hard day at work but I made my bed ... have to lie in it, right?

Me and my boyfriend are going to Paris for the first time this September and I can´t wait. I like to be prepared so this is another great source of info. I hope I´ll have more time to go through it carefully after finishing all my exams.

Looking forward to all posts!

[andi]

And here was me thinking I was the baby of the bunch........

I am a 36 year old female from staffordshire, England (Where Wedgewood and Royal Doulton come from) I have been to Paris twice now and want to go back more and more. I am married with 3 daughters, 21, 18 and 12, the eldest and youngest are my step daughters but I love them all the same, I have a 3 year old grandson too. I am currently at home as my husband had 2 heart attacks awhile back at the age of 37. We both worked in the pottery industry before that and will need to retrain in something different as there is not a pottery industry to speak of anymore. I trained as a hairdresser on leaving school. Just under 12mths ago I took up the art of learning to tattoo and am thoroughly loving it. My husband will soon have no plain skin left. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats, our house feels small when all kids plus the 2 eldests boyfriends and animals are in the same room at the same time, I drift away at that point and am sitting on the Champs D' mars enjoying the view. My dream is to win the lottery and live in a little apartment anywhere in Paris and own a tattoo shop that I can open up whenever I feel like it. My life is not high flying but I wouldn't have it any other way, we are a close bunch. ;D

[Happygoin]

Hello everyone...I am 51 and live about 20 miles west of Boston in MA (US). Being a lifelong avid reader, I was put in to French classes in the 2nd grade. I stayed with it through HS and came out semi-fluent, I guess. Of course, not using it until I first traveled to Paris in 1992, I lost a lot of it. As a previous poster said, it amazed me that so much came back. Until you need it, you don't even know it's there. I worked in banking most of my life, some with the Federal Government. Put myself through cooking (pastry) school at 35, on a lark. My dad was in Europe during WWII and, after listening to his stories, I have developed a love of WWII history including the music of that era which I especially love and know better than any current music. Most of you know that I have a special teen friend, Dihanna, who I took to Paris recently. I love her dearly. She hasn't had an especially easy time and I love being there for her, and helping her grow up. I now work for a contractor (great boss!) at a low-stress job that I love, as well as indulging my passion for baking at a local bakery on most Saturday mornings. I go to Paris at least annually, but I've been twice in the last 7 months and have made plans to go back for the week between Christmas and NY this year. Et voila! This has actually been quite fun, sistereurope. Your murder contract has been rescinded

[jcjflorida]

Hi All,
I live in Florida and work part time testing software in my home office. This allows me to also take care of my mother who has emphysema, my 16 yr old daughter who is a never ending source of amusement, a dog, 2 cats and a horse which currently has a fractured leg. My husband and I love to travel and to cook. We also play a lot of tennis and have timed our trip to Paris to coincide with the French Open as we also did last year. I am turning 50 this year and said the only thing that I wanted was to go to Paris again. I took French in school but have difficulty conversing so I listen to French in the car and on my Ipod. I think that if I am ever to become fluent I must go live there. We are rather low key travelers - we generally don't have a "must do" itinerary. We like food markets and wine bars and neighborhood restaurants. I have enjoyed all of your posts very much as I don't know anyone here that is as interested in Paris as I am. This year's trip also will include a week in London because my husband and daughter have never been there.

[intunetrent]

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to know about this new board! Thank you andiandgaz. I live in Memphis, TN, and teach music in a public school. I also play organ for a church and sing in a professional choir. I've always been fascinated with Europe and got to study music in Italy for a summer while in college. In 2002, I was invited to join a friend going to France. I fell in love with the country and its wonderful culture, sites, food, etc. I was able to go again last June and am going again in 2 weeks!!! I can't wait for those amazing croissants! I will spend a few days in Paris and then head down South to my friend's place in Correze. After there, I don't know yet---maybe some time in the Loire.

[sistereurope]

Hey! It works! Here I am with my daughter the gargoyle

[goldenmama]

How did I miss this the first time around? And may I say that you all look so much younger in your writing than you claim to be in your bios!

I am 46 and have been a stay at home mom since my kids were born. Even though they are now 14 and 10, I'm still glad I'm home, especially in the summer when we can just all hang out together. In my former life I was an RN, which is how I met my husband, who is a physician.

I love running, gardening, reading (although lately it has only been books about Paris), and spending time with my family.

The goldenmama comes from my wonderful 100 pound buddy, Louie the golden retriever. He is not so wonderful, however, when he wakes me up each morning at 4:30! That's why I seem to be the only American on this site at that hour!

[geordy]

I'm with Cybee and Happy but it is morning(here at any rate) so maybe you can stay awake!

I am 53 , no kids , never married, now involved in a long term, long distance relationship...he lives and works in Vienna.

BA in Sociology, MA Criminal Justice, worked for the Government(1st New York State, then NYC) most of my working life. Got caught up in the post 9/11 related 2003 NYC layoffs.
Working part time , still looking for something interesting full-time, since.

Went to Paris for the first time in 1987..not a good trip..documented on TA!!
Then 1993 , the year I was turning 40, did not start out well, to put it mildly. So I decided to go to Paris (because of an offer from Mumm's but that is a story for another time!) for the B'day. Had a magical time, partially with present S/O , partially solo. Been back every B'day since...and then some!

When I was still gainfully employed I would take advantage of all my vacation days and Holidays. The year went like...S/O came to NYC in Jan. and Feb. for a week. March, June, Sept. and Nov we met in Europe(usually Paris!) (Well it only got up to 4 trips the last few years)

I've been able to still get there at least twice a year since the layoff but .....still haven't made the plunge for this September!

I took Spanish in school so my French is limited. Also documented on TA I did not have a good experience with the Alliance Francais/French Institute here in NY! I can read some but the actual speaking other than the basics...and S/O is fluent(also in English(obviously), German, Italian, and Irish gallic!) I watch France 2 news often on channel 25 at 7PM. They have subtitles in English and I try to see how much I can get without reading!!

I too feel so comfortable in Paris...even without the language..it feels like another home. One June I got my wallet snatched on the Metro. It was my last day and S/O had already had to return to Vienna. Sorted it all out(police report, credit cards, American Express office was wonderful!) The following Sept. as I got off the AF bus at Etoile and was beaming as I strolled to our hotel, I thought , "Gee I'm awful happy for a woman who got pick pocketed the last time I was here!"

Guess I'm getting that ticket soon!!

[luvparee]

Just got back to this particular area of the board this
AM. So, as long as everyone else has posted, I'll do the same.

I am a "young" 61 year old - divorced in 1998 after 32 years of marriage (why, oh, why did I wait that long?!?!?). Had two daughters - lost my 26 year old in 1993 and my 38 year old daughter has delighted me with 2 grandson, 13+ and 3+ (two marriages!). However, I am the only one with the terminal ADDICTION to Paris!!!

I have worked in law firms before and after my children were born and then into school all day, and after my former husband semi-retired, we opened two travel agencies. I didn't work there (am still in the law firm!) but spent time looking at everything I could get my hands on about Paris! And I took all the fam trips as he traveled alot in his prior jobs and didn't want to start the traveling again.

I can't remember when I began my love affair with Paris and all things French! I have been to Paris three times - 1979 (combined with a trip to London, so only 4 days in Paris, but oh my, what I saw in that 4 days and the miles walked! -- just didn't want to take the time to sleep), 2002, and 2006. The trip in 2006 was with 6 girlfriends, most of whom had hit or would hit the big "60" in 2006. We flew into CDG and TGV'd to Provence for 8 nights (my second love and my second trip there) and then back to Paris in two apartments with the Tour Eiffel right outside our dining room windows for 8 nights. However, EXTREMELY hot and humid with no AC!

I wore a pedometer on my trip to Paris and Provence in 2002 and religiously kept track and found that in 16 days I walked 193 miles, the majority of which was in Paris!

I spend probably about 80% of my non-working waking moments planning my next trip to Paris, reading trip reports to find the "best" ......... (whatever! - macaron, handbag, perfume, boulangerie, patisserie, cafe for glass of wine or cafe, etc., etc.) and hangin' around the various boards to add to my ever growing list of things to do, eat, drink, buy, and see when I'm next in Paris which, hopefully, will be in the next 12 to 18 months or so, as I'm waiting for the dollar to get MUCH stronger and airfares to go down!

So far, I believe I'm the oldest here~ does that make me a senior member?

Love this place!!! I believe we have become a wonderful group of kindred spirits who understand one another better than our family members and friends on anything Parisian!


joy/luvparee

[kasthor]

Ok, so a little more of me...

even though Im not posting a lot these days, due to a lot hassle and changes in my life lately, I love Paris, I can't get away actually and the good thing is I live here

I was born some (almost) 30 years ago (am I the youngest here?) in Germany from a French Dad who fell in love with a francophile German woman (my mom)... I hope you allow me the little detour in history but both (French and German) my great grand fathers fought in WWI and my gand fathers did in WWII, all of them survived and the result was... Me... Anyway that would a too long story to tell...

I studied in Germany and Belgium before landing in Paris, which was not intended at all, so the beginnings were somehow difficult and since I am trilingual (well add a little Spanish to that and one could make it 4) I ended up working in hospitality. I have the chance to do a job I love, it is somewhat of a passion but financially not really the best. however that is how I got in touch with tourists and especially Anglo-Saxons, to which I must admit I developed some kind of link...

After now 5 years here my best friend is from NY and my girlfriend from Iowa, I got to meet some of our fellow posters here in real life and it always has been great fun. So if you need to rent some privat e guide in Paris, please feel free to contact me!! (just kidding) but you will understand if I do not answer all the questions (how to get the airport for example) I do answer on a daily basis in my job!

Tomorrow I have an interview at the four seasons Georges V so maybe my carrier wil get another turn and even though I'm telling myself the opposite, I am quite excited about it!

this is me and my wonderful lady in Venice this easter!

[joan1]

Some of you really have exciting lives,, I guess all lives are exciting ,, if you consider the alternative!
I was born in France, in Conflans St Honorine, to my Canadian mother, and French father. ( As a young women my praire borne mother was transferred to Paris to work in a branch of a large Insurance company,, and there she met my father( the dashing frenchman) .... ( they divorced about 10 yrs later, my dashing father,, never did quite finish "dashing"... LOL)
We moved back to Canada when I was an infant ( my mother did not love France after all) .
At home,, it was important for my father to learn english,, so we grew up speaking eglish only in the house, except of course for French swear words. ( I knew "merde" by 4 or 5 )
At ten I went to spend the summer with my mother and younger sister in France. I remember thinking that I preferred my grandmothers large house in the country,, to Paris,, and that the meals lasted " too long" in France. I learned virtually no french,, as my mother translated for my sister and I ,, and I only played with my sister.
At 13 it was decided I must learn french,, so I was sent alone to Paris, to stay with my grandmother, and various family friends ,, for almost three months June thru Sept. 1975.
I STILL managed to learn only a little french,, as all the kids I met that were my age( neighborhood kids or cousins) wanted to " practice english" with me,, I happily chatted away, IN ENGLISH!! My grandmother despaired my of me learing any french ,, but, conceded I did in fact learn the words, " jambon , potage, pomme frites, moules, , and peche melba" the food items I learned to read off a menu, and ate almost exclusively by choice, after my grandmother tricked me into eating horse and rabbit( neither of which tasted bad, but as a North American teenager I was HORRIFIFED by the idea of eating PETS)
I did develope a love of Paris though,, and have continued to feed it all these years.
I returned at 18, 23, 34, 42,, and hopefully again this summer ,, the summer I will be 45.

I am 18 yrs married, ( my husband is Canadain born, but his father is German born) have three kids , youngest a girl at 11, oldest two boys are almost 15 and 17, and live in second nicest place in the world,, Vancouver Island,, ( west coast ) ..
Love to travel, and have done some,, plan on doing alot more as kids leave.. hubby and I like the idea of taking serveral months and bumming around Europe each summer.
Right now we take family holidays in our motorhome, and do alot of boating. Once every two or three years we try to get away on a cruise, just hubby and I,, although this year we took all the kids. Carribbean mostly as we like warmth, sun, sand, snorkling etc.

Hubby loves Europe, and in fact is going with our second son in a few weeks,, with only 4 days in Paris I might add, , but really does not get my Paris obsession,, but then he has NEVER been, even though he LIVED in Germany for two years as a young adult!!!! ( He went to France alright, right down south to see the nude beaches,, never mind the museums of Paris)