it's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

eeeverywhere you goooo.

it really truly is. i went to the dublin markets today in temple bar, and the wonderful, shiny christmas decorations were all starting to be put on display!! i'm so excited to see them in all of their glory as the big day gets closer. it really is the most wonderful time of the year! and a sidenote on the dublin markets - possibly my most favorite place in this whole town. there's this itty bitty apple cider stand, and it's basically god's gift to freezing market-goers. mmmMMM good!

these past two weeks have been crazy (cue three presentations and three group papers - YUCK), but the visit from mom and dawnie was so spectacular and just what i needed! i showed them around town, took them to a pub, and introduced them to all of my favorite shops. we had such a great time! and paris... holy smokes, i can't even begin to describe how much i loved it!! just a quick recap:

-- it is a LARGE city, and you definitely need a good week to see all of the sights.
-- the french do have a bit of a body odor problem. jus sayin'.
-- however, they are not as snooty as everyone says - i found them to be friendly and nice!
-- the eiffel tower is as majestic as it looks in pictures.
-- the gypsies that come after you while you are trying to take pictures of the eiffel tower are not as majestic.
-- also, watch out for the old "i found this ring on the ground, is it yours?" gypsy trick.
-- the metro is fantastic and very useful! if you're lucky, a group of frenchmen will be down there with a full band singing loads of beautiful french songs.
-- GO to the musee d'orsay. i can't even describe how great it is! the fifth floor is the place to be.
-- seeing mona is essential! even if she is relatively little and behind like 3 panels of bulletproof glass.
-- the louvre is enormous, crowded, and full of so many great pieces of art it's hard to figure out where to even begin. even if you want to go only for mona, you will be in there for at least two hours.
-- notre dame is breathtaking.
-- the crepes are outta this world good.
-- a common sandwich in paris is a baguette stuffed with two hotdogs and cheese... i don't understand.
-- strolling along the seine is always a good idea.
-- the galeries lafayette is monstrous and packed to the gills with serious shoppers. however, the shopping is to die for. and talk about a rockin' christmas display - what's up, 3 story tall christmas tree!
-- cafes are on almost every corner.
-- doggies are allowed everywhere!
-- french men know how to dress.

future summer trip? i think so.