Americans in Paris and no DLP!

[minniekissedme]

Bonjour mon ami...What an unbeliveable experience DW and I have had in less than 24 hours. I'm going to try and put into words what we have joyously discovered in our brief time here and will continue as I'm able, as we spend today (it's about 8AM) in Paris and leave for Luxembourg tomorrow.

This city is incredible...and I feel like I've just been on the Lights, Motors, Action set!

We arrived in Paris from Philadelphia on Sunday morning, right on time, 7:55AM. Bags and all!!!! Got my first passport stamp and we proceeded to follow the signs to the train station. For $8 euros ($12) each we boarded the RER B at the airport (commuter train) bound for Paris. http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3607_IMG.jpg

It takes about 30 minutes and we reached our destination on St Michel Blvd, the Hotel Dacia Luxembourg. After spending countless hours of research into the hotels of Paris, we are pleased with our choice. Parisian hotels for the most part provide you with a room and a bath, and not always private! Amazingly, we secured a room with a king size bed and the bath is updated though tiny. It isn't built with me in mind!!! We are in room 66, one of the "penthouse" units... http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3614_IMG.jpg

A little breakfast of fresh croissants, cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt, and a coffee, and getting into our room, we hit the streets. Our first destination was the Jardin du Luxembourg, just a few blocks from our hotel. This park is huge...we were greeted with an orchestra concert in the park under the trees of the grounds. It then opens to a very large area with flowers and shrubs and is a haven for people to just chill. And some of the biggest pigeons I've ever seen!

From here we were making our way to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. We saw the Pantheon, an original church that is now a monument where many famous French heros are buried. As we pass our hotel we move closer to the Latin Quarter, bustling with action on the tiny streets of the area. Again, think of the LMA set!

As we approach the River Seine, the Cathedral of Notre Dame towers in the background. Truly I do not have pictures that capture the essence of this cathedral. The detail of the architecture is stunning. I've taken more video of this hoping that it will capture more of what we saw as opposed to stills.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3642_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3646_IMG.jpg

Inside the Cathedral is incredible. It's huge. I attend a large cathedral...this place is enormous. We are fortunate that a service is going on during our visit and it's very crowded. All around the edge of the sanctuary are small "chapels", maybe twenty, with confessionals, sculptures, and amazing stained glass. Also some private prayer areas with candles. Again, the pictures don't acturately capture the magnificence of the work.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3650_IMG.jpg

The altar is "framed" by a wooden wall, some 40 feet long/15 feet high, on both sides, with carvings of the church, ending with representations of the last supper. The service ends and we were able to make our way into the center of the church. I'd guess the top of the ceiling is nearly 100 feet above the floor, with rolling domes throughout. As we turn around, the pipe organ is about 30 feet above the floor. Guessing again, I'd say it's 25 feet wide, 20 feet high, with stunning woodwork at its' base and a beautiful stained glass window above. The organist was playing a piece that just rocked the walls (any Elton John fans...Requiem For a Friend comes to mind) and DW and I just sat and listened. I honestly can't say any more.

From there we walked along the Seine River toward the Louvre. There are boats that serve as restaurants cruising up and down the Seine. The river is framed by the architecture of Paris, building after building that are just beautiful.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3656_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3658_IMG.jpg

By now, DW and I are starting to get a bit tired...it's about 2PM and it's been a long trip. The Louvre is a bit further than we both thought but we're still walking strong. We finally get to the Louvre at one end of by far, the largest museum I've ever been near. The building is a "U" shape and is literally blocks long. Smithsonians have nothing on the Louvre. We were entirely to tired to tackle this, Mona Lisa or no Mona Lisa. If I were heavy into art it would have been one thing but we just couldn't bring ourselves to do it. So apologies to the art lovers of MO...you cannot fathom the size of this incredible building. The building itself is gorgeous, detail everywhere.

We wind our way back to the Latin Quarter and pass several local merchants selling the finest of junk in Paris. Mona Lisa pill boxes, Mona Lisa compacts, Eiffel Towers, Elvis videos, large, wooden dice with pictures of various "positions" of pleasure, stuff to make any flea market collector proud. All the same stuff, all with different prices, and all old and faded.

Back to the hotel, a nap, dinner with an old friend of DW's who lives here, and then back to the hotel to get ready for another big day in Paris. We hope to hit the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, and lunch at the Galleries Lafayette (thanks bavaria!)

It's not Disneyland but it is Paris!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob

[carolina_yankee]

This is a great report - I'm moving it to our non-Disney trip reports forum, so others will see it.

Thanks for sharing - and the photos really make me want to be there!!

Dirk

[bavaria]

Thanks for the slide show link!! I could visit Paris over and over and over again (well, I do....)

I do think that the Louvre and Versailles can bring about disappointment as both are so big and crowded. I visited Versailles on a Tuesday in November at opening (definitely low period to attend) and was pushed along in the throng of thousands, with no ability to see anything as there were just too many people.

I prefer the Orsay to the Louvre, and my absolute favourite is the Rodin museum. It has a wonderful sculpture garden and a little cafe; sitting there with a book or people watching and then visiting with my favourite sculptures is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Sorry, didn't mean to ramble in your trip report! (but as you know, I can do a lot of rambling in long emails about Paris ;) )

One of the wonderful things about Paris is that one can just wander outside and see so much without ever entering a building.

I am hoping to hear/see a little about Luxembourg if you have time later.

[kiapgh23e]

Did you find time to see where DL paris is by any chance?

:bunny:

[nono]

I don't think anything else blew my mind as much as my first visit to Versailles.

Thanks for the report! Looking forward to more!

[TW1]

A little breakfast of fresh croissants, cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt, and a coffee, and getting into our room, we hit the streets.
What?! No Freedom Fries? :Pokepoke:

Sounds like you're having fun. Enjoy!

[diva452]

Great pics and report! It's been 9 years since I was last in Paris. Dh and I got engaged at the Hotel Ritz. We got lost in the Louvre - couldn't get out of Egypt!. We didn't visit Versailles, which I wish we had. I love Paris!!!!

[JimP]

I prefer the Orsay to the Louvre, and my absolute favourite is the Rodin museum. It has a wonderful sculpture garden and a little cafe; sitting there with a book or people watching and then visiting with my favourite sculptures is a great way to spend an afternoon.

I agree... both the Orsay and Rodin are great!!!

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

It's about 9pm and we have spent another glorious day in Paris. DW caught up on lots of sleep and we finally started our day at Starbucks around 1030. The Eiffel Tower was first.

First a word about the transportation system...I don't think there is a better way to see Paris (like I'm an expert) than on foot. There is sooooooo much to see. Having said that, the metro (subway/train) is great and inexpensive. We've used it today traveling from one location to a further away location and it has saved me from exhaustion. Fairly simple, color coded lines, and fairly simple transfers from one train to another. And just over one euro per trip.

We arrived at the Eiffel Tower and the line to go to the top was long...stretched out to the street. No waiting for us so we passed on the opportunity to see Paris from high above...well at least right now. As many times as I've seen pictures I never understood it's size until today. It is quite impressive and the various views of the Tower from the different areas surrounding it are nice.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3672_IMG.jpg

From there we strolled across the Seine again to the Trocodero which is impressive in it's own right. No time to stop in but plenty of pictures of the Eiffel Tower from this vantage point.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3676_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/136-3693_IMG.jpg

A quick metro ride takes us to the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs Elysees. It's as beautiful a monument as you can see and perhaps most impressive as it symbolizes the soldiers that fought for France. A tomb of the unknown soldier lies at the base and DW told me that this is where Jackie Kennedy got the idea for the burning flame at Arlington. She also told me it's been put out only once...an apparently intoxicated young lad decided it didn't need to burn any longer so he found a less than unique method to extinguish it...(note to bavaria...can you confirm!?!?!?!?!?)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3704_IMG.jpg

Now is when I need a disposable income...the Champs Elysee, wow! What a great area...beautiful tree lined street. Each tree trimmed perfectly to allow for the desired "look" of the avenue. You name it and it's here. LV, Gucci, the list goes on and on. Very cool. Saw two Toyota's that I wanted to buy...one a hybrid, the other some crazy looking four seater, full gull wing doors, each wheel with an electric motor...very bizarre. Pittsburgh wouldn't know what hit if I brought one of these home!

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3715_IMG.jpg

More sites along the way and we finally made it to the Galleries de Lafayette department store. Now this was a tip from bavaria and she at first thought it was a bit nuts. But this place is so cool. It has an "atrium" that you can't believe. Another opportunity for video rather than stills but this will give you an idea.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3728_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3729_IMG.jpg

We went to the top and onto the roof...a completely breathtaking view of Paris...and I mean all of Paris. Seeing is believing this site and I spent some time videoing the view. It's across from the Opera and is almost a one stop shop for site seeing in Paris. Simply marvelous...you'll have to wait for my academy award winning foreign film...or if I ever figure out the video camera!

Metro home, early dinner, people watching with some cognac and time for relaxing. I bought some teenie cigars today to enjoy with my cognac...had to pay twenty cents for matches!

That's the report for today...I'll touch base from Luxembourg tomorrow...until then, au revoir!

[jbrowna]

We spent May 1 - 12 in Paris. The first week we rented an apartment in the 2nd Arr. (not far from the Gare L'Est), located on the 5th floor. We had 8 people, ranging from 4 and 7 year old grandchildren on up to DW and I in our 50's. It was a wonderful trip. Other than our arrival day (May 1st, a national holiday, with just about everything closed up) we had great weather. :umbrella: Because we had an apartment, we cooked our own meals. It was great shopping in the local fruit markets and grocery stores: we had an Ed nearby, as well as a Fran Prix. Because of that, I can't really give you any information on places to eat in Paris -- although milkshakes in the McDonald's for .95 euros are a better deal than we can get here in the states, even with the lousy exchange rate!

We went to Versailles on the 6th, and then again on the 8th, when the fountains were on because of Liberation Day. If you can get out there with the fountains on I would encourage it (I believe they are on during the weekends in the summer, and on holidays). They have music playing :violinist and the fountains flowing just makes the gardens of Versailles magical!

Our final 4 days we were at DLP, staying in two rooms at the Hotel Cheyenne. Staying on property allowed us to enjoy the extra magic hours in the morning, as well as have the opportunity to have our continental breakfast in Disneyland two of our four mornings.

This was our second trip to Paris in the last three years (went in October of 2005). Ditto the comments about Orsay. Our grandkids also loved the playground at Notre Dame, so we spent lots of time there! I also like the free wifi you find in just about every park. :computerg Also, I strongly encourage the purchase of the museum pass -- that way you don't have to feel like you need to see everything at the Louvre (for example) on your first visit. With your pass you can just come back again, and know that your admission is already paid. What can I say: we love Paris! :lovestruc

[bavaria]

I've heard the flame story too! Also heard that when France was first the heart of aviation some daring flyers actually flew their tiny airplanes through the bag in the Arc :beaniepro

I too prefer walking around Paris when I can. I usually end up walking at least 3 hours a day if not more when I am there on my free days, and don't take the metro that much unless for long distances.

There is great 'metro culture' though! Musicians will board and play and then come around collecting and hop off a few stations later. While I am not a big fan of street music, there are some wonderful musicians on the metro. On 'my' line there is an older accordian player who plays some interesting tunes, a Spanish trio which is just amazing, and one or two other assorted cultures. I usually try and contribute and feel bad because when the trio is aboard is usually when I don't have change, and I like them best.

[minniekissedme]

I've heard the flame story too! Also heard that when France was first the heart of aviation some daring flyers actually flew their tiny airplanes through the bag in the Arc :beaniepro



according to Wikipedia, "The Arc de Triomphe is so colossal that three weeks after the Paris victory parade in 1919, marking the end of hostilities in World War I, Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it, with the event captured in a newsreel."

Wiki by the way was an excellent source for Paris information...almost as good as bavaria!!

[Laxmom]

Great trip report!! Please keep posting! It is almost as good as being there! Well......almost!

[Colorado Belle]

Over thirty years since I' ve been to Paris...yet I still remember the Rodin museum. days lost (happily) in the Louvre, Versailles, Notre Dame and WALKING...walking everywhere from (and through) the Bois de Bologne to the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame...walking...but loving the walking! Although when I was in the nord du france, people thought I was southern french and vice versa....just one word out of my mouth in Paris and I was marked evermore as americain...eh bien, it's all good.

Glad you enjoyed Paris...I spent about 2 weeks there and can't imagine seeing it all in a couple of days...my hat is off to you! i loved little luxembourg...remember summer flowers and green hills.

Loved the photos! Giv e us more!

[JimP]

according to Wikipedia, "The Arc de Triomphe is so colossal that three weeks after the Paris victory parade in 1919, marking the end of hostilities in World War I, Charles Godefroy flew his Nieuport biplane through it, with the event captured in a newsreel."

Wiki by the way was an excellent source for Paris information...almost as good as bavaria!!

I should walk over and measure it. My hotel is right next door :)

I cannot remember the wingspan of my plane... but I know my hangar is 40' wide.

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

With two days of Paris behind us it was off to Luxembourg today. Starbucks breakfast on the way to the metro which takes us to the Gare de l'Est train station to catch the TGV. The TGV is the hi-speed train that will have us in Luxembourg in just over two hours. That is until for security reasons we didn't leave. Down the steps and up the steps to another train. Miss the connection in Metz and have to wait another 30 minutes for the next train. c'est la vie...

The train ride was awesome...beautiful scenery, rolling hills and farms all the way to Luxembourg. Off the train and right across the street is our hotel, Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa. And this is what I'm talking about...huge room (the whole family can fit in this one) totally deluxe accomodations.

After getting squared away we walk (what else) thru the area of the train station and across the bridge to the city center area. This maybe 10 square block area is Luxembourg's answer to the Champs Elysee. Countless brasserie, shops like Louis V again, and more. Very chic. Tons of people.

DW hooks up with her peers for dinner and the center is rocking...Italy vs France in EuroCup08. Well you should have been around after the game when the Italian fans took to the streets. Cars honking horns, revving engines, fans hootin' and hollerin'. It was pretty funny.

No pix today...we're hitting the tour world in the morning...don't know exactly what we'll be doing yet.

Enjoy your dinner...time for me to go to bed...ciao!

[Grandbuddy]

I was last in Paris (my only time in Paris) during the summer of 1971 - but most of the pictures look like I remember Paris looking. Haven't seen my pics in thirty years. (They are slides, and I never take out the projector.) So thanks for the memories.

[bavaria]

I really like the TGV, especially the new service where you can book online and get First Class for only a few Euros more (oops, did I forget to tell you that in one of my emails?) I chose the TGV over flying a few months ago when I went to the French Riviera. It was a 5 hour train ride but very comfortable and quick.

I'm waiting to hear about Luxembourg because I never go there, and will be near there in a few weeks. I'm trying to expand my horizons so may consider it.

Have fun!

[minniekissedme]

though it's actually afternoon here and I'm exhausted. Enjoying a glass or two of wine to unwind from a rather long day of walking. We started with the casemates near city center. Casemates are behind the walls that I'll share a picture or two of. They are over 1,000 years old, and served as a fortress, shelter for soldiers, housed their workshops, kitchens, etc. Then later served as shelters during bombing raids of the world wars. They are quite impressive and even more so when I consider that much of the casemates have been destroyed or sealed up. I took mostly videos of the casemates that I visited but here are a couple of the walls...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3748_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3750_IMG.jpg

I walked from just outside of city center the hard way to get there...down thru the valley that would be the bottom of the casemates area. Narrow little streets with little homes and walked past the Grund...an old castle that is now of all things an old folks home. There is a stream that runs along the Grund and a very large garden across the stream at the base of the casemates. No idea if it's a caretaker or whatever but loads of vegetables and flowers. It was a very pleasant walk though a bit tough heading back up the hill to the top of the casemates.

Prior to starting we visited the city center area for a bite to eat...delicious pasties and coffee and walked thru the farmers market in the square. Beautiful fruits and vegetables (albeit expensive) on display with a number of people enjoying the shopping!

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/137-3737_IMG.jpg

It's a beautiful city with exciting views of the valleys from hi above on the city streets. Most "attractions" are closed by 5 or 6pm so my touring for the day is likely over. We'll do dinner and maybe visit the casemates at nite as they are lit.

weidersein...

[minniekissedme]

Luxembourg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/Lux2.jpg

More Luxembourg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/Luxmebourg.jpg

Seine River

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/SeineRiver.jpg

Eiffel Tower

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/tower.jpg

Trocodero
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/Trocodero.jpg?t=1213806055

[bavaria]

Thank you for posting the Luxembourg information! Those photos actually reminded me of Monaco; I imagine that they are somewhat similar especially in regards to wealth/income. (Although there is no ocean in Luxembourg...)

[minniekissedme]

It's amazing how different Luxembourg is from Paris and while I've never been to Monaco this place does have some $$$$$. Mercedes taxis everywhere, new transit buses running regularly thru town, it's very cosmopolitan/metropolitan yet tiny. The city is always on the move...people hustling and bustling all day long.

Sunday and Monday they are celebrating their national holiday...we watched the parade rehearsal as we ate dinner tonite. Marching bands, military presentations, tanks, hummers, police everywhere.

Tomorrow I hope to see the living quarters of the royals though no tours are permitted. It's supposed to be a stunning building. After that, who knows...I'd love to just rent a scooter and cruise.

[JimP]

I am gone from Paris now as well. I worked all day, then flew to Dresden tonight. I'll be here for two nights.

I just decided to add yet another international leg onto my trip. Now it is:

Portland - Chicago - Paris - Frankfurt - Dresden - Frankfurt - SF - Portland - SF - Taipei - SF - Portland - Camping for a week - Seattle - Tokyo - Seattle - Portland.

The Tokyo trip is the new addition.

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

I am gone from Paris now as well. I worked all day, then flew to Dresden tonight. I'll be here for two nights.

I just decided to add yet another international leg onto my trip. Now it is:

Portland - Chicago - Paris - Frankfurt - Dresden - Frankfurt - SF - Portland - SF - Taipei - SF - Portland - Camping for a week - Seattle - Tokyo - Seattle - Portland.

The Tokyo trip is the new addition.

/Jim

Holy Frequent Flyer miles Batman!

[minniekissedme]

It's Thursday in Luxembourg...DW started her meetings at 9am and being the MOD that I am I walked with her to her office with a fresh streusel and killer coffee in hand.

I headed to the tourist office at the train station who promptly turned me over to the ticket office for information on how to get to the town of Vianden. Nice young man hooks me up on a train and a bus for the approximate 50 minute ride...all for the low, low price of 1.50 euros. In fact, this ticket is good for two hours and I could have gone anywhere I wanted to go in those to hours. So round trip is three euros.

Train ride is another smooth trip except I didn't know I was to get my ticket "stamped" at the machine in the train station to validate the start of my two hour timeframe. The conductor promptly advised me of the error of my way and helped me get straight. The train was about 25 minutes.

The train goes to Ellebruck where I get a bus to Vianden. And these buses are touring buses in Luxembourg...not city type buses...nice comfy bus ride again thru some beautiful countryside settings. Mostly farmlands with small towns cropping up here and there. Some more urban than others...I saw my first gas station today...1.32 euros/liter was the cheapest I saw along the way. The bus ride which makes several stops along the way was about 25 minutes as well.

You can spit and miss Vianden though it's a quaint little town much like everything else is around here. Small townhome type living quarters and "brasseries" seemingly every other building. What you cannot miss is the castle.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/138-3806_IMG.jpg

Conservative estimate...this "tiny house" is at least 1,000 feet up from where I get off the bus. There are two ways to get there...walk and...the chair lift!!!!! Thank God! The ski lift is pretty darn cool...takes off from the bank of the River Our and proceeds up tto nearly the top of the hill. As I ride up the slope I notice the castle starting to become in my rearview mirror. The guy at the booth told me it's about a 20 minute walk to the castle...it was more like 15 straight back down the hill though this walk was along a carved out path down the slope of the hill. It was pretty cool. The path has some fairly jagged stones and I would have preferred hiking boots (good thing I didn't wear my flipflops!) So now I'm approaching the castle from above...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/1e3a6e01.jpg

and the view from up here is just wicked...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/dcb1443f.jpg

The castle dates back to the 11th century and from what I learned was completed in the 1600's. Stood that way until it was destroyed in the 1800's and finally restoration took over in the late 1970's. It's quite magnificient to say the least. The stones and construction that occurred to make this in the first place is mind boggling and it's location to boot.

I could have spent more time reading and learning more about the castle...it's obviously established as a museum at this time...but everything is in French, or German, or Luxembourese...didn't they know I was coming!?!?!?!?!?!

Rather than hike back up the hill to the chair lift I walked allllllll the way down the hill. Stopped for a bite of frites at a local pub where the lady only spoke French or German or Lux...bitte...didn't she know I was coming, too!? But the beer was cold and the frites were frites. I'm not sure she had anything else. All those jokes about French Fries coming from France...frites are everywhere!

Beautiful little town...bavaria, I think you'd love this area...

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/138-3810_IMG.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn35/bobtopich/test/Paris2008/138-3812_IMG.jpg

Bus and train ride home in about an hour. Showered and shaved and ready for another dinner in Lux...TTFN!

[TikiTwinsMom]

Absolutely gorgeous photos, MKM! Sounds and looks amazing. The tikitwinsfamily will live vicariously through you for now! :drool:

[minniekissedme]

Thanks!!! You know, I don't think I've said it before but I have to give super big thanks to both M&D's or this trip never happens for me. DW would be in boring meetings and boring dinners without me having all the fun!!!

After this trip I sure hope we get to do it again. There is soooo much to see in the states and the continent I want to do it all and I hope you get to do it, too!

Anyone need a house...gotta pay for the next trip!!!!!!!!!

[cheyenne]

Great trip report & the pics are beautiful! Thanks for posting them!

[Laxmom]

Awesome pics, MKM!!! That castle is something!! Not Cinderella's mind you but still quite something!

[JimP]

I am on my way home now. This has been a whirlwind trip and I really didn't have much chance to get out and play. Biz travel is NOT the same as personal travel.

I'll be home in 19 hours +/- a bit.

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

I've got about 34 hours til the mouseketeers run my life again!!! Can't wait! I miss the little ones. We travel back to Paris tonite...staying at the Radisson at the airport and hit the road about 7AM EST or 1PM in Paris.

I didn't really do much today. I did visit the Bernard-Massard winery in the Moselle area of Luxembourg, about 50 outside of the city of Luxembourg, once again on the border of Germany. Tasted a few of the offerings, an Auxerrois, a Reisling (actually two of these) and one of the award winning Bruts. Only 5.50 euros for a tour of the cave and the tasting (though I sweet talked the lady into sharing a bit me than we were supposed to have...it was only me and another woman from Finland.)

I'm waiting for DW to wrap up here meetings so I'm killing time in the hotel lobby on the net!

[JimP]

I just got home a few minues ago. I'll be leaving for the airport in about 30 hours... this time to Taiwan.

/Jim

[nono]

I just got home a few minues ago. I'll be leaving for the airport in about 30 hours... this time to Taiwan.

/Jim

Are you staying in Taipei?

[Grandbuddy]

Have a safe trip home.

[JimP]

Are you staying in Taipei?

Affirmative. This time in the Grand Formosa because I am running an event there. I generally stay in the Grand Hyatt.

/Jim

[nono]

Affirmative. This time in the Grand Formosa because I am running an event there. I generally stay in the Grand Hyatt.

/Jim

You know I love the Grand Hyatt area -- near Mitsukoshi and all that! We generally stay at the Agora Garden which is basically between the Grand Hyatt and the City Hall subway station. It's an apartment-style place, but after our last trip, I said, "Next time, let's try to stay at the Grand Hyatt."

One of the reasons I'm enjoying this American in Paris trip report is that I haven't been in YEARS, as I keep heading to Asia. It's fun to have a virtual European vacation!! :tilt:

[JimP]

You know I love the Grand Hyatt area -- near Mitsukoshi and all that! We generally stay at the Agora Garden which is basically between the Grand Hyatt and the City Hall subway station. It's an apartment-style place, but after our last trip, I said, "Next time, let's try to stay at the Grand Hyatt."

One of the reasons I'm enjoying this American in Paris trip report is that I haven't been in YEARS, as I keep heading to Asia. It's fun to have a virtual European vacation!! :tilt:

Have you been going to Taiwan for business or pleasure? Mine has been 100% business, as a lot of PC manufacturing is done there.

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

One of the reasons I'm enjoying this American in Paris trip report is that I haven't been in YEARS, as I keep heading to Asia. It's fun to have a virtual European vacation!! :tilt:

Thanks...glad you are enjoying it!

[minniekissedme]

Home sweet home! I'm not sure I have ever felt quite so good to be home. I (or we) have been away before but this time really feels good to be home. Coming home from Paris was just about perfect. Getting to Paris from Luxembourg...that's another story.

Leaving Luxembourg at 6:40 was a bit hectic...still big time rush hour in the train station. As we waited on the platform the crowd continued to grow. At 6:40 and no train in site...well, it wasn't going to be fun. Naturally in French there is an announcement. Most people just took in in stride and we had a tough time finding an English speaking person at the moment. I checked the board an it indicating a late train...plus or minus 20 minutes. Twenty turns to thirty or more and now we're really threatened to meet a connecting train in Metz.

The train finally arrives and the cattle rush the thing. DW and I make it on...she finds a seat on the second level and the bags and I are forced to stand in the entry...along with several others. People are sitting on the steps, standing in the aisle, you name it. Well this isn't very pleasant. The ride is about 45 minutes or so to Metz and I'm standing.

We finally leave and make it to the first or second stop along the route and grind to yet another halt. Here we find out that there is a "loose wire" which puts one track completely out of commission thereby limiting travel along this route to one track. We were told we would be stopped here for 15 minutes...yea, right! Try another 40. By now, everyone was obviously a bit frustrated but they all seemed to take in stride. Smokers got off and smoked. I could have used a drink and I was ready to start smoking again. (Side note...did I mention that nearly everyone in Europe smokes!)

I learn that my fears of missing our connection are gone because our TGV train is behind us! So I'm feeling better. We hit the tracks again and another annoucement is made that we will be getting the TGV at the next stop rather than the final stop in Metz.

Well the TGV is PACKED. I'm supposed to have a seat on this and it isn't happening. Now I'm getting annoyed. Again I'm standing babysitting luggage. DW is standing next to a woman who seems particularly annoyed that DW is standing next to her. Poor thing...she's sitting...DW is standing...and this lady is annoyed that DW's butt is in her face! She's giving DW these dirty looks and I'm just chuckling!

Oh well, yet more French announcements and I lovely mother I'm standing next to translates and tells us that we will indeed get once again off at the next stop because they will be adding another train to this one for us to get our seats! Yippee...the prospects of traveling nearly 200 mph standing didn't "sit" too well!

Albeit significantly late we make it to Paris. We are given an envelope to mail our tickets back to receive some type of refund because of the tardiness! Never got that from USAirways! Now is off to another quick train ride to the airport. More on that to come...I've been asked to make breakfast!

Stay tuned.........

[minniekissedme]

The TGV takes us to the Gare de l'Est station. We now have a short walk to the Gare de Nord station to catch the metro to the airport where we are staying this evening. We wanted to make it as simple as possible to return...we planned to sleep in and catch the plane at 1pm.

The walk is a bit further than we thought and on a Friday nite (11pm) in this section of Paris, well let's just say we probably wouldn't be up here if we didn't have to be. We make our way thru the crowds to our platform and board the train to the airport. Lots of younger folks in packs, pretty loud and it makes for a bit of an uncomfortable feeling. Especially when we obviously don't understand what anyone is saying.

We finally arrive at the airport and now need to find our hotel shuttle van after placing a call to the hotel. We learn that the tickets we purchased before we left Paris on Tuesday were the wrong tickets for the train and we can't exit!!! (another note...you must present your ticket to enter and exit the train station...it slides into a reader and pops back out.) Fortunately there is a gentlemen at the booth that recognizes we are incompetent tourists and allows us to exit.

We make it to the Radisson and our room is nice but smells of smoke even though it's a non-smoking room. The room is "wired" to conserve energy as was our room in Luxembourg. You must place your room card in a slot that allows the lights to work. Remove the card and the lights go out. The Radisson also has the hallway lights on sensors...open the door to exit your room and the lights in the hall go on!

We phone home to let everyone know we're back in Paris and to get on the computer so we can chat. It's now about 11:45 and DW and I are both pretty hungry having gone since lunch w/o food. I quick bite, a few emails with the kids and off to bed.

The hotel shuttles us to the airport and unfortunately we are dropped off at the arrival error which is a cluster*&^%. It's a bit after 11am and the place is jumping...Charles de Gaulle airport is not the most user friendly place especially when we're fighting the crowds who are arriving. Trying to catch the "lift" to go to the departure floor is yet another cluster you know what. Once we get there it is much more calm.

USAirways is pretty simple check in and we make our way to the gate. We spend our last 10 euros for a bite, make our way to the gate and board the plane. DW and I are in the same row but not seated together. We both have pleasant mates for the trip home.

There is an annoucement made on the plane to let our flight attendants know if they can do anything to make our flight more pleasant. I pick the right flight attendant...I order a cognac and tell her that my flight would be much more pleasant with free drinks! We chuckle over the next minute or so and she continues serving the others. About 30 minutes later she returns with a bag of those lovely teeny bottles of cognac for me! I'm set for the next few hours!!!!!

As I enjoyed my cognac I watched American Gangster and Juno on the big 4" screen in front of me...had to do something. Made the eight hour flight a bit shorter. We arrive on time in Philly...go thru immigration, customs, re-check the bags and arrive at our connecting flight home to Pittsburgh as the plane is boarding. The flight is on time but becomes late waiting for some extra bags...no a big deal at this point, we're 45 minutes from touching done in Pittsburgh.

Up and down...more fun with flight attendants on this trip and we touch down in Pittsburgh about 715pm. Pull out the cell phone and call home to let everyone know we're on the ground. Not a bad wait for the luggage, a short ride to the parking lot to retrieve the car and another 20 minutes to home. Until I pull a duh and get on the southbound highway rather than the north. Oh well, haven't driven in a week and I'm kinda delirious just to be home.

We arrive about 8:40...the kids have welcome home signs to greet us (one was across the hall entry...DS11 made it like a football sign and made us run through it...adorable) and are we glad to get those hugs and kisses. And the first order of business...plop our butts on the couch and watch Camp Rock on demand.

There's no place like home...

[minniekissedme]

hey...come over and I'll show you my vacation pictures!

I only posted a few during the whole trip report but for those of you interested in seeing the whole slideshow, shoot me a PM with your email address. There are 200 pictures and I'm not trying to be pretentious or anything. If you're interested in seeing more just let me know...

bob

[JimP]

You know I love the Grand Hyatt area -- near Mitsukoshi and all that! We generally stay at the Agora Garden which is basically between the Grand Hyatt and the City Hall subway station. It's an apartment-style place, but after our last trip, I said, "Next time, let's try to stay at the Grand Hyatt."

One of the reasons I'm enjoying this American in Paris trip report is that I haven't been in YEARS, as I keep heading to Asia. It's fun to have a virtual European vacation!! :tilt:

Nono,

I am in Taipei now. I am staying at the Grand Formosa Regent on this trip... and it is nice enough. I can lay in bed, look out my window and see the 101. Of course... at the Grand Hyatt... I could walk right next door to it :)

Do you know if the 101 is still the tallest building in the world?

We are supposed to get a Typhoon tomorrow (Wed) evening. I hope it passes quickly because I am supposed to fly out Thursday morning.

/Jim

[nono]

Do you know if the 101 is still the tallest building in the world?

We are supposed to get a Typhoon tomorrow (Wed) evening. I hope it passes quickly because I am supposed to fly out Thursday morning.

/Jim

Wait, I thought someplace else was to take over late last summer for the tallest? What happened? :reporter:

Yeah, remember the big typhoon that hit Japan last July? It was gunning for us in Taipei but then turned and clobbered Japan instead.

We go for both business (husband's) and pleasure (family). And just because. I find Taipei to be the least foreign place I've ever been...I keep forgetting I'm not someplace in the states when I'm walking near Mitsukoshi, eating lunch or dinner in the basement of 101, etc. BTW, if you like Vietnamese food, in Mitsukoshi's complex, maybe Number 6 or 7 (opposite direction of NY/NY and 101), top floor is a great Vietnamese place next door to a small sushi place. Not busy at lunch as far as I've ever seen. Like you ever get out for lunch if you're working! :hahahaha:

Take care and have a productive trip.

Now, back to France talk! (I guess working in a Vietnamese reference helps tie the Asia talk to France... :innocent:) minniekissed me, I've really enjoyed reading your report! Oh, btw, the "wired" rooms you mention with the key in the slot are fairly standard in Asia. I love them as I never lose my room key anymore! :highfive:

[JimP]

Wait, I thought someplace else was to take over late last summer for the tallest? What happened? :reporter:

According to Wikipedia:

The Burj Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is currently the world's tallest man-made structure. As of 12 May 2008, the building, which is still under construction, stood at 636 m (2,087 ft). When completed, it is planned to rise over 800 m (2,625 ft).

There is a lot of confusion on how height is calculated... spires, antennas, highest observation deck, etc. It looks like Taipei 101 is in 2nd place behind the Burj Dubai... but that one is not completed yet.

/Jim

[minniekissedme]

Now, back to France talk! (I guess working in a Vietnamese reference helps tie the Asia talk to France... :innocent:) minniekissed me, I've really enjoyed reading your report! Oh, btw, the "wired" rooms you mention with the key in the slot are fairly standard in Asia. I love them as I never lose my room key anymore! :highfive:

Thanks nono...I'm glad you enjoyed the report! Having never been in Europe it was really exciting. And selfishly, doing a trip report allows me to retain the memories or at least some of them. Whether I post future reports or not I think I'll continue to "capture" them for my/our own recollection.

Jim...safe travels and return!

[JimP]

We go for both business (husband's) and pleasure (family). And just because. I find Taipei to be the least foreign place I've ever been...I keep forgetting I'm not someplace in the states when I'm walking near Mitsukoshi, eating lunch or dinner in the basement of 101, etc. BTW, if you like Vietnamese food, in Mitsukoshi's complex, maybe Number 6 or 7 (opposite direction of NY/NY and 101), top floor is a great Vietnamese place next door to a small sushi place. Not busy at lunch as far as I've ever seen. Like you ever get out for lunch if you're working! :hahahaha:

Nono... I am imagining Mr Nono driving one of the Taipei scooters... two kids standing in front of him... and you riding side-saddle on the back.

;)

/Jim

[Princess Amy]

Great pic's! It so makes me want to go back there again. I love, love, love Paris...my only complaints were the smoking, and the stepping in dog poo every couple steps (has that gotten better?). I heard they were trying to work on the dog thing! It is a fun city to drive in with all the round a bouts. Thanks for the report.

[minniekissedme]

Great pic's! It so makes me want to go back there again. I love, love, love Paris...my only complaints were the smoking, and the stepping in dog poo every couple steps (has that gotten better?). I heard they were trying to work on the dog thing! It is a fun city to drive in with all the round a bouts. Thanks for the report.

I did want to start smoking again...though now smoking is banned indoors for the most part.

Dog poop was not nearly an issue...I had heard the same thing but can recall only one opportunity to dance around that and that was actually in Luxembourg!

I did want to buy a scooter, too! They're so cute!

[Rozzie]

It's our dream to make it to France. My DH has extended family he has never met over there . It's #1 on our life to do list. We have tons of French books, French maps, how to speak French in 12 hours or less, French furniture, etc we are obsessed with anything French. We even make everyone in good ole' Bama pronounce our last name the correct French way just for kicks. :D

Alas, he can never get more than 8 days off, and we really want to go at a time we can spend 2 weeks. One day, until then, we'll live and dream through your pictures. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed them and your TR. Glad you had a safe trip home.