Best Moments
1.) Morning walk in Beaune
2.) Drinking wine as we entered Paris
3.) Our bus driver giving us a scenic tour of Paris before he dropped us off (even going through the crazy roundabout of the Arc de Triomphe)
4.) Saying our goodbyes to our bus driver and reflecting on all of the fun memories
5.) Purchasing a book similar to Where's Waldo with French descriptions of famous Paris sights
6.) Returning to Notre Dame and feeling the same sensation I did last time
7.) Wandering Paris in the crazy rain and cold
8.) Thinking I was ordering duck and getting turkey instead
9.) Taking a cruise down the Seine
10.) Having a buddy to keep me warm on the cold/wet walk back to our hotel (it didn't help that I wasn't dressed for this weather)
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Day 193: Bon Jour France
Best Moments:
1. Morning walk in the Lauterbrunnen Valley
2. Seeing the biggest Walmart-like store that I have ever seen in Europe (it was a Walmart on steroids!)
3. Eating bread and goat cheese on the bus
4. Chocolate tasting on the bus
5. Walking through the lovely French town of Beaune
6. Making time for a little shopping
7. Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and sending a little prayer
8. Enjoying a welcome drink at our hotel
9. Drinking French wine and eating French food
10. Knowing that I make a better boeuf bourguignon than I had in France
11. Our guide trying to loosen up the waiter a little bit
12. Going for a walk at night to see the night art projected on the buildings
1. Morning walk in the Lauterbrunnen Valley
2. Seeing the biggest Walmart-like store that I have ever seen in Europe (it was a Walmart on steroids!)
3. Eating bread and goat cheese on the bus
4. Chocolate tasting on the bus
5. Walking through the lovely French town of Beaune
6. Making time for a little shopping
7. Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and sending a little prayer
8. Enjoying a welcome drink at our hotel
9. Drinking French wine and eating French food
10. Knowing that I make a better boeuf bourguignon than I had in France
11. Our guide trying to loosen up the waiter a little bit
12. Going for a walk at night to see the night art projected on the buildings
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 90: Trip for One to Paris
I woke up quite nauseous and unaware of how my journey on the train to Paris would go. I did not sleep well because I had not tested my alarm (I know, stupid) and I was concerned that it wouldn't work. Of course, it worked just fine and I was up at 6:00.
I don't know if I was feeling unwell because of my lack of sleep, my nerves, or something I ate the previous day, but I was focusing really hard on not getting sick. I fixed a beautiful breakfast, but I could not eat it.
Before leaving for the train I went to the bathroom one last time so I wouldn't have to go on the train. As I sat there, I saw something large and black moving out of the corner of my eye. As I looked over I stood up abruptly and screamed. Luckily I was in the bathroom not connected to the apartment, so no one heard me. This beetle-like thing was the length of my thumb and a little wider. Freaking out, I grabbed the nearest object that would have killing power and heard the crunch that ended the life of the bug. I should have picked up the object and the bug under it, but I could not bring myself to do it, so I left it. Sorry to my aunts if they lifted that cup and found it.
After this scariest moment of the trip, I loaded up and walked with my aunts down to the shuttle. It was a windy morning, perhaps even mistral-like. I secured a seat on the shuttle and waited for take-off.
As I waited at the train station I started to get hungry, which was a good sign. I did not need my back up vomit bag. The train ride was kind of long because I was now ready for the last leg of my adventure.
The arrival in Paris caused my adrenaline to kick in. Note to self, don't bring two carry bags, it is too much work. Note to note to self, don't rely on a "pretty" bag because it is probably not durable and the straps will break. I had to make two connections, walk probably two miles, and follow the assistance of a helpful Parisian to get to my hotel. Once there, I dropped off my baggage and with less weight on my shoulders, I was ready to explore.
I have to tell you before I go into the details of this day that this was one of the most amazing days in my travel history. In case it does not come off in my explanation, I need you to know that.
I had created a rough plan of what I wanted to do before the arrival, but I thought it too ambitious, so I just tried to do what I could. The first necessity was lunch. On Rue Cler (the street I stayed on) there was a wonderful smell coming from a boulangerie and I picked up a poulet sandwich to eat as I walked. This was one of my "to-do" items and I was so happy to come across it. I ate half and stowed the other half for later.
I got on the metro and went to Hotel de Ville to see the Doisneau photography exhibition. When I arrived I found the line way too long, so I tried to make my way to Carnavalet. I wandered for awhile, and I finally reached the musee. I walked around a bit in this museum of Paris history. I thought the museum was okay, but it does not rank up there with the Louvre, L'Orangerie, or Rodin.
I thought I'd try to make my way over to the islands, but seemed to lose my sense of direction, so after walking the streets of Paris a bit, I got on the handy metro and took it back to Hotel de Ville. I found the line to be much shorter this time, so I waited. After about a half an hour, I was let into the exhibit. The focus of the photographs was Les Halles (the market). He captured some amazing photographs of the vendors. I really liked how this exhibit focused on the one theme of the market. It inspired me to select a theme for my day of photographing adventure. Although I took pictures of whatever I thought was interesting, I tried to capture more of the people.
After the exhibit I went to Isle de la Cite to see Notre Dame. This is my favorite church in the world (so far). It was so busy and I contemplated not going in. I started to walk away, when I thought I better go in now. I waited in line for a short while. I noticed a sign going in with a picture of the relics from the Passion. I was hoping I would see them, but I figured the sign was for Palm Sunday. There was a mass beginning as I walked in, so I looked around and enjoyed being in the church. As I approached the middle of the church by the rose window, I stopped to take some photographs. A man came up and pushed us all to the side. I thought he just wanted to get us out of the way so that others could walk past, but I did not realize that the others would be the head of the church, nuns, fathers, and THE relics. I began snapping like crazy. As the relics began to pass me, maybe two feet away, I began to feel a tingling sensation. I found myself tearing up and I could not believe that I just happened to be there at that moment. I always wish I felt more when it came to religion and I have to say this is the first time it felt like there was something else.
I continued to walk through the church and listen to some of the mass. As I left the Notre Dame doors, I was in such a good place. What a moment. This moment called for something extraordinary: Berthillion Glace (ice cream). I walked past the side of the church, finishing my sandwich. My next stop was across the bridge to Isle Ste. Louis. I passed the street musicians and walked up to a line full of people with the same thought as me. I devoured my cone of cafe and chocolat. I walked the streets where we stayed the last time in Paris and did a bit of shopping.
There was one more sight to see in this area, so I crossed the bridge to leave the islands and walked up the seine. I looked at the book stalls to see if anything caught my attention. I found a CD for 5 euros with French love songs. The owner of the stall tried to talk to me, but all I could really understand was that he played the drums. He pat me on my shoulder as I walked away.
I found the Shakespere and Company bookstore. The last time I was here I bought "A Moveable Feast." This time I bought Julia Child's cookbook. It was approaching the time to check in, so I got on the metro and headed back to the hotel.
I stayed in a nice little one bed room with a sink. The toilet was next door and the shower was up two flights of stairs. It was a safe hotel that worked perfectly for my needs. I dropped off my bags, refilled my water, and headed back out to the streets.
I could see the Eiffel Tower from my street, so I started to walk in that direction. I walked through beautiful residential neighborhoods. Each time I sneaked a peak of the Eiffel Tower through the side streets, it looked more and more beautiful. The first time I saw it, I was not too impressed, but as I see it from different perspectives, I enjoy it more and more. I came up on it in a different angle this time and there was a lovely little garden and pond next to it. I had never seen it from this side, so I snapped a bunch of pictures.
At this point my stride was slowing, so I had to make a plan. I was originally going to eat on Rue Cler, but the sun was still out, so I took the metro up to Montmartre. I had wanted to do this, but I just couldn't see how I could fit it in with time. Time was on my side, so I walked up by the Place de Tetre and planted myself at a cafe. I ordered wine and escargot. I watched the people walking by and artists trying their best to get some business. I also did a bit of shopping at my favorite store up there: Anoki. I didn't think I had anymore room in my luggage, but I knew I'd find a way.
I walked to Sacre Coeur and found a nice spot on the crowded stairs. I listened to some music as the sun began to set. I couldn't believe that I was so lucky to sit on these steps and take in all of the things that I love about Paris. As I looked over I saw a guy that Valerie and I saw every night when we were in Paris four years ago. It was kind of sad that he is still doing the same thing and trying to pick up ladies on the steps.
It was getting dark, so I took the metro back to my hotel. I found a very busy cafe and decided to have one more glass of wine. I ordered champagne and a cheese plate. I watched the Parisians enjoying their Friday night. I wish I could bring this cafe home with me.
I don't know if I was feeling unwell because of my lack of sleep, my nerves, or something I ate the previous day, but I was focusing really hard on not getting sick. I fixed a beautiful breakfast, but I could not eat it.
Before leaving for the train I went to the bathroom one last time so I wouldn't have to go on the train. As I sat there, I saw something large and black moving out of the corner of my eye. As I looked over I stood up abruptly and screamed. Luckily I was in the bathroom not connected to the apartment, so no one heard me. This beetle-like thing was the length of my thumb and a little wider. Freaking out, I grabbed the nearest object that would have killing power and heard the crunch that ended the life of the bug. I should have picked up the object and the bug under it, but I could not bring myself to do it, so I left it. Sorry to my aunts if they lifted that cup and found it.
After this scariest moment of the trip, I loaded up and walked with my aunts down to the shuttle. It was a windy morning, perhaps even mistral-like. I secured a seat on the shuttle and waited for take-off.
As I waited at the train station I started to get hungry, which was a good sign. I did not need my back up vomit bag. The train ride was kind of long because I was now ready for the last leg of my adventure.
The arrival in Paris caused my adrenaline to kick in. Note to self, don't bring two carry bags, it is too much work. Note to note to self, don't rely on a "pretty" bag because it is probably not durable and the straps will break. I had to make two connections, walk probably two miles, and follow the assistance of a helpful Parisian to get to my hotel. Once there, I dropped off my baggage and with less weight on my shoulders, I was ready to explore.
I have to tell you before I go into the details of this day that this was one of the most amazing days in my travel history. In case it does not come off in my explanation, I need you to know that.
I had created a rough plan of what I wanted to do before the arrival, but I thought it too ambitious, so I just tried to do what I could. The first necessity was lunch. On Rue Cler (the street I stayed on) there was a wonderful smell coming from a boulangerie and I picked up a poulet sandwich to eat as I walked. This was one of my "to-do" items and I was so happy to come across it. I ate half and stowed the other half for later.
I got on the metro and went to Hotel de Ville to see the Doisneau photography exhibition. When I arrived I found the line way too long, so I tried to make my way to Carnavalet. I wandered for awhile, and I finally reached the musee. I walked around a bit in this museum of Paris history. I thought the museum was okay, but it does not rank up there with the Louvre, L'Orangerie, or Rodin. 
After the exhibit I went to Isle de la Cite to see Notre Dame. This is my favorite church in the world (so far). It was so busy and I contemplated not going in. I started to walk away, when I thought I better go in now. I waited in line for a short while. I noticed a sign going in with a picture of the relics from the Passion. I was hoping I would see them, but I figured the sign was for Palm Sunday. There was a mass beginning as I walked in, so I looked around and enjoyed being in the church. As I approached the middle of the church by the rose window, I stopped to take some photographs. A man came up and pushed us all to the side. I thought he just wanted to get us out of the way so that others could walk past, but I did not realize that the others would be the head of the church, nuns, fathers, and THE relics. I began snapping like crazy. As the relics began to pass me, maybe two feet away, I began to feel a tingling sensation. I found myself tearing up and I could not believe that I just happened to be there at that moment. I always wish I felt more when it came to religion and I have to say this is the first time it felt like there was something else.
I continued to walk through the church and listen to some of the mass. As I left the Notre Dame doors, I was in such a good place. What a moment. This moment called for something extraordinary: Berthillion Glace (ice cream). I walked past the side of the church, finishing my sandwich. My next stop was across the bridge to Isle Ste. Louis. I passed the street musicians and walked up to a line full of people with the same thought as me. I devoured my cone of cafe and chocolat. I walked the streets where we stayed the last time in Paris and did a bit of shopping. There was one more sight to see in this area, so I crossed the bridge to leave the islands and walked up the seine. I looked at the book stalls to see if anything caught my attention. I found a CD for 5 euros with French love songs. The owner of the stall tried to talk to me, but all I could really understand was that he played the drums. He pat me on my shoulder as I walked away.
I found the Shakespere and Company bookstore. The last time I was here I bought "A Moveable Feast." This time I bought Julia Child's cookbook. It was approaching the time to check in, so I got on the metro and headed back to the hotel.
I stayed in a nice little one bed room with a sink. The toilet was next door and the shower was up two flights of stairs. It was a safe hotel that worked perfectly for my needs. I dropped off my bags, refilled my water, and headed back out to the streets.
I could see the Eiffel Tower from my street, so I started to walk in that direction. I walked through beautiful residential neighborhoods. Each time I sneaked a peak of the Eiffel Tower through the side streets, it looked more and more beautiful. The first time I saw it, I was not too impressed, but as I see it from different perspectives, I enjoy it more and more. I came up on it in a different angle this time and there was a lovely little garden and pond next to it. I had never seen it from this side, so I snapped a bunch of pictures. 
At this point my stride was slowing, so I had to make a plan. I was originally going to eat on Rue Cler, but the sun was still out, so I took the metro up to Montmartre. I had wanted to do this, but I just couldn't see how I could fit it in with time. Time was on my side, so I walked up by the Place de Tetre and planted myself at a cafe. I ordered wine and escargot. I watched the people walking by and artists trying their best to get some business. I also did a bit of shopping at my favorite store up there: Anoki. I didn't think I had anymore room in my luggage, but I knew I'd find a way.I walked to Sacre Coeur and found a nice spot on the crowded stairs. I listened to some music as the sun began to set. I couldn't believe that I was so lucky to sit on these steps and take in all of the things that I love about Paris. As I looked over I saw a guy that Valerie and I saw every night when we were in Paris four years ago. It was kind of sad that he is still doing the same thing and trying to pick up ladies on the steps.
It was getting dark, so I took the metro back to my hotel. I found a very busy cafe and decided to have one more glass of wine. I ordered champagne and a cheese plate. I watched the Parisians enjoying their Friday night. I wish I could bring this cafe home with me.Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day 87: Fulfilling French Cravings
I bought some posters that were reasobably priced. I am in love with posters. Someday my place may be completely covered with posters because I can't seem to say no. I just love them.
We walked down the streets and I took several photos. There was one scene I really wanted to capture, but I ruined it. In this picture you see a man and his dog. As we were walking down the street, I saw this man head to head with his dog while his dog sat in his lap. It was very sweet and it seemed as if there was some indescribable connection between the two of them. I love capturing dogs and their owners, so I thought I'd offer him a euro and get their picture. Unfortunately my approaching them caused the dog to get up, so I missed the moment. I guess I learned my lesson: snap, then offer money. At least the image stays in my mind.
We then went to lunch and I had the "suggestion." Roti poulet with puree potatoes was the plat du jour and it was wonderful. I don't think you can ever go wrong with rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes. Somehow saying rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes doesn't sound quite as grand, but it was delicious. The potatoes were very thinly spread so every little bite that I could scrape up kept me wanting more. Ahh the flavor. After sitting in the sun and enjoying our lunch, we went to a church.
When we returned, we walked around Avignon after an espresso, au pain chocolat, and vin. I bought a lavender sign and soaps. Lori bought a painting from a local artist and gave it to Becky as a gift. For dinner we had Linda's famous lemon garlic fettucine, roasted asparagus with rosemary we grabbed at the Pont du Gard, fruit salad, roti chicken, and Anthony Bourdain's favorite way to eat radishes. For dessert we had macaroons that we bought while we were in Aix. I definitely don't eat this well when I am at home.
Linda, Janey, and I went out for a walk and drink. We walked quite a while and found a tapas restaurant on a side street to get our drink. Janey and I ordered a kir royal and sipped it as we took in the wonderful French evening.
As I walk through these towns, I keep finding religious statues/carvings in the walls. I love how there are little surprises everywhere you look. It reminds me a lot of Venice in that way.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Day 84: Desitination Provence
The trip from DC to Paris was long. United Airlines has very little room and there was no place to put my bag but at my feet, so it was a pretty immobile journey. We left the airport over 50 minutes late because of computer issues and technical difficulties. This caused us to miss our train to Provence. Because of this, we had to pay 108 Euros for a new ticket. At first I was upset, but once I got off the plane and a lady said bon jour to me, I figured I couldn't be too angry because at least I was in France. I knew I was in France when I saw the ladies underwear on the ground.
The train ride was scenic. We arrived at the station and picked up our rental. We checked the car from bumper to bumper to look for scratches and dings. It was a little nerve-wracking in the beginning because we pulled forward and realized we were going into a dead end. It was at this moment that my Aunt Becky tried to reverse, but was unable. The manual car was different than what she'd driven before. After jolting forward a few times, she found the way to reverse and we backed out safely. I was a bit anxious about renting a car, and I am so glad that Becky took on the huge responsibility of chauffeur. She nailed it.
As we got close to the apartment, we dropped off Lori and Christy while Becky and I searched for parking. It was crazy. The roads were sooooooo narrow and people were becoming very impatient as they reved their tires and honked at us. We parked on the outside of the wall, but at least it was safe and free.
It was a tiring walk to the apartment with our luggage, but reaching the apartment provided a sense of accomplishment. It was absolutely beautiful. There was a courtyard with a tree, a wonderful kitchen with updated appliances, wood beams, soothing shower, plenty of space, and a guest house beyond the courtyard where I stayed. Linda stayed with me the first two nights, but it was not working out so well, so I stayed there by myself. The bed was very comfortable and the comforter kept me warm in the chilly night.
We grabbed dinner at a cafe by Les Halles. I ordered a salad and lasgne. I needed something warm and filling because I was starving. Janey and Linda ordered some beautiful salads. All in all, it was a long day, but as we toasted with our drinks, it felt good to be in Provence.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Day 78: Steel Magnolias
Today was all about preparation. I woke up early so that I could do my school work and I was able to finish before 9:00. I made lists, started using them to pack, made more lists, talked to my aunts, then packed more. I don't remember doing so much planning for the departure in my early traveling days, but I definitely feel like I do much more now. I think it is because I have realized how valuable every second is while abroad and I don't want to have to waste it on anything silly.
I think this trip ranks pretty high with excitement. I'm so excited to see new areas and visit my old favorite, Paris. I was talking to my Aunt Linda about what I want to see in Paris and we both came up with these lists that are unrealistic, but I just think that shows how much there is to do there. This will be my third time visiting and I think that even if I lived there I would not be able to see everything I want. Here are some ideas though: Old Favorites-Notre Dame, Seine, Tullieries, Montmartre, New Sights-Carnavalet, Hotel De Ville (photography exhibit), Rue Cler, and who knows what else. Adventures lie ahead and I'm ready.
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