Bonsoir Bloggers,
Well this is our last posting for the trip to Paris. We are leaving you with some of our favorite pictures in this slideshow (from Kentucky to Paris).
As we conclude this trip (we are on our flight, now), I just want to say a few things, starting with a reminder from my mother that we should dream and make them true.
One: Many people seemed surprised that I took my daughter and niece on a trip to Paris. I believe that all children should experience the world… from the Catskills to California, from Paris to Panama, from Oslo to Oregon, from Budapest to Beijing. Curiosity of things can take people far in life and also help eliminate obvious willful ignorance, which sometimes exists. These two children will continue to understand culture of different people around the world from living in a spectacular metropolis, like New York or visiting a fascinating city, like Paris. My mother told me that Sydney told her that she never dreamt of visiting Paris. As their curiosity grows, they will want to read more, learn, have compassion, and develop passions. All of which can be quite beautiful.
Also, many people are (as told) surprised that a man would take young children to Europe. I met a family from San Francisco one day at Musee du Louvre, who asked ‘where the mother was’ of the children… ‘Is she shopping?’ she asked. She was shocked to see that there was none, here. Her husband said that he could not take children alone… I have had time to reflect on this and I come to the conclusion that many of us have roles in life that sometimes become so defined that we are afraid to change or experience. This is one of the main reasons for fathers (and mothers, uncles, aunts, and grandparents) to travel with their children, anywhere. It allows for the family to bond, helps develop the sence of curiosity, and teaches how not to have the willful ignorance. I use to play tennis with some older gentlemen, who used to tell me that their biggest regret in life was not spending enough time with their children. My family and friends, do not let opportunity pass to experience this time together, especially men!
Adults… we spend so much money on tangible things that can be forgotten over time, can we instead save it for family trips with children that will be remembered for life. Ask them where they want to go AND PLAN. Live a modest life and understand the beauty of experiencing life, together. Teach your children a new language (for life)… teach them music – my life’s world language (Thank you Ms. Grant for the support). I love these children and we are just getting started!
Children… never lose you sence of curiosity… read, ask, observe, try new foods, talk to different people, even if there is a language barrier… we did not let it slow us down from meeting new friends. Teach adults the things you learn in school. Ellie, of the great 2A, taught us that in the Hackley Lower School Assembly, ‘Sportsmanship’ is important. ‘Sportsmanship’ can be something you can teach adults in life, beyond sport… this hits back to the compassion for others. By the way, Madison says “Hey Class!” and thanks Pastor Nadine for the pastry shop and the American Church in Paris! Sydney says that Paris was a great experience for the three of us and she would like to go back and experience more. She thinks that people should go there and travel the world because they can learn from the experience.
Two: Writing about friends has had me to reflect on the people we met on our trip. These people were of all ages, ethnicities, and genders. Many of these people could not speak English, some could. This was my third trip to Paris and Sydney and Madison’s first. We found nothing but kindness and compassion with the French (except the one police officer, who thought we broke into Arc de Triomphe and a woman at a market, who just ignored me when I asked for escargot… oh well). I did not see the attitude of disliking Americans (stereotype), like the stereotype of New Yorkers are not nice people (just wrong). On the contraire… people can be nice and compassionate, all over the world. Our media likes to show the hate and violence, but I believe there is goodness everywhere (and in everyone… I know… you have to dig deep sometimes). Let us help each other understand this. (It also helped that people in Paris are Obama crazy… there was not a day that someone did not want to talk about their support for him and what he will do for this world, not just our country… our issues –removing politics from all of these blog entries – span beyond the United States).
I also want to thank Mona Lisa for our dates… even though she doesn’t talk much, she is more than interesting… Venus, you are so beautiful, no matter what happened to your arms (what happened anyway?).
Sydney and Madison want to thank all of your support by reading this blog and commenting via email, voice mail, or on the site. We all appreciate the love! We especially want to thank Ms. Stacy Arvelo (always showed us love), Mr. Ted Quinn, and 2A for their continued support and we look forward to reading the blogs of YOUR trips. 2A, encourage your parents to take you to cities and countries that you have not been. Ask them TONIGHT to plan to go to a place that you desire to explore. Some of us may never visit these places, but we will love to see it through your eyes! Read about people and places that interest you and share them with your parents. Plan to visit… I promise you, you will never forget it.
With all of our love, this is our final…
AU REVOIR!!!
P.S. – My eight year old nephew, Spencer, will head with us to London in 2009! I spent some time in school (ages ago) in England and have not been back! Current and new friends await!! We look forward to having you Spencer and joining us on the next blog!
