5.3 Miles Amid History and Celebration
Bonjour,
I’m an early riser so getting up at 9am tells you a lot! We had another marathon day yesterday and fell into bed after 11pm. (Natalie and Carson were out still prowling the Champs and Arc de Triomphe.) Between vertigo, snoring, late-night texts and too much caffeine, sleeping is at a premium. I always remind myself that it’s just one night and not the end of the world. I can catch up later.
We had made a list of must-do’s for Natalie and Carson’s visit, and we have covered almost all of it. When they were here two years ago, the majestic classic opera house, Le Palais Garnier, was completely closed for renovation. Yesterday was all about marking that off our list.
Our day began with another snag when Line 7 (direct to the opera) was closed because of a wreck somewhere on the line. So once again a recalculation. Sounds insignificant but in Paris it gobbles up the time. People rarely plan for moving-around-time in Paris. Make note of that if you ever come.
The delay gave me time to tell Carson the story of the Phantom of the Opera with an urging that he look it up on YouTube. The opera house is fantastic and well worth your time. Of course, when we finally arrived, it was totally jammed as is all of Paris! We did our own tour and think we captured the essence for 14 euros each. A guided tour is much more expensive.
So sorry that the photos are jumbled up but this darn server isn’t cooperating this morning.
Next stop was lunch at the food store at Les Galeries Lafayette and then across to the main building. We finally figured out why Carson wanted to go there so much.
So to end the evening, we rushed off to dinner at Le George at the top of the Centre Pompidou where you guessed it, they have totally changed the entrance which made us even later. The escalators were not all working. It’s a journey to get to the top! The weather was exquisite and it was a lovely evening overlooking the city.
Late night on the Champs for Natalie and Carson amid a transformer blowout on the subway which scared them to death and left them in the dark for a bit. It happens but it is unnerving.
Hope you enjoyed without all the steps!
L & B
June 1, 2023 @ 10:25 am
Priceless moments I’m glad Carson got his star wars Lego well deserved for sure !!! Love your blogs linda read them every morning. Hope you write another book soon clara
June 1, 2023 @ 10:46 am
It’s was a neat day. One clarification…the photo with the wine and artsy ceiling wasn’t the bookstore/gift shop…just a cute shot I took in Le Galleries Lafayette 🙂 Dinner was great and the setting was awesome!!!
June 1, 2023 @ 11:39 am
The Opera House was closed when we were there so I’m thrilled to look at all your photos. It’s obvious that Natalie and Carson are enjoying their trip! Good job!
June 1, 2023 @ 11:50 am
Sounds like a magnificent day! And you didn’t mention vertigo, so I hope you didn’t have it. Jan and I sat on practically the top row at the opera one time. We felt like we could practically touch the ceiling. Well worth it. So very glad you’re having these wonderful experiences. Best to Bernie!
June 1, 2023 @ 11:56 am
What a perfect day in spite of the transportation glitches. The opera looks beautiful and the chairs set up on the roof of the Galeries Lafayette to watch the French open is quite clever! I’m looking forward to another fun day tomorrow!
June 1, 2023 @ 12:24 pm
Sounds as if their visit has been filled with beauty, adventure, great weather, good food and stories to tell. Perfect.
June 1, 2023 @ 1:10 pm
Great pics of a very memorable day!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to celebrate!!!!
June 1, 2023 @ 1:43 pm
You and Bernie are very good hosts, and it appears that Natalie and Carson are very good guests.
June 1, 2023 @ 3:36 pm
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful building. Looks like a fun day!
Thanks Linda.
June 1, 2023 @ 3:47 pm
Happy birthday, Natalie. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate than this! What a beautiful trip.
June 5, 2023 @ 6:19 pm
Loved seeing the Opera pictures. When I first went to Paris when I was 25, we went and were gob smacked at the beauty (back when you actually entered through the main doors and the gift shop was just a little kiosk that sold a few things). I did stand for quite a while on one of the staircases to the lower levels, listening listening…..but I never heard the Phantom call, even though my name IS Christine……
I still try and visit this spot each time I come, especially when traveling with someone who has not been there yet. Even after all these years, I still quietly listen to see if I hear my name. LOL.
June 5, 2023 @ 6:34 pm
Don’t give up! Maybe one of these days, you’ll hear the whisper of “Christine.”