It’s good to be queen

This isn’t a real post, just a quick one to explain that instead of staying in and blogging tonight, I’m going to enjoy my second-to-last evening in Paris sitting in a cafe near the Place Saint-Sulpice with my husband.

Not that I don’t have lots to share. Yesterday we went to Versailles; the photo above was taken in front of the Temple of Love, one of the follies that is part of Marie Antoinette’s little weekend pad on the grounds of the palace. I will tell the full story soon, I promise.

Today Caroline took the children all day and I got to wander the streets of Paris for hours. I had a crêpe full of smoked herring and caviar with a nice glass of muscadet for lunch, covered every inch of the Marais district, strolled through the gardens of the Palais Royale, gaped in the windows of the jewelry stores in the Place Vendôme, and just generally enjoyed myself. Meanwhile the kids got to return to the playground at the Jardin de Luxembourg, which they’ve been asking to do every day. Then they had chocolat à l’ancienne (pudding-like hot chocolate) at Angelina’s on the Rue du Rivoli. Everyone was happy.

Tomorrow morning we’re going to get up early and try to get up in the Eiffel Tower before the crowds arrive. This is a must-see for us, as both the boys are completely enchanted by the idea of going to the top. Teddy has told me more than once, “I love the Eiffel Tower!” He’s also taken to giving thanks for it in his evening prayers. Wish us luck!