The Move is Upon Us!

We finally made it.

We have the keys, the apartment is painted, and somewhat clean… and we are officially here. Today we moved out of the Airbnb, and tomorrow the movers arrive bright and early.

We’re excited — and slightly nervous — about the arrival of our stuff. Honestly, I have no idea how or where it will all fit. But just having more than a suitcase of clothes per person and a bag of toys for the kids will be a major upgrade for everyone.

As for the apartment — it’s great. It’s no house, but compared to the cramped Airbnb, it feels downright palatial. I’m typing this from a couch instead of a bed, which feels like a luxury.

The next few days are sure to be chaotic. The movers will be hoisting a 20-ft cargo container’s worth of belongings up the side of the building using an external elevator (yes, outside the building — can’t wait to see that circus). Then we’ll begin the not-so-small task of unpacking… about 200 boxes. Give or take 10.

New Wheels, New Adventures

Outside the move, there’s another exciting development: we each got new e-bikes! They arrive this weekend and will open up a whole new side of Paris for us to explore. We’re really looking forward to that.

A Parisian Rescue Mission

Now yesterday came with high adventure for Hailey and the kids.

The day started off as any normal Paris day does for me. The kids and Hailey however planned to go to Disneyland so they could get the “wiggles” out, and avoid the apartment to try to keep it clean. 

Well things took an interesting turn when I received a text at around 10 am from Hailey… “I have the most insane story to tell you”

What happened next would probably cause most to panic/faint/give up—or all three. However, Hailey and the kids came out on top and made it to Disney for a fun-filled day.

You see, our Airbnb had an electric self-locking door. We have an app on our phone to let us in; Hailey also carries a backup key in a crossbody bag (along with other valuables to ward off pickpockets). In the shuffle of her and the kids getting ready, she took the crossbody off along with her phone right before going outside. As she started to load up the kids, panic set in, realizing what just happened… There she was—door locked, no keys, no phone, no way to contact me, no idea how to get to my office, no money no French… In the bag also happened to be the Disneyland passes. So they were as stuck as one could be.

She raced downstairs to talk to the Gardien , or apartment manager, only to remember he speaks all of zero English. As she got down, he was not there… but instead of panicking, she did what anyone would do: try to pick the lock… no luck.

Option 1… wait 8 hours for me to get home from work
Option 2… go back down and find a way

So she prayed. Prayed for help. Prayed they could find a way back in.

To her amazement, the Gardien was down stairs with a group of people who happened to speak English. Prayers answered. Words were exchanged, glances given, pointing pointed. The gardien ran off and a few minutes later came back with a ladder. He then, in a move much like Spiderman, scaled the wall to the small balcony on the 3rd floor (American 4th floor—buildings start at 0 here) Luckily for us, the high-speed air conditioning seal I made let him slip right in the building and unlock the door.

Not all heroes wear capes, and this day the gardien was Hailey and the kids’ hero.

As I sat reading this, I was blown away… and not only that, proud that she persevered and still trekked on to Disneyland with the kids! They ended up having a great day at the park and topped it off with Mickey pizzas.

What an adventure! And now the adventure continues from our new apartment in Paris.