Paris

I have a few days off and I am on a huge adventure! To celebrate my 30^th birthday, my mom, friend Ashley and her mom and I are going to Paris! I'm lucky to say I've been several times before, but something about being in the workforce and being a mom makes you appreciate vacations and travel unlike before. I've been spending a lot of time researching what I'd like to do, where I'd like to eat, what entertainment there is, and all the places I want to hit up. I am not a crazy itinerary planner, but I think it helps to have a general plan -- then just go with the flow.

Here it is:

• Wednesday- We arrive in Paris at 11.30 AM in the morning, which will be 3.30 AM EST. Our apartment where we are staying won't be ready until 4pm, though we will be able to drop off our luggage there is nowhere for us to take a nap, so we will have to power through it! We are staying in the 8^th arrondissement of Paris on Rue de La Boetie, steps from the Champs – Elysse. I see a stroll down the Champs – Elysees, towards the Palace De La Concord, through the Jardins des Tuileries, into the Louvre. After the Louvre & some lunch, I'd like to cross the banks to the Musee d'Orsay. Dinner in the 8^th arrondissement near where we are staying.
  
   
• Thursday - I'd like to head to Latin Quarter, the historic part of Paris, filled with remnants of the old royal Paris. Must see sites are St. Germain des-Pres (oldest church in Paris), Saint Chapel & Cathedral Notre-Dame. In the afternoon, cross the Sienne for lunch and afternoon shopping in the Marais, the heart of modern Paris. The district is filled with a mixture of trendy and quirky boutiques, antique dealers and is Paris' gay district. It's also home to two of my favorite museums: The Pompidou & Picasso. Both are must visits for me.
  
   
• Friday - In the morning, stroll up the Champs – Elysse, home to the upscale stores in the world (Chanel, Vuitton, Lacroix) to the Arc De Triomphe, the huge neoclassical arch that hovers the street. Maybe we will go to the top. After, head over to the Eiffel Tower. Some Lunch. The Rodin museum or shopping in the afternoon. Dinner.
  
   
• Saturday - Montmartre district in the morning. Visit Sacre-Cour and a walk down the old charming steep streets and a look at all the ivy covered houses. Check out the once very seedy part of the city, Pigalle – known for burlesque shows, sex shows, and the famous Moulin Rouge. Lunch. Afternoon shopping. Dinner. Maybe Ashley & I will hit a dance club. I've scoped out a trendy one – Le Baron.
  
   
• Sunday - Our flight home leaves at 1.40 in the afternoon, so we will only have time for a leisurely brunch and a little walking or shopping.

Have you been to Paris and have some suggestions for me? Isn't this Peel & Stick pack perfect for my scrapbooking when I get back? It's called Frenchie. Perfect!