It’s true…
Mar 2nd, 2009 by rgolbourn
…the best gifts really do come in small boxes.
Well,
Where to begin? First of all, I want to say that I had the most wonderful time in Paris at the weekend. The weather on Saturday was fantastic. I was on the top of the Eiffel tower in just a t-shirt and a baggy short sleeved jumper, it was so warm. It was a little colder on Sunday but we still enjoyed a tour of Paris on one of those open top buses and it was a great way to do a bit of sight seeing. We visited the Notre Dame and also the Louvre (although I could easily have spent longer in both places!).
But the best bit was on Saturday evening. To set the scene: I had been told that the trip was as a result of a buy one get one free offer on lastminute.com. My sister Adele and her friend Paula had been sent an email saying that if one couple paid for travel, one night’s accomodation and a meal that another could get it all totally free. We only had two weeks notice but it was enough time and the best bit was that Damian and I only had to take spending money because everything else was paid for.
Fast forward to Satuday night. We got a taxi from the hotel (with my excellent French skills coming to the fore with the driver!) to the Seine as the meal was going to be on board a boat. We had all dressed up a bit as it was our first time in Paris and we wanted to make an effort but none of us, or so I thought, expected it to be that posh because it had been a last minute deal. When we got there, it was amazing. All the tables were laid out beautifully, the lighting was perfect and there was a live band and a singer. The food was lovely. I had scallops with leek and truffles for my starter followed by sea bass, a cheese board and a chocolate praline dessert. Just before the main course, Damian pulled a little box out of his jacket pocket, presented me with a beautiful diamond ring and asked my to marry him! And I said yes!
So, we are now officially engaged and getting married in the spring next year. Afterwards, I realised how many signs there had been that he would propose but it was still a total surprise. For example, as soon as I heard about the ‘deal’ (which of course didn’t exist and Damian had spent months planning it and paying for it!!), I immediately pointed out that Damian had always wanted to be the first to take me to Paris and I thought he would object to somebody else doing it instead but he seemed strangley compliant! Also, he was really uptight and, at times, grumpy when we were travelling there on Saturday to the point when I snapped at him to lighten up. Now, I understand he was just nervous. It was also really sweet to learn that he had booked tickets in advance for us to get into the Louvre to avoid queueing, only for us to find out that it is free entry for eveyone on the first Sunday of the month! Still, the tickets didn’t have a date on so we can use them another time.
So, that was my weekend and we are both very happy now. I hope everything is going equally well for everyone else.
xx
congratulations. paris sounds very fancy indeed. and well done to damian for the planning
WOW!!! Robyn!!!! Congratulations! Wow, that is soo sweet and romantic and I cannot believe you’re getting married next year….. whoa…I remember when we used to talk about driving lessons every Tues lunch (or was it weds?) and used to sing Blondie in triple chem….
Best of luck with planning it all…And you said you werent grown up because you didn’t drink coffee and I did when we met up…..
Lol, think you’ve got a bit of a touche going on there.
I’m really happy for you Robyn, sounds like the best weekend trip ever!
Congratulatory hugs
xxxxx
(One way, or another….) :music: :music:
!
!
I had a sneaky suspicion when you mentioned that you and Damian were going to France to be honest. But it wasn’t a real suspicion! Just a.. well.. I’m babbling now.
Congratulations indeed! I think you’ve got a bloody busy year ahead of you! A fun busy year! Wow! Crikey!
There was me thinking I was grown up for keeping a house plant…
:3 <3
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! The whole Paris trip sounds so romantic. I hope you have the most beautiful wedding.
wow robyn that does sound like a pretty amazing weekend! congratulations, you must be so happy :happy: I had my suspicions too when you said you were going to paris! wonderful news, lots of love xxxxxxxxx
Thank you all!
Toby: Damian was very sweet. It was obvious how much effort had gone into it. He didn’t get any of the credit though until Saturday as I had no idea he was behind it all (really, no idea!). But he is the (self-appointed) master of surprise.
Tammy: Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself! The time has just gone so fast! I still remember singing Blondie and panicking about driving lessons. It does all seem terribly grown-up especially when you start talking about mortgages etc.
John: Yes a very busy (and expensive!) year ahead. So much to do, so much to think about!!
Rosie: It was very romantic especially because I could see how much thought had gone into it. He picked my ring out himself which is just lovely- the sort I would have picked myself. I’m sure we will have a lovely day. It seems so far off but no doubt it will come round quickly.
Soph: I am very very happy :happy: It seems like such a big move to make when we’re both still so young but we’ve known each other for a long time now and have every reason to be happy together. It was a really amazing weekend- one which I will never forget.
Holy crap! Congratulations! I am in shock! And cannot stop exclaiming!
I am most happy for you
it sounds like it was beautiful and…wow 
…WOW *hugs*
Congratulations, sounds like you had an excellent night. Engagement AND scallops.
Mima: I cannot stop exclaiming either! I’m turning into Tom Chambers!! (did you know he was married?!
). It was really wonderful. I was shell shocked myself for most of the night but it’s had time to sink in now and I’ve just been going round with a huge grin on my face.
Adam: I know- it’s a toughie to decide which was the more memorable!