Thank you for your comments and emails about my trip. It is fun to hear from y'all.
This is a great tour bus with 4 dif routes and the ability to get on and off as well as switch routes. Thurs., about 4, after walking around the city, I hopped on board a L'Open bus at the Place de la Concorde in front of the Hotel Crillon facing the Obelisque. I paid for 2 days - much cheaper - and they gave me an extra day because it was so late. They stop at 6 pm which is great for seeing some of the lights. I really had not seen much of Paris since my travel had been on the zippy Metro. They give you earplugs to plug in at your seat and dial up your language to hear the running commentary. Fun! Easy!
As I got on a lady from New Zealand also boarded. Of course, we went up on top in the freezing weather - probably low single digits °C! My new gloves might have been freezing.. Best pics are up there. So, we saw the Champs - Elysees, Arch de Triumph, Eiffel Tower, etc. I had planned to also get a ticket for the dinner cruise that night to see the lights. Now, she had been traveling for 4 weeks with a friend staying in London and snowboarding in Austria! On impulse she flew to Paris for about 24 hours. She wanted to see the lights also, so we went together. You can just imagine me huffing and puffing up and down steps as we took 2 Metros to the Bateux docks to get there on time! She was in shape! On the ship it was great to have someone to chat with in English. She made pleasant company of the cruise.
Wow! What great food! 3 courses. I don't have the menu with me. Will get back to you on that. But, it included éclairs and creme brulée in the appetizers!
Fri. and today I walked 20 min. from my hotel to a L'Open Bus stop in front of the Hotel des Invalides - a beautiful structure with 12 huge cannons in front. Yesterday I went around the south part of Paris hopping off to eat at La Coupole which was a must according to Barbara. Some books said it was a tourist trap. Not so! It is huge like the old Clifton's Cafeteria with art covering the walls and ceiling and full of Parisians! All having a delightful time. As is typical, crowded together. I had a perfect Cosmopolitan at 2 in the afternoon! Then crabmeat on avocado slices with a bitter salad. Perfect blend. Salmon en Papel followed served on vermicelli and vegies. Of course, I had to have Crepe Suzettes after I saw them flamed for the lady next to me! Could not have been better.
I hopped back on L'Open to travel around Notre Dame and hopped off in Saint Michel to look for one of Joan's stores. Well, I lost the street. Found an awesome chocolate store tho. When I did find Joan's book's store it had changed hands 8 months ago! I got to wander thru lots of narrow fun streets tho.
By now I had to go to the bathroom and there were none I could see. I knew I couldn't make it back to my hotel in time with 2 Metro changes and a 3 block walk... So, I had to stop in a Bistro for a drink. It was REALLY cold by now! I passed a Tourist Store with thermometers showing 3°C!!! Is that low 30's? My new gloves were not warm enuf!!! That's because they are blue!!! It is dark out now. I came out of an alley to find a cute place right on Place St. Michel. Someone knew English. I ordered an Irish Coffee and went right to the bathrooms downstairs. Great choice! Cute waiter!
Today, I hopped on the L'Open bus before and after the exhibit getting to see the rest of the areas along the Seine, passed last night's bistro - great spot, Montparnasse, Saint-Germain, Montmarte Grands Blvds ending at the Gare de Nord Train Station. Awesome! I think the fast train from London comes in here. Busy place! From there I Metrod to a health food cafe, the Hard Rock Cafe, and home. The low today was 6.5°C. Probably warmed up because of the rain. Hard to ride up top the bus in the rain... They say it might snow Monday! Can't wait! Claudette
Au revoir, Claudette
Saturday, January 22, 2011
SAT., THE HARD ROCK CAFE
Had to go you know.
While teaching I always bot HRC teddy bears to bring back to the classroom to try to show the kids if you finish school and get a good job you too can travel the world - even if I can't write a coherent sentence! I also judge the chocolate shakes on a 1- 10 scale 10 perfect; Paris' chocolate shake is a 10!! Very deep chocolate flavor, nice and thick.
One other HRC shake was this good. Gotta find my notes as to where. Thot it was Cairo, but that was where I was sick for 2 days because I had chicken nuggets - I never do that! - but they were served on lettuce leaves. A REAL no-no!
San Jose, Costa Rica's HRC shake was a 2! Yuk! Got some nice gifts including a teddy bear for my grandson. Memorbilia was limited. It is in the Montmartre Area, so it was lively outside.
Rocker Claudette
While teaching I always bot HRC teddy bears to bring back to the classroom to try to show the kids if you finish school and get a good job you too can travel the world - even if I can't write a coherent sentence! I also judge the chocolate shakes on a 1- 10 scale 10 perfect; Paris' chocolate shake is a 10!! Very deep chocolate flavor, nice and thick.
One other HRC shake was this good. Gotta find my notes as to where. Thot it was Cairo, but that was where I was sick for 2 days because I had chicken nuggets - I never do that! - but they were served on lettuce leaves. A REAL no-no!
San Jose, Costa Rica's HRC shake was a 2! Yuk! Got some nice gifts including a teddy bear for my grandson. Memorbilia was limited. It is in the Montmartre Area, so it was lively outside.
Rocker Claudette
SAT. THE MONET EXHIBIT - finally!
OK, so the good news is, it didn't snow today! But it did get down to 6.5°C and it was raining waiting outside and leaving the exhibit at the Grand Palais. It was huge, huge, grande!!! The largest in 30 years they said.
Now, for the bad news... you know how the man at the Palais on Tues. assured me to come back on Sat. No problem. This was at 6 pm as the exhibit was closing that night. Soooo, I ASSUMED he meant Sat. aft as Tues they closed at 6, oh no! Today I get there early and each line's security person points to the 01:30! 5France is on a 24 hour clock. No one spoke English, so they kept sending me to dif line. This, in the rain. 'Course, there was also a clarinet player performing for the crowds in the rain! By the 5th security person, I am sent to a short line. This new security gentleman spoke clear English and told me no problem, just stay in this line. I did and within 30 minutes I was admitted in. Yay!!! Would you believe it was the time I was supposed to go in!?!
Once inside, while checking my coat, I saw the pictures showing we had to check our cameras and hats. They were strict about cameras. One lady in the exhibit had hers in her hand. A Security person came over and had her show him her pictures on the camera! You can't tear out the film anymore. Guess he would have made her delete them if she had used it. Well, I tried to check my classy 40's style teal felt cloche hat as per the picture, but the attendant wouldn't take it as someone translated to me. When I looked at the pictures from across the room I could tell it was a motorcycle helmet!!! Oy voy!
The exhibit was more than worth the trip. It went thru Monet's life via his pictures. It was so huge it took 4+ hours to travel thru. It was crowded, but as a whole very subdued. As typically French, they never quite bump into each other. Foreigners do! The French rule according to Rick Steve's is to be polite to others and talk in very hushed tones - even on the Metro.
So, now, I have to decide to take the Metro in tonight for my 1 AM Sunday ticket OR stand in line anytime Sunday! At least I know which line!
Until tomorrow! Claudette
Now, for the bad news... you know how the man at the Palais on Tues. assured me to come back on Sat. No problem. This was at 6 pm as the exhibit was closing that night. Soooo, I ASSUMED he meant Sat. aft as Tues they closed at 6, oh no! Today I get there early and each line's security person points to the 01:30! 5France is on a 24 hour clock. No one spoke English, so they kept sending me to dif line. This, in the rain. 'Course, there was also a clarinet player performing for the crowds in the rain! By the 5th security person, I am sent to a short line. This new security gentleman spoke clear English and told me no problem, just stay in this line. I did and within 30 minutes I was admitted in. Yay!!! Would you believe it was the time I was supposed to go in!?!
Once inside, while checking my coat, I saw the pictures showing we had to check our cameras and hats. They were strict about cameras. One lady in the exhibit had hers in her hand. A Security person came over and had her show him her pictures on the camera! You can't tear out the film anymore. Guess he would have made her delete them if she had used it. Well, I tried to check my classy 40's style teal felt cloche hat as per the picture, but the attendant wouldn't take it as someone translated to me. When I looked at the pictures from across the room I could tell it was a motorcycle helmet!!! Oy voy!
The exhibit was more than worth the trip. It went thru Monet's life via his pictures. It was so huge it took 4+ hours to travel thru. It was crowded, but as a whole very subdued. As typically French, they never quite bump into each other. Foreigners do! The French rule according to Rick Steve's is to be polite to others and talk in very hushed tones - even on the Metro.
So, now, I have to decide to take the Metro in tonight for my 1 AM Sunday ticket OR stand in line anytime Sunday! At least I know which line!
Until tomorrow! Claudette
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
MY WEDNESDAY in PARIS - Shopping
Wow! Is this ever the time to be in Paris! January has SOLDES (sales) with 50-70% off these 2 weeks. I walked 40 minutes to la Bon Marche - a department store with everything. It covers at least 2 blocks. I bot teal leather gloves to wear on the Metro. It isn't fashion. It is for sanitation purposes. heh-heh!
The fashions to see are amazing! Gotta come back next year!
On the walk over everywhere there are great old buildings to photograph and wonderful little stores. Found an amazing Expresso Machine Store that was very busy. Kinda like our cell phone stores are where you wait in line for a long time. They were passing out cookies they sell to munch with your expresso. Heather, they use little containers like yours. These machines were 300 € and up!! Very up!
Took the Metro back. I am beginning to figure it out better. I sneak looks at the map or make a list of stops ahead of time. Now I have to keep track of used tickets. I accidentlally put a used one in my pocket with a new one and it didn't work. The employee assured me it was used when I couldn't go thru! I found the new one!
Off to cooking class tonight.
The fashions to see are amazing! Gotta come back next year!
On the walk over everywhere there are great old buildings to photograph and wonderful little stores. Found an amazing Expresso Machine Store that was very busy. Kinda like our cell phone stores are where you wait in line for a long time. They were passing out cookies they sell to munch with your expresso. Heather, they use little containers like yours. These machines were 300 € and up!! Very up!
Took the Metro back. I am beginning to figure it out better. I sneak looks at the map or make a list of stops ahead of time. Now I have to keep track of used tickets. I accidentlally put a used one in my pocket with a new one and it didn't work. The employee assured me it was used when I couldn't go thru! I found the new one!
Off to cooking class tonight.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
SUNDAY TO MONDAY - FLYING TO PARIS, FRANCE
It is a 10.5 hour direct flight LAX to CDG. I very happily flew Air France. It was packed - a full flight. Fortunately a man in my row asked to be upgraded which gave the other person and myself an empty seat!! Leaving at 6:30 pm, all I had to do was just sleep thru it. When I made the reservation thru Cheap-O Air it was a low price because of low (cold) season. The printout said bring food in large letters!
Not so, we were barely in the air when I had a choice of champagne and some other drinks, which I forget. The meal was a delish boeuf stew with mashed potatoes on top served with MY OWN MINI-BOTTLE of red wine. I was hapyyy! Even the babies on board were quiet!
Then I could watch movies - my choice all night long. This was a good ride - tho bumpy at times. I chose an aisle seat so I could get up and walk around. If the 3rd person was in our row I may not have been as happy! Who knows.
Before we arrived in de Gaulle we were served a full breakfast including cold meats and cheeses as we touched down at 2:30 pm. I am now 9 hours ahead of y'all! I can tell the future!
Enjoy your Tues. Mine is over!
Claudia
Not so, we were barely in the air when I had a choice of champagne and some other drinks, which I forget. The meal was a delish boeuf stew with mashed potatoes on top served with MY OWN MINI-BOTTLE of red wine. I was hapyyy! Even the babies on board were quiet!
Then I could watch movies - my choice all night long. This was a good ride - tho bumpy at times. I chose an aisle seat so I could get up and walk around. If the 3rd person was in our row I may not have been as happy! Who knows.
Before we arrived in de Gaulle we were served a full breakfast including cold meats and cheeses as we touched down at 2:30 pm. I am now 9 hours ahead of y'all! I can tell the future!
Enjoy your Tues. Mine is over!
Claudia
TUES. COOKING IN PARIS
First off this is a different keyboard!!The A and Q are switched as well as the Z and W. The period and numbers need the Capital key down. Interesting! M and ! are dif also. Enuf complaining!
Today I took many Metro trains to get around Paris. The Cook'n with Class School is very small but efficiently set up. Wait til you see the pics! Very colorful! It is located in Arrondissement 18 out in the western suburb. All addresses even conversations about location start by saying the Arrondissement or District. It took only 35 min. to get there.
For 4+ hours I participated along with other young ladies in creating Creme Brulée (Yes, Carol, I even got to burn the top!), Chocolate and Vanilla Pastry Cremes to pipe into eclairs, Shoe Pastry - work!!, Madelines - better than Starbucks, and a Cointreou Soufflée.
The chef looked 20, but married a Frenchman and has been living in Paris for 10 years. She has lived in many countries, but was born in Australia. The others in the class were also visitors - one from Kansas, who majored in Japanese and is now living there; the other two were Chinese but one lives in America and the other in Hong Kong.
Gotta have a party when I get home! Tomorro the class is Cheese and Wine tasting. Can't go wrong there!
Bon sweet!
Claudia
Today I took many Metro trains to get around Paris. The Cook'n with Class School is very small but efficiently set up. Wait til you see the pics! Very colorful! It is located in Arrondissement 18 out in the western suburb. All addresses even conversations about location start by saying the Arrondissement or District. It took only 35 min. to get there.
For 4+ hours I participated along with other young ladies in creating Creme Brulée (Yes, Carol, I even got to burn the top!), Chocolate and Vanilla Pastry Cremes to pipe into eclairs, Shoe Pastry - work!!, Madelines - better than Starbucks, and a Cointreou Soufflée.
The chef looked 20, but married a Frenchman and has been living in Paris for 10 years. She has lived in many countries, but was born in Australia. The others in the class were also visitors - one from Kansas, who majored in Japanese and is now living there; the other two were Chinese but one lives in America and the other in Hong Kong.
Gotta have a party when I get home! Tomorro the class is Cheese and Wine tasting. Can't go wrong there!
Bon sweet!
Claudia
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Leaving Las Vegas
Well, I can't believe I got up at 5 to catch a 6 AM shuttle to McCarron airport to sit for 2 hours here. The good news is there are 4 Starbucks in this terminal!!! Better news is I asked to have an xray instead of a pat down Amazing! I matched Greg tie thru Security! It usually takes 20 - 30 min. to get thru after the long lines. And, I have to keep an eye on my stuff as I CANNOT touch anything once the alarm goes off. This was too sweet! There was a huge crowd in front and behind us at Security at 6:30 AM. Off to load!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Time fr a footrub
I can't believe ~ a massage place not exhibit! 5 chairs set up right in tge middle of this evolution of technology!
Was chatting with a luggage place - Japanese invention. Small 4 wheeled carrion with attached chair. Loved the lime green. They are like mini offices! Great for their trains. Unfortunately, someone stole one of the cases. :-(
Gotta get a foot massage for only $20! Wonder where the champagne is?!
Was chatting with a luggage place - Japanese invention. Small 4 wheeled carrion with attached chair. Loved the lime green. They are like mini offices! Great for their trains. Unfortunately, someone stole one of the cases. :-(
Gotta get a foot massage for only $20! Wonder where the champagne is?!
Chinese not Korean
Istand corrected. Eric, Greg's friend from Sweden, and Greg, Greg's IT friend from Texas say 30% are Chinese and 10% Korean.
I am still on overwhelm. All the VERIZON products are prototypes I am sitting on the San Disc stage. Better move on.
I am still on overwhelm. All the VERIZON products are prototypes I am sitting on the San Disc stage. Better move on.
Las Vegas at Consumer Electronics Show
Overwhelming! Four days long and you cannot see everything. Manylanguages heard. 40% walking and using their smartfone at same time. I just stood in the longest Starbucks line ever. I think 40% Koreans. 95% men. Oh, and I understand 10% of what Greg and his friends say. Many rooms with men sitting and listening to speakers and attached equipment. Great music being played. Gorcious speakes etc for only 10's of thousands!! Greg has fans of his amplifiers. :~}.
I am off to research cell fones.
I am off to research cell fones.
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