To say that Jade is excited to be here might be a teeny understatement.

After two very long days of travel, Jade from Kingston, Ontario and me from Quebec City, Quebec, we are finally in Paris. We arrived without incident, on two separate direct flights from Montreal, and jumped right in to the best that Paris has to offer. We’ve only got one day here, so we wanted to make the best of it.

We visited Pere Lachaise Cemetery, where Jim Morrison and Chopin are both buried. An interesting musical dichotomy. Jade has always wanted to visit Mr. Morrison’s grave, and when I was here last time I wished for her very hard when I stood there. What a delight to return with my friend and walk, arm and arm, through the cobbled paths and shaded alleys of the famous cemetery and wonder at the unexpected twists life takes.

We walked to Notre Dame from there. We wanted to begin our pilgrimage by lighting candles in Paris’ most famous cathedral, and so we did.

This is Jade’s first international trip since she was a child and the excitement and drama of launching has taken it’s toll. She made it almost to 8:30 p.m. before she hit the hay and she’s slumbering lightly in the bed next to me now.

Can I just say that I’m humbled by her request to accompany her on a quest that has so much personal meaning for her? To be offered the privilege of attending someone’s first big adventure is an awfully generous gift and one that I’m treasuring deeply.

There will be lots of stories and adventures to share, but for now, here are some photos from our first day in Paris.