Before our trip started, I thought I would have a lot more free time for blogging. Turns out, all I wanted to do during my free time is sleep. Here is the update on the final two days of our vacation.

Day 6: So I already wrote about this day is my last post, but there was something I forgot to mention. While at the Louvre, we stopped at Starbucks to get some ice cold caffeine in the form of Frappucinos. I decided to get the flavor that I have not yet seen state-side, espresso. It was by far the best frappucino I have ever had, Starbucks or otherwise. Just a note for all of you frappucino fans who plan on visiting Paris. Anyways, on to day 7...

Day 7: Much to Benny's excitement, day 7 was the last day of going to museums. We spent part of the morning at Musee D'Orsay. As impressionism fans, we definitely saved the best for last as they have the largest collection of impressionism in Paris. It was amazing to see our favorite paintings from our favorite artists, from Monet to Van Gogh. Most of the museum was under construction, so we spent only about 1 and 1/2 hours in the museum. Following the museum, we took an hour long narrated boat cruise down the Seine River. We had already seen almost everything that the boat tour showed us, but it was a nice way to see the town while sitting down. Plus, we got to enjoy some champagne and a breeze. After the cruise, we walked slightly further down the river to see the mini Statue of Liberty (just to say we have seen both). Then we headed back to the hotel to relax before going out for the night. It was our last night in Paris, so we wanted to enjoy it by going to a nice restaurant for dinner. We asked our concierge to recommend a place, and he was able to reserve a table for us a Cafe de l'Homme at the Museum of Natural History. When we arrived at our table, it turned out that our concierge was able to reserve quite possibly the best table in town. Our table came with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris. It also overlooked the FIFA fan fest, so we were able to watch the World Cup Championship game and the hooligans without actually being hooligans ourselves. Dinner was really delicious, and according to Benny, was the second most expensive meal per person he has ever paid for (second to the wedding). We started with a plate of French cheeses, none of which Benny liked. I liked two of the three. I went so far as to try the moldy one, but something about hair on cheese just does not do it for me. For our entree, Benny had a steak and I had swordfish, both of which were fantastic. We also shared a bottle of French red wine. For dessert, we wanted something a little different and a lot French. Benny had cheesecake (which was his safe option) with cheese ice cream (this is Benny's "going out on a limb" option). My whole dessert was my "going out on a limb" option. I had curdled cheese with a berry sauce. The first couple bites of my dessert kinda weirded me out. I wish I could explain it better than that. It looked like cottage cheese with raspberries on top, but it didn't taste like that at all. Finally, Benny helped me pin down what it did taste like, which was yogurt. I'm still kinda unsure of curdled yogurt. Benny's cheese ice cream on the other hand tasted really good.

After dinner, we tried to get as far from the hooligans as we could before the game actually ended, so we headed to the Arc de Triomphe to climb to the top. Let me tell you, its taller than it looks, especially when you are climbing a spiral staircase after drinking a half bottle of wine. However, the views of Paris at night were well worth it. We finished off the night by walking back to our hotel by way of Champs-Elysees.

Day 8: Our last day in Paris. Neither one of us were ready to leave yet. In fact, on the plane ride home, we were already making plans for next year's vacation (we were thinking possibly a few days in Paris followed by a few days at the French Riviera). Our flight didn't leave until the evening, so we spent the morning purchasing some last minute souvenirs. Mainly, Benny spent the morning staring at Tour de France memorabilia, as if staring at it would make it come home with us. We had limited time in the afternoon, but we still wanted to go up the Eiffel Tower. We didn't have time to wait in line to take the elevator all of the way to the top, but we did have time to take the stairs up to the second floor. The views from the second floor alone were phenomenal. More stunning was that we still couldn't see the ends of Paris even from that high up.

We loved every minute of our trip, and learned a lot. We also know what to expect and what to do if we ever do come back to Paris. We also can't stop speaking French. We both said "Merci" instead of "Thank you" when the US border patrol handed back our passports. And like I said before, we are both looking forward to next year's vacation. Suggestions? Benny wants to go somewhere tropical so we can go surfing and snorkeling. Watching Regis and Kelly this week makes me want to go to Prince Edward Island. I'll be fine with either.