Paris: who knew a magic kingdom existed in her realm?

while our intention at first was to spend more than a few days exploring Paris, we learned that family who is dear and special and lovely would be near, so we flexed our plans to travel outside the city of lights to Marne de Levee. plus, who couldn’t resist icy princesses and the queen of hearts?

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we arrived to Disneyland Paris by express coach from the 1st arroindsement, a quick and very comfortable ride, plagued by sleeping women and open-mouthed children and snoring men. we entered the park and waited to meet our loved ones. after some searching, we finally found the Scottish clan, and high pitched giggles resounded for kilometers.

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there wasn’t much planning on our part for the actual park itself, so we queued for meals, rides, trains, and more rides. while fastpass is available at this Disneyland, it still runs on tangible tickets, unlike in the americas where everything is conveniently booked on the mobile. no complaining was heard, however, as the time was spent laughing and playing and renewing familial bonds.

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the few rides we embarked were reminiscent of Magic Kingdom, where flying boats and pirates and small world wonders wreaked havoc on our adult brains. les petit enfants stared with delight as each attraction began, and moaned in distaste when we had to exit. it was worth the wait just to see the look of wonder on their faces.

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we ate and drank and loaded our stomachs with sugary goodness. we ran ourselves ragged walking around the park, filling our eyes with tourists and overactive children, while our lungs seeped with remnant second hand cigarette smoke.

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as the day ended, our bodies succumbed to the exhaust of it all. we said our tearful au revoirs and boarded the bus back to Paris.

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in the morning, we would begin our journey to Beaune, the key to the sommelier’s heart.

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it’s been a nuit fatiguée, y’all.

SouthEast Asia for Days: Singapore

it’s hard when those you love so dearly are so far away; souls with who you would entrust your children at any moment, who share ideals and outlook similar to yours, literally live halfway around the world. luckily we had the opportunity to visit this year, for as soon as we departed in our cab to Singapore, our extended family was packing for a new adventure in a much colder climate, closer to home and Western cultures.

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as soon as we said our goodbyes our cab was crossing the straits over to Singapore, the city of skyscrapers and shopping malls.

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immediately, we were in a different world, one where our straw hats and flip flops suddenly seemed out of fashion, and where every inch of every square foot of the city was clean, impeccably shiny and slick with fragrance.

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and while the flood waters rose back home, our hearts were heavy, and yet somehow we felt connected, drenched in cold rain as the day wore on.

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later that evening, in his renowned remarkable way, the sommelier managed to find a rillette bar nestled in between the historic convents, modern business buildings, and colonial patches of Singapore heritage.

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and we engulfed the tender pates, confits, and carefully crafted rillettes with loyal passion and hunger.

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Aligote condensed in our glasses at it hit the moist air, the tart acid bringing life to our mouths and memories of home to our heads.

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that night we dreamed of an army of ten thousand Buddhas in fog filled river basins, tirelessly fighting imaginary armies of dragons and devils. and we awoke to a brighter sky and warmer hearts longing for home.

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we climbed the tallest building in the city so we could view the scenery. the thing about Singapore: you see skyscrapers in every direction.

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and when you’ve had enough of the concrete and shopping malls and high tea sets and eventual rain, a trip always awaits at Gardens by the Bay.

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the flowers abound in fresh crisp air, sending their scents into the atmosphere as they dance to lively music.

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the cloud forest, cool and dark in its presence among the sky, mimics gardens found at the top of the world, lush with green caverns and purple waterfalls at night.

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and in this Singapore, the trees become electrified, providing a nightly dining escape for deserving young and old alike.

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the backdrop views of the cleanest city in the world are astonishing.

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contemplating our long journey home, the next morning we lounged and rested and wandered the local streets, often finding hidden treasures in her secrets.

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we stopped to say a prayer for our safe return, and give thanks for our bountiful trip.

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and while we strolled our last minute walks through Chinatown and revelled in life size Buddhas, we thanked the Universe again for the opportunity to experience the world in this way.  to know this Southeast Asian culture, and find happiness in its belly.

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cheers, y’all.

 

next up: what we ate in Southeast Asia.