Sunday at Versailles

We got up early and tried to get to Versailles first thing. The first minor problem was the bus we were going to take does not run on Sunday so we had to walk a few streets over and catch a different bus. Then we got to the RER (train station) and it appeared to be closed. So we sat on a bench for a few minutes. I finally asked a worker in my very bad French and turns out we were just at a closed entrance - the rest of the train station was open.

We got to our train and to Versailles with little problems. As we were walking towards the chateau, Lori spotted a hop on and off bus. So we went for it. It was an open air bus. Thank goodness the weather was good - it was sunny finally! We got a short tour of Versailles which turns out to be a really cute town. There is an open Sunday market which looks good. Everything is pretty close together.

The little bus dropped us off at the entrance and we got in line. We waited for 30 minutes only to find out we did not need to wait. We had a museum pass for the chateau and we just needed to buy tickets to the gardens (usually it is free but they were running the fountains and music) and the Grand Trianon (which we found out is covered by the museum pass).

We headed to the gardens. They were playing classical music and all the fountains were going. It was sunny and getting warm and pretty amazing. We walked all over, through different little gardens. We stopped and had lunch in one of the gardens.

Then we headed to the Domain Marie Antoinette which was the house that Marie and hubby lived in until the Revolution. Marie also built a little hamlet and played a commoner in the hamlet. There was a beautiful theater and all types of buildings.

After the Petit Trianon and the hamlet, Lori and I separated - I went to the Grand Trianon and toured that and then I went back to the gardens and took more pictures of the fountains.

A few photos from Le Cordon Bleu

Day 4 - Lori the chef

Lori headed off very early for her cooking school. She will be adding to the blog to tell about her day. I slept until late then decided to do one of the Paris walks. It was not raining (first day since we got here).

I walked over to the Eiffel Tower which had these huge lines that wrapped around and around and around. Glad I was not in them. Ugh. I walked over to the Trocadero and took some picture of the Eiffel Tower and the crowds. Then I walked, walked and walked. I found a Saturday market. The Parisians take their markets really serious. I did not pull out my camera - too many people and too much going on.

I then passed the memorial to Princess Diana (near where she was killed). Then I walked back to the apt where I met my little French teacher. When we were half way thru our lesson, Lori came back.

After our lesson, we went for dinner in a little Greek place on the Rue Cler. Then we braved the madness of the supermarche for some staples. We made it an early night - Versailles tomorrow!

Day 3 - Lots of museums

We woke up to pouring rain - yes, it feels like Washington!

We headed out to see the little short dictator's tomb. Lori wanted to see his stuffed horse but it was closed. The church where Napolean is buried is pretty amazing - very ornate. It sure belies the thought that he was for the people - everywhere you look there is gold, marble and just as much over the top stuff as the kings. Hmmm....

Napolean's final resting place

The alter in the church where Nap I is buried

We walked thru the tomb area and guess what - we got separated! Yes we went 2 different diretions. We ended up finding each other outside.

We decided to bag the rest of the military museum and go to the Rodin Museum which is about 2 blocks away. It has beautiful gardens and fromt the gardens you can see the steeple of Invalides. The Thinker and the Gates of Hell were in the gardens. Rain and all we walked around and saw a number of statues.

The Thinker in the Rodin Museum Garden

The Gates of Hell

When it really started raining, we went inside and saw The Kiss and then some of Camille Claudel's sculputure. It was crowded but a good stop.

The Rodin Museum House from the gardens

We went back to the apartment where I met my French teacher who turned out to be a man (don't worry, I could take him - he's about 5'3", 100 lbs and narrower shoulders than me - thank you, Greg). Lori went and browsed around the Rue Cler and I went with Stephano to a coffee shop where we worked on my lousy French.

After my class Lori and I decided to go to the Louvre. It is open until 9:45pm. Before we went we tried calling our spouses but since I had figured the time change wrong, they were already at work. We got on the bus (we have now figured it out) and rode right to the Louvre. We did a "2 chicks in Paris" picture right in front of the pyramid. Of course, it was raining and cold but by now I had 3 shirts and a jacket on.

We rented those tape things to tell us all about the art. Our first stop was the history of the Louvre which was closed. Then we went to the oldest section of the Louvre. After that we went up to Napolean III's apartment which was across in the Richeleiu section.

Napolean III's apartments

After that, we decided to head to the crown jewels and guess what - we lost each other! I thought Lori went into the bathroom so I waited for about 15 minutes before I figured out she was not there. She had gotten onto the escalator and was looking for me across the reception area in the entrance to the Denon wing. When I could not find her, I figured we would eventually hook up so I went to see Mona and the crown jewels. I also listened to part of my DaVinci Code walk.

When I was done, I went back to the place where I had rented my audio tour. I figured I would wait for Lori there. Lo and behold, she had just gotten there and was waiting for me. She had done the same thing - went to the crown jewels and Mona Lisa. I think we probably walked right past each other.


We went to Starbucks at the Louvre for a raw muffin and coffees. Then we called our husbands from the Louvre telephones (here that, guys!). By now, it was closing time. So we left and headed to the bus stop.

Our final adventure begins here - a very nice Parisian woman told us our bus stopped running about 30 minutes before we got there. So we decided on a cab and we began walking to try and find a cab. We walked to the other side of the Seine River but could not find a cab anywhere. I tried my French on a bartender who told us the taxi stand was 10 minutes away. So we continued walking and did finally find a taxi ten minutes away.

Our taxi driver spoke no english but did speak Spanish so I was able to get enough information to him to get us home. I was also able to find out where Lori would catch a cab the next morning for her cooking class.

The Louvre thru the pyramid as we were leaving

Day 2 - The Segway Tour

Well - Day 2 was certainly an adventure. We started off with heading towards the center of Paris - Il de la Cite. We stopped at a small cafe on the right bank of the Seine River and had a morning coffee. Then we went into the Conciegerie and saw where Marie Antoinette spent her last days in prison.

Conciergie Main Hall

Then we walked over to Sainte Chapelle which is a small church in the center of the Conciergerie which has the most incredible stain glass windows which all of the old testament books are recorded on.

Next stop was the crypt at the Notre Dame - which is just the old portion of the original building along with the Roman ruins of Paris. We walked inside Notre Dame which was way too crowded (like usual) and went into the Treasury. We were hoping to see the crown of thorns (allegedly) which St. Louis the King of France bought for 130,000 pds (wonder what today's numbers that would be) which turned out to be fake. They only bring the thing out on Good Friday so all we saw was a bunch fancy church vestaments and someone's thigh bone (couldn't tell who's it was - St. Louis probably paid too much for that one also and was just too embarassed to admit he had been taken another time). Next stop was lunch in a too expensive tourist trap where some American told the waiter "Hasta la vista" (is that French?).

We stopped a very nice park in the back of the Notre Dame. We did a photo op (yes, Doug, there is someone as crazy as me regarding photo ops).

After lunch we headed to the Deportation Memorial which has 200,000 crystals for all the people who were deported by the Nazi's (Jews, Jehovah Witnesses, resistance fighters, gays, mental ill, etc). Very touching.

Then over to the Ile St. Louis (where we were supposed to stay until the other company cancelled our apt), stopping at a little park. We then headed over to Berthillon for ice cream and boy, was it GREAT ice cream! We are coming back for more.

one of the many little (and expensive shops) on the Ile St. Louis

2 chicks in Paris in front of the Shakespeare Book Co.

We headed over to the Quartier Latin and the Shakespeare Book Co where we did "the 2 chicks in Paris" picture. It started to sprinkle and get a bit chilly.

Our next adventure was the bus. Lori decided she liked the bus better so we decided to try the bus. The first bus was fine and the right one. The second bus was the wrong direction so we only went 2 stops. The third bus was not only right but got us back to the Rue Cler. By then it was raining.

Our next adventure was the evening Segway tour. As you all know, these are 2-wheeled upright scooters. Talk about fun! There was 8 people in our group along with a guide - 2 young couple, me and Lori, and 40 something Italian couple. The guide takes each person individually and works with them on stopping and turning. I almost ran over the guide (not a good start). Lori did really well. Our guide was a really cute girl from Texas named Emily.

Then we headed onto the streets of Paris after practicing for 20 or 30 minutes. By then, it was pretty easy and the things fly. My Segway kept pushing back into me and I would have to slow down (later Emily told us our Segways were on the beginner mode and there was a speed limit which was slow us down if we got going too fast). There was one point where we had to jockey for position and make a left turn with the Parisian drivers. It was certainly a challenge.

We went to through the streets (and sidewalks) of Paris to see Invalides, the Place de Concorde, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a few other places I forgot. Half way thru the tour, Emily took the speed control off our Segways and we could really rip! It was raining and cold but what a hoot. Lori and I locked wheels one time as we were goofing around. I came pretty close to a motorcycle one time which I think Lori got on video. One Parisian taxi almost pasted the Italian woman even tho she was in the crosswalk. Emily was yelling at him but she was okay.

We got back to the City Tour shop about 9:30. It was really raining by now and we were cold. We tried finding a taxi but never did - we walked the entire way home. We did stop and have a hot chocolate once we got back to warm us up.

The Segway Tour was one of the funnest things I have ever done. I did not hit anything or back into anything. I would do it again in a minute.

Adventures in Travel 101

We made it to Paris!!!! There were a few minor adventures but nothing of any consequence







Our flight from Seattle to JFK was a bit late which made our connection dicey but we made it. When the bags came out, we could not find ours but it turned out the baggage handlers put it somewhere else (no I did not meltdown - ask Lori - I was quite calm). Then we lost each other in the Paris airport for about 45 minutes. Since we do not have cell phones to call each other, I was a bit worried. I didn't think I could call Gary 4,000 miles away and tell him "I lost your wife - has she called you looking for me?" I wasn't too worried since I had all the info for the apartment and how to get there. We did find each other and she had been waiting at the Roissy bus which was suppose to take us to the Opera where we were going to change money and take the Metro to the Rue Cler.


We got on the bus and it took us on a tour of the very big Paris airport. The bus also had to sit for 15 minutes because another bus was blocking the road. We were suppose to meet our rental agent at the apartment at 11:00 but we did not even come close to making it. By the time we changed money, it was after 11:00 - I tried calling him but that was an adventure in its own right. It was all in French and they were speaking way to fast for me to understand. I left a message on a phone that I hoped was Francois.



We did the Metro with only a slight problem. The escalator was out and we had to lug our bags down 4 flights to get into the Metro and 2 flights to get out. It wasn't too bad for me - my big bag was only 31 lbs. Lori's bag was 52 bulky lbs . . . She mentioned that we should have taken a taxi. As we learned, that would not have been possible.


We got to the apartment but Francois had left (it was 12:30). So I had to go out to do the phone thing again. No one used public telephones anymore - everyone has cell phones. I had to ask three people before anyone knew where the public phone was. Then I had to make it work for me - yeah, right. I was actually successful - Francois was very nice and made it to the apartment in 10 minutes. I had visions of sitting in a cafe, exhausted with heavy bags for hours waiting to find him. We got lucky.


We got up to the apt which is on the second floor - the internet lied - there is no elevator but Francois carried the bags up. We got situated and then headed out to find something to eat.
















The first thing we saw was all the taxi's blocking the roads. The taxi drivers were all on strike and blocking roads. Then they were driving all thru Paris honking their horns and blowing whistles.


We walked over to the Eiffel Tower and took some pictures. Then we walked back towards the



Rue Cler. We were lost but I wasn't going to tell Lori - she was hungry and tired and there were no taxis.












We did walk past a very cool Art Nouveau building - I don't know the name but door was very cool and it had incredible iron work. I am going to do an Art Nouveau walking tour this Saturday (with a little help from the green guide). Sorry you have to view it from the side - I can't figure out how to turn it and I am too tired (and all the directions are in French).














We eventually found our way back to our street. We had a wonderful lunch at a cafe. It was raining and windy but the food was great. Our next challenge was getting back into the apartment. I tried and tried but could not do it. So Lori finally got it.










When we got back in, I check our reservations for the Segway tour and discovered that I had made it for last Thursday, not tomorrow. So I got my shoes and yes, I went back to the phone booth. I actually got the Segway Tours on the first try and Mike spoke English! He fixed my muck up but we are doing the tour at night! Should be interesting.



When I got back to the apartment, I could not get the door open. Lori was laying down so she tried to let me but she couldn't! We spent some time trying to get me back in. Lori is now sleeping and I was thinking of going for a walk but I am afraid if I leave the apartment, I will never get back in!


Tomorrow is yet another adventure. We will post after the night Segway tour. Watch our Paris. (Mike said it is safer for the pedestrians at night - there are less of them).

Watch out, Paris, here we come!

Well, we are off finally!!!! We both worked this weekend and spent the last few days getting ready. My biggest decision was what shoe to take and what books. Lori spent last night getting up and down and trying to get all of her things packed. I figured out the shoe thing by wearing a different shoe on each foot to decide which was more comfortable - the Ecco's won!

Now we are at the Coast Gateway in Seattle. "The Boys" drove us up - Doug, Alex and Gary. We ate at the Oyster House in Olympia on our way up. What champs. They are even picking us up when we get back. I am already starting with the photo ops. Doug warned Lori she was not going to see much of Paris because I would always taking the photos. I sure hope he remembers to return my library books.

My Last Day Off before the trip

Today is a series of errands and tasks. Hair, Nails, money, packing, and taking care of those final household things before I leave like cleaning and laundry for the two guys in my life.

I am waiting until 9am to make a few phone calls, then, off to Starbucks for a couple of extra shots.

I am starting to get a little stressed about all the things I need to do before I go. If I can get the big, offsite stuff done today, I will be in good shape.

Working straight through until I go is a bit of a silly thing to do. I just wanted to use only two weeks of vacation, and that means less time off. I had a big victory at work yesterday. All of out hard work paid off and we got some great recognition. So, that stress is eliminated.

Later tonight, I will be working on a day-by-day bare-bones itinerary for the trip and I will post again with my progress.

The final countdown! 7 days and not very many hours!

Well, we are on the final week countdown and I am starting to stress out as to whether I am going to get everything done I need before next Monday. I am busy focusing on work. I will pack next Sunday (to be ready to go on Monday). I have dive suits to pick up, banks to call, emails to send, decisions to make on books (like Lori I am down to 4 reading books and 3 guide books), itinerary to finalize, etc, etc, ect!

I have made the reservations for the Segway tour - so we will be terrorizing Paris on those two-wheeled things. I hope they go fast so we can get out of the way of the crazy Paris drivers. I am also trying to set up a Fat Tire Bike Tour to Giverny. I am trying to find all my laptop parts so we can keep the blog up and posts pictures of our adventures!!!!

I hope everyone keeps up on the trip which I am now calling "Chick Trip Paris 2007". It certainly will be an adventure!

My Life in Paris

I finished reading this book last weekend. It was a quick read, did it in just over one day. I loved it. Julia Child experienced the place with such wonder and her cooking adventures were terrific.

I am now working on a book that Elle gave me that is a series of short essays from Gourmet Magazine about Paris.

I am having some trouble narrowing the selection of books for the trip. I want to read a few more before I go, so I will not have to carry them, along with all of my tour books.

Today also, I looked at a Website for ParisVision, a tour company in Paris. I am looking at the tour to Giverny and Monet's garden. There is a day trip with two other castles added in as well. It sounds great. We'll see if it fits into our itinerary.

Gary is in Rhode Island now. He left this morning.
The boy and I have cooked and painted bird houses. We need another decorative touch on his birdhouse. I think we can do that tomorrow. He wants to sleep on the couch tonight. I see no problem with it, as it is the weekend. So, he is bundled up in his baseball jammies right now, on the couch watching some kids channel. I will check with him when I go down to pull the sheets out of the washer.

I need to think of another activity for tomorrow. I am contemplating taking him to the playground that we built with the store, then to the store meeting. He is excited about the ice cream cake. Should be fun.

Nuit Blanche

I am officially adding this to my itinerary. Hopefully, I will not be too tired to check the whole thing out. Take a look on google if you want to see what it is about.

Nuit Blanche (White Night) is an all night festival of the arts in Paris. There are activities all over the city and all of the museums, parks, whatever are open all night. There are lots of performances all around the city in different locations.

This is the night of October 6th, into the 7th. So, after my last cooking class. It starts at midnight and runs until 7am.

Lots of coffee for me, then out into the city to see some things. How cool and unique! I can hardly wait to be part of it. I may have to splurge on the little bitty video camera I saw at Costco.... wouldnt it be cool to take some video of this festival in Paris at night?

Question of the week: will the guys be able to take us and pick us up from the airport?

This is a stretch. I am thinking I can take my stuff to work in Chehalis, and be picked up there on the way to the airport in Seattle.

I am hoping that Gary and Alex can ride up with Elle and take my car home, or perhaps ride to the airport with us. Of course, this mandates that we have a ride on the way home.

If we whine a lot, do you think the guys will take us and pick us up? We are certainly not flying at any ridiculous hours of the day.

We shall see.