De Tout Coeur, from Hermes. A cherished gift from Belovedest.
Today, we leave for Paris. To say that we’re excited would be accurate, but it’s more of a “warm, thrilled to be able to go away together” kind of excitement, rather than an “OMG WE’RE GOING TO PARIS” kind of thing. Because it’s every-present in our minds that, a week from today, we’ll be in Paris, but TWO weeks from today, we’ll be back in Chicago, and the vacation will be an accumulation of beautiful memories, credit card bills, and a few gorgeous items we purchased…
Travel is hard – there’s no question. You’re out of your usual routine, all of your normal “stuff” is either somewhere else completely, or crammed into bags, and for many people, you’re someplace where you don’t understand most of what’s going on around you. Add in some jet lag, a bit too much rich food, and the unavoidable Stendahl syndrome of seeing too much beauty, and things can get rocky…
I’ve been reading an article about Andre Maurois in the current issue of France-Amerique, and his advice about travel is pretty sage. He was writing for those from France who were visiting the US, but it works both ways:
“You’ve read, in the course of your trip preparations, a hundred books about America: forget them all. Travelers are inclined, when they describe a distant country, to exaggerate what’s foreign… You’re going to America, not to the moon. Don’t freak out…”
(my very loose translation of Maurois)
We’re going on vacation to be together. To celebrate our anniversary. To get some rest. To laugh, hold hands, see beautiful things together, and get to know each other better. We want to come back from this trip rested, and more in love.
That’s not a complicated agenda, eh?
Sara says
March 14, 2014 at 10:38 amHave a wonderful trip! The weather is lovely but the pollution levels are reaching very high peaks. I hope you don't have asthma or allergies.
Cornelia says
March 14, 2014 at 11:37 amBoiled down to its essence, most of life is not that complicated. My husband is much better at this than I am who tends to get more easily frazzled. Enough of my early morning musings… have a wonderful time.
Anonymous says
March 14, 2014 at 11:41 amHave a wonderful anniversary trip! My husband and I fly to Amsterdam today and then bus to the German countryside sunday night for some farm related tours, then Berlin. I have been using your ideas for packing
librarian2020 says
March 14, 2014 at 12:15 pmHappy Anniversary! I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Virginia says
March 14, 2014 at 12:20 pmHappy Anniversary. I hope you are taking that lovely silk symbol of your love. Enjoy each other.
grechen says
March 14, 2014 at 12:22 pmthank you for this janice – i always get so caught up in the planning for a trip and what to bring, what to wear, etc., etc., that i don't allow myself to get excited about it beforehand. but once we're at our destination, i'm all in, and almost always forget all the stress i put myself through getting ready. and somehow i manage to pack what i need.
hope you have a lovely trip!!
une femme says
March 14, 2014 at 12:25 pmHave a wonderful time!!
Gail says
March 14, 2014 at 12:44 pmMay this celebratory journey be all you wish and more. And, yes, I'm hoping, too, that you packed the red heart scarf. š
Anonymous says
March 14, 2014 at 1:07 pmWelcome in France Janice ! Enjoy your vacation ! The spring is here and it is so sweet…Friendly, Martine.
LauraH says
March 14, 2014 at 1:20 pmBon voyage!
Frugal Scholar says
March 14, 2014 at 2:14 pmWow! "Stendhal syndrome" is a new term for me, though I've been lucky enough to experience it. Sending wishes for a wonderful trip.
Anonymous says
March 14, 2014 at 3:29 pmI had not heard of that expression either…but I certainly understand…guess that I why I take so many photos.
Sandy at You May Be Wandering says
March 14, 2014 at 2:56 pmSo well said, Janice! Have a fabulous trip!!!!
CableMad says
March 14, 2014 at 3:02 pmBon voyage and happy anniversary! I hope you both have a marvelous time in Paris together. š
M.Nancy says
March 14, 2014 at 3:33 pmJust have fun!!
hostess of the humble bungalow says
March 14, 2014 at 3:46 pmEnjoy your holiday! I'd love to hear all about it when you get back. I am in the early planning stage of a trip there myself in 2015. Don't forget to stop at Hermes and Laduree!
D. A. Wolf says
March 14, 2014 at 3:55 pmThis sounds lovely – what a wonderful way to relax and celebrate.
vintagefrenchchic says
March 14, 2014 at 4:04 pmHave a terrific time! I love the travel advice…I will need it for my near future.
Sue says
March 14, 2014 at 4:11 pmHave a wonderful trip and very happy anniversary!
JudyC says
March 14, 2014 at 4:42 pmMy husband and I leave tomorrow for three weeks in China. I'm super excited to explore new places but I'm just as excited to get so much quality time with my best friend. In our real lives, quality time playing together doesn't happen often enough. Have a wonderful time.
sisty says
March 14, 2014 at 5:14 pmBon voyage!
cheryl :) says
March 14, 2014 at 5:25 pmHave a completely fantastic trip! š
SanTX says
March 14, 2014 at 5:48 pmHope your trip is wonderful and you can enjoy every moment of your time away together. We (all your readers) will be looking forward to hearing all about it. Happy Anniversary!
Anonymous says
March 14, 2014 at 6:40 pmYou do wonderful work ā I love the sweater that is half lace from the previous post. As I'm a sewer I will make one for myself ā right colour, size, fabric and shape for my body. I always find something I love in your posts. Who wouldn't love going to Paris. You've earned it. Thanks for your presence in the blogosphere. All the best on your honey-mooney trip.
Barbara
Amy says
March 14, 2014 at 7:02 pmBon Voyage! I hope you have a wonderful time with your Belovedest. The scarf in the photo is beautiful – such a lovely gift to have gotten from someone special.
Gaye Rowley says
March 14, 2014 at 7:38 pmBon voyage Janice! Getting to spend time together–in Paris, that most romantic of cities–with no other calls on your time (well, except the rugby match ;=) ) sounds like a perfect way to celebrate your anniversary. Enjoy "de tout coeur"!
Karen R says
March 14, 2014 at 9:00 pmHappy anniversary! Have a lovely trip. Next week my best friend from grade school days and I will be making a road trip from Texas to her new home in California. Thanks to your blog, I will fret much less over the preparation and be able to enjoy some anticipation for once. Im looking forward to hearing about your fun!
Anonymous says
March 15, 2014 at 2:33 amMy DH came back from a business trip in Spain several years ago and surprised me with an Hermes to add to my collection. His choice was very interesting. It was more classic than any of my previous purchases. Very revealing of his perception of me. I wear it with pride when I give my more important presentations. Yours, too, gives a wonderful and revealing message! —Susan in SLC
Annette says
March 15, 2014 at 3:59 amHave a lovely anniversary trip! Perhaps we'll pass one another–we're just a day behind you, also for 2 weeks. Loved yesterday's "dream living room", as it reminds me a bit of our place in Paris and the clothing definitely captures a style I'd like to emulate.
Duchesse says
March 15, 2014 at 12:32 pmSuch a romantic post, and a reminder to any of us on our travels. (Often, in 'destination cities', I have seen couples with their eyes glued to video cameras, recording every instant, but not, it seems, being together.) Not you two, though! Have a marvelous time!
minimamaxima.com says
March 15, 2014 at 6:26 pmHave a great trip! I had to look up Stendhal Syndrome after reading your post – so there's a name for that feeling!
Anonymous says
March 16, 2014 at 1:31 amHappy Anniversary, Janice. Have a wonderful time with your Belovedest. Diane
Eleanorjane says
March 17, 2014 at 5:23 amYour post really resonates as I'm just back from a two week trip to New Zealand and Singapore. I feel suffocated and overwhelmed by the surfeit of luxury goods on display in high end malls in Singapore and in airports. Too much!
I'm desperately looking forward to just spending time getting my feet back on the ground now that I'm home.