PARIS

We arrived by train Sunday from Dijon and then found our way to our Aparthotel( part apartments and part hotel rooms).Our next task was to go to the grocery store ,as we had a small apartment.Not such a simple task ,as most stores our closed on Sunday.With use of our iPads we located one not to far away.The Monoprix is the Superstore of Paris,and sells everything….accept alcohol.They are not allowed to sell it on Sunday.

Monday was a morning of chores.WE located the closest Subway station and proceeded to get our passes.These longer term passes require a passport photo,are good for 5 years with annual top ups!! Such potential for our future travels!!Once settled ,we explored our neighbourhood.We were located on the Right Bank near the Champs Elisees.WE walked to the Pl. de la Madelaine,and the Opera House

WE scouted out the Ritz( beautiful,large and an undersized signage….no neon signs).WE also looked for the original Chanel shop for our daughter.It is currently under construction,but you can see the stair used by the models to descend during shows.

Tuesday was the arrival of Margo and Carman.WE were very excited.WE spent the morning walking from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre.We spent time looking in the windows of the high end stores and people watching.We observed that there were more sneakers than spiked heels in our previous trips.After lunch we headed to one. of the bridges close to Notre-Dame.It is still surrounded by scaffolding and the restoration seems to be proceeding slowly.

We stopped for a rest on in one of the bridge’s alcoves and were entertaining by one performer.I will let you guess the name of the song and the name of the movie.

We headed home on the subway for our afternoon siesta,as it was 30 degrees in the shade.WE made contact with Carman and Margo and arranged to meet for dinner.We located the hotel using our trusty GPS.WE had a wonderful evening,mediocre food and lots of laughs.WE entertained the man sitting next to us.He either understood English or was infected by our loud laughter and discussions.

Wednesday was a trip to the Palace of Versailles.After a 2 step train trip we arrived to a small city lined with trees and ancient buildings with new roofs.

The parking lot was the size of 2 football fields.The front entrance was elegant and decorated with much gold.The entire complex is huge,as each ruler built a new wing.

When we arrived there was a photo shoot

WE successfully passed through security and get our headsets.We made our way through rooms of art,furniture,statutes ,mirrors.and chandeliers.The absolute wealth and the sense of how many of their workers and how many years it must have taken to complete.As rulers change and further additons,eventually it was the beginning of the pools,gardens and a huge lake,all manmade.It was so large,that you could rent a golf cart to completely see the grounds.

And one more picture

Wednesday evening was the visit to the Ritz and the Hemingway Bar for our martinis to celebrate Betty.

Thursday was a quiet day with walking to the Place de la Concord,the Arc once more

Thursday night was a planned dinner at Le Procope,a restaurant where previous philosophers had gathered to eat and philosophice.Napoleon was one of those people and his hat is on display.The meal was again not outstanding,but the atmosphere balanced it.

Friday was our last day together,and was packed with activity.Michael and I discovered that there was an air traffic controller strike,thus threatening our flight to Madrid on Saturday….

Regardless,we headed off to the Opera House for a visit.There was a huge line up,security,purchase of tickets and head sets.The headsets consisted of a iPad and headset.This building was opulent.It was constructed in 1861 and took 12 years to complete.It is an architectural marvel,build on top of a self made reservoir.We were able to visit the auditorium,as well as the room for intermission.Carman remarked that they would serve THEIR champagne in glasses,not plastic!!There were grand stair cases,private boxes for the performances and the colour of the velvet chosen to accentuate the faces and gowns of the women

And now for your tour of the main auditorium…

And now for the final evening…..you are correct

The Eiffel Tour.

With some excellent white wine(thanks Carman),we took the subway to the tower.Due to all the security issues in our current world,we needed security to get beyond the wall.Once more security and into the grounds and gardens.There were crowds with cameras trying to catch the hourly light show.Carman and Margo decided we needed to go to the top for champagne.With fear and trepidation we stood in line.WE went to the first level in a funicular.The structure was visible as we ascended.WE thought of you,Andy,in particular with awe of the structure but petrified with the height.The next level was by elevator and the final ascent was stairs.Although totally illogical,I found some false security by clinging to the inner wall.But the view of the city at night and from on high was spectacular.

Carman got the Champaign to celebrate our whirlwind few days together….we arrived back on terra firma and watched the flashing light show.With lots of hugs and kisses we all went home to pack for tomorrow

and an important addendum

Carman and Margo were here as our Carman was presenting a poster at a medical meeting at the Sorbonne….such a distance from the PIER!!!:

Off to Spain……Ola again soon