Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig

This morning we got up way too early and staggered out to the lobby where we were met by our driver. We had no problems at all and our flight home was horribly long and yet was comfortable. We had some yummy food on the plane which was probably our last really good French food. Then we arrived in Los Angeles and the flyway was broken and so we had to sit in the plane for almost an hour before they let us disembark. So we were kinda grumpy about that. Then we got into customs and because our flight was so late and there was a flight from Ecuador in which the customs officials were more interested they pretty much just waved us right through and as we were leaving they were bringing out the drug dogs. Gorgeous animals but I sure wouldn't want one chasing me. So we're home, tired, sore and extremely happy. A big shout out to Eddie and Andy for making our trip so wonderful. We're sitting here looking at the pictures -- boy we took a lot of them -- and I do believe that we saw a lot of things in a very short time and I wanted Eddie and Andy to know that we appreciate their organization, professionalism, friendliness and consideration. They made the trip for us and we will never forgot their kindness.

Disneyland Paris in Two Days

This morning we woke up and said our final goodbyes to Len, Lisa and Eddie and Andy -- our ABD guides -- I was very sad to see them all go. So we got in a car and drove to Paris Disneyland where we were greeted by Georges and he was quite possibly the nicest desk clerk I have ever met. Our room was not ready but he gave us UNLIMITED FAST PASSES for the duration of our stay and so off we went with Sharon to the park. It was eerily similar to Disneyland but -- as Sharon said -- more intense. Sadly the park was really crowded both days but we did our best and managed to get on all the fast pass rides and some that were not. I think my favorite ride was Phantom Manor. Pirates here does not have the Johnny Depp figures which surprised me. Small World is way more international which I really liked. Indiana Jones is a ROLLER COASTER which goes into a loop -- imagine our surprise. The first night we went to Blue Lagoon (which is DP's version of the Blue Bayou) and had a magnificent meal. Eddie (ABD guide) made the reservations for us and man we were treated like royalty -- the best seat in the house -- and the food was outstanding. Tom had an octopus carpaccio which was wonderful and the bread and my sampler plate were outstanding -- they had shrimp which were wrapped in potato strings and fried -- I'm in love!!! And then I had dessert -- chocolate mousse -- which was hard to eat because I was so full. One thing I forgot to comment about was I saw a very nice looking 11 or 12 year old girl who was dressed like Aurora -- dress, crown, shoes, gloves and a sword. Aurora the Warrior Princess. This is a new generation for sure. The second day we finished up Disneyland and went over to the Studios and saw several shows -- it was really crowded too and way less places to sit down. We went on ToT which was fun and then to the shows -- Animagique was okay -- Cinemagique was really nice -- and then we went back to the hotel and then to Walt's. Even though we were given the same royal treatment. So since we had to repack we went back to the hotel. Fun times.

Heights

This morning Tom and I got to wake up late and go to the Louvre. This was enjoying the Louvre while running a four minute mile – the highlights of the Louvre in one hour – we saw, in no particular order, Venus de Milo, the Monna (notice the French spelling) Lisa, several statues, several paintings by Michelangelo, Raphael, Da Vinci and a ton of Greek and Roman statues none of which we know what they are but will have to sort out later by the picture. Then after the Louvre we went to the bathroom which was closed so we had to go to this exclusive pay toilet which cost 1 Euro for guys and 1.5 Euro for girls. We went into the bathroom to be greeted by three GUYS who would run into your stall and spray some flowery disinfectant on your toilet seat and then they would stand there and wait until you came out and then run to disinfect the sink area with the same flowery smelling liquid. It was very VERY strange.  Then we walked up and down a billion steps to the water taxi which we took to the base of the Eiffel Tower and then we went up the Eiffel Tower to the first floor where we had a lovely lunch of chicken in a wonderful sauce with these amazing cheesy potatoes. Then we had opera cake which is basically mousse and coffee cake and a vanilla sauce. It was delicious but so rich I could only eat about half. Then I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and went up to the second floor and then to the very very TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER. We got up to the top (Tom and I got separated and so I was up on the top floor by myself) and then up to the top observation deck and I started to freak out. Fortunately my friends from the trip were there and they were able to calm me down until I found Tom and then I was okay. But it was VERY high and VERY hot and VERY crowded. And I came pretty close to a melt down. Tom was able to take a picture of some guys who were OUTSIDE THE EIFFEL TOWER PAINTING. That may have freaked me out more than anything. Then we came back to the hotel and took a nap and then we went to La Duree for dinner and oh my goodness the food was exquisite. Tom and I had a shrimp scampi brioche thing that was amazing and then we had sea bass that was also amazing and then dessert – oh my goodness the dessert was so good – Tom had a Napoleon with pastry that was so crispy that each sheet was like glass you tap it and it fell apart. I had a vanilla cream pastry that had the Napoleon pastry on the bottom and cream and cream puffs on the top with cream that was dream like. The food was outstanding. Then Tom and I came back to the hotel and we had to say goodbye to our most of our fellow travelers. That was really sad. Tomorrow we are off to Disneyland Paris with three of our friends – for friends they are now. So until tomorrow bon soir and sleep well!

Royalty and Romance

We woke up this morning late. It is so hard to have this much fun. I know. No sympathy. Okay. We got up this morning, had breakfast, and went to Versaille. If I were going to die and come back this would be where I would go. I have never seen so much gold and paintings and opulence than here.
Fantastic. Tom and I and probably 30,000 of our closest friends were invited into the king and queen’s private apartments. Almost worth being beheaded for – but not quite. So we went through Versailles and then went to La Flotille for lunch. Tom and I had the salmon wrapped in “paper” pastry and leeks and it was by far more elegant than the plain old chicken and potatoes. We’re finding on this tour that the people with the more adventurous palates are getting the better food. So we ate and then some of the group went off on a bicycle tour and we (Tom and I and Laurent (the native guide) and Eddie (the Disney guide) went and played Petanque which is the French version of bocche ball. Tom and I thought we were winning until the end and Eddie swooped up from behind – a set up at best – then we came back to the hotel and rested for a while and then we went on the Bateaux Parisienne for a dinner cruise which was quite possibly the most romantic thing Tom and I have ever done. You know, there are 37 bridges in Paris, 35 for everyone and 2 for pedestrians only but our server told us when we got to the romance bridge that if we made a wish and kissed it would come true. So Paris, we’re comin’ back. This time of year the Eiffel Tower sparkles every times it is the hour and it’s gorgeous. So we caught a taxi back to the hotel, called it a night, and tomorrow we have the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and our final dinner. That will be way WAY sad. So tonight, from Paris, in a very romantic mood, this is your Paris correspondent saying I’ll post again tomorrow.

Chunnel, Notre Dame, Chez Clement and Baton Mouche

Today began with us loading everything up and putting it out in the hall where the magic of Tinkerbell transported our luggage to France. We went to Gare du Nord to take the Eurostar to Paris. It was amazingly quick and amazingly smooth. According to Tom's GPS the trip achieved 170 or so mph. So we arrive in Paris -- they are having a demonstration. OH! I got a picture of Kings Cross platform 9-3/4 even though it is under construction at the moment although the guides told us that the actual filming of Harry Potter took place at Euston Station. We also got a pic of the longest champagne bar in the world -- it was as long as the train. So anyway when we got to Gare Du Nord they were having a demonstration which really didn't affect us any way although the guides and the local guide seemed concerned. So we bussed off to Notre Dame. Man that is a magnificent place. Oddly they allow you to take pictures in the church -- we took 450 pictures today BTW gotta love digital -- and then we walked all around the church and took pictures from every conceivable angle. We then went to a store called Shakespeare and Company Bookstore and they actually had the two Terry Pratchett books that I've been looking for with the adult covers (like the Harry Potter books only TP). In the quad in front of Notre Dame they were having a bread baking competition and Tom and I got to sample some of the bread they were making. C'est magnifique. Then we came back to the hotel where they had a welcome reception for us -- Disney always does everything so well -- and then we had about an hour's rest and we went to Chez Clement for dinner on the Champs Elysee -- that is really some VERY expensive real estate -- we had salad and baked chicken and ribs with mashed potatoes and creme brulee for dessert. It was tasty but free so it was wonderful. Then we went to the River Seine and took an evening tour and saw all the sights. As I mentioned we took 450 photos today. We have very expensive internet here so have to limit the amount of time. Tomorrow -- Versaille and Baton Parisienne for dinner -- another boat trip -- imagine twice in two days but two different companies. Baton Mouches had spiders on the outside and the guide and one girl were really totally freaking out. That part was funny. So more tomorrow. OH our hotel here in Paris is totally art deco and I need to steal the print in our room so I may be spending some time in a French prison. Hope they have good food. Okay more tomorrow.

Tower, Hard Rock, the Eye and Hamburgers

Today we went to the Tower of London -- in the pouring rain. We saw the crown jewels and the golden coronation items which have been used in ages past and the crown which the current Queen uses and the Imperial Crown of India which the Queen will use when she travels outside the UK -- she's not allowed to take the real crown jewels out of the country. They were spectacular. We saw the Koh-i-Noor diamond which is 105 carats and the Cullinen Diamond (Greater Star of India) -- almost 600 carats and the Lesser Star of India at about 300 carats. Unfortunately they wouldn't let me play with them. Then after that Tom and I came back to the hotel and we took off on the tube by ourselves to Hyde Park Corner to the original Hard Rock Cafe and we went the wrong way and ended up in some super posh neighborhood in Knightsbridge and then had to turn around and walk all the way back -- we had a super informative waiter who for some reason singled us out to tell us the entire history of the Hard Rock Cafe which was way interesting. Then after that we went to the Vault to look at Jimi Hendrix's guitar, Sting's guitar, some original lyrics from John Lennon, an original outfit from BB King -- it was wonderful. Then after that we took the tube again to Waterloo station and got to ride on the London Eye. Tom got some super great pictures from it and I sat in the middle so that I couldn't see over the side. Somes acrophobia is very inconvenient. Then we found our way back to the hotel on the tube -- we have this down now just in time to leave London -- and then we walked over to Wolfe's and had a really yummy cheeseburger. We sat and chatted with our friends Len and Lisa and laughed until our sides ached. Then we came back here and are now going to have to pack and get ready for Paris tomorrow morning. They are picking up our luggage at 7:15 AM and so we have to get up really early. So goodnight and Bienvenue Paris!

West End Theater

Tonight we went to the West End Theater District to see The Lion King. We had great seats -- row Q in the orchestra which was perfectly placed to be able to see everything. The show was fantastic (fahn-tah-stik) -- and then after the show we were able to go back stage and see the staging of the show. I do not know how they manage to do a show day after day in that small space. Fun, fun day. Oh and for those of you following our story -- it turns out that Manchester United (Britain's premier football (soccer) team) was staying in our hotel last night and the speculation was that our 2 AM visitor was connected to them. Up for tomorrow -- Tower of London, Millenium Bridge and hopefully the London Eye. Hope for good weather for us although we're doing it regardless of inclement weather.

Queens and Kings and Harrods

It all began today on an old original double decker bus. We drove around Western London (Westminster) and saw some sights. Unfortunately we couldn't get out of the bus to take pictures but we took some from the bus which mostly didn't turn out I'm sure. We saw Trafalgar Square, the Horse Guards, the government houses and then made our way to Westminster Abbey. I don't know how much news is making it back to the US but right now they are having a horrible upset here over some members of parliament and their expenses and it was interesting to actually see the buildings that we have been seeing on TV. So we went to the Abbey and have "adopted" a local expert named Steven (Stephen?) who is ultra knowledgeable and a blue badge guide which I'm guessing is some kind of distinction. So we got a bit of a history of the Church of England (which we knew from The Tudors) and saw a bunch of graves and markers. Interestingly we also saw a plaque for Jane Austen although she is not buried there nor is Shakespeare but he has a huge monument, Sir Isaac Newton, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary I ("Bloody Mary"), Chaucer, the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, Christopher Marlow, etc. Then we were whisked away to Buckingham Palace and saw Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and then went to the palace for the changing of the guard. Our guides knew the exactly spot to stand to get some incredible shots of the guard marching to their barracks. You know it's a shame of modern times that all these historical buildings have to be surrounded by fences and barracades to protect them. Anyhoo -- they marched right toward us and had a little ceremony of which I hope we got some good pictures. Then we went to Harrod's to have high tea and we had some excellent tea and scones and finger sandwiches. Then we looked around Harrods and I will say I am not young enough, not thin enough and not rich enough for that store so we didn't even buy anything. It was way crowded and way expensive. So we came back to the hotel on the tube (choob) and then Tom and I took a nap. Now we are off to dinner and The Lion King. More later.

Naked Ladies and Other Stories

Dinner last night was a lot of fun -- they had a room filled with various Britishnesses and all kinds of British food like fish and chips and shepherds pie and pork chops with cranberries and other food I can't remember but it was tasty. So we waddle back upstairs take some pain meds (our feet and back hurt -- yes, already) and go to bed. At 2 AM we are awakened by the sound of someone trying very hard to get into our room and rattling the door handle and slapping the door. Tom gets up and goes to the door and through the peephole sees that there is a naked woman in the hallway trying to get into our room. So he calls the front desk to tell them that there is a naked woman in the hallway and the prize question of the day, after he convinces them that he is NOT drunk, was "Do you want me to send security?" We had a rather hard time getting back to sleep after that one. So today the schedule (pronounced shed ule) is city tour on a double decker bus, Buckingham Palace, Harrods for tea and then the Lion King at night. We will, of course, be thanking our Disney guides for the lovely 2 AM Disney surprise. :-) Will blog again later.

The British Museum

Tom and I just got back from 6.5 hours at the British Museum. It was everything we could hope for and more. Suffice it to say that whatever people have to say about Britain pillaging and looting countries for artifacts they sure have taken very good care of them. The first thing we saw were the mummies because Tom wisely knew that I would want to spend time there and so we started upstairs. After Tom noticed that I was taking a picture of every mummy in the place he, again wisely, took away the camera. And I'm sure at that point you will notice a marked improvement in the pictures. We saw the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures (the controversial part), the mummies, the Oxus Treasure, the Royal Game of Ur, the Lewis Chessmen and some samurai armour (see how quickly I'm becoming British)? We saw an Easter Island statue, a crystal skull which is apparently a fake but magnificently beautiful nonetheless -- huge, magnificent statues from Egypt -- that always reminds me of Amelia Peabody in the Mummy Case -- the Nereid Monument, the Gold dinar of Offa which they do not know why it was made but the Arabic on the coin was copied by someone who didn't know the language as the name Offa is upside down on the coin. But that is just a sample of things we saw -- but perhaps someone could explain to me why London is all up and bustling in the middle of the night. It's light and appears to be day but we're so tired it has to be night. Although we are SOOOOOO glad we came here a day early. Besides the 6.5 hours to spend at the British Museum anyway. So tonight (in an hour) we begin our tour with a welcome dinner. We had breakfast this morning with Len and Lisa (our friends we met on line through ABD) and after shouting across the restaurant we decided to just move our tables together. I don't think the restaurant staff appreciated it but hey -- we did it anyway. So onward and upward. I will try and blog again after the dinner. Oh speaking of food reminded me that we ate lunch at the museum cafe -- man it was good -- I had Thai red curry and Tom had squid pasta -- both extremely good. But don't worry about my diet -- I have walked miles and miles since I got here. At least it feels that way already. So I will post again later. Hopefully.

Amazing Indian Food and Walking Around

A quick p.s. to my last post -- tonight we went to dinner at a restaurant called Sitaaray which was outstanding -- it was a "buffet" restaurant which meant that they gave us individual portions of every food they make -- all the while you are watching Bollywood movies on the walls -- I don't know much about Bollywood but the food was amazing -- favorites included Tandoor fish, chicken and lamb (in particular the tandoori lamb with the mint yogurt sauce was a particular favorite) and the tikka masala chicken curry -- everything was so good but now I have to jump up and down to get to sleep because it was so plentiful and spicy -- they said they would have given us more of a favorite but I think if I had had seconds I would have exploded by now. I know it's only 7:30 PM here but Tom and I are drifting off even while we are drinking a glass of soda/water. Then we walked around the district of Holborn (pronounced Hoe-burn) and man oh man these people do like their cigarettes -- blech -- they can no longer sit in the bar and smoke so they group around on the sidewalk and drink their beer and smoke -- and Tom forgot his inhaler so keep a good thought for us. Oh and funny story -- there is a guy who stands in front of the hotel and makes sure that nobody else comes in that shouldn't be here -- how he knows we belong I don't know but I'm sure the American accent is a tip off. Another surprising thing is that there is a LOT LOT LOT of American fast food here -- Burger King, McDonalds, Kripsy Kreme, Subway -- I started taking pictures of them but it would have taken up the whole stick. Anyway -- going to bed now -- tomorrow -- THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

WE'RE HERE!!!

After some rather grueling flights (4 hours to Minneapolis, 4 hour layover, 8 hour flight to London) we are here. It's a good thing we're on a tour after today because right now we're doing a lot of what do you want to do, I don't know, what do you want to do -- I know we want to do the British Museum. And we have found out that even though planes are very loud that there are actually people (well in this case one guy) who can snore louder than the plane -- and I'm not talking about Tom and me. Driving to the hotel here it struck me that it sure does look a lot like Doctor Who. So stay tuned -- we're off to walk around now -- and we're having Indian food for dinner. So yum and I'll try and post again tomorrow. Oh and also HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIEMI -- to be honest I don't know if that is today or yesterday or tomorrow -- but I'm pretty sure it's the 14th.

Fun day

I had a good day today. Candace Saylors came up yesterday and spent the night at our house (just because she hasn't been able to come down since her family moved even though her brothers have). So this morning after walking around the Downey street fair and farmer's market (oh so exciting, as I'm sure you guessed), we went and saw Wolverine! Oh he is so hot and I enjoyed the movie a lot (though not just because of his hotness)! ^_^

After the movie Candace, my mom and I went down to window shop at Fashion Island where we proceeded to have Pinkberry! (What day out is complete without it?!) Before we left we went into Neiman Marcus and MAN is stuff crazy expensive for no reason since all that designer stuff is really ugly. We found a HIDEOUS pair of shoes for about $1800!!! (>_<) And a purse for something like $4500!!!!! (O_o) And the purse was not anything special at all, just like all those other bags only it was Dior. Crazy, crazy people who buy those, that's all I can say. It baffles me, really.

After we were done we went to Roger's Gardens to look around a bit. Then we took Candace home but not before stopping by Fry's because I needed to get something there. Then I got to see the Saylor's home for the first time and it is a very nice place. (And I hope Candace really enjoyed everything since everything we did was completely new to her.)

After we took Candace home we went home but stopped by the Hat for dinner (man those pastrami sandwiches are good) which we took home for my dad too. We the watched Ghost Town which was really cute and very funny. And that is my fun day.