Tuesday, October 27th, Paris

Greetings!

We saw the Carnavalet Museum (last three kings and the Revolution) this morning, and then we came back to the hotel to have a salad we had leftover from a great pizza takeout last night. Pat slept and tried to fight her cold, while I went back out and took some photos of people in Bastille Plaza. Tonight, we're going back to Cafe Janou, our favorite of all we've sampled. Tomorrow, our flight leaves at 10:50am, and we should be in Santa Rosa about 12 hours later.

Gregory


To see the photos we took today, click on:
Tuesday, Oct 27th

Monday, October 26th, Paris

Greetings!

We're on a train to Chartres, an hour away from Paris. Next time, I'm going to include at least one ride on the Bullet train. We saw it while driving, and it moved quickly across the farmlands. This train feels like a plane. The seats are comfy, and the ride is quiet. They could equip it with wifi, though.

Chartres was great. Every bit the showcase of stained glass antiquity and beauty. The town was also enjoyable, and we had a perfect lunch in a small bistro on the square. Pat's French onion soup was just what her throat cough needed.

We can't complain at all about the public transit system here in Paris. Trains, busses, subway, public bicycles -it all works so well.

Tomorrow is our last day. A bit sad to see it end, but I know a hot tub and bed that will be very appreciated.

Gregory




























To see the photos we took today, click on:
Monday, Oct 26th

Sunday, October 25th, Paris

Greetings!

Pat asked at dinner last night what our conclusions seem to be on the French people we've seen. In no particular order or importance, here goes.

They care very much for their history, and a huge part of their current life revolves around it. Many make their living preserving, displaying, and promoting the reminents of the past. A large part of the rest support those who do. They all seem proud of it.

They care for children. While there are childcare centers, children are (more than I have usually seen) in the arms and hands of their parents. Unaccompanied children are seldom seen.

They are very courteous. I've looked for those French whose reputation as snobs and rude characters has been portrayed so well in the media. While a few drivers could be said to be agressive, I can't say I blame them for trying to survive on such narrow streets.

They seem very well-dressed. I am an inveterate people-watcher, and France is full of people who spend quite a bit of attention on their appearance. Epecially shoes and scarves. They carry themselves with a kind of sartorial confidence.

Today, we took the Metro and the train to Versailles. Contrary to Rick Steeves' comments, I was dissappointed in it. How much vanity can you stand? If I saw one more portrait or sculpture of King Louis. No wonder the French had a revolution. I was looking for a bit more historical content, but I guess it's too much to expect from the times of Louis XIV. We bailed on the garden. A little too boring, even from the windows. Especially if you have to pay extra.

Tonight, we're headed out to the Jewish quarter for dinner (Sunday). We may take the Metro to Trocadero to watch the night light show at the Eiffel Tower (thanks, Anne).

Gregory














To see the photos we took today, click on:
Sunday, Oct 25th

Saturday, October 24th, Paris

Greetings!

It’s Saturday afternoon at 5:30, and we’re back in the hotel room. We did the Rick Steeves’ Montmarte Walk (it’s the only one with a hill), and then finished up the remaining wings of the Louvre today. It's a Scavenger hunt for history. Pat’s getting a nap in before we go out for dinner, and I’d be doing the same if I wasn’t doing this. Today seemed harder, for some reason. It was raining, and was our first three-Metro line day. We’ve also got our sinous colds back, and are competing for most sneezes each day. This bed could be a bit softer too. While we’re getting enough sleep, I know it’s taking it’s toll on both of our backs.

The only things left are Versailles, Chartres, and the stuff that was closed (Carnavalet, Deportation Memorial). We’ll probably run out by Tuesday morning, and spend the day reading at a café. We’ve become the French.

Gregory


To see the photos we took today, click on:
Saturday, Oct 24th