Jackie Steves Blogs Europe - Dreaming About Being a Nanny Here Because I Could Really Get Used to Life in Paris

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Dreaming About Being a Nanny Here Because I Could Really Get Used to Life in Paris

We walked from the Louvre, up the Champs Elysees, and now we're ready to climb the stairs to the top of the Arch de Triomphe.
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We walked up the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The walk wasn't so exciting because I am pretty familiar with it. Although the last time I was there was two years ago, when the Tour de France came through, so this time around felt much less crowded.

My favorite part was the view at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Paris has the prettiest skyline.

We visited the Jacquemart-André Museum: a peek into the life of a 19th-century aristocratic filthy rich couple. They had an “Italian museum,” more than five Madonna and Childs, the most amazing staircases, and many pieces by famous artists, all in their own home. It seemed like decorating their house must have been a full-time job in itself — it was that amazing.

We grabbed dinner in a beautiful park, Parc Monceau. While watching adorable French kids running around, I fantasized about being a nanny for a Parisian family who wanted their children to learn English. I ate a delicious ham, goat cheese, and onion crepe.

We got a free ride on the Fat Tire Bike Tour, thanks to the association with my dad. Johnny was our very charismatic, loud, funny, and crude tour guide.

The first half of the four-hour tour was not pleasant because it was really hot; bugs were everywhere, sticking to my skin; my allergies were bad; and we were riding on big, busy streets, so I was too stressed out about getting hit by cars to be able to appreciate my surroundings. The second half was great because we biked around the Louvre, which is absolutely gorgeous during sunset when there aren't any crowds of tourists. At the end we got on a boat for a cruise on the Seine (which I think offers the best perspective of many of Paris' beautiful major buildings) and drank wine.

About This Entry

You are reading "Dreaming About Being a Nanny Here Because I Could Really Get Used to Life in Paris", an entry posted on 08 July 2008 by Jackie Steves.

9 replies to this entry. Add your comment below.

Previous Entry, Rediscovering the Musée d’Orsay, posted Jul 03 2008

Next Entry, Whoops! We Overslept and Missed Our Train to Nice, posted Jul 10 2008

Comments [ top ]

I started dreaming about running a B & B after reading your dad's blog on Bath.Traveling does that to a person.Looking forward to move blogs from you.

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jul 09, 2008 8:01 AM

Just wanted to say how nice it was to meet you at the hotel in Paris. My son and I recently returned to Omaha from our European adventure. Hope you're having a wonderful trip--I look forward to reading the rest your blogs! Never stop dreaming. My dream to travel to Europe came true and your dad helped give me the knowledge & the confidence to make it happen. Julie in Omaha, Nebraska

Posted by: Julie - Jul 09, 2008 9:51 AM

This blog has been so great! I hope you'll pursue some writing in college as you really have a talent for it. I agree with you and other previous posters that Paris is one of the best cities on the planet (though I have to say that Sydney, Australia is #1). I'm not sure if I've missed it or if it's not noted, but where all are you going on this trip? Will you see any of the Tour de France this year like your brother did? Will you be present when Angelina Jolie has those babies? :-) Continue to have fun and thanks for taking us with you vicariously. I think it's very generous of you & your brother to share your experiences with the general public when you don't really have to.

Posted by: Karen in Raleigh - Jul 09, 2008 1:43 PM

Enjoying your blog; it helps me re-live our trips to Europe. Enjoy! from Houston

Posted by: Marietta - Jul 10, 2008 8:22 PM

Jackie - You go girl. I was born in Paris myself, but have never returned after I left at the age of 3. Later, much later, my wife and I discovered your dad when we were hunting for tips on Italy. He gave us a treasure of tips, info, and help which made our trip wonderful. It looks to me as though you have inherited his gift for storytelling, so keep it up, and have a great time! Take good pictures.

Posted by: Evan - Jul 10, 2008 10:54 PM

I so enjoyed reading this entry! My husband and I did the same Fat Tire Bike Tour when we visited Paris in March 2007. It was incredibly cold, but it was wonderful nonetheless. I feel you on being too distracted with not getting hit by cars to enjoy the surroundings - it's not easy riding a bike through busy Parisian streets! And, like you mentioned, it was wonderful to see the Louvre when it's not packed with tourists. The boat ride down the Seine was my favorite part of the tour.

Posted by: Megan - Jul 11, 2008 6:26 AM

You should definitely try the whole nanny in Europe idea! I was a nanny for a family in Spain for a year and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. You get paid to experience the culture and learn the language. Then on time off you are already in Europe and it's easy to fly to Italy or where ever for a couple days! I ended up being able to travel all over Europe for a year and instead of being poor at the end of it all I had tons of money in my bank account! (plus if the family travels you get to go along! Getting paid to skiing in the alps, what's better than that?!)

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