France From The Eyes of Two Teenage Boys

Well, this post is different than my normal, but I thought you might enjoy seeing France from the eyes of my two teenage boys. They just returned from a spectacular Spring Break trip with my parents where they took in Normandy, the French countryside, and of course, Paris.

While my parents have visited France several times in the past, and my daughter and I went to Paris with my mom a few years ago, I am certain this trip was quite different than any other before. For one, there was no shopping, no macaroon-tasting and no slowly sipping chocolate at Angelina’s. There was, though, plenty of dessert eating. You know, in between the many meals of burgers and French fries (their version of “French” food) since teenage boys don’t go long before food is their sole focus no matter what famous landmark is in front of them. Something my parents, who didn’t have sons, quickly discovered! And, the fact they are boys also automatically meant their interest level, insight, & humor added to everything they saw and did.
Many of you saw my Facebook post of the video one of my boys took of the future King and Queen of England (Prince William and Princess Kate) when they walked into the same room they were in at the Musee d’Orsay. Had this happened on our girls’ trip, it would have for sure been a highlight. But when the boys got home and we talked about their favorite things they forgot to even mention it! Not that they didn’t think it was cool, it just didn’t effect them in the way it would’ve me!

What they did think was super cool was everything they saw and learned in Normandy from the beaches to the cemeteries, museums and buildings. What made a particular impression was handling the guns, throwing grenades, riding in an armoured vehicle and seeing the other 40’s era/World War II memorabilia that is part of the personal collection of someone their Normandy guide hooked them up with. Hands-on learning at its best also included trying to remove nails and metal debris out of a cow’s liver to show them what it would’ve been like for the medics to extract shrapnel out of a wounded warrior.

When it came to the Louve, both boys were very unimpressed with Mona Lisa. I have to agree; I too remember being surprised at what a small piece it is and considering its fame how unspectacular. On the other hand, the boys were taken by much of the art and sculptures (and the architecture and carvings on the buildings), although they didn’t understand why people – including William and Kate – stood and stared at a piece for so long!

They preferred a little more action to their viewing…

And, in some cases, they thought their own art would be more Louve-worthy than what was hanging. 

Avenue des Champ-Elysees may be home to a Louis Vuitton flagship store and other high-fashion, but to them it was just the street with the Arc at the end. What they preferred over the glamour was the tucked away hilltop of Montmartre where Van Gugh and his artist friends used to congregate, and artist today still hang out.

Last, but not least for my youngest, is the fact he has now used the tallest toilet in all of Europe. Yep, he documented it at the top of the Eiffel Tower:)

I’m sure I will continue hearing tales as the days go by and they remember things. But based on what I’ve heard so far, as much as the trip itself they loved their special time with grandparents – talking, laughing, playing Mexican Trains (a family favorite) and just making memories.

I’m so thankful for this opportunity they had, and for the constant entertainment and new perspective they bring to my life. I say it often, and my most used hashtags have become: #gottaloveboys #boyjoy and #allthingsnew!

Would you be interested in being apart of my upcoming Book Launch team? Submit your email on the top right-hand side of the home page to receive all blog posts and the monthly newsletter in your inbox.