Veni Vidi Vici

That's right, it's an all new Top 10. This week it's my Top 10 Observations from France and Italy:

1. Opels are shoddy cars; Opels with whiplash brakes are even shoddier; Opels with whiplash brakes driven like they're a BMW are shoddiest of all.
2. Three women shouting directions manages to disorient and highly stress the male driver
3. Kinder Buenos are cheaper than water
4. The person in charge of directions is a sacrificial job
5. If you have the opportunity to stay in an iconic hotel with garish decor along the French Riviera, Take It
6. When in doubt, go with Croque Monsieur
7. My mother is a gypsy's dream come true (she makes my dreams come true too, for different reasons)
8. Running along La Croisette to the tune of One Direction, makes you feel alive and beautiful
9. PDA is alive and well
10. My name in French sounds infinitely sexier

I really miss nights spent watching "le Tour Eiffel" light up and sparkle, like watching fireworks every night. As anyone knows that's tried to learn a new language, it's difficult getting your brain to switch back and forth between two languages...but that moment, when your brain just transitions with ease and liquidity, is the magic moment. I reached that point just as we were leaving France, and I was so sad to go. I used to think that I wanted to live in France for a summer, now I'm thinking it's an absolute necessity. French people are sooo nice when you speak French, even if you sound horrible. My favorite were the little french kids running around, I seriously can't Wait to bring my kids to the south of France for a summer, arrange play dates and fun outings, and speak French.

Speaking of outings, this trip made me realize that if I ever want to go to Europe again, and rent a car, I haven't a PRAYER of surviving unless I'm bringing a man with me. All of the cars in Europe are manual! Actually, what really alarmed me was the fact that even my dad had trouble driving our crappy euro car. Add in the fact that my internal compass is always pointed 180 degrees from the right direction, and there you have it. Calm men with a good sense of direction, wanted. It was my first time in the south of France and it really is as picturesque as it looks. Shockingly so. Each town is so unique and full of beauty. Don't even get me started on the bakeries...I'd live in France just so I could hit up the bakery every morning. Amazing. We saw some really cool medieval towns such as St Paul de Vence, Antibes and Juan le Pins.

We hit the beaches in Cannes and Nice, hanging out at the beach club and swimming in the clear blue water. At night, I loved strolling along la croisette with the beach on one side, luxury cars on the other, and a light breeze playing in your hair. Then we made our way to Florence, the famous duomo, Ufizzi gallery, old bridge, and became experts in italian leather shopping. Which is another thing, I am Loving Euro style! Good thing I had extra room in my suitcase so I could bring things back. There were adorable children's stores with gorgeous handmade dresses and trousers, another reason to bring my future family to France, so we can all dress european! In Florence, we sat and listened to an incredible organ concert. Hearing the old organs be played in the churches is such a neat opportunity.

Beyond the history lessons, cultural observations and future plans, the lesson that I took away from this past week was more internal than anything. I realized how important it is for families to take trips together, and often. When you travel with your family you learn and practice relationship skills you wouldn't normally practice. On vacation, you learn to forgive easily and often, that it's impossible to stay mad, that everyone has quirks, and that ultimately, the good times far outweigh the difficult moments. Traveling with your family makes you realize that life is not always perfect or super fun 100% of the time, but you forgive quickly, love openly and embrace the positives that everyone brings to the trip. Those, after all, are the fun memories.