Okay...I realize to some of you who might be reading - that it does not seem that cold but man it was a chilly day today!
We ventured out to take the RER to Versailles and felt the cold wind right away...
We got on the wrong train - but made it there no issues once we got on the right train - had lunch in McDonalds (stop lol) I think it cost us just as much as having lunch in a cafe would have though. Note to self on that one. The kids seemed to enjoy it.
The que was long to get tickets to Versailles but we had Museum passes. Please note that many of the museums are free to students - having said that I was not sure if they would still have to wait in line to get a "ticket" so I went ahead and spent the money on the passes to avoid the line. I am glad I did..the line was long and most likely because it was the day after Christmas the palace was crowded - Have I mentioned I hate crowds?
Okay..moving right along - the French have done something interesting to the amazing paintings and art work in Versailles that I would love to understand more. They have a showing of a "modern" artist that is smack in the middle of almost every exhibit. Color me stupid but I simply did not get it. ?? I will post the photos soon and you can decide??
We ventured through the lovely palace and then onto the gardens which would I am sure be far more enjoyable in weather that was above "feels like 24 degrees" - my face actually felt a little frozen.. yup - seriously.
Max and Anthony wanted to continue on in the gardens - Frank and the girls and I went to a Starbucks (yes, I still love my starbucks even in France) and sat down and warmed up!
Back to the train we went - oh wait - chaos of some sort has ensued... people getting on and off trains - announcements coming in french that we do not understand... ? Tessa states "I feel like I am in the holocaust being shoved around on trains, can we PLEASE take a taxi???" Only my daughter. (another note to self: stop making Tessa study the holocaust perhaps enough is enough)
We finally got home on a VERY crowded standing room only train where *I* started to feel like a cow being herded as well... a French man who reminded me of Steve Buscemi was talking to himself or me. I never did figure it out - but he was VERY amused with himself and often just started laughing..after a while it became down right creepy. He reached into his front pocket and slowly pulled out..... his wallet. LOL Surely it was a gun I thought.
We did manage to make it to our stop all in one piece - although I was not sure where Anthony and Max where - they keep trying to distance themselves from us (gee - surprise in that? 18 year old boys in Paris - not wanting to "be" with the dorky woman who looks like she is 700 pounds in all her layers, the whiny 11 year old who has blood shot eyes - and Frank who looks like the Michelin tire with his puffy jacket...)- Norte Dame - I sent Frank back to the apartment with Tessa (who I forgot to mention had been up since 2:30 am - yes, that is correct - 2:30 am - love Jetlag NOT) Okay..where was I? Oh yes, so I sent Tessa and Frank back while Julianna and I went to a grocery store. This was more of a store then I had been able to find - and less expensive as well. Picked up pasta to make for dinner - stopped at another market for my fresh roasted chicken and then onto the produce. I think this might be what I have enjoyed the most - shopping at the markets! I love it.
Made dinner and had to wake everyone up - literally. Not good. Very cranky family.
They wake up slowly and painfully - I am determinded to not let Tessa go to bed before 8:00 pm or else the saga will continue.
Frank, Anthony and Max are out for the night. As I shared before I am simply not a go out at night kind of gal. I know B-O-R-I-N-G.
The plan tomorrow is to get the girls up and go to breakfast at the place we stayed at on our last trip here - it has the MOST amazing french toast in the world... (I think so!) and then go to the Louve. Afterwards to hit the Christmas market on the Champs-Elysées which is supposed to be there till 12-28.
We are definitely all enjoying the aspect of slower travel. I like having the apartment to spread out in.
I believe we have decided there is enough to do in Paris - so rather then spend the cash on the train tickets to go far away - to enjoy more right here. We shall how that feels on Monday or Tuesday.
Hope everyone had a merry merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Dawn
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Day Paris!
It is definately different to be traveling on Christmas day.
The children never did wake up! Frank went to church this morning again and Notre Dame - I caught up with him when the children still did not wake up - and we went to St. Severin - St. Nicolas - the organ was amazing! I will need to remember to post a photo. It was a beautiful morning but getting chiller.
We headed back to the apartment fully expecting to find the kids up - nope. Frank and napped and hung out a little while till we realized we needed to get them up - a very cranky set of girls - who were not happy we did not wake them up to go to Disneyland in Paris. We finally headed out and took the Metro over to the Eiffel tower. It was very crowded in that area. I was not digging it.
The Latin Quarter where we are staying has a nice feel to it - many different resturants, shops etc. The Eiffel tower was purely tourists and now I remembered why I had the wrong notion from our last trip that the French were rude. No, the tourists are rude! Pushing shoving..geeezz...
I do have a funny tip. You get off the main street and there is a long line to get the tickets and go up the tower. I told the family to wait there and I went off to check out what the situation was. There was a much shorter line not too far away? I stopped at information and asked the nice man what the deal was? Why was online so much shorter? Was it different?
His reponse? Classic " Because people are STUPID, they get off the metro and get in que" LOLOLOL.
Alrighty then. I got the family and we waiting not very long to go up the to second floor. It was fun. :) What a treat - Eiffel tower on Paris. It was also C-O-L-D. The wind had picked up and we were chilled. We hung out long enough to take in the view and the sparkling lights! Yeah!
Hungry - we headed back on the metro towards the Latin Quarter. There are a series of streets that I am sure someone out there knows the name of - cobble stone, with Greek Resturants, shops, etc. Breaking plates and everything! We had an amazing Greek meal - wonderful food and service - OPAH! Music...VERY festive!
I will also add that I have read a lot that it is hard to find a resturant or anything open on Christmas in Paris? Not sure where those people have been but there were many choices for food - many - and even some shops open. I was able to go into one of the small stores by the apartment and get some staples. I will say having 6 persons in the apartment we are powering through things - no costco in sight :).
Frank, the girls and I headed back to the apartment. One aspect that I am certainly not French in is that I like to get up early and honestly come back early. Anthony and his friend Max of course stayed out. I told them that no such luck tomorrow for sleeping in...I am going to wake them up and we are going to Versille.
We meet some charming ladies from Charleston - man they were a hoot! All in the fur coats, I thought they were straight out of the old TV show "Designing Women"! But I am every thankful as they said that Bruge was a must do so now the family is starting to bite... although the lovely dames said it was the "Venice of France" - I gently pointed out it was in Belgum - she waved me off with a swosh of her hands... alrighty then! LOL
I hope each of your Christmas was delightful! I it is just 12:00 noon I think in California - so I pray that you have fabulous days!
au revoir for now!
Dawn
The children never did wake up! Frank went to church this morning again and Notre Dame - I caught up with him when the children still did not wake up - and we went to St. Severin - St. Nicolas - the organ was amazing! I will need to remember to post a photo. It was a beautiful morning but getting chiller.
We headed back to the apartment fully expecting to find the kids up - nope. Frank and napped and hung out a little while till we realized we needed to get them up - a very cranky set of girls - who were not happy we did not wake them up to go to Disneyland in Paris. We finally headed out and took the Metro over to the Eiffel tower. It was very crowded in that area. I was not digging it.
The Latin Quarter where we are staying has a nice feel to it - many different resturants, shops etc. The Eiffel tower was purely tourists and now I remembered why I had the wrong notion from our last trip that the French were rude. No, the tourists are rude! Pushing shoving..geeezz...
I do have a funny tip. You get off the main street and there is a long line to get the tickets and go up the tower. I told the family to wait there and I went off to check out what the situation was. There was a much shorter line not too far away? I stopped at information and asked the nice man what the deal was? Why was online so much shorter? Was it different?
His reponse? Classic " Because people are STUPID, they get off the metro and get in que" LOLOLOL.
Alrighty then. I got the family and we waiting not very long to go up the to second floor. It was fun. :) What a treat - Eiffel tower on Paris. It was also C-O-L-D. The wind had picked up and we were chilled. We hung out long enough to take in the view and the sparkling lights! Yeah!
Hungry - we headed back on the metro towards the Latin Quarter. There are a series of streets that I am sure someone out there knows the name of - cobble stone, with Greek Resturants, shops, etc. Breaking plates and everything! We had an amazing Greek meal - wonderful food and service - OPAH! Music...VERY festive!
I will also add that I have read a lot that it is hard to find a resturant or anything open on Christmas in Paris? Not sure where those people have been but there were many choices for food - many - and even some shops open. I was able to go into one of the small stores by the apartment and get some staples. I will say having 6 persons in the apartment we are powering through things - no costco in sight :).
Frank, the girls and I headed back to the apartment. One aspect that I am certainly not French in is that I like to get up early and honestly come back early. Anthony and his friend Max of course stayed out. I told them that no such luck tomorrow for sleeping in...I am going to wake them up and we are going to Versille
We meet some charming ladies from Charleston - man they were a hoot! All in the fur coats, I thought they were straight out of the old TV show "Designing Women"! But I am every thankful as they said that Bruge was a must do so now the family is starting to bite... although the lovely dames said it was the "Venice of France" - I gently pointed out it was in Belgum - she waved me off with a swosh of her hands... alrighty then! LOL
I hope each of your Christmas was delightful! I it is just 12:00 noon I think in California - so I pray that you have fabulous days!
au revoir for now!
Dawn
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Joyeux Noël!
Merry Merry Christmas!
We had a nice dinner in the apartment. It was rather comical - me trying to figure out the stove etc... sigh. I was wishing once again my Mom was here - as she seems to be able to figure these things out. Do we ever reach an age where "Mom" cannot figure it out? I have a feeling not.
Speaking of my Mom, I am a tiny bit morbid this morning missing family at home. Hope the Christmas Day is lovely for my loved ones not here with us. I got a little weepy yesterday missing Ryan. I saw an Apple store and sort of choked up. Silly what can trigger us!
Anyway - back to the trip... we had the fresh pickings from the market and everything was amazing. I swear the carrots taste better here? Is that possible??? A carrot is a carrot?No?
A lovely bottle of French red wine --- a desert that I am not sure what it is called - some sort of a chocolate roll -- they had so many in the display case at the shop - I just said "That one"!
Off we went to the Notre Dame. Okay... I realize it should have been amazing -right? Notre Dame - Christmas Eve? It was a mad house. We all know I abhor crowds... but we got a seat towards the back at 9:20 (yes, I said 9:20 pm - it was crowded already - long lines) We watched what they called the spectacular. Poor Kids, Poor Frank... I confess it was not spectacular. It was a large power point presentation (yes, big screens just like at SVCC LOL!) What WAS spectacular was the fact that we were in the Notre Dame... it is a fabulous building and I was lulled to sleep by the french words..Tessa, Anthony, Max and I all doozed...sorry. :) Wish I could report different but just keeping it real!
The crowds continued to pour in... sort of pushy - lots of tour buses I think???
The spectacular ended at 11:00 pm and we decided to move out - if it had just been Frank and I we would have stayed but I felt the kids might be passed out cold by that time and so might my bottom! (it was numb from sitting in the chairs with Tessa leaning on me!)
Out into the night we ventured - hot wine for Frank and I (do you see a trend??) and hot chocolate from the street for the not so little ones...
Around midnight I called it a night - with the girls and encouraged Frank and the "boys" to hang out longer if they wanted...but Frank headed back with us and we let the guys out on the streets...oh my. They got home later - I heard them come in..not sure what time??
I have stocking for this morning - I have not heard a noise from the children yet - but did hear them all rustling through out the night..
Speaking of - we are still sort of jet lagged. I know I woke up several times through out the night and so did Frank. Could be the city noise, the apartment has all old wood flooring and if anyone gets up of course I hear it.
Not sure what the day will bring - we have talked about heading out to Disneyland Paris - I really do not want to - we all know that I actually love Disneyland but have not been too keen on spending the time and the money to go HERE when it is 20 minutes from my house in the states..but alas - the girls are dying to go. I am not going to wake them for a while - so we shall see.
I wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior Christ!
Love,
Dawn
We had a nice dinner in the apartment. It was rather comical - me trying to figure out the stove etc... sigh. I was wishing once again my Mom was here - as she seems to be able to figure these things out. Do we ever reach an age where "Mom" cannot figure it out? I have a feeling not.
Speaking of my Mom, I am a tiny bit morbid this morning missing family at home. Hope the Christmas Day is lovely for my loved ones not here with us. I got a little weepy yesterday missing Ryan. I saw an Apple store and sort of choked up. Silly what can trigger us!
Anyway - back to the trip... we had the fresh pickings from the market and everything was amazing. I swear the carrots taste better here? Is that possible??? A carrot is a carrot?No?
A lovely bottle of French red wine --- a desert that I am not sure what it is called - some sort of a chocolate roll -- they had so many in the display case at the shop - I just said "That one"!
Off we went to the Notre Dame. Okay... I realize it should have been amazing -right? Notre Dame - Christmas Eve? It was a mad house. We all know I abhor crowds... but we got a seat towards the back at 9:20 (yes, I said 9:20 pm - it was crowded already - long lines) We watched what they called the spectacular. Poor Kids, Poor Frank... I confess it was not spectacular. It was a large power point presentation (yes, big screens just like at SVCC LOL!) What WAS spectacular was the fact that we were in the Notre Dame... it is a fabulous building and I was lulled to sleep by the french words..Tessa, Anthony, Max and I all doozed...sorry. :) Wish I could report different but just keeping it real!
The crowds continued to pour in... sort of pushy - lots of tour buses I think???
The spectacular ended at 11:00 pm and we decided to move out - if it had just been Frank and I we would have stayed but I felt the kids might be passed out cold by that time and so might my bottom! (it was numb from sitting in the chairs with Tessa leaning on me!)
Out into the night we ventured - hot wine for Frank and I (do you see a trend??) and hot chocolate from the street for the not so little ones...
Around midnight I called it a night - with the girls and encouraged Frank and the "boys" to hang out longer if they wanted...but Frank headed back with us and we let the guys out on the streets...oh my. They got home later - I heard them come in..not sure what time??
I have stocking for this morning - I have not heard a noise from the children yet - but did hear them all rustling through out the night..
Speaking of - we are still sort of jet lagged. I know I woke up several times through out the night and so did Frank. Could be the city noise, the apartment has all old wood flooring and if anyone gets up of course I hear it.
Not sure what the day will bring - we have talked about heading out to Disneyland Paris - I really do not want to - we all know that I actually love Disneyland but have not been too keen on spending the time and the money to go HERE when it is 20 minutes from my house in the states..but alas - the girls are dying to go. I am not going to wake them for a while - so we shall see.
I wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior Christ!
Love,
Dawn
Afternoon December 24
It seems like a very long day today - good but hard to believe it is only 4:20 here... Frank, Julianna and I went out for a while - we never did find a Christmas market :(.
We strolled to the Notre Dame and kept walking over to the ice skating rink - while Anthony, Tessa and Max continuing SLEEPING... hot wine, a sandwich and strolling about...
Now Frank is sleeping and the rest of the natives are getting restless...
Dinner in tonight - whole chickens and fresh produce :)
10:00 pm at the Notre Dame for some sort of celebration? Sounds good.
We strolled to the Notre Dame and kept walking over to the ice skating rink - while Anthony, Tessa and Max continuing SLEEPING... hot wine, a sandwich and strolling about...
Now Frank is sleeping and the rest of the natives are getting restless...
Dinner in tonight - whole chickens and fresh produce :)
10:00 pm at the Notre Dame for some sort of celebration? Sounds good.
The markets!
Good morning! And it is one here.
I fell back to sleep around 3:30 or so and slept till around 9:45 am - all is well - headed out to get something for "provisions" for the next few days. Oh what fun!
Tessa and Anthony were already out and having breakfast - the rest of the crew was sleeping soundly. I enjoyed the crisp (see: cold) morning air and the feeling on the streets. As I explored around I was delighted to find fresh markets already booming... I saw a long line coming out of a bakery and knew that was the place to get my breads. I was certainly intimadated in the line with all the Parisians to say the least. I stumbled slightly forward knowing my one or two french phrases "do you speak english" being one! I realize that it is a small delight but I confess to be thrilled with just walking about and picking up a few things here and there in all the shops.
I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to get all I needed and carry it back myself - so I got enough for breakfast and headed back to the apartment.
There is a code in order to get to in the door of the apartment..well - I kept putting it in to no avail - Tessa and Anthony fortunately strolled up the street and told me I was at the wrong door. Oppsss... I wonder how long that would have taken me to figure out!
Frank and I headed back out - this time with my large tote - NOW I was a real Parisian. Of course I was thrilled as people mistook me in my black slack, sweater and coat for being French :).
Wine is amazing here adn such a fabulous price! I have to say to my Saddleback Staff that might be reading my blog I have never been so thrilled NOT to be on Staff.
Whole chickens, cheese, wine, bread, fruit, sausage... we are set for a few days :).
Now... the issue is that we came back to a sleeping apartment...humm..to let them sleep or not? I think I shall for a while - we are wanting to go to midnight mass this evening so it is most likely a good idea!
Joyeux Noël my friends and family!
I fell back to sleep around 3:30 or so and slept till around 9:45 am - all is well - headed out to get something for "provisions" for the next few days. Oh what fun!
Tessa and Anthony were already out and having breakfast - the rest of the crew was sleeping soundly. I enjoyed the crisp (see: cold) morning air and the feeling on the streets. As I explored around I was delighted to find fresh markets already booming... I saw a long line coming out of a bakery and knew that was the place to get my breads. I was certainly intimadated in the line with all the Parisians to say the least. I stumbled slightly forward knowing my one or two french phrases "do you speak english" being one! I realize that it is a small delight but I confess to be thrilled with just walking about and picking up a few things here and there in all the shops.
I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to get all I needed and carry it back myself - so I got enough for breakfast and headed back to the apartment.
There is a code in order to get to in the door of the apartment..well - I kept putting it in to no avail - Tessa and Anthony fortunately strolled up the street and told me I was at the wrong door. Oppsss... I wonder how long that would have taken me to figure out!
Frank and I headed back out - this time with my large tote - NOW I was a real Parisian. Of course I was thrilled as people mistook me in my black slack, sweater and coat for being French :).
Wine is amazing here adn such a fabulous price! I have to say to my Saddleback Staff that might be reading my blog I have never been so thrilled NOT to be on Staff
Whole chickens, cheese, wine, bread, fruit, sausage... we are set for a few days :).
Now... the issue is that we came back to a sleeping apartment...humm..to let them sleep or not? I think I shall for a while - we are wanting to go to midnight mass this evening so it is most likely a good idea!
Joyeux Noël my friends and family!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
We are here!!!
Well here we are :) We made it! All six of us (including Anthony's friend Max)... It is 3:15 am and I should really be sleeping but thought I would update first.
We got through LAX no issues at all - were assigned our seats (as some of you know we had NO seats thank you Orbtiz) I was very concerned about our tickets as there had been also been ongoing issues - nothing - no problems!
We saw Collin Farrel at the airport and the kids thought that was oh too cool.
AirFrance was fabulous - two meals - all the movies you can watch - We slept on and off through most of the flight. Even Tessa who hates to fly and does not sleep on planes - Tylenol PM and she was OUT.
Upon arrival in this beautiful city we cruised through customs, and got our bags - caught up with Max no real issues. He had a much longer day then us going from LAX to JFK to LHR to Paris. The drive to our apartment took longer then I recalled from our last visit here - lots of traffic - we landed at 5:15 and did not get to our apartment till around 8:00 pm or so.
Quick (as if anything with 6 people can be quick?) unpacking and off to explore. The weather was fabulous last night - clear and cool. Could not be nicer! Hope it stays like that but I imagine that might be too much to ask for :).
Strolled the streets and found a lovely corner cafe - it was yummy! The best part? The wine! Oh my - a carafe of wine for around 15.00 dollars? Love that!!
Then off for crepes from the street! Nuttella and bananas..not sure that is fair!
Everyone has been so helpful, charming and kind.
A fine start to our holiday!
Now..I should get off to try to sleep. Tomorrow morning is Christmas Eve here - we are going to the Christmas markets and then the Notre Damn which is within walking distance from our apartment.
Merry Christmas to all!
Love,
Frank, Dawn and all the kids!
We got through LAX no issues at all - were assigned our seats (as some of you know we had NO seats thank you Orbtiz) I was very concerned about our tickets as there had been also been ongoing issues - nothing - no problems!
We saw Collin Farrel at the airport and the kids thought that was oh too cool.
AirFrance was fabulous - two meals - all the movies you can watch - We slept on and off through most of the flight. Even Tessa who hates to fly and does not sleep on planes - Tylenol PM and she was OUT.
Upon arrival in this beautiful city we cruised through customs, and got our bags - caught up with Max no real issues. He had a much longer day then us going from LAX to JFK to LHR to Paris. The drive to our apartment took longer then I recalled from our last visit here - lots of traffic - we landed at 5:15 and did not get to our apartment till around 8:00 pm or so.
Quick (as if anything with 6 people can be quick?) unpacking and off to explore. The weather was fabulous last night - clear and cool. Could not be nicer! Hope it stays like that but I imagine that might be too much to ask for :).
Strolled the streets and found a lovely corner cafe - it was yummy! The best part? The wine! Oh my - a carafe of wine for around 15.00 dollars? Love that!!
Then off for crepes from the street! Nuttella and bananas..not sure that is fair!
Everyone has been so helpful, charming and kind.
A fine start to our holiday!
Now..I should get off to try to sleep. Tomorrow morning is Christmas Eve here - we are going to the Christmas markets and then the Notre Damn which is within walking distance from our apartment.
Merry Christmas to all!
Love,
Frank, Dawn and all the kids!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
oh boy... leaving tomorrow...
Well folks - it has been a while since I wrote. Off we go to Paris tomorrow!
I have my normal pre-trip anxiety setting in - I am packed (pretty much) Insisted the family pack already as well.
Shooting Star Limo is picking us up and off we go to LAX - we are getting there early was we have a seat situation on Airfrance (see: have only middle seats) ...
I am wondering what this wild weather all over the country will do to our flights if anything.
We are flying direct into Paris - from Lax - we arrive on December 23 at 5:30 pm.
We are meeting Anthony's friend Max at the airport in Paris. His flight is on AA and is going from LAX to Chicago (do we have a GROAN???) Chicago to LHR then onto Paris...:)
Off to our apartment for 10 fabulous nights!
I will update during the trip - Frank has his laptop!!
Merry Christmas to all!!
I have my normal pre-trip anxiety setting in - I am packed (pretty much) Insisted the family pack already as well.
Shooting Star Limo is picking us up and off we go to LAX - we are getting there early was we have a seat situation on Airfrance (see: have only middle seats) ...
I am wondering what this wild weather all over the country will do to our flights if anything.
We are flying direct into Paris - from Lax - we arrive on December 23 at 5:30 pm.
We are meeting Anthony's friend Max at the airport in Paris. His flight is on AA and is going from LAX to Chicago (do we have a GROAN???) Chicago to LHR then onto Paris...:)
Off to our apartment for 10 fabulous nights!
I will update during the trip - Frank has his laptop!!
Merry Christmas to all!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)