Joyeuses Fetes!

My family arrived in Le Havre early Christmas morning. I went and met them at the train station and then we continued on to my apartment. I spent the whole day cooking while they napped (they deserved it, but still. Transatlantic zing!). I made boeuf bourguignon, mashed potatoes, and carrots and parsnips sauteed with honey and rosemary. This was, of course, after the foie gras, boudin blanc, and charcouterie. It was a really lovely day filled with pretty good food (if I can just toot my own horn for a little bit).

The next day, we headed to Rouen to walk around and eat a fancy meal at La Couronne, the oldest inn in France. The ambiance was pretty over the top and hilarious, with a clear hierarchy of waitstaff and menus without prices for the delicate ladyfolk. I also introduced my family to vin chaud, which I think they appreciated. Later, when we got back to Le Havre, my parents taught me how to play Hearts, which I got addicted to. Nora refused to play because she "doesn't like competitive games." Sorry, Nora, I had to include that.

We spent Monday in Le Havre, walking along the beach and checking out the art museum. Then we headed to Paris, where we had arranged an apartment swap. The apartment was super cool, filled with lots of found objects and art. It was also HUGE. In Paris, we saw family, went to a bunch of museums, and walked and ate a lot. We went to Arts et Metiers, La Maison de Nissim Comondo, the Cluny, the Orangerie, etc. A pretty busy week!

On New Years Eve, we invited our English family friends over (hello, if you are reading this!), and the two "older dudes," as I imagine Andrew and my dad would like me to refer to them, spent the whole day shopping and cooking up a feast. My roommate Heidi joined us as well. There was a ton of delicious food, but the highlight of the night was definitely the post-dinner game of charades, particularly Andrew's interpretation of Avatar.

For posterity's sake, I'll post my New Year's resolutions:
1) Run in the Paris Half-Marathon
2) Stay positive!

It was a really great, but REALLY tiring vacation. I felt like I needed another week after I got back. No such luck.

Until next time...