Jolly Voyager

So technically Paris was the start of our big trip.  We stayed one night in London in an adorable and also tiny hotel that had a narrow staircase to our room on the fourth floor.  You can imagine how fun it must have been as we lugged our things up there to our room.  The next day is when we took the train over to Paris.  I thought going on the channel would be a little scary but everything went just fine, we lived.  Going in and out of the tunnels was really cool though, every time we'd come out to a new view of the country from England to the France countryside.  Everything was so beautiful and green, and of course we saw quite a few sheep on the way.  When my mom and I arrived in Paris we just loved our little apartment.   We found this apartment on Home Away and for a great price too, and to add to that we were just blocks away from the Eiffel Tower and just a few feet away from a nice bakery and cheese shop.  The courtyard outside our apartment was lovely too. Paris was just what I thought it would be and I was so happy to be there with my Mom.  There is so much to share about this trip and so many emotions and things I cannot express properly through these posts.  I'm doing my best though to share my favorite moments and travels so that I can look back on them and never forget about them.  I hope the things I've been sharing so far on this blog are some things you find interesting or are maybe interested in now!  For whoever even reads these posts haha.  Sharing this time with my Mom was very special to me because Paris, cheese, and croissants are just a few of our favorite things.  SO much cheese, crepes, croissants, salami, and bread were consumed on this trip.
Versailles was gorgeous and I'm so glad we went.  It was filled with so many tiny rooms that were beautifully decorated with delicate knickknacks and detailed paintings.  And the grounds were amazing.  I loved the garden mazes and the different art that was displayed.  In the morning it started out foggy and misty, but at some point the sun poked out and looked beautiful shining on the some the gold statues. And the trees were so vibrant! October was definitely a good time to visit.


So Shakespeare and Company was adorable.  I think I'm running out of good ways to describe things... I'm sure I've used the word 'adorable' many times now.  Anyways, I loved it.  Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed inside.  Inside the bookshop its so quaint and filled with of course, tons of books.  There were also ladders leading to new spots and little nooks and corners where you could snuggle up and relax while reading a book you picked up.
On one of our last days in Paris we went to the Musée d'Orsay.  It was a little overwhelming, but in a good way.  It was so cool to see so many paintings from some of my favorite artists up close.  After that we spent the day in the Jardin des Tuileries garden (where I ate a giant thing of cotton candy) as well as Angelina's for some rich hot chocolate.  Afterward, we went to visit the Paris Anglaise Lourve congregation that is located in the Latin Quarter area of Paris.  Also, the Latin Quarter was one of our favorite spots in Paris.  There were a lot of unique shops and things to see.  Funny too, at the meeting the speaker that gave the talk that day was actually from California.  It was so nice because I was able to meet a sister who was a friend of a friend of mine who was in the congregation we were able to visit.   It was so cute to watch all the friends as they left the Kingdom Hall walking back to there homes, or seeing the little ones riding away on their bikes.  This is the lovely sister I was able to meet (pictured below) is Poloma and her little sister.  I hope to see you friends again soon!
Our last day in Paris was a sunnier day so we went to see the Eiffel tower one last time and also attempted to fit the entire Eiffel tower in our photo.  I'm so grateful for all the memories I've been able to make and opportunities I've been able to experience as well as people I've been able to meet.  We miss you Paris, hope to see you again soon!


- Kenzie x

My goodness, these two....  Josh and Azalea were amazing to work with!  They are such a sweet and talented couple.  It was so much fun working with them and I had been so looking forward to taking their photos.  They have an amazing style as well as enormous love for music.  If you'd like to take a look at Azalea's blog check it out here.  Azalea is a very talented writer and loves to share her passion for music and new unique bands she comes across.  Josh also has a talent for making his own music that he shares over here if you'd like to give it a listen!  This has definitely been one of my favorite shoots I've been able to do so far.  There is so much love shown in these photos between the two, and they were just such pros for the camera. Excuse the ridiculous amount of photos I've decided to post....  It was too hard for me to pick favorites.
 

Our first day in Cornwall started off quite blustery.... Despite the wind and rain violently being blown in our faces (and blowing our umbrella's inside out) Maddi and I were running up trails to look out at the cliffs.  I think England in general makes you want to be adventurous.  There's just so much to do and see, and how can you not feel the need to frolic in fields filled with sheep.
This trip really helped me to appreciate even more the many opportunities I have and have been able to experience.  Being able to see a whole different beauty in another country is something I'm really grateful for.  It's really amazing how in our organization we can go anywhere in the world and instantly be friends with those we meet.  It's something so special that only Jehovah's people have.  I'm so thankful for the friends we made on this trip and the time we got to spend with them.  Thank you everyone or making us feel so welcomed and for taking us on some adventures.  We hope to see you again soon!

- Kenzie x