My 4th of July

This day last year I was in Greece with Papi running around me with an American flag at the dinner table. I was touched, honestly. For 2008, I was in Paris. And for some reason, missing out of the Independence Day festivities got me homesick. It's the first time I've felt that way since last Fall. I am not sure why or what caused it. Maybe it's the relaxing near a lake, no worries, the smell of BBQ, the sound of fireworks and the warmth of a bonfire on your face. I just love it all. I even went as far as pricing flights home in the Fall. Do I? Do I not?

I didn't make any big plans for tonight because I felt more like feeling sorry for myself. Whatever, I wasn't that pathetic. I had a full day of running around the city trying to find underwear for my twelve year old. I went to three Petit Bateau before I was able to get the amount I needed. Then I had to go to a specific optician to get the Rayban Aviator Original sunglasses that she wanted. Mosquito spray and sunblock were also on the list. Back home we can go to Walmart and get it all. Not the case here. Pharmacie for the mosquito spray, Monoprix for the sunblock, Petit Bateau for the undies, camera store for a disposable camera, and the street markets at Anvers for fabric to make a skirt for her game day. All of these things are for her two week camping trip for Scouts. Luckily I pulled it all off and was so exhausted by the time Johanna came over to start the 4th of July celebration.

I went home late, cooked some chicken pesto pasta for us two, then we made our plans. No, I didn't run around the Eiffel three times with a speedo and American flag cape. I considered taking Verena's American flag towel with me, but laziness set in and enthusiasm wore off. Instead we packed up a blanket, candles, a notebook and pens, and walked to the Eiffel Tower. Once we reached the end of my street, we stopped in amazement. The tower was lit blue. I'd like to think it is specifically for the Americans, but it might be lit this way until Bastille Day on July 14th, which is the French Independence Day.

Once we reached the Champs de Mars, we took lots of photos. For some reason we went nuts. We acted like tourists. The lighting wasn't so fantastic, but I was able to play around and grab some holographic type images. Bizarre, eh? It seemed that Johanna's duty of the night was to grab as many unflattering pictures of me as possible. I mean, she couldn't miss. I lost count how many times "eeeew, no!" or "umm, one more?" or "hahahhaha" came out of her mouth or mine when I was the object on the little digital screen.

I think this is the Posh Boy look, I think. Jo is that what you called it? She just told me the face I should make.

This is the "I'm a Parisian woman and you just stepped on my foot" look.

I was pretty proud of the one that looks like Johanna is hugging the Eiffel. Then there is the one where she surprised me by pulling out my Texas ornament. She stole it from my flat and brought it with her.

After having our fill of picture taking, we parked ourselves on a patch of grass. We lit the candles for some ambiance. It helped light our notebook so that we could write out potential August travel plans. Johanna had a great idea to get a photo of me "kissing the Eiffel" since it's part of the title of my blog. Nice idea.

Johanna's Funny No-Aim Shot #429

The essence of my blog. One day I'll get the perfect "kicking" photo. The lighting was less than fabulous tonight.

We stayed till after 1:00am, then walked to the river where she crossed and I walked back home. It was brutally hot here for a few days, but the two days of rain have helped immensely. I'm not used to a cool, almost cold, Fourth of July. There were no fireworks, no bonfires, no hot dogs. I had a great time without a doubt. Plenty of laughs, but I did miss Texas Fourth.