Brandon and I had one more day in Paris, and since we are both shoppers (or browsers), it worked out well to be left there together! Since I had used miles for the plane tickets, I had to book his a day later than the others due to availability and, of course, I HAD to stay with him. :) What mom doesn't cherish one on one time with an adult child!
Our first destination was back to Galeries Lafayette, the huge department store with the fabulous tree! I did some looking and maybe a little buying and then settled onto a stool that I was lucky to get in a cafe overlooking the huge, domed atrium and watch the light show with the tree.
After that we headed back to the Marais to go to some stores there, and then decided to split up for a while and do our own thing. I went across town to Le Bon Marche with the iconic escalators. I've shared tons of photos over the years of the decorations that they hang in the store. They are always very dramatic!
I love the big lightbulbs hanging outside...
The windows were a little cheesy with a Santa doing something in each one...
After a quick stop at a couple other stores, I got a frantic text from Brandon, who was back across the city at Galeries Lafayette. He had made a purchase that qualified for a tax refund but didn't have his passport with him, the line for the refund documents was super long, and the store was going to be closing in about half an hour. The tax refund gives you about 12% back on your purchase, so it's worth getting, if you can. Mom to the rescue - I thought maybe my passport would work for him, so I rushed to a train, walked at high speed through a LONG transfer at a station that turned out to be closed for renovations, and finally made it to the store just in time to find out that he had already finished getting the paperwork because they accepted a photo of his passport on his phone as ID! Well, I burned some calories, that's for sure!
Anyway, I was happy to be back at the store at closing time because I wanted to see the windows when the crowds were a little lighter. (See all the people in the photo below... that is "lighter" crowds! Ideally, I like to come well after the stores are closed, but that didn't work out this time.)
LOL - there seemed to be a pigeon theme to this year's windows at Galeries Lafayette. Christmas pigeons???
Coming to see the fanciful Christmas store windows is a tradition for many French families. It's fun to watch the children take them in with wonder!
Each of the windows are animated and so delightful!
A walkway connects two of the huge buildings of the store...
At Printemps, the next huge department store on Boulevard Haussmann, the windows continued the adventures of the little boy and girl that they have every year. Each window showcases a different designer like Fendi or Gucci. This year they were on various modes of transportation...
Another walkway - this time between the two huge buildings of Printemps...
I'm so glad I got the chance to see them again this year!
Finally, and very sadly, the time came for us to leave for home. I shed a few tears on the plane ride home - it had been such a good time full of memories that I would cherish for the rest of my life. I hate not knowing when I'll see my kids next - hopefully in the spring sometime and in the summer for sure (I hope!)
It was fitting to be able to see the Eiffel Tower from the plane window as we took off for home... our symbol of happiness!
Thank you so much for following along on our adventure! Now to decide how to scrapbook these memories....
I love that smile Brandon has in that selfie of the two of you. I love all of those decorations in the windows and above the streets. They really go all out. It was a good trip. I'm so glad you all were able to go.
Posted by: Deb J | January 09, 2018 at 09:59 AM
I totally relate to your feelings about being with your kids! I had very similar experiences with mine for Christmas. I cried when I took my son to the airport too. It’s so hard to let our kids fly far away from home. I feel your pain. Hugs.
Posted by: Denise | January 09, 2018 at 12:12 PM