In Paris, fall is a foggy dream-like mix of Fall and Spring. As you walk though the parks, yellowish orange leaves fall softly through the air, but all around you are bright beautiful roses that look as if they’ve just bloomed. Despite both coming down with a cold, Paul and I have taken advantage of the fiercely blue skies to get out into the city. On friday, we went to see Le Musee de l’Orangerie. As you walk around the corner into a large oval room full of Monet’s waterlillies, etc you are completely breathtaken.
When Paul saw the painting below he explained it perfectly saying, “I feel so caught up in all of it that it’s like I need to duck when I walk up close to the willow!”
There were some other painting there that were pretty incredible as well.
I love this one!
Also, in the bookshop there were some great kids books. Tim and Skip, i think this one perfectly presented the lovable chimneys and rooftops of Paris we talked about:
Afterwards, we enjoyed the sunshine in the Tuileries before a big dinner with friends.
On saturday, Patricia came back before flying to San Francisco with Nicolas. She took us on a drive just down the street to le Chateau de Vincennes. Le Bois de Vincennes is the big park I always run in and we knew there was a castle not far from us, but we had no idea it was this magnificent. We literally drove five minutes and were astounded by an enormous 13th Century castle that was originally the hunting grounds of the king.
We plan to go back in daylight and I’ll put up some better pictures. It was just so cool to drive five minutes from our place and be suddenly looking over a deep old moat through the arcades of a chateau at a massive gothic style chapel. I love France, ha.
Then, this morning we went to church at the Madeleine. It was my favourite mass so far. The choir sounded like angels. Then, as we turned around to walk out at the end of mass, the organs played the most outstanding and at the same time terrifying music (like at Saint Eustache with Timshel and Skip). During the music, they opened the church doors and there was Place de la Concorde, L’Assemblee Nationale, and the dome of Invalides all right in the sunlight! It was amazing.
Afterwards, we caught the metro to le Musee Rodin. We didn’t even end up going in (no worries, its free for us and we can go back anytime), because the gardens were so great. Not only were ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Gates of Hell’ surrounded by beautiful flowers and woods, but in the horizon was Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower!
The gardens were so tranquil and beautiful. We walked along the leave filled pathways behind the large hedges and found a little spot to relax. I could have sat there forever!
Mom and Timshel, these made me think of you! 
Check out our spot!
What an amazing weekend!
Kali,
I loved taking a journey to all the beautiful places on your blog today, It was like being in Paris all over again, but in a completely new way. I am so happy that you are experiencing all of it too. Your pictures are gorgeous.
love,
mom
ooooooh. What a beautiful snap shot of your weekend. I am so glad you all are feeling better. And those arches clustered over by vines….mmmmmmmm. Sounds andlooks just unbelievable. We miss you.