Paris to Calgary in 24 hours

We flew out of Europe from Paris. In order to get to the airport in time, we had to spend one night in Paris. Obviously, we didn't complain. Weight is a huge issue when you're moving across an ocean. It is so expensive to bring your stuff, so you have to be certain that what you pack is worth it. We shipped three boxes, and then brought everything else on the plane.
Obviously, weight is a huge issue on a plane, too, so we used every last gram, without going over, and our carry-on bags were like bags of lead (cause the airlines never weigh those). Hauling around this crap was not easy. In fact, it was exhausting and we had to stop for breaks everywhere.

In Paris, we had to gets this stuff onto the metro. A major problem was the elevator was broken, and we had to get all this stuff down three flights of stairs into the depths of the earth. We had too much stuff, so Ross couldn't lift his huge suitcase, and my backpack was so heavy, I physically couldn't bend over without falling. In other words, we were like the epitome of tacky tourists. Ross had no choice but to drag his suitcase down the stairs.

Out of nowhere, this man picks up the suitcase to help us out. He must have seen the Canadian flag on my backpack, because he started talking to us (in French) about Canada. He didn't know any English, but I was able to determine that he was in Canada about 20 years ago, it snowed and he saw a grizzly bear. Every time he said "Grizzly" he would claw up his hands, hunch his shoulders and bear his teeth. This considerate stranger saved the day.

Paris was stinking hot. We weren't really prepared for it, but it was nice.



We walked through Luxembourg Gardens which is so, so nice. Everybody was just hanging out and enjoying the heat. Eventually we made our way to Napoleon's resting place. Not too shabby, Nap B.

Later we met up with Berton & Yuko, our friends from The Hague who were there with Berton's parents. We sat outdoors at a café, drank lots of French wine, and sadly said goodbye ... for now.

The next morning, we were homeward bound. I'm including this photo because I'm almost positive I left my wallet at this seat. :(

And then next thing you know we were in Calgary in all of it's pre-stampede glory. It was quite the shock. Literally we were in the fashion capital of the world one day, and then 9 hours later we witnessed a Western-wear fashion show. Surreal.

I think the expression on Ross' face says it all:

Last look at The Hague

Moving from The Hague was hard. Everything happened so fast in the end, it is now a blur. I know that you can never have enough time in a city, but I really didn't feel we had enough time in The Hague at the end. Abi was visiting, and we weren't able to hang out with him without putting him to work (and he was so great about it.) Thank you, Abi.

The same goes for Ross' parents. They were there to see Ross' graduation, and be on a holiday, but they also got put to work. Thank you, Jill & Gordon.

Maybe it was because we knew we were leaving, but the city seemed especially charming. The annual sculpture festival was starting, and many strange things were popping up, like the sandcastle cityscape of The Hague, and a gigantic Styrofoam iceberg floating in the water outside the Parliament buildings.

I don't think we ever took the beauty of the city and the country for granted; it was always beautiful to both of us; but in those last few days and weeks, it was almost painful.













I know one day we'll be back.

Breda

The final day trip we took in Holland was to Breda, a beautiful city in the southern part of the country. We went with Ross' parents and rented bicycles and toured through the gorgeous and immaculate farmland in rural Holland for about 3 or 4 hours.

Amidst the farms would be small towns, a castles and the odd chapel. It was so pretty, and tranquil and ... perfect.

The town of Breda itself is really nice. If I was to live in Holland long term, I would probably consider setting up there; it's small, but lively with amazing restaurants and shops. It also doesn't seem to be as crowded as The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The Museum of Graphic Design just opened there, so if you're in Holland and care about design, then you might end up in Breda.

If you get a chance, rent a bike!

Dooi Holland

Okay, this is going to be quick ...

Ross & I have left Holland. It was a ton of work, and a tearful goodbye, but the time came. We do plan to do a final post, but now is not the time.

Then somewhere between Charles De Gualle Terminal Three in Paris and Calgary International, I lost my wallet containing every important piece of information pertaining to both Canada and Holland. You name it, I lost it, as well as a totally rad Frietag wallet that I scored in Rotterdam. So, those first few hours on Canadian soil were not spent relaxing and enjoying my family, but on hold calling several Lost and Found departments on both sides of the Atlantic. (This even included speaking in French (!!!) to an employee in Paris.) No luck, but I have taken all appropriate measures to protect against identity theft.

We're in SF, and house hunting is way harder than expected. To get an apartment here, you have to provide all information about yourself, short of your fingerprints and names of childhood friends. While I'm at my new job (which is great) Ross is pounding the pavement and checking out very expensive tiny apartments.

Once we find a place and get internet, then we will update.

Also, I was kind of toying with the idea of continuing blogging this next adventure ... we'll see.