4:14 a.m., and I’ve been up for an hour; jetlag, if I may be so blunt, is a bitch. But she’s a bitch who, if managed well, can lead to productivity. So. My morning pages are written, and I’ve brewed up a cup of Ceylon Select to sip while I try to re-establish a blog-posting rhythm back at home. So much to tell you about on several fronts, and, of course, I’m balancing all that against the inevitable chores of unpacking, laundry, re-stocking fridge and pantry, never mind the joys of connecting with friends and family again after three weeks away.
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| Photos for today’s post brought to you by the sidewalks of Paris, which generously offer visual treasures which your eyes, at least, may plunder gratis! |
We pulled our light cases along R. St. Placide, Cherche-Midi, du Four, St. Germain yesterday morning (the desk clerk always remarks on the ride s/he could have arranged, or postulates Metro routes to the RER so we could avoid walking, but walking — on a day that will be so full of sitting — is exactly the point. The chance to stretch our legs and say good-bye to Paris again). Pushed them ahead of us through the Metro gates after we’d pushed our little tickets into their slots, grabbed them as they popped up the top (I can’t ever do this without hearing the voice of the young man who helped us, 25 years ago, that first trip to France, as we clustered together trying to figure out the train from the airport to our hotel near Versailles after that long flight, with four very sleepy kids. He’d gently taken the ticket from one of us and demonstrated, “You put eet een hee-air, you take eet out hee-air.” Gently, despite the fact that behind us and our bewilderment, a line was forming. A negligible moment in his life, but I’ve recalled and replayed it so many times).
The train went direct from Gare du Nord, so I relaxed, stopped imagining the potential problems that could have interfered with making our flight (in my mind, these problems are myriad), and relaxed with my book until we stepped out into CDG airport, busy already at 8 a.m. Everything went smoothly, my only complaint being that slightly more attention might be given to the need for coffee and a decent croissant than to the continuous clamour of the Duty-Free.
And then the strange magic of leaving Paris just before 11 in the morning and arriving in Vancouver just after 11, that very same morning. A do-over of the day, which really, isn’t as promising as it sounds given the fatigue of having just sat for nine hours whizzing across the North Pole in a rather small seat watching at least one too many movies. . . .
Some people, though, don’t fatigue as easily as others, and no sooner than we’d walked the kilometre or so home from the nearest Skytrain station to our home, than Pater was bouncing down to the gym (I know! I couldn’t believe it either!). He did stop before that to survey the garden with me (more on that later, but spoiler: there are several tiny apples on our new tree. And a wind-burned shrub or two), but he had abundant enough energy that, while I napped, he made the dinner to which I’d invited both our local families. I must say, nothing chases fatigue quite like hearing the news and grabbing the hugs from a Two, a Four, and an Eight (Ah, I’ve just realised the inherent arithmetic of that little group — will have to show the Eight, who I think will be tickled).
I don’t see myself bouncing, Pater-like, for a few days, but I must tell you, before I go, that there will be some excitement around here later this week. Let’s just say that Pater and I will have an opportunity to “Pay Forward” (or Pass Along) a tiny portion of Dottoressa’s wonderful Zagreb hospitality (again, more on that in a future post). So watch this space. . . .
The sky is lightening now, 4:41 a.m. and with the solstice not far off, the day is almost ready to begin. I’m not sure how long I’ll last before today’s nap, but I’m glad I got a chance to say good morning on my first full day back home. My plan is to return immediately to my regular practice of responding to your comments, and I’m also planning several travel posts, a garden-update post, and probably something about What I Wore, carry-on-travel wise and also with regard to switching back to my regular wardrobe (augmented by a few purchases I made in Paris). Ready to hear from you. Let’s chat!
Welcome home! Thanks for sharing the Paris photos. I can never get enough of that elegant city. Looking forward to hearing your news!
Thanks — I never get enough of it either.
Welcome back! I can follow your Paris route in my mind. That early morning waking habit is hard enough without jet lag as well. But it is productive. Not yet six and I'm washed, dressed and read the New York Times online and a few blogs. On the other hand, by 8:00 pm, I'm totally unable to read or to watch Netflix without dozing. After being away, I'm sure that you are glad to see the 2-4-8.
Yes, we early-birds don't need to be even further out of synch, do we? Are you settling back into your home, not minding the cooler weather too much?
I'm so glad that your journey back was safe
Hopefully,the jet lag won't last long
Dottoressa
And the flight from Zagreb to Paris was good — your new airport is great!
Welcome back! I have to say, I couldn't take your slow-boat approach of walking to the train to the airport. My mind, too, tends to be full of those myriad problems – I can only really relax when we are at the airport and checked in. After that I reckon any delays are the fault of the airline and there's nothing much I can do! Wishing you a gentle re-entry, also looking forward to hearing your news.
It probably wouldn't be my natural choice, but I think I'm glad to have a partner who pushes me to stretch that bit — and I remind myself that missing a flight isn't necessarily catastrophic (just expensive and inconvenient! đ
It's so weird, travel. You walk along the streets, shops all setting up but…you won't be there. It will all just happen without you. This always confuses me, that they are getting on with their lives as you spin above the clouds. Glad the trip was such a success and that you are home again, home again, jiggety jog.
Yes, it really is weird, such an odd little metaphysics. . .
Sounds like a fab trip, really looking forward to future posts. Jet-leg is a pain, I agree, hope it's sorted soon. Thanks for all IG pics too.
You're very welcome — glad you've enjoyed.
Oh my gosh I cannot believe Pater went the to gym! That is some top line energy. Best of luck with your evening sleepies, and, good thing I'm an early bird;).
I know! And then he made dinner for nine of us!
Jet lag is a curse, but once it lifts, you are left with indelible memories that you'll carry with you forever. I find that just "getting on with it" – even though I.m in a mental fog – helps to quickly reset my biorhythms. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures. Elizabeth xxx
Yes, it's a small price to pay, really, and today I've just done my best to mimic my normal schedule (which often, thank goodness, includes an afternoon nap đ
In my alternate world I would dump my travel clothes and order in new ones, get the maid to clean everything, and my personal chef to cook my meal upon my arrival back home – well, you have Pater, a brilliant best. Glad to have you back, if only to rest up for new adventures. I love the faux animal heads on the walls. Curious and wondrous.
Yes, I'm lucky in having a personal chef, but a maid, a maid would be perfection, right?
And there are more animal heads where those came from — will post later. Curious and wondrous is just about right. đ
Great to hear you're safely home, and thank you for the beautiful photos on instagram.
You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed them.
Welcome Home! I've followed your posts, but not commented. Well, geesh, I can't even pull myself enough together to comment on my own life, so you are way ahead of me.
To every season. . . xo
Well yes, Pater heading to the gym is amazing, but I think I'm just as amazed at your having everyone over for dinner on your first night back! Hope your days and nights are right side up soon.
Welcome home! Looking forward to more, as always, Leslie
Welcome home! The variation of rhythm and energy levels is always interesting and I too am married to someone whose default is a nice workout while mine is a nice nap……
ceci
A fond farewell and an appreciative resettling in. I too always feel a pang leaving Paris- those blossoms on the ground! But you have a wonderful new home to enjoy in the height of summer. Welcome home.
Happy landings. That French bread and patisserie looks so good – I can never resist a pain aux raisins in France. Anywhere else in the world they are just disappointingly pale imitations.
I love that second picture! To one who has never been there, so quintessentially French! Plus, my daughter's name is Rosemary. I enjoyed watching your travels–Croatia has been on my list for some time!
Welcome home. No place like it, eh? I'm on an eleven-hour trip headed home right now and can hardly wait to get there.
Ann