In America, a 21st birthday is considered a time where you celebrate the freedom to legally consume alcohol. In Europe, the drinking age is 18 so turning 21 does not hold the same meaning as it does in USA. I was very fortunate in that my birthday celebrations began a week before my birthday with a visit from my parents, followed by a visit from Aunt Robin, Corey and Maw Maw and ending a week after with a trip to Prague.
Having my parents in Paris was such a treat. Unfortunately the weather was rather cold and rainy but getting to show them around and have wonderful long meals together was so special. We were even lucky enough to cross paths with our friend John Henderson. It was pretty amazing that our family has seen John twice this year, once in Thailand and again in France. We had a wonderful home cooked meal complete with great conversation, good wine and of course amazing French cheese. My parents were also kind enough to take me and a few friends out to a pre-birthday dinner which was equally great. I had been feeling a little homesick and the gray Paris weather had me down so having my amazing parents in town to support me was an incredible blessing.
The day my parents left also welcomed the arrival of Robin, Corey and Maw Maw. We had a great day of shopping along the Rue Saint-Honore and looking in all of the couture stores on that block. It's almost like going to museums. Robin gave me a very special birthday gift, a beautiful white gold Hermés cuff and Maw Maw also got me an incredible gift, a very cool snake ring that matches the bracelet perfectly. I will always look at the bracelet and ring and be reminded of Paris, my family and a wonderful birthday. We ate amazing meals and I was given much needed advice about life and my upcoming job. It was so wonderful getting to spend the time with them and especially on my birthday. The night of my birthday we went to Chez Georges and ended the night by watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It was such a special night and it made me so thankful for my family and the opportunity I've been given to study here in Paris. Overall, I couldn't have ask for a better birthday and I'm so happy I was able to celebrate with family in Paris!
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