We Made It!!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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Hello!

We actually made it home!!  Wow!!

Up yesterday morning and out of the hotel by 5.  Walked across the street, and headed straight for check-in.  No problems, and we were through security.  We had some time to kill, so had some breakfast in the terminal and read our books.  Plane was a bit late coming in from the U.S. and for some reason, it was chosen for a "special" security screening -- with the result that we left an hour late.  However, it was 7 hours instead of 8 to Newark, so arrived just about bang on time.

Then the fun started!  Cleared immigration, picked up our bags and rechecked them, and went from Terminal B to Terminal C.  Of course had to go back through security, and talk about a glacial process.  However, made it through -- it was now about 1 p.m.  Not to bore anyone, but our flight, which was originally scheduled to leave at 5:30 p.m. ended up leaving at 10:30 p.m.  Turns out we were getting a plane from Miami that had mechanical difficulties, so they decided to give us a plane coming from LA -- that of course didn't arrive until 9:22 p.m.  FINALLY on to the plane, which landed at Phoenix at 12:35 a.m.

I went for the car and Robert went for the luggage.  The rental car people gave me a Prius, which I had never driven before -- that on/off button is spooky!  Finally out of Phoenix airport at 1:30 a.m. with car, luggage AND Robert; turned in to our street here in Tucson at 3:27 a.m.  Can only say that I actually brushed but did not floss before falling into bed...

Slept for a few hours, and am ready for my nap in a few minutes!  We are home safely, mail sorted, laundry in process -- with lots and lots of wonderful memories of our terrific trip!  Thank you so much for coming along with us; it's always so much fun to read people's comments along the way!

More later!!
m
xxx

Whew…we made it to B’ham!

Monday, 18 March, 2013

Hello!  Back to English at long last!

There were absolutely NO pictures taken today, and we are really considering ourselves lucky to have made it to the Birmingham Airport at all!! 

Up this morning around 7, to a nice and fairly clear day.  Got everything packed up and ready to go by 8, so, even though our train wasn’t until 11:07 a.m. we decided to head to the Gare du Nord.  Good thing that we did, as it took 15 minutes to check out – printer problems at the desk.  We got the 72 bus to the 42 and were lucky to not hit terrible rush hour commuters, so it wasn’t bad with the luggage after all!  Arrived at Gare du Nord about 9 a.m.  As it turns out, they were already checking people in for the 11:07 a.m. train – just like the airlines without taking off your shoes!  So, we checked in, cleared French customs and immigration, and then 20 feet further on, cleared British immigration and customs.  Really slick!  We had decided to get breakfast at the Gare, so we were able to pick up some sandwiches – baguette and jambon and fromage for me; ham and tomatoes for Robert.  Then on to the train for the 2½ hour trip to London through the Chunnel.

Everything ran right on time, and trip was comfortable.  Out at London St. Pancras International, and then out to the street for our schlep to Euston Station.  Euston is about 4 small blocks (or 2 big blocks) from St. Pancras, and we had no problems at all with the transfer.  It was starting to rain, but we were able to get to Euston before it really got bad.  Grabbed a coke at Burger King in order to have a place to sit – and then realized that all was NOT well at Euston!  Turns out that something happened last night that damaged the electrical connections for the trains around Wolverton.  Lots and lots of trains were being cancelled – very nail biting time, for sure!  Then, of course, our train was cancelled – but the next one out, the 2:43 p.m. was scheduled to go.  Talk about the Oklahoma Land Rush!  As soon as a platform for the second train was announced, there was a huge surge heading to the train!  We were able to get two seats together, and get our luggage stowed in the same car.  People were literally sitting on the floor in the areas between cars – that’s how crowded it was!  Not too much information, but finally we started – went through Rugby and Coventry, and FINALLY, after something like 2½ hours, we pulled into the Birmingham Airport station – yippee!!  We’re HERE!  As it turns out, it was announced about half an hour before we got to the airport, that there had been a fatality at the point of difficulties on the train line, and that all trains from Euston for the remainder of the day had been cancelled!  Whew!!  Talk about cutting it close…

Off the train, and on to the little shuttle train that took us to the airport.  Then just out the door and across the street, and voila, the Novotel!  It’s too expensive for a normal night, but it is so close and convenient – we’re very happy to be here!  Dropped the luggage and then headed back to the airport (all of 50 feet) and their restaurant Frankie & Benny’s for dinner.  R had their homemade tomato soup for starter, and then their Penne Arribiata.  I had their chicken Cobb salad; it was great!  R had an apple crumble for dessert, and I got his ice cream.  Then back to the hotel, where we’ll get what sleep we can, get up early, and be at the airport tomorrow at 6 a.m.!

So – more when we get home!

Much love,

m

xxx

Quick Update after Sunday's Regular Post!

Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m.

Bonjour!

I talked Robert into going for a walk ... which coincided with yet another hail storm!  But this time, we also had some sun!  So please enjoy (as we dry off...)!

Lots of love,
m
xxxx

Last day in Paris...

Sunday, 17 March, 2013

Bonjour from a cold and windy Paris!  It is our last day here; very sad, as there is always room for Paris!  We’ve been talking about the fact that if someone asked us where should they go first, our response would automatically be PARIS; truly the most beautiful city in the world!

At the Louvre

A morning in Paris

Have to admit that we have been pretty lazy.  We got in about 4 yesterday afternoon, and didn’t go out again – which might have had more to do with rain and wind, or, possibly that we needed naps!  Up this morning about 7, to another cold, breezy and wet day.  What I realized yesterday was that my photographer, Robert, was too busy locating artifacts, and we didn’t have a really good collection of photos!  So, this morning, back to the Louvre to remedy the situation!  Out about 8 and caught the 72 down to the Louvre.  Back to the Carousel for a repeat of Saturday – hot chocolate and pain au chocolat for me; coffee and a red-fruits muffin for Robert.  (Note:  As I sit here and type, it is now starting to hail outside!  It is REALLY coming down and as we’re on the top floor, it sounds incredible!)  In to the Louvre at 9 a.m. and once again, we had the Near Eastern collection to ourselves for quite a while.  We photographed lots of things, and then decided to take a wander.

Wall plaque

King Gudea

King Gudea

This time, we wandered in to the Napoleon III apartments, which, we believe, are fairly newly renovated; lots of gilt, red velvet, huge crystal chandeliers – an amazing place!  But my favorite part (besides the crystal dressing table!) has to be the small selection of jewelry they had on display – a diamond and emerald crown, and a diamond and pearl crown…oh, I could wear that easily going out to the grocery store!  

Top of a victory stele

Monumental wall panel

By this time it was after 11, and we decided to head over to Relais d’Entrecote in St. Germaine-des-Pres for lunch.  We got there, but as they don’t open until noon, we had to wait a bit.  Walked down the street to La Croissantier and had coke, coffee and a GREAT chocolate chip cookie to while away the time.  Back to Entrecote and noon, finally!  We were the first people through the door; by the time we left, an hour and 15 minutes later, there was a line out the door!  At this point, though, we actually got some sunshine and blue skies!  Fun to see, but it didn’t last long – as we were eating, it was both sunny and raining at the same time!

Stele

Top of stelle - Code of Hammurabai

Stele

The Pyramid at the Louvre

Apartments of Napoleon III

Apartments of Napoleon III

For anyone who hasn’t been lucky enough to eat at Entrecote, they serve (Spoiler alert!) only Entrecote!  We had been told about this place by an old friend, Bill (thank you again!), who only said: Go!  So, we went.  The first time we went, Robert had to use the bathroom when we got there, and by the time he was back to the table, there was a salad on the table – which neither of us had ordered!  So – the routine is:  You are asked 1) how do you want your steak cooked, and 2) what do you want to drink?  You are also asked if you want dessert, but that comes later!  We were very lucky to have a small table for two in a corner, which was really nice.  Usually we’ve been on a banquette with people on both sides; nothing private there!  Our salads came out quickly – lovely lettuce with a French mustard vinaigrette topped with nuts.  That was followed quickly by our steaks – sliced thinly, and served in the restaurant’s “sauce secret” – would LOVE to know what’s in it!  (Note from Robert: I actually asked once, “What is in the secret sauce?”, and was told, “It’s a secret.”) You also get a big pile of great French Fries.  Then, once you’re about finished with your first serving, your waitress comes back with part 2 – the rest of the steak and more fries.  The food is truly yummy; and the clientele is mainly French, so obviously they’re doing something right!  

Pearl tiara - Apartments of Napoleon III

Crystal desk and chair - Apartments of Napoleon III

For dessert, Robert ordered their tartlettes with cherries, and I had their three ice creams served on a bed of warm caramel sauce – YUM!  And all washed down by a nice bottle of red wine!  Seriously, who could ask for more?  Entrecote is definitely a good place to go for a splurge.  Their prices aren’t outrageous, and the quality is superb – and for our last day in Paris, it was perfect!  

We had planned on going over to the Bastille Sunday market just to walk around – as there was NO way we could have brought back an entire roast chicken back to the hotel…but we were so nice and full when we finally left the restaurant, that we decided that naps were calling us back at the hotel.  Obviously a good decision, as it started to rain in earnest while we were on the bus.  

I am hopeful that we might get out tonight for a stroll (but certainly not any more food, that’s for sure!); doesn’t have to be long, but just nice to get out and see the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty on the island in the Seine, very close to here.  But we’ll see…I also don’t want to freeze!

Street scene

l'Entrecote

Ready for lunch

Simple green salad

Entrecote and frites

Three ice creams on warm caramel

Cherry tarts

We’re heading for the Chunnel and the Eurostar crossing tomorrow late morning.  Robert has figured out a perfect way to get to Gare du Nord on two buses, so hopefully no schlepping up and down metro steps with luggage!  (We’ve certainly played that game before…)  It’s about an hour and a half or two to get to St. Pancras International station in London.  From there, we’ll walk to Euston station (about two long blocks) and get the train out to Birmingham Airport.  We’ve changed our original plans from a Hilton in town to a Novotel right at the airport – seems to make much more sense, as our plane to Newark is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning!

So…more later, probably from London!

m

xxx

Saving the best for last...

Saturday, 16 March, 2013

Bonjour!

Pottery from ca. 6,000 B.C.

Wow!!  What an amazing day!!  This of course means we took our Mesopotamian dictionary to the Louvre and had quite a voyage of discovery!  But to start at the beginning…Up about 6 a.m. to a brisk, overcast and windy day.  No rain yet, however, so that’s good; as I wrote yesterday, we had originally had three solid rainy days forecast, so whatever we get will be an improvement!  (Except for snow, of course!)  Out about 8 a.m. and over to the Seine to catch the 72 bus, which would take us directly to the Louvre.  Got off at the Quai Mitterand, and walked through the Louvre courtyard and in by the Carousel.  Had the place to ourselves, which was nice, while we had hot chocolate and pain au chocolat for me, and coffee and a croissant for Robert.  Then we headed downstairs and headed to the back Carousel entrance to the Louvre; got there about 10 minutes to 9.  Right on time, the doors were opened and we whisked inside.  It is SO nice not having to worry about tickets, as our Les Amis du Louvre (Friends of the Louvre) cards were still valid from last year!  

Hammurabi kneeling in prayer

Sargon II

Gudea, King of Lagash

Ebih-Il, from Mari

Ebih-Il, from Mari

Pictographic tablet - On the road to writing

Standard weight

Picked up a map, and then Robert led the way to the Near Eastern collection.  To be honest, there are still several rooms that are closed off – in a plan to make sure that the artifacts stored in the basement weren’t flooded out this spring, several rooms have been cordoned off and used as storage and renovation areas.  But most of the collection is now in situ and everything looks really incredible!  We must have had 40+ specific artifacts to find – and, just as in the British Museum, it looked so hopeless at the beginning, as we had rooms and rooms to look through!  But having a trained observer by your side does tend to make things easier, as we identified items and read all sorts of interesting details.  We spent over 4 hours this morning at the Louvre, and really didn’t make it out of the Near East!  We only have 4 or 5 things left to find, and one of the men at the information desk indicated that at least one of the pieces is now off-exhibit.  So…we have made an incredible dent in our Near East artifact identification project – and there are still more museums to visit.  There are at least two more in New York City, and one museum in Brooklyn that will need to be visited.  But all in all, our great “Museum Tour” has worked out very well, and to be honest, we’re just about (but not completely) museumed-out!

Glazed brick panel - Palace of Darius, King of the Persian Empire

From Palace of Darius

Glazed brick panel from Palace of Darius

Rue Saint Dominique

Salad Parisienne

Grilled ham and cheese, Paris style

Out about 1:30 p.m. and headed to the Truffe Jolies, last night’s restaurant, where we were hoping to get lunch.  Unfortunately, our bus, 62, terminated earlier than expected, letting us (and everybody else!) off on the right street – Saint Dominique – but WAY far away from the shop!  It wasn’t too cold as we walked past Les Invalides (Napoleon’s final resting place) and made out way to Rue Malar.   Finally got there, about 2 p.m. but the small shop was filled to overflowing with lunchers; definitely no room for us!  So, went right next door to Café Malar and had a fabulous lunch!  Robert ordered a toasted open-faced bread, ham and cheese sandwich that came with green salad.  I ordered their Parisian Salad – it was great!  A nice bowl of lettuce, green beans, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, ham, cheese, corn and boiled potatoes, all with a great mustard vinaigrette, and washed down with a couple of glasses of Bordeaux.  I was very happy to be able to find such a great salad!  This is definitely one place we can return to!  (and it will be easy to find as it’s next to the truffle place!)

From here in the 7^th, we took two buses back to the hotel.  Have to admit that we did slip into the Patisserie across the street from the hotel and picked up a Tart Citron to go; not the best I’ve ever had, but a nice way to end the afternoon!  Upstairs to our little room, and we both took great naps – all that artifact searching obviously wears one out!

It’s now about 6:30 p.m. and it’s raining, as forecast.  Oh well!  Not sure where we head from here; just have to see!

More later!

m

xxx

Ah, Paris!

Friday, 15 March (the Ides!) 2013

Bon Soir!  Nous sommes en Paris!  Yipee!!

A Munich morning

In our compartment

Spring in Germany

So, to start.  We woke about 6 to another cold and slightly snowy day.  Down for breakfast about 7, and then rested a bit before heading to our 10:28 a.m. train.  As it turns out, about 9 it really started to snow hard, so we decided to make our way to the train station, “just in case.”  (One can never be too early for trains or planes!)  No problems getting there and, once there, we headed to the DB (Deutsche Bahn) lounge – it was for first class customers, and this was one time when I actually did splurge for first class train service!  The lounge was lovely and warm, with plenty of room to spread out, and we could watch the train departure board as things were posted.  About 10 our train track was announced, and down we went.  Lovely compartment, all to ourselves!  Not sure why, within the same car, there are first class seats and first class compartments!  At any rate, we were all alone in our compartment for 6, which was really great!  They were also doing service, so about noon, Robert ordered a salad, which he very much enjoyed.  

Lunch on board

At Stuttgart, we had to transfer to the TGV train to Paris – all in 8 minutes!  Fortunately, the TGV train was on the next track over, so we really just had to move all our belongings and find our new seats.  This train wasn’t nearly as comfortable as the Deutsche Bahn train, but we had two seats together on the upper level, which was nice.  This train was fairly crowded, but as it was only about 3½ hours, it wasn’t a problem.  All in all, we pulled into Paris about 10 minutes late – overall travel time was about 6 hours, and voila, here we are in Paris!  

It’s a wonderful surprise and totally unexpected, but it’s clear and sunny in Paris, unlike the forecast, which said we would have three straight days of rain!  Yipee!!  Out of the train and then to the taxi queue.  One of the first there, so not a problem and we shot out into traffic from the Gare d’Est.  We had a great driver – one who could carry on a serious conversation on his cell phone, use his hands to gesticulate, AND drive, all at the same time!  Took about 20 minutes to get across town, past Park Monceau, around the Trocadero and the Etoile (Arc de Triomphe) and over to Radio France, on the right bank of the Seine.  Our hotel, La Eiffel Kennedy is right next to Radio France, a nice 3-star that had good reviews.  

The view from our room

Our room

Guess!

Checked in; we’re in room 430; top floor, and we have a great view of the top half of the Eiffel Tower!  What fun!  The room is about the size of a postage stamp, and believe it or not the bathroom is almost as large as the room!  After all our lush and large accommodations for the past five weeks, this comes as something of a shock, but it is spotlessly clean and very comfortable!  We just need to coordinate movements so that we’re not both moving at once.  I had heard that the rooms were small, so when I packed in Munich this morning, I arranged things so that we only have to open one suitcase!  Certainly makes things easier!  This is one room in which one must stay organized or you’ll never find anything!

At Truffles Folies

Starters - Truffles and truffled goat cheese

Robert made sure that the WiFi worked, and then out we went, first to get some transit tickets.  We brought our Navigo cards, but they really won’t buy us much, as the weekly pass goes from Monday to Sunday.  So, bought a carnet of 10 tickets and we’ll see about getting day passes tomorrow.  There is an RER station just down the street, so no problem getting tickets.  Then on to a #72 bus, which we have always liked – it follows the Seine along the right bank to Hotel de Ville in the 1^st.  This time we took it to Pont d’Alma, and changed to a #92 taking us to the 7^th.  Our friend and neighbor, Stew LaCasce, had sent me a link to a newspaper article about a truffles shop -- Truffles Folies -- in the 7^th – which also includes a restaurant.  So…forever on the hunt for truffles, we found it with no problem.  It was about 6:30 p.m. and we hadn’t reserved, but the owner said that if we could manage to be done by 9 p.m. we could have a table.  So…we were in!  Fabulous meal!  Lots and lots of truffles everywhere!

Tomato stuffed with truffled goat cheese

Cepes soup

Tagliatelle with truffles

Shrim and scallops with truffles and leeks

Ice cream sampler

Cheese sampler

Eiffel Tower at night

We started with a plate of truffled goat cheese and truffles on bread – YUMMY! (On the house, compliments of the chief!)  Then for starters, Robert had a wonderful goat cheese (flavored with truffle) stuffed tomato, served on arugula; it was GREAT!  I had cepes soup with truffles, which was also good – just not as good as R’s tomato!  For mains, I had the truffles on tagliatelle – and we sprang for the Perigord truffles, which were amazing.  Robert had shrimp and scallops on a bed of sautéed leeks with truffles.  For dessert, I had truffled vanilla ice cream, and R had three truffled cheeses…WOW!  We’re going back for lunch tomorrow, as they are closed tomorrow night.  Can’t wait!!  I’ll probably dream about truffles tonight!

And it’s the Louvre in the morning…a wonderful day!

More later, and THANKS, STEW!

m

xxx