Alexis, Sandra, and Elisa enjoying the "9 euro" fire that Nico started.
My flight to France itself was thankfully very uneventful. And then I arrived in Charles De Gaule aiport.......
Shortly after arriving into the baggage claim area it was announced that the baggage handlers had gone on strike and that it should end in about an hour. We were told that it would be over in an hour every 30 minutes or so for 3 hours. I finally caught on.
We were then told for 2 hours that our baggage would arrive any minute. I think part of the problem was that once the strike was over the conveyor belt broke. An airport worker either sat or looked into the machine for over 3 hours. Not sure what he was doing to make the situation better except by talking into his walkie talkie every 10 minutes- likely saying "yep, still no luggage". (See picture above. Also note how there are people literally sleeping on the belt)
When the luggage finally did come and when I spotted mine it was like I won the lottery. I had some survivors guilt to leave the people I had been hanging out with... But not too guilty to abandon them- I had been there for 5 hours.
I am very thankful I got into Paris with no complication and at least at the airport I could walk around. And worse case, I could of left. I had so much food for Alexis in my carry-on I could of at least survived a few days =) And dress a few infants....
Alexis and Nico had to go to a class but they were able to leave their keys with a friendly lady at their local bakery. The bakery employees knew immediately who I was once I staggered in- I guess I had the "I have been traveling for over 24 hours look" =)
We had a nice Christmas Eve dinner with Sandra. We had gone shopping earlier in the day and bought veggies and cheese. We had a nice non-traditional French Christmas eve dinner- Raclette (it is that black thing in the lower right hand corner). Think fondu but in reverse- you melt cheese and pour it over veggies (and on meat for some).
After a relaxing Christmas morning we took the metro to Champ de Mars and walked past the Eiffel tower. Alexis and I bought some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor on the bridge past the Eiffel tower. They weren't roasting on an open fire but over coals in what I think was a shopping cart. Alexis then headed home and Nico and I walked to the Arc de Triumph, down the Champs Elysee, and through part of the Tuileries. It was a beautiful sunny (but not warm) day and we felt that it was necessary to stay out as long as possible to enjoy it. Which we did.
It was a great Christmas day. I hope everyone else has had a great one was well.....
I walked to the Rodin up the Blvd De Invalides. The gold dome building is Hotel des Invalides. This is one of the few areas in Paris where you are allowed to play on (or even step on) the grass so I see myself bringing the baby here in the future. 
I took the self-guided tour of the Rodin museum that is in my guide book. The museum is housed in an old mansion that Rodin lived in for a time. As usual, I enjoyed what was outside the museum more (although I did like what was being displayed). There is a nice fenced in park around the museum that has more of his larger pieces displayed.
Found this in a statue. I liked the juxtaposition of something living with something inanimate.
Lunch with Greg, Rita, and Alexis. I guess they can't get good Pho in Portugal.
We met Nico after work at this cafe that was recommended by Rick Steves. It is on Rue de Sevres, in the heart of the shopping area.
Dinner in their neighborhood.
