Finally some photos...

Life on the Seine

Hello from the Viking Seine. I know I have been negligent in my posting, but I'll blame it on the internet connection on the ship (or lack of it). We boarded the ship on Sunday and it is now Tuesday afternoon. Time is wooshing away. I absolutely loved every minute in Paris, but I was ready to leave, similar to the feeling I get when I'm in New York. I love it but it exhausts me. We did so much and took many pictures, which I'm going to try to get on here eventually. I need to do a lot of editing first.

We are now in a small town called Confleurs, only 14 miles from Paris, a small, quaint old town with the best pastries I have ever had (I have my priorities, you know). We had a nice walking tour and then had time to explore on our own. The ship leaves in an hour for our next stop (which I can't remember right now -- good travel agent I am) and then we are docked for the night, so hopefully we will explore at night (aka find a bar and enjoy a Pastis with the locals). The people on the ship are very nice and the service is great. I'm hoping the food improves a bit, but trust me, I'm not starving.

Our cabin is tiny, but most river boat cabins are and the shower is a challenge. I know I'm complaining, but I really am having a great time. I better go as I'm getting weird messages from blogger.com. I hope I can publish this. Au voir.

Springtime in Paris ...

Springtime in Paris is everything you imagine it would be. The days are comfortable and the evenings are cool. Trees and bushes are in full bloom and there are tulips, crocuses and other flowers everywhere. There are young lovers strolling hand in hand -- it is a very romantic place to be. And it is crowded wherever we go. Tom I have been using public transportation everyday, both the busses and the subway. They are efficient and easy to use -- I highly recommend this.

I know I skipped posting yesterday -- it was the second day of our two-day museum pass so it was another packed day. We went to the Orsay which is in an old train station and houses a famous collection from the Impressionist period-- my favorite. We went to Rue Cler, Napolean's tomb, the Picasso museum and more than I can recall right now. I do know that we walked and walked and walked.

Today was a slower pace and we went exploring via bus. We had a delicious noodle lunch at a Chinese restaurant. We went to Lafayette Department store and went crazy in their food area -- I thought Harrod's was incredible -- this was ten times better! And it was all French.

We went to the Arche de Triumph which is stunning and we walked and walked and bussed. This is a fantastic city -- I am so glad we did this trip. Tommorrow we get on our river boat and I don't know what my internet access will be but I'm sure I'll figure something out. Until then...

The Louve, St. Chappelle and a French Keyboard

Since I have no access to my laptop (or too cheap to pay for it at the hotel), I am at the mercy of the hotel's computer and the keyboard is completely different. So if there are a few typos, please bare with me. We woke up very early today, had a delicious fresh baguette and took the subway to the Louve. We bought our museum pass and joined all of the school field trips to explore this magnificent building. Of course we had to see the Venus di Milo and the Mona Lisa but also explored less viewed parts of this palace.

We then went to St. Chappelle and Notre Dame (no wonder my feet are killing me). I am not sure why we packed so much into one day but we did. I had taken my then eleven year old son to St. Chappelle twelve years ago and loved it so much. I had such vivid memories of it, with its floor to ceiling stain glass windows and its serene atmosphere. Well, it was beautiful, but not like my memory had envisioned -- very interesting. I still enjoyed it -- just different. I am going to write more about these places when I have my cheat sheets with me, but Tom is waiting patiently for me to get ready for dinner -- we are going to try to find a restaurant where the locals go. Wish me luck.

Bon Jour From Paris

Just a very quick entree to let everyone know that we have arrived in Paris. It is beautiful and the weather is perfect so far (a nice change from Ireland). The hotel is lovely and I have already walked my feet off. Tom is waiting for me as we are getting ready to head to the Louve. I will try to write more later.

One More Day

I am finally packed and ready to go, a whole 12 hours before we take off from home. We received really good news today regarding our flights. After calling American Airlines about twenty times, they finally switched us to a nonstop flight between Miami and Paris -- no switching airports in New York. I know a lot of people say they can never use their frequent flier miles but the trick is persistence. If you don't see the flights you want on-line, or you don't get the answers you're hoping for on the phone, don't give up. Keep calling back. I did and it worked for me. Now if they will only change that dang return flight (am I ever satisfied???).

On Our Way To France

It is officially March 30th (by five minutes) and now I can say that I am leaving for France tomorrow! I am so excited about this trip. Tom and I and the kids were in Paris about 12 years ago (what was I thinking taking an eight year old and an eleven year old with us). I know we are going to really enjoy being there together, just the two of us.

We have a crazy flight (which I'm still trying to change) because of using frequent flier miles. We fly from Miami to Laguardia and then have to get to JFK for our flight to Paris. We will spend four nights in Paris and then Board the Viking Seine for a seven night river boat trip to Normandy. I won't even tell you how we are returning home -- I don't want to think about that yet.

Have I finished packing yet? Of course not. I need to get off this computer and go to bed so I can finish everything tomorrow. So, good night and the next time I write, I may be writing in French (just kidding).