Texas Girl Takes on the World: Reunited and It Feels So Good

Today, I was reunited with one of my favorite things on earth: the Eiffel Tower. If you read my blog post last year (read here if not), then you'll remember all my foolish girlish excitement over getting all up close and personal with that big hunk of steel. Well today, mama experienced a little of that, as we had taken the same route into the city as I did last time. Which means, she saw the Eiffel and was probably thinking "Oh, that's it? It's just ok!" Already being under its spell, I laid low and let her experience the magic for herself.

But before we got to the Eiffel, we made a few pit stops. After checking into our hotel (I intentionally booked a place in the same neighborhood I stayed last time because I'm very familiar with the area), we struck out. If you remember last year, I met a boutique owner named Virginie and her mom and dad. She'd mentioned that she likes Coco Pebbles and eats them every time she visits the states. They were so kind to me last year, that it was no sweat for me to pick up a box and bring it to her. Unfortunately, Virginie and her mom had traveled to Italy for Christmas and only her dad was there running the boutique. So I dropped those off, got some quick directions to Eiffel (which I was already a pro at finding because this is my hood), a few warnings to watch out for the little Romanian pickpockets and we were off.

Because my trip last year was so wonderful, I wanted to start it off the same way. So I dragged mama to the same little Brooklyn-inspired Bedford Diner I ate at the first night (mama liked her fish sandwich), followed by a stop into my favorite little grocery store to get snacks, fruit and water. And then, we were off to see my boo.

Well ya'll, as tickled and giddy as I was to meet Eiffel the first time, mama felt the same way. I oddly felt like I was introducing her to a new boyfriend. I really wanted her to like him, like be really impressed. So I held my breath. And Eiffel is such a charmer, that he didn't disappoint. She immediately began posing, sitting on the bench in front of it, wanting to get closer, gasping, gushing, smiling, so cute! And I don't mind sharing my love with mama, there's enough love to go around. But seriously folks, if you've never been in awe of anything in your life, I venture to guess you might drop a jaw when you see it for the first time.

For a little while, I just stood there and stared at the Eiffel. It's great to see you again old friend. Here's to new memories.