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By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 8:25 am | Location: |Direct Views: 47 Posted from Fiumicino, Lazio, Italy.
Aboard AirFrance (A321) from CDG to Rome, with an ontime departure, landing in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The room keys timed out at 12:00, with us returning at 12:02. Papa seemed a bit bothered by the timing out of the key, then remembered that Marsha was in their room still.
The Opera Metro station was as busy as the previous days, only no “Information” help, which was needed today. The Metro pass that was fixed yesterday no longer worked today. In frustration of the long line for the one Metro employee to make sales, I was able to fit through the luggage area of the entrance into the station. After 5 sets of stairs, one elevator ride, and one escalator ride, we arrived at the Metro Line, for a quick trip to the next stop to connect to the RER B to the airport.
Our luck slightly improved when we boarded out train to the airport and realized it was an express with only 5 stops instead of the normal 11. A trip on a metro would not be complete without some type of street performer. Today was no difference, after the deaf person passing out the pens for a donation of 2,00, a family affair began their performance. This trio including a child of no more then 5 years old playing the tambourine, a portable sound system, and an accordion player. After 3 French Songs, they departed to the next car. Our entertainment about the RER B ended as quickly as it began.
CDG was as busy as always, with long queues to maneuver through the airport. We arrived at the check in of Terminal 2F, to find a SkyTeam Elite checkin line, with no one in the queue. Bags checked, boarding pass in hand, and directions to the lounge in less then 3 minutes. Way to go Air France!! Security at CDG was a bit more strict, in a different way. Shoes are allowed, but belts are not allowed, and iPads are laptops (or treated as such). After 2 failed attempts through security, I was given clearance to move forward. One interesting thing I did notice was that when my wallet was put through the machine, it was placed in between two trays to not allow the employees easy access to it as it passed through. While my inability to travel was apparent, we cleared the security queue in five minutes.
The AirFrance Business Lounge is now the Carb Lounge, full of potato chips, cookies, wine, crackers, yogurt, soda, alcohol, and Happy Snacks. The peach Schweppes was refreshing and when added to white wine, it made for a great spritzer. One hour in the lounge, off to gate F29 to board for the flight, on time push back, and enroute now.
Farewell Paris, it was an inspiring adventure in the city of lights, it feels as though Barcelona was a whim, and a long time ago. Hopefully we will be able to locate somewhere with wifi in Rome, without a high price tag.
We have changed altitudes looking for smooth air, no such luck yet!
By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 2:30 am | Location: |Direct Views: 56 Posted from Rome, Lazio, Italy.
Farewell Paris, this morning was the last morning in Paris, it was also the only day that I woke up before 10am. When traveling, days of flight, I tend to wake up around 06:00 regardless of when I began my slumber the night prior. With a departure planned for the hotel at noon, and a plane ride included in the day (Air Francei, A321), the day is unstoppable. Packed and ready to explore, we departed at 08:30, 30 minutes before our alarm was scheduled.
With the mission given by Papa to find a Cream Puff, we found a patisserie called LaDuree, located 10 minutes from the InterContinental Paris – Opera. The patisserie and restaurant offered one of the best varieties of sweets to savor. We departed with 2 chocolate eclairs, 1 cream puff, a raspberry shortcake, and two other baked goods. While the prices were higher then a street vendor, the quality and effort in the products was incredible.
The return back to the hotel involved a stop for Postcards (10 for 2,50), Starbucks Coffee, and a pursuit for Wifi. Wifi in France is pronounced Wee-Fi, and all of the Starbucks connection that provides the password for the rate of 2 for 30 minutes were not functioning. After visiting two Starbucks, the final location offered a beautiful area to savor food, coffee, with outdoor seating and a very classic Parisian feel inside. Starbucks in the US seem so small, yet in Europe, they have been more spacious and inviting. Waking up early revealed so many businesses that appeared closed throughout our visit, the late starts gave the perception that many were closed permanently.
Quick stop by the Apple Store in the pursuit of the iPad camera kit, no luck, and purchased a few souvenirs. Apple Store was busier then that of those in the US, and offered up free Wifi for the few minutes we ventured in. Off to CDG now for 15:25 departure to Rome.
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By Douglas | July 17, 2010, 2:22 am | Location: |Direct Views: 82 Posted from Rome, Lazio, Italy.
After our adventure to the pharmacy in the early morning hours, we found ourself walking back go find wifi to post, on unsecured networks. Unfortunately we failed miserably at our attempt to wake up early. Around 05:30 I began having labor pains, or what I would equate to labor pains, which lasted a few hours. I napped a bit longer while the parents and Daniel entertained each other. They enjoyed conversation while I slept, learning about Marsha’s job, discussing holidays, and laughing a bit.
The parents and Daniel enjoyed Mimosas next door, from champagne and orange juice we picked up the night before, strolling back home. The three mimosas that Marsha and Daniel did them both in, though Marsha slept until 19:00. I awoke at 14:30 and our day to visit the Eiffel Tower began.
The Opera station, conveniently located next to the InterContinental Le Grande allowed for easy access to virtually all of the mass transit of Paris. The information person (Aqua Man) was very friendly, assisting me through when my ticket failed to work (yet again), and when Daniel looked completely lost. The Train 8 to the Metro C brought us to the Eiffel Tower in 20 minutes. Papa, Daniel and I arrived at the Eiffel, with sprinkles in the air, and a young couple in the park enjoying each others company in a very intimate manner.
The Eiffel Tower was a buzz, with street vendors, tourists, and others out for a stroll through the Champs de Mars. The line for the Eiffel Tower was an hour, with the summit opening back up as we approached to purchase our tickets from the ticket booth. While waiting, 2 police offers arrived on motorcycles, immediately the street vendors scurried like roaches in sunlight. Amazing to see how quickly they can pack up their belongings in a towel and depart quickly out of the area, only to return moments later.
The line from the 2nd Floor was 35 minutes, to arrive at the Summit. The queue was very narrow, I would be surprised how any person of significant wait would be able to pass through the queue. One would think that the views at the Summit would surpass those on the prior two levels, but the lower levels had an unobstructed view of the city, without the fence. Even with the light sprinkles, the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower was memorable. When I went to the Eiffel Tower in 2008, my camera LCD broke in Prague, and Scott-E’s battery died. I am looking forward to the photos that Papa took as the official photographer of our vacation overseas. Upon exiting the lift, on the ground floor, we were warmly greeted by 15+ street vendors hounding us to purchase a variety of souvenirs. Daniel eventually gave in and picked up a few souvenirs key chains, with the normal price change upon selection.
A trip to the Eiffel Tower would not be the same without children screaming (like those sitting behind my row on the flight to Rome as I type this). The streets around the Champs de Mars are of urine, with many persons utilizing the trees as urinals within 10 feet from where we sat.
Our return back was greeted by a text from Marsha, that she was awake, dressed and ready to eat. A quick freshening up, and off to grab dinner at the Cafe across the street from the InterContinental. Our waiter was similar to the character in Ratatouilie, including the blowing of air to keep his hair out of his eyes. His English was understandable, and made it very clear to Daniel, Ladies FIRST when ordering, even if he was asking a question for her in french. The steak was not available, but then was available.
A final evening in Paris would not be complete without a visit to the Carnival for another crepe. Yearning for variety, we visited a different vendor, who seemed amazed at our request for chocolate and peanut better (Skippy!). She insisted that we did not want chocolate and peanut butter. The vendors in the carnival offered up Michael Jackson dolls as prizes, they were a bit scary.
Returning to the room at 23:50 revealed a pleasant surprise, we could see 1/3 of the Eiffel Tower from our view, and it remained lit until 01:00, when the beacon, and lights went dark after one final sparkle on the hour. It was a fond way to say Au Revoirs to the city of lights.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 4:47 pm | Location: |Direct Views: 50 Posted from Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
In returning back from a walking adventure and dinner, I developed a headache which I thought a quick pharmacy trip could fix. A short 15 minute walk revealed the pharmacy, where you wait in line to tell them what you want.
Wr are one of 13 people in line, we can see the Advil, just cannot get to it. Some 30 minutes later, still waiting to accomplish this task. Tick… Tick… Tick…
Travelers note, wait until 09:00 for normal business hours when in Paris and in need of medicine.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 7:23 am | Location: |Direct Views: 54 Posted from Versailles, Ile-de-France, France.
The RER C metro splits in 2 spots, with paying close attention we noticed the name of the train to be correct. After 30 minutes of going north, we realized we were on the wrong extension. A 20 minute stop in the French hillside was an unplanned tourstop. Another group boarded the train under the wrong assumption. We just arrived at the Chateau after 2 hours of train travel.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 7:22 am | Location: |Direct Views: 49 Posted from Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
Experiencing the Bastille Day along the park before the Eiffel Tower was absolutely amazing !
We arrived to the park at the Eiffel Tower at 18:30, allowing is to experience an incredible spot. The fireworks began at 23:00, just as the sunset behind the tower. The buzz amongst the crowd was amusing, a variety of languages , and a few singing Happy Birthday to France. The fireworks kicked off, several songs later was the conclusion. A memorable experience I will never forget in the city of Paris. Our return to the hotel took 90 minutes with very full metros along the way.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 7:13 am | Location: |Direct Views: 40 Posted from Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
Bastille day began with very heavy rain showers. The walk consisted of several quick stops to attempt to remain as dry as possible. Lunch was at a Bistro that had very good omelettes and desserts. With the down poor and lightning , the meal was stretched as long as possible. The cafe had free wifi but sadly we discovered it at the conclusion of lunch.
The walk to The Louvre was quick and wet. The Louvre was open for free for the holiday resulting in lines of 45 minutes to enter. While waiting we conversed with a masters student from Columbia, living in London, in Paris for 6 weeks. She was well versed in a multitude of languages and was very informative.
The Louvre was open for 2 hours once we entered, quick photos of the key exhibits will provide the memories to last a lifetime. At the conclusion of The Louvre, the sun was shining and another round of crepes was on the agenda. A beautiful day at The Louvre.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 6:44 am | Location: |Direct Views: 22 Posted from Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
The RER A provides a quick ride to Opera station connector, despite the very high temperatures an rush our arrival time. Check in at the InterContinental was efficient and friendly. Our room on the Executive level is spacious and well appointed.
The city was preparing for Bastille Day, with many closures and heightened security. We enjoyed dinner at a cafe, though it was a very expensive cafe, with 33cl of Coke being more costly then beer, and tap water at €4,00. Daniel realized he may have to curve his coke enthusiasm. Dinner, which was 3 croque Monsieur ‘s and an omelette was over €109. Average service , similar to the 2008 trip when we dined at that restaurant.
The Champs élysées was very crowded with many sidewalks closed. Sunset in Paris is after 22:00, which highlighted beautiful colors in photos of the Arc.
The parents returned back to the room, Daniel and I tool the metro to the Louvre which was very active at 23:15. Along the park before The Louvre, a free carnival was taking place. A sweet tooth was satisfies by a crepe with nutella and chocolate and a nutella filled beignet. Both were savory and delicious but the crepe trumped all of the sweets so far. The carnival adventure accompanied a ferris wheel ride in the same ferris wheel that is moved closet to the street for winter festivities. The crowd remained lively on our departure at 01:00, Returning to the hotel.
An amazing day, breakfast in Barcelona, gelato in Rome and dinner in Paris.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 6:15 am | Location: |Direct Views: 34 Posted from Versailles, Ile-de-France, France.
Along the bus back to the city we sidetracked to explore the beaches. The variety of beach goers made for a very interesting experience. From the fit and young to the topless elderly, a unique experience. The sea was refreshing and a restaurant along the boardwalk yields a tremendous view. Daniel and I enjoyed bellinis and pizza while people watching. Our walk back to La Rambla included a waffle covered in caramel syrup. Souvenirs were added along the way, and we returned back in the later hours of the night.
We packed our bags and prepared for our departure from a very beautiful and inviting, Barcelona.
By Douglas | July 15, 2010, 6:12 am | Location: |Direct Views: 86 Posted from Versailles, Ile-de-France, France.
The hop on hop off tour proved very useful for the second day of exploring Barcelona. After another late night, sleeping in felt restful and part of the vacation experience. A site to be seen was a naked man with tattooed on clothing , which we unfortunately saw twice throughout the day.
After boarding the bus, we ventured up to the Art Museum, where we explored the grounds. The humidity was high along with the temperatures. The area is saturated with escalators, allowing a walk from the street to the museum and continuing on to the Olympic Stadium.
The Olympic Stadium capacity is 55k spectators and has a view overlooking the skyline. The tv broadcasting antenna resembles an Olympic torch. Construction was occurring and many of the items from the 1992 games were in poor condition. The stadium was beautiful and the Olympic Caldron was a dominating yet small icon, shadowing the stadium. The cafe provided a simple but adequate lunch offering for us.
Papa and Marsha continued back to the Palace at the University. Daniel and I walked outside the stadium and through the hills surrounding the city. While the bus tour provides shuttle from the museum, the walk was relatively short and housed several gems along the way. The Olympic Museum was closes for Mondays, but the path along the way brought us to three additional sites. On the road, a small park housed a statue amongst many trees and benches. The smell of the plants in blossom was incredible and unforgettable. A small fountain with cascading waterfalls provided a quick and refreshing splash in cold water. Our final destination was a sky lift which changed lines and delivered us to the castle on the hill. This military installation was used throughout the multiple wars as a defense to the city of Barcelona. High atop the gardens the skyline was impressive, view of the Mediterranean, airport and seaport. With the bus pass, travelers can enjoy 2 euros off the lift ticket price. Across from the bus stop at the castle, the 1992 Olympic Diving and other non race pools resides. One can see the faded Olympic logos on what is now a community pool.
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