I got to attend a chemical propulsion conference in France this last week. I spent 2 days in Paris and 5 days in Poitiers (pronounced Pwa - tee- eh). I really wished Natalie was there with me, but it was a long time to leave the kids.
The French open was in full "swing". We watched some at the Eiffel Tower.
I got a confidence boost standing next to this mini. Looks like I could try out for the Lakers.
Learning about liquid propulsion systems.
Authentic French fries - not the imported stuff we eat here in the US. They call them frites there (pronounced freets).
Presenting at the conference. It was held at the Universite du Poitiers.
1000 year old cathedral in Poitiers. We got the tour of it and ate dinner on the terrace behind us.
Cool church in Poitiers. The life and lineage of Christ is depicted above the door - from Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Mary and His ministry.
Standing at the castle where Joan of Arc was given command of the French armies. Again, in Poitiers.
This is a full view of the castle. Maddie says this is where Belle lives (when she's not at Disneyland).
Did a little shopping for Natalie in Poitiers. I spent a lot of "Monet" while in "Pareee".
The French were very hospitable on our trip. I think US science is very well respected there. We got to meet the governor of Poitiers in the city hall shown above. They put on a firework show for us and gave us a walking tour of the city. The food would have been awesome if I liked wine and cheese.
Ou sant les toilettes? Finally, a sign I can read!
World's best bathroom doors.
Here I am at the conference.
Hotel room was pretty small. Breakfast was cold cuts, French croissants, and hot chocolate. Tres bien! (pronounced tray bee-on!) A lot of words were close enough to Spanish that I could have rough conversations with the Frenchmen. For example, to say "How's it going?" is "Como se va?".
Palace of Invalids in Paris. Napoleon's tomb was inside.
Finally home again! I got Maddie and Natalie purses from Paris.
Natalie rocking her new designer sunglasses, purse, and French perfume!
Awesome recap of the trip! Looks like you had a good time. I would be sad I missed the trip if I were Natalie, but a purse would definitely help make up for it! Good work! Also if that building behind the Eiffel Tower is what I think it is (with steps leading up to a big open plaza) I think you are in almost the exact spot where Tyler asked me to marry him when you were watching the tennis match.
ReplyDeleteLoved looking at all the pics! Looks like a fun trip, Trevor! Way to go on the designer purse for Natalie. It's really stylish!
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