Sun, Sun, Sun in Paris
Bonjour, The Tysons have been with us now for 10 days and other than the heat, the weather has been gorgeous. Sharon bought an umbrella here which has not been needed once! Yesterday, we had no time commitments with reservations, just the opportunity to stroll and wander around. We showed them the tunnel first where […]
The Allure of Montmartre
Bonjour, Despite the droves of tourists, Montmartre still touches every pleasant nerve in my body. Despite the litter, all the steps, the trashy little souvenir shops, the caricaturists luring you to sit for them, the cruel cobblestones that are so difficult to trod. and the jammed-together cafe tables, Montmartre for me is that remnant of old […]
Completely Saturated by Le Louvre
Bonjour, Sharon and Johnny had been to the Louvre a lifetime ago when Johnny was serving in Germany so yesterday was quite an experience for them. They had never seen the Pyramid, built by I.M. Pei and opened in April of 1989. I’m certainly no authority but some might agree that Le Louvre is the […]
At Last, A Cooler Paris Graces Our Day
Bonjour mes amis, Yesterday was a glorious day, weather-wise for us after a rain during the night. Cool, breezy, clear skies, just perfect for getting around. Our day began with a visit to a relatively new museum about the Liberation of Paris in WWII. It is free and without reservation. Located across from the catacombs […]
Relishing a Slower Day in Paris
Bonjour, Yesterday, the skies tried to squeeze out a little rain but it was precious little. Just a few raindrops as I introduced Sharon to riding the bus. Of course, in the mornings, there are fewer people so we found a seat and rode to l’Hotel de Ville for some shopping in the BHV, the […]
Hot, Dry, Dusty Trip to Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte
Bonjour, Probably ten years ago, we visited Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte with Jim and Peggy Bilbro. Jim was “in charge” of directions that day, and what I remember was a beautiful, lush garden and interesting interior. Yesterday, it was so hot that it took your breath away especially in the sun. We first had a train ride […]
The Gift of Giverny
Bonjour mes amis, Though it was brutally hot, a long train ride followed by a shuttle ride, Giverny is a gift of beauty, peace, and art history worth all the effort to get there. There were plenty of folks but not the mobs we have encountered in the past. Claude Monet is probably the premiere […]
A Day of Food, Art, and History with the Tysons
Bonjour, Yesterday was beautiful and delightfully cooler as we started our day with eating, of course. Miss Manon is our beloved little patisserie at the corner of rue St. Paul and is just across the street from John and Sharon’s hotel. We are still hauling it back and forth on the bus, but yesterday it […]