Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
~ Ovid
Here we are! A long way from home, here in Paris, enjoying what we knew would be a fabulous time away together as a family.
I mentioned in my last post about our quaint French apartment (read: tiny), and it has been the perfect place to lay our heads each night after the massive days we’ve had soaking it all in (it will be absorbing for months to come too).
We’re having a ball, and as you can well imagine, the photos are piling up faster than I can ask (politely in English) for another glass of white wine.
With that, dear IPOM readers, I figure pictures can do the noble work of talking here, as we’ve got another 2 incredible days in the city before we head south to the country.
And it all starts with a good cup of coffee (from home).
Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live.
~ Margaret Fuller
I am thrilled to report that after the jet lag, and most importantly the perspective shift, life here is actually becoming beautifully relaxed.
Instead of afternoon coffee, I have a glass of wine, and in place of my daily run, we walk all day long until dark. Dinners are simple (both out and in), breakfast is had in before we head out, and the family feels closer than ever before.
This part of town is amazing, and we’ve got a produce market twice weekly just outside our door. The produce is almost as incredible as the bread & cheese, and cooking here in this kitchen has been a blast.
A place for everything, everything in its place.
~ Benjamin Franklin
Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.
~ John De Paola
From the lover’s bridge (Pont Des Arts) to Notre Dame to the classical beauty that is the Luxembourg Gardens, we’ve covered pretty much everything we set out to do so far.
True to the plan, we hit one (or in some cases two) major sight see a day, which is plenty considering we are traveling with an eight year old. Notre Dame, Pompidou Center, Luxembourg Gardens, Versailles, The Louvre, Musee D’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower were tops on our list.
We’ve shopped (just a little, especially on account of many shop owners closing shop completely for the entire month of August), walked (a whole lot), and have truly lucked out with the weather (which has has been beyond spectacular).
I hope you’ll enjoy (just a little) of where we’ve been so far.
How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.
~ Spanish Proverb
Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.
~ Andre Gide
As is inevitable, I arrived on this holiday knowing nothing but my current perspective at the time. Loaded with responsibility, and driven by projects, it is immensely difficult at the time to truly imagine letting go.
But it happens, because it has to. And it feels so good, and is completely necessary in every way. I am so very fortunate and blessed to have this time to enjoy with my loved ones in quite possibly my favorite place in the whole world.
On another note, you will now see at the bottom that I am testing out the WordAds program with WordPress. I’m fairly particular about the esthetics on this blog, but if there is a way to generate revenue for Not So Fast, I thought it was worth a try, so please note that all proceeds from any advertising done (now or in the future) will go directly towards charity and we’ll see how it goes!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and on anything you see in this post that you fancy. Also, with so many photos, I’d love to hear what you want to see as we wind up the first leg of this trip in the next day or so! As you can also imagine, I’ll be somewhat absent in my blog reading and commenting this month – rest assured I’ll be back.
As for us, it’s Sunday, and the shops are closed. We plan to hit the Arc De Triomphe before hitting the banks of the river for ice cream and a stroll. I love that they close the shops here for a day, I think these people might just be on to something good 
Thanks for joining us!
Yours in Less from Paris,
Stunning photography. Really has captured the atmosphere of Paris.
Thank you! And thanks as well for visiting
Ah, the lovely photos bring Paris back to me again. Thank you, Shira.
My pleasure Sharyn! So hard to choose the photos and really, these are all from the first two days
It’s been a great week here, happy to share with you and thought of you a few times (looking at the shoes you were sure correct about the fabulous footwear) – I am sure there will be more to come 
xx
Beautiful, thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by Leah!
Loving your post – Beautiful Photos – thanks so much for sharing:)
Thank you Renee! A pleasure!
Wow, beautiful photos! Paris is one of my favourite places on earth! x
Thanks! There are just too many opportunities
I share in your love and this trip has not disappointed! xx
Thanks for the lovely pictures, which surely bring back memories. Love to see more of your Parisien stroll and cafe. Beautiful!
Thanks for stopping by again and for your note – there are so many shots to share, I am sure I will dole them out as they get processed (so hard to keep up!) – stay tuned! Cheers!
<3 Lovely pictures and written words.
Thank you Esther!
xx
Oh my gosh, Shira, it sounds like you’re having an amazing time!!! It looks beautiful there
It is Liz! xx
So happy to share with you all!
Spectacular photographs intermixed with inspiration and creativity. Lovely post! Glad you are having a great time in Paris and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
My pleasure! Thank you for stopping by to share with me!
Bonnes vacances!
Thank you Michelle! xx
Glad you’re having so much fun!! Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures. We just got back from Wyoming so my pictures are equally beautiful, yet totally different.
I believe you! Looking forward to seeing those!
Gorgeous,beautiful, lovely, fantastic ……………. So glad you are having an amazing time in fabulous Paris
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Anne!
xx More to come! Eventually… 
Wow Shira, breathtaking photos! You really know how to capture a moment. So glad to hear you are having a lovely time! Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip!
I think the WordAds are a good idea and for a worthy cause! I’ve thought about incorporating an ad on my blog once or twice but I’m really not sure. It would really only be to help me cover the costs of hosting my blog but I would hate to have anyone stop reading my blog because of it! In your case though it totally makes sense
Thanks Gabby!
Glad you are supportive of the WordAds – but would you believe I had to put a hold in the 1st few days? I’ll sort out how to try and manage what ads are up (there was one for diet secrets ans how to slim down – haha). I’ll sort out something that works and feel the same way as you! Stay tuned, glad you enjoyed the shots! xx
Soooo beautiful. I’ve not yet been, but we hope to go when the children are a little older and better able to appreciate, and remember it. What a lovely trip you all must be having. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Can’t believe I missed this lovely note while away! I am sure your kids will adore visiting when they grow up – I found they were at a perfect age this trip (though the 8 year old had some challenges but was all in pretty incredible!). Thanks for coming along!
that was a very beautiful post to read. such and amazing adventure to have as a family! i have been to paris once when i was young and remember it still so very clearly. your girls will love you for the exposure to such a great experience! can’t wait to read more and hopefully see you and your fam when you return.
xo amanda o
Thanks Amanda – what a fabulous surprise to hear from you here! We are really enjoying ourselves – and the girls are doing amazing! xx See you soon!
Lovely Shira! So happy to see that you are all enjoying yourselves so much. The images just are beautiful.
Travel safe, my friend.
Thanks J! Lots to share if you have any questions upon my return. There will be more posts too once it all sets in
Hope you are well! xx
I will have a tonne of questions, Shira. We are starting to count down here – four weeks to go.
You keep on enjoying yourself, my friend. Be well.
only 1 sentence: I WANT TO BE IN PARIS RIGH NOW
)))
Love this Alexia! So do I
We left a week ago and are now in Provence! It’s amazing here too though 
Stay tuned!
lovely documentation of your trip. keep the pictures coming!
Will do Madison!! Thanks!
Beautiful photos! I’m glad you’re having such a great trip! : )
Thanks Allison!! xx
LOVE your post and pictures! And the quotes. And so, so, so envious
Have a blast!
Thanks Madhu! xx
There’s nothing like the food you can find in the markets in mainland Europe – enjoy it for all of us! Looks like you are having a great break (and a totally worthwile step away from daily responsibilities, including blogging!)
The break is wonderful and definitely needed, so thank you Sarah! Enjoying the food too and looking forward to my first market here in Provence tomorrow!
xx
Oh my goodness, it looks like you’re having a fabulous time! Between this, and recently seeing To Rome With Love, I am dying to go back to Europe! I love all of the pictures you’ve been sharing on instagram too. I hope the rest of your trip continues to be as wonderful and breathtaking as it has been so far. Have fun!
Thanks Kristy – so glad to have you following along on Instagram too! I knew it would be the easiest way to share while away
Having an amazing time! xx
loving the photos!!! have an extra glass of wine for me!
Done and done Ames!
Gorgeous photographs! You’re making me want to brush up on my french.
You and me too
(my french leaves a lot to be desired, haha!) Thanks very much!
So incredibly fabulous, I love your writing and photography!
Thanks so much – glad to have you drop in!
Beautifully written Shira, you have truly made me feel like I there alongside your family during your travels; your trip seems like is has been totally amazing, hopefully one day I will be able to experience Paris (first up though is Italy).
Thanks Heather!! We are having a blast – Italy should really be on our list too! xx
Beautiful post Shira. What a shame that I missed out on the Lovelocks… and it’s so true that ‘Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you’!!!
Welcome back:)
Thank you Ishita! We just arrived in Provence yesterday to enjoy the 3rd and final week here
The bridge is fabulous!
You all look radiant and blissfully happy! Hope you are having so much fun!
Thanks Somer – we are doing our best & enjoying every minute! xx
I’m a huge fan of Paris.. your photos capture the spirit of that place! I loved the bridge covered in locks.. fantastic idea!!
Thanks – the bridge is such a cool place, it was amazing!
wow what beautiful photos! i feel like i’m on a virtual tour of paris! — if only i could taste those gorgeous macaroons though:) haha I’m so glad you’re having a blast relaxing and exploring with your family!
We are, thanks Caralyn! The macaroons were so good! xx
Fabulous photos Shira! You’re a star to write up this blog from the road! xx
Thanks Marina! Just arrived in Provence last night – we are in heaven, and I am enjoying catching up! xx
Enjoy it all, soak it in!
What beautiful photos! I adore Paris but you have shown it in a whole new light. Wow!
Thanks Katherine – glad you enjoyed! Cheers!
Gorgeous, from the fresh veggies to the views. I know you all are having the time of your lives and what better than to spend the holidays with family, food, and good French wine. Thinking of you and loving the photos! Beautiful!
Thanks Hillery! xxxx
These photos are GORGEOUS!! Amazing trip you are having!!
It’s been wonderful Britt – a real treat! Happy you liked the shots
More recipes soon!
Merci, merci….stayed in Paris for a while and miss it a lot. Brings me wonderul memories. <3
So happy you enjoyed! It is funny already I miss it and wish we had had more time there
It is such an amazing place!
It is… but more than amazing…. I think it is magic. Having the money, I would leave right away and go live there again… Have a wonderful day and thank you for the bit of dream
<3
My pleasure, and I agree with you completely, magic!
Stunning photos… your photos always make the reader feel as thought they are right there with you… Isn’t Paris the most beautiful place?!
Yes Tara -it is!! Happy you enjoyed the shots – there are almost too many great things to share and it was hard to pick
Miss it already!
Ah, Paris! I lived there 5 months, and just thought it was the most amazing place. I’m loving reading about your trip!
Lucky you! I bet it was amazing – you must miss it! So happy you can appreciate it too!