Thursday, October 14, 2010

~Epilogue~

It is my custom, at the end of each trip, to write a summary, a reflection.

Without a doubt, these two and a half weeks in Paris were the least stressful of our 3 trips.  As usual, by the 2 week point we were ready to be home.  I missed Raji, we never had been away from him for more than just a couple days; the comfort of my own space and my recliner.  But after a day back, I was missing Paris;  a pain au chocolat (or any other French pastry), the beautiful architecture, the manners of the people, wearing a scarf (and trying to find new ways to tie it), the parks, the river, the practicality, finding something new each day, taking pictures, going to the boulangerie every day for our fresh pastries, not having to drive.   How perfect it would be to have an apt in Paris and run off every couple months!!!

This visit went smoother because we knew more, had seen all the crowded touristy sites, were not trying to follow an itinerary and were making our days shorter (and easier) by taking our time getting out in the morning and coming home to rest in the afternoon.  I had the energy to do it and I didn't hurt myself in the process.  Taking a day off was a very good idea too!

Having family to visit and have lunch & dinner with was definitely a big PLUS.  We don't see Dick and Judy very often, so this visit was a particularly special time.  The tours that they planned for us and the day at the Chateau de Chantilly were highlights of our trip.  We were very excited when we found out that Judy got a promotion and that they will be staying in Paris another 2 years.  We know we will be going back.

I packed way too much~I always do.  You'd think I'd have that figured out by now.  I think I must be prepared for anything.  If we knew about the weather in advance, it sure would make deciding what to take alot easier.  I didn't really need 6 pairs of pants!!  That was really dumb.  And, I learned never, never, never take pants without pockets.  For me, pockets are crucial!  My camera is pocket sized, I need that handy place to stow it. The best piece of clothing I packed was the "last minute" sweater I found at Ross.  It was a "tweedy" gray-black, went with everything, draped beautifully and was some sort of blend, so that I could roll it up and stuff it in my bag if it was too warm; it never looked "slept in".

We spent less money this trip, came back with more and never used the credit card.  How nice is that!
We bought our euros before we left and sold them back when we returned (for a little profit).  We took enough money with us so that we were able to pay for everything.  We tried to eat our large meal at lunch, when meals are cheaper.  The big money saver was not taking any professional tours.  We had hoped to go to Rouen, by train but did not; and Monsieur Richard drove us to Chantilly.  Those tours can eat big chunks of  your budget.  I'm not belittling the tours, it's just that none were on the agenda this time. ( I didn't think I could sit in a tour bus for as long as necessary.)

After reviewing my "itinerary guide book", I was quite surprised to find that we saw less than half of what I had planned.  I didn' t feel like we were missing anything while in Paris, our days were always full.  So, now my guide book is ready for the next trip....this is a good and a bad thing.  The downside is that I LOVE  planning each trip; "going to Paris" each night to find some new place to eat or visit or shop.   Well, I'll  just do it anyway!

We kept commenting about how much we preferred the Left Bank to the Right, but in actuality, there was a lot to do on the Right and it didn't seem like we used the Metro as much.  There are still places on my itinerary that we didn't see and I was disappointed not to have gone to the organ concert when St. Eustache was right across the street.  The Left Bank is less frenetic,  more sedate (if you rule out the base of the Eiffel Tower.)  But it is harder to find a reasonably priced apt. with all of our "requirements".  It was a BIG plus being so close to the #1 Metro line which runs along the Right Bank.

The journal I kept was not written very well.  It was obvious that I was really tired when writing; my heart wasn't into it.  There were none of the details that I usually include...perhaps I thought all those photos would provide the details.  But I did keep a more accurate account of where and what we ate.  And I always keep a good tally of expenditures.  When I saw how much I spent on postcards and postage last trip, I decided that I'd definitely cut that down on this one!  (It was hard though...the postcards were so cute and creative.)

It was a wonderful trip and we've already decided that we are going back, perhaps next year.

          "Paris is always a good idea."

Just A Few More Photos~

This is the last post of Paris Encore...our 2010 trip to Paris.  This is so sad and a little traumatic.  I don't want to leave.

So here at a few more photos~  

Architecture
I love the architecture.  In Paris the architecture is so diverse, there always seems to be a surprise around the corner.  This is a skinny, triangular building~a beautiful sliver of stone.  I was standing on the edge of the sidewalk trying to capture the right angle, when a couple walked by.  The woman looked back to see what I was shooting and stopped.  She was going to take a picture too, but then the man waved her off  with a look of disgust....like are you crazy that's nothing but a building.
You can see that they are doing some constructual work;
there are nets along the bottom to keep any debris from hitting the ground.
Woody noticed the next building while we were eating lunch on the Blvd Italienne, after our Galeries Lafayette adventure.   The building is covered in "roses".  He noticed that. It was so large and, again, one of those triangular shaped buildings.  It wasn't easy getting a good shot of this.  If the photo had been in better focus, I could have zoomed in and shown the details. (I think I need more practice.)



I like the symmetry of this row of buildings.  It was somewhere near the Ile de la Cite.  These are Left Bank structures.  I love this about Paris.  These buildings are hundreds of years old and they not only are still standing but are absolutely lovely and lived in.

Just opposite  St. Eustache in Les Halles was this building.  We aren't sure if it was part of the adjacent hotel or not.  It's beautiful and all that light ( it faces east)!  Notice all the terrace gardens.




This Moroccan restaurant was tucked away in the area near the Palais Royal. Everything about this building is stunning!!! The tile on the facade, the lattice window coverings, the scroll-like entry gate and window coverings and intricate mosaic work; just like the Mosque de Paris~


TOURS
There are many ways to see Paris.
On a bike tour, or a Segway tour (I wasn't fast enough to catch a photo of that.)
(Honestly, I don't have the guts to put myself into French traffic.)



Or a 2CV tour...these classic Ctiroens would be a great way to see the sites.
The opening in the roof makes it so easy to look up.
This was on "my list" but ....next time!


The Batobus
The Batobus makes 7 stops along the Seine, all at popular tourist sites. You buy an all
day ticket, then you can "hop on & hop off" whenever you want.  It's a good way to get
around and you see the river view too.  This is the stop at the Eiffel Tower.
And of course there are walking tours...for every area of the city or topic of interest!
Some are even free!



A special sight.
This is a special photo.  We were walking passed the Notre Dame and the Japanese bride and groom and photographer were coming the other way.  What a little angel she was. 
She hiked up her gown and stepped into the garden,
ignoring the sign:ne pas marcher sur la pelouse
I wrote a Haiku:
Graceful and dainty,
in the Notre Dame garden~
a Japanese bride.


I showed you the Art Nouveau Metro entrance at Abbesses in Montmartre.
This is the fun, glitzy and crafty looking entrance at the Palais Royal.
It looks like 2 royal crowns.

I apologize that these photos aren't clearer.
  There was so much going on and it was so crowded and the lighting is terrible and.......


Street Entertainers
What a great group of men.  You heard the singing, echoing through the Metro hallways long before you saw them.  I love the street entertainers....playing for your pleasure and generosity. 
I absolutely added to the hat!
I went back and recorded about 45 seconds of music on the camera
 but I can't figure out how to add a sound bite to a photo. (something else to learn)


On my birthday, while sitting in the cafe, sipping my hot chocolat, this group of strolling troubadors passed by; very colorful, with mandolins, guitars, even a bass.  We heard them later singing to the people waiting in line to enter St. Chapelle.   Perfect Paris Delight!


Our apartment lift...
it says "for 3 persons".
Not if one of them is claustrophobic.
We had to "plan the logistics"
when loading 2 large and 2 small pieces of luggage!

And for our "peace of mind" there was this large sign on the wall of the elevator.
"For your comfort and security, this lift is monitored 24 hours a day by the Kone service center."
In case you become trapped between floors:

1.  "Tranquillisez-vous" 
                                                                                ~right, remain calm.

We got a lot of laughs from that phrase; especially when driving in the "rush hour traffic" or getting lost in St. Denis on the way to the Chateau de Chantilly.



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Woody is SO patient~

While I was taking those 1568 photos, Woody did a lot of waiting.
This is the garden of Cours des Reines, after leaving the Petit Palais.
  And, I joined him on the bench!


Along the Quai d'Orsay......I was taking all those pictures of the bateaux mouches
 and the Alexander III bridge.



He would usually be at least a half a block ahead of me when walking along the Seine and browsing at the bouquinistes............


Here is in the park along the Champs Elysees.  I was trying to take the surreptious photo of the Embassy.


While I was taking photos of all the architectural details of the courtyard at the Musee de l'Armee....Woody was patiently waiting.....


Here we are in the Jardin des Plantes....again, I had to "catch up" with him.  I was taking photos of dahlias and morning glories...he just keeps walking.....



In the Petit Palais.   I was probably taking a photo of the incredible mosiac floor that he pointed out....


Again in the garden at the Petit Palais....                                                         


Ah, waiting for the elevator in the apt. building.  When you are on the 6th floor, you wait a lot!!!
Actually, he would usually walk down and I would be the one waiting for the elevator.


At the Tuileries gardens.   He really does see the sites....   I just like to take photos of everything!

Another photo in the Champs Elysees garden.  I thought these little Yorkies were so cute.





Honestly, I don't think he's waiting here.
  I think he is definitely resting his feet.  It was a long day of walking!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Au revoir Paris~

Wednesday, September 22nd, our last day in Paris....

We don't have anything planned for today.  I have everything sorted and ready to pack.  We have a meeting with Frederic, the PariStay agent, this afternoon.  Since we have to leave early in the morning, he is coming to do the final walk through and paperwork today.  I'm a little concerned about getting to the airport tomorrow...there is another general strike planned.  Frederic assured us that the driver would be on time.

Since I didn't take many photos today, I thought I'd share a few "miscellaneous" photos that I've taken....

                                                                       SHOES
Do you know ANY man who would wear these???
Velvet with rhinestones.

A bridal shop.

The 7 inch heels....Christian Louboutin

More  Christian Louboutin

And one more.....

How do you like these little fur numbers?

Nike display..what color is your favorite?

                                                                      MOTORCYCLES

PINK.

RED.

FOR TWO.

CARAFE d'EAU
When ordering lunch or dinner and you want water~tap water is free and just as good as the expensive bottled kind.  A better reason to get it is to see what kind of a container it will be served in.  Honestly I think if you went to every restaurant,cafe or bistro in Paris, the water would be served in a bottle of different shape, size or color!



I really wish I had taken a photo of every one we were served!!


We decided to take a walk down to the river, go to the Pont des Arts
 and watch the Eiffel Tower "light show"~I never get enough of seeing the
 tower burst alive in sparkling lights.
The evening was warm~perfect.

You can see the row of spotlights on the bateaux mouche.
They light up everything as they pass.

The Quai Voltaire lit up at night.

Next visit we are going to the Eiffel Tower and watch the "light show".


Tomorrow we leave early in the morning. This has been a trip that will long be remembered. 

Au revoir Paris~Jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrons encore.

Foiled Again~

Only two days left....

We must get the last of the "souvenirs" and we want to return to the Minerology Museum at the Jardin des Plantes.  We went there last time, but none of my photos turned out.  Now that I have a camera that does better in low light, we wanted to see it all again.

To get to the Jardin des Plantes, we decided to walk along the river on the Quai de Tournelle.  There is a path with gardens and sculpture~it will be our "something new" today.
We started near the Notre Dame.
 Looking back to the Ile St.Louis.


Most of the sculpture was abstract..and most was vandalized with grafitti.


This is such a quiet peaceful walk.  We didn' t see very many people at all.

 As with all the other garden areas, the flowers were very colorful.

 In no time we were at the riverside entrance to the Jardin des Plantes.  This was such an easy way to get here.  If you go through the Latin Quarter it is all uphill!

There is a very small zoo.

The last time we were here it was May and the gardens were blooming prolifically~
especially the rose garden.
Fall really isn't the best time if you want to see flowers.

There were some dahlias.

When we got up to the Museum entrance where you buy tickets the door was locked.  Read the sign, open every day except Tuesday.   Today is Tuesday.  Then we walked over to the Minerology Museum...big sign on the door, closed for "travaux"...they're working on it.  We wouldn't have seen it even if it wasn't Tuesday.      Recalculate the plan.

We decided to walk over to rue Mouffetard, a pedestrian street with lots of shops and restaurants.  It was about time for lunch.   We passed the Mosque de Paris.  We went to the Mosque the last time we were here. It is a beautiful, serene place.  (Click on the link to see photos.)

About a block from the Mosque we came upon this little shop that sold Moroccan items.

It was small and very dark inside.  Woody said let's go in.  (Woody and his family lived in Morocco for 4 years when he was a teen.)  This shop was incredible, like an exotic bazaar...or what I imagine a bazaar would be like.

These lamps were beautiful!

As well as the hanging ones.

The earthenware was so colorful....we did buy a plate.

After we got home, I wished I had bought one of these lamps.

Our plate...it goes with my dining room color scheme.

 It's time for lunch!


 I had the french onion soup and  tomato & mozzarella salad.
Woody had his favorite beef burgundy.

We found  Le Grenier.  We ate here the last time we were in Paris and it was really good. When we checked the menu, the had Boeuf Bourginon~Woody has had a craving for this ever since we got here.

After lunch we walked leisurely back to rue du Louvre, stopping in several shops along the way.
When we reached the Seine, we walked along the river to browse the bouquinistes.  They sell mostly old books and tourist stuff but sometimes you come across something different or interesting.




It was a good day...a walking day~we didn't use the Metro at all. 

 I have to think about packing now......