Last days in Paris

Paris, I love you.

Today was our last day in Paris. Mixed feelings - I'm so in love with Paris and sad to be leaving - I have such an exciting family Christmas to look forward to. I have achieved everything I dreamed of for the trip so far, I think if I was here for any longer I would need more defined goals for my time - maybe a job, some study etc.
Anyway, today was filled with a variety of things that were more poignant for being the last time. First up we posted another (yes, I know) box to NZ. Then we walked to all our favourite local places - Notre Dame, where there where no queues so we nipped inside and spent a wonderful spiritual hour contemplating and meditating; then along the Seine marvelling yet again that we were here. 

Lunch drifted on to afternoon tea

We headed down to our most special place, Place des Vosges. Knew it was going to be expensive but it was our last day so we splurged on lunch and it was probably one of the nicest meals in my life! Oh la la! We sat outside under a brazier - by the time we ordered my toes were numb; when my meal arrived my feet were frozen, and on the arrival of my coffee I couldn't feel my legs at all - but it was worth it! Service was superb, food was to die for. Boeuf Bourguignon Traditional, oh my goodness. I held back on dessert but had a bite of Paul's apple pie and Amelia's lemon/lime tart and was tempted to fight them for the remainder.
After lunch (at 4pm I'm afraid to say) we took a last walk in Place des Vosges garden.
I love Paris. My goal was to dig deeper into food and culture, and live as typically French as I could, and I feel I've done this. My local butcher recognises me - as does the owner of the local wine shop (hmmm); the fruit and vege shop; and the small supermarket. I can hold conversation confidently, and find my way pretty much anywhere without a map; I feel at home on the Metro, but prefer to be above ground where I can see!
Paris, thank you for my month, je t'aime, je retournerai.