J'adore Paris!!

       Paris was quite possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been! It wasn't a perfect trip, mostly because it was absolutely freezing and we were not at all prepared for it, but there were some really wonderful parts. The highlight was definitely the bike tour we took! To be honest I didn't even want to go, but I'm so glad that I did! It was so laid back and fun and it was at night and took us to all the hot spots at sunset when hardly anyone was there. Our tour guide was a lot of fun and pretty hilarious and he told us really interesting and outside the ordinary things about all that we saw. We stopped for exceptionally delicious ice cream and I made a friend that I ended up hanging out with here in London this week as well. The Louvre at sunset was absolutely breathtaking. I was so blissfully happy riding my bike around the pyramids and taking it all in. We ended the tour on a river cruise past the Eiffel Tower and I was completely surprised to learn that for five minutes every night, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with thousand of lights! It was so magical! If you're in Paris, take this tour!!
       Everyone in Paris was so helpful and I had absolutely no problems finding someone to point me in the right direction if I needed it. Don't believe stereotypes!! You can't judge a country by one persons experiences and if you are friendly and respectful of their culture, I think you'll be surprised at how much respect you will get in return. Don't get me wrong, the French do definitely have a different culture, but that's doesn't have to be a bad thing. Travel and meet new people and see for yourself!
       We were worried that we wouldn't have time to see everything, but I don't feel like I missed out at all. We moved very quickly and had plenty of time for crepes and baguettes and the BEST hot chocolate I have ever had, etc. After this weekend I decided that Paris is a must see for my mom and sister when they come and so we'll be making time for a day there and I'll probably do it all over again, especially the night bike tour! I am incredibly blessed and having the time of my life. I hope you enjoy my photos on facebook! I know there are a ton, but that's not even a fourth of the ones I took! (Like mother like daughter I suppose. ha.)

Royal Ascot

       Some of you may have already seen some of the photos I put on facebook from Ascot, but just in case they did not do it justice, let me assure you that Ascot was amazing! I had such a lovely time and met a ton of interesting people. I met ambassadors from Barbados, Belize, and even Azerbaijan. There were several princesses at the event on various days and people with all sorts of various titles. I was even lucky enough to be there when the Queen came for tea!
       The outfits and hats were spectacular and the girls at Party Planners and I had a ton of fun playing dress up and wearing hats from Lady Elizabeth's enormous collection (I would guess there were more than 50!) Most of the Lady's kept their hats on, many of them were custom made for them and I saw a lot of really interesting ones. Both days I helped to check people in and direct them to their tables and also labeled the top hats each gentlemen wore. I learned that most of the top hats are worth over a thousand pounds because they no longer make them and they have been passed down through generations. The men were very careful about their hats and I felt honored to be given the responsibility of looking after them.
       We worked with the Lord Chamberlain's office to make sure that all of the guests were taken care of, especially the royal guests and all of them were really nice. I also had a lot of fun with the wait staff from the catering company we used for the event and the whole week went very smoothly and was enjoyable for everyone. I will say that it was very tiring work, and even though I was treated to a delicious lunch and adorable tea trays of cakes and sandwiches, I left both days exhausted. It was especially hard on Harriet and Lady Elizabeth who had to be there the entire week.
       I have lived half an hour from Churchill Downs for most of my life, but I have never been to the Derby because it is too expensive. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to attend Ascot not only for free, but also to be given a badge for the Royal Enclosure, which are highly sought after and only given to the upper crust and the friends to the royals. I still can't believe how lucky I am to work for them and I'm having a blast doing it. I even got to drive through the Queen's private park at Windsor Castle to avoid Ascot traffic! It was very beautiful and serene and was exactly how I picture old England as described in a Jane Austen book!
       I didn't win much money, but I did win back most of what I bet and it's just fun to have a horse to cheer for so you can get more into the races. I only watched one race in person, as I was working in the tent most of both days, but it was so exciting! I loved every second of it and I'm so happy I got out of my weekly seminar to help out a second day! I'm definitely living the dream. :) I miss you all though! Sincerely!

                                                                                                                Much Love