Hi everyone, this is Joe and lucky me (or maybe you) I’ve been invited to do a guest post on this here blog. Yippee! As you all know, I’m not the talker in the family. Similarly, I’m not one for flowery diction or poetic prose. So what you’re going to get from my blog posting is just a bunch of random thoughts and observations from this trip presented in my style, one who works in finance/accounting, and that is bullet points!

• The Europeans really utilize the roundabout. I’m not sure how I feel about them, I would probably describe them as organized chaos, but I think they may be more efficient than a four way stoplight when used correctly
• I’m tired of motion activated sinks. At least half of them don’t recognize you’re there (that’s not just a European critique). Can we invent some better sensors?
• From a drink standpoint, nothing in Paris was cold enough. Everything seemed to be served barely chilled which stunk on the hottest days in recent Paris history
• Similarly, they don’t seem to like or utilize ice very much. When you ask for ice you get one cup for everyone at the table
• If you’re wondering what phrase I’ve used the most so far over here (and I’m sure each has been doing just that), it’s “keep your hands to yourselves!” For the most part the kids have been good, but they’re always in each other’s business. Not used to spending every waking minute together.
• The Villages Nature was awesome but had the most pointless, asinine security I’ve ever seen. Each time you enter the property you have go through a metal detector and they would look through any small bags being carried (backpacks, purses, etc.). However suitcases were not searched or screened, they were automatically admitted. What were they searching for in the small bags that you couldn’t easily hide in the big bag? Duh.
• We’re on the train to Munich right now and as we were going through the French countryside we sped past a whole bunch of tiny, old little villages. They all consisted of old stone houses and then a church, whose steeple was much higher than any of the other buildings in town. Very cool!
• Starbucks is everywhere!
• As a family we have now had 3 different instances where we have had to pay to use the bathroom! That is a crazy notion to me although I kind of get it because they were all in fairly public places so it helps to keep them clean. The first was outside the Sacre Coeur in Paris and in 2 different train stations today. The first time it happened at the Sacre Coeur I was taking Tessa and all I had on me was 50€ which they could not make change for. Fortunately the woman begrudgingly let her go without paying. I’m going to recommend that our little league start charging to use the bathroom because it’s disgusting and maybe that would help keep it clean. Of course then we’d be poor because Tessa has to go at least twice every time we’re there.
• On our bus tour through Paris as we drove down the Champs Elysees they talked about how they try very hard to keep the stores there French. Apparently H&M had to battle to open a store there but eventually did. What else did we see on the Champs Elysees? Five Guys!!! I guess they gave up on trying to keep it French.
• We’ve all heard that French people are rude but on this trip, I’d argue the opposite. In general everyone we’ve dealt with has been very nice and helpful.
• I knew we’d crossed from France into Germany on our train today when we saw a field of hops!

Hope you’re all well, on to our next adventure in Deutschland!

Wyatt and I on a ride on his very first trip to Disneyland 4 years ago

Wyatt and I on a ride at Paris Disney

Yum!

It’s actually only this big

Champagne and salami in the Ratatouille section of Disney Studios, what else do you need!