Whew...We made it, but not without great adventure!

I need to you to forgive me right off the bat. European keyboards are unique so this may end up with some type oès. So we had a great departure in Houston. On time and everyone in seats near friends. Nice dinner and a little shut eye for some, movies for others. Then we had a little shock to the system in London, but not due to kids. Four adults that shall remain nameless, almost missed the plane. it was like a great scene in a movie where people are running and shouting "hold that plane!" except in this movie scene there were two angry art teachers standing there yelling and scowling. So very glad we packed our patience. As MHS is a beautifully eclectic blend of cultures, this means we have a wide variety of passports. Let's just cut right to it and say that one of your darlings didn't make it through customs in Paris. Satterwhite and I spent some time gravelling in a closed room with border agents after they declared "no Visa, no entry!" I asked "what happens now? How does this work?" and the same charming (not really...broom hilda is more like it) girl with zero sympathy on her face says "he goes home." Then one saviour yelled out "non! groupa!" They speak for a minute in French and then the same charming gal says in her most broken English "do you have money?" While I am processing "oh my goodness this is a bribe situation," Satterwhite, without hesitation says "how much" and she says "60euros" to which we both shout "yes. We have it!" So she says 60 € for temporary visa and its done. We walk out and through customs and are met by a cheering crowd of MHS kids and adults that were all sweating bullets with us. Thank goodness. This was a lot like the movies as well so Satterwhite and I are quitting to become actresses. I am sure after today, we are destined for the oscars. An hour later and some decent drama and Bon Jour Paris!!! Our hotel is nice. very Americanized, roomy and clean. The kids and adults are showering after a lovely meal and harried first trip through the metro then off to slumber. We are off to theLouvre tomorrow and then Montemarte, Dinner and then Siene river cruise. We will make phone cards and calling a priority as well but today we just flat ran out of time and steam so I do hope you are checking the blog. I have made friends with the cute girl at the front desk and offered her a tip for blogging. Please check this each day. She will let me use the computer again on Tuesday. The weather is spectacular...wish you all could be here with us. Bonsoir! Mme Savage