Joyeux Noel to all

25 December 2007- Merry Christmas or as they say in France Joyeux Noel. That is the saying on the cute little snowman downstairs placed lovingly by our gardienne Mme. DaSilva. Cutest lady, maybe 3 words of english. Good thing I recognize more French than I can speak. That came in handy yesterday when we were returning merchandise at the BHV (huge dept store in Paris). The guys kept telling us to go to the right to blah (some french word) turns out they were saying reimboursement which means the same in english but sounds totally different in french. Whatever, we got our money back and some lighting fixtures too. Chad's colleague was at the same store on Christmas eve and told us about the sale on Christmas stuff. Of course it was via announcement in french and required you to get a salesperson to mark the items with a sticker prior to purchase. Which would have definitely meant Chad and I (and all other english speakers) would have paid full price for the items. No sale here.
Last nite was very calm, a simple dinner with snacks, the latest Die Hard movie with real popcorn (thank you Kyle, the USPS and the Boyscouts of America). At midnight the bells rang out all over Paris, quite the sounds. With all the lights of Montparnasse and our lovely rue Moefftard, it was a good Parisian Christmas. Tonight we had dinner with our friends in the 7th and walked to the metro stop right at the hour change. Who would have thought that 4 years ago we would be married and walking by the Eiffel Tower twinkling on Christmas Day? Again quite the memory that will be with us for the rest of our days.
Chad got a cheese cave for his beloved brie and I got the cutest little demitasse coffee cups for Christmas presents amongst others. The ever present Rockies paraphernalia as well, I imagine there was a sale (says the bitter Dbacks fan). But hey it is cold in Paris and will get worn. Chad broke in our new champagne flutes tonight as well as the chili cheese fritos. Amazing, I can't get the guy to drink anything white unless it is sugary sweet or bubbly. Again previous posts boast of me and my rolly cart conquests of wine and bubbly galore. I just hope you all recognize Chad as he once was, a non-soft cheese only red wine drinker.
This whole experience has made me realize how lucky we really are. Healthy (minus the colds) in Paris, seeing and experiencing things only seen by a few people, and sharing it with my friends and family. Truly a Christmas miracle. I only hope you all come see this wonderous place, don't believe the hype, the French are welcoming and the sights, sounds and smells (other than the stinky cheese) are fantastic. Take full advantage our offer of Chez Nickell, it is a once in a lifetime chance and one we are glad to be able to extend. 3 years and counting down to our return to real life. We will gladly live it up now. C'est la Vie!