European Vacation Day Ten

Day Ten, June 13th.

We got up and headed down stairs with our luggage in preparation of our return trip home. The bus took us to Charles de Gualle airport and we proceeded to check in with our eticket and passport. We then made our way through immigration and security and then off to our gate to await our flight. When we boarded we were lucky enough that all of our group were seated together so Needles was able to exchange seats with one of our group so that we could set together on the long 8 hour flight from Paris to Detroit. I watched a couple of movies and Needles slept and played games on the console in the back of the seat. We were fed 2 meals and I think they asked us if we wanted something to drink every 30 minutes of the flight. I tried to sleep because I knew I had a 3 hour drive once we arrived in Indy but was unsuccessful. When we arrived in Detroit airport we had to go through customs and the security again before making our way to the gate. We had a 4 hour layover before our next flight. about an hour and a half before I went to check the boards and noticed that they made a gate change and we were now at the complete opposite end of the airport. Luckily the airport has a tram that whisks you away to the other end and saves some wear and tear on our already soar feet. Our plane was delayed and arrived a little late but we were able to board quickly and the short 1 hour flight to Indy was over before we knew it. After grabbing our luggage and saying goodbye to our fellow travellers we made our way to the shuttle pick up. We waited about 30 minutes for our shuttle and were returned to our waiting car for the last leg of the journey, the drive home. We did stop by the Wendy's in Marshall to grab some food on the way home. We arrive in Lawrenceville around 9pm and we had to do some grocery shopping as we had very little at the house. A quick run through Walmart and out the door we were finally able to go home. When we arrive we were greeted by our cat Tugger. He meowed and meowed upon seeing us. We called family, cleaned the house and put away our things before deciding to go to bed after a 22 hour travel day. Tugger continued to meow and bang on our bedroom door so Needles got up and laid with him to settle him down. I think Tugger is somewhat back to sorts and I think we are getting things back on track at the house, ie. laundry and yard work. We had a wonderful time but I am glad to be home.

PS. There is a few things that I found odd while traveling in Europe.
1. No large beverage glasses unless it's beer.
2. No ice in anything.
3. No wash clothes for bathing.
4. France, what can I say it's France.

Miles travelled, 9100 roughly not including the Ring of Kerry and other trips.

European Vacation Day Nine

Day Nine, June 12th.
We got up somewhat early and headed via the Metro down to the Eiffel Tower.

We got in line for tickets to the top. After about a 30 to 40 minute wait we were through the line and in the tram making our way up.

We got to the second level and it was a bit crowded to say the least. We got in line for the final elevator to the top. We stepped out to the crowded top platform and was able to see Paris from only a perspective that this amazing structure could give.

The louvre museum as seen from the top of the Eiffle tower.

All the massive structures that we have been seeing from the ground looked like toy miniatures. The vast vistas that was Napoleon dreams made into reality were more easily seen. After our Eiffel adventure we walked past the Les Invalides and across the Pont des Arts Bridge over the river Seine. We noticed all the locks and was told that it was lovers you write their names on the locks, lock them to the bridge and throw the key into the river. Of course there was a guys selling locks so we purchased one and locked our lock on to the bridge and threw away the key.

We made our way to Tuileries Garden where we got lunch at La Terrasse de Pomone . I had the Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich) and Needles the Special (a cold cut meat sandwich on french bread). We sat in the garden and soaked in the atmosphere all the while being eyed by the huge common wood pigeons awaiting an opportunity for a scrape of food. The group decided to split up to pursue different agendas so we went with Bernard our host past the Luxor Obelisk to Montmartre via the Metro at Concorde.

When we arrived we began to scale the multitudes of stairs not the funicular (tram) to get to the top of the hill and see Basilica of Sacre-Coeur and open air art booths. There were allot of portrait artists and several using different medias to showcase the sites of Paris. Montmarte is known as a bohemian art district which has seen characters in the past such as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Van Gogh. After our visit we made our way back to down the stairs which were much easier to navigate back to the Metro and to the Tuileries Garden.

We got some ice cream and a Volvic citron (citrus flavored water) and rested our feet on the park bench before we had to meet up with the other at the Louvre. We arrived at the Louvre and awaited the rest of the group as they were running a little late. We entered the Louvre through it iconic glass pyramid and down into the foyer. We made our way down the wings to the art and sculptures we wanted to see with our limited time there. This was a stop that I had been anticipating. The chance to see famous works of art that I had been seeing on television shows and in art books my whole life.

We got to see works like theVenus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and Raft of the Medusa to mention just a few. We saw works from Picasso, Rembrandt, De Vince, Rodin, Raphael, and Michelangelo. It was all very aw inspiring to be in the same room with these masterpieces. We only had an hour to spend in the museum since we had a scheduled diner in the Latin Quarter.We all got on the Metro to make our way to the Latin Quarter for Diner. The group was a little late in leaving so we were in a bit of a hurry to get to the restaurant. We all loaded onto a very busy metro car and unfortunately some of our group wasn't sure which stop to get off at so unwisely one of the gentlemen was yelling back in forth to the group which stop to get off at which in my opinion set up the following incident. By drawing attention to the group that we were tourists and what stop we were getting off at, I think he made us the prefect target for a pick pocket and two young girls pick pocketed two women in our group as they were exiting the metro. One of them only got their passport wallet pulled from their purse, but luckily it was attached with a lanyard and nothing got nicked. The other person however got their wallet lightened by we know at least 100 Euro or more. The group took the incident in stride and we continued on to our destination but a little more alert to who was around them. For diner we ate at Le Marmiton de Lutece and we both started with an avocado salad and for the main course, Needles had the beef bourguinon and I had the grilled turkey breast. For dessert Needles had the chocolate mousse and I and the creme brulee. We enjoyed our evening and headed back to where we started our day, the Eiffel tower to catch a night river boat ride up the Saine.

We got back to our hotel after 11pm and still had to prepare to head make to the states the next morning.





European Vacation Day Eight

Day Eight, June 11th.
After such a late night this morning was a killer. We had to be at the bus by 5:30 am and at the train station by 6:00am for a 8:30am train. We stumbled out the door of our hotel with sleep in our eyes, luggage in one hand and a bagged breakfast in the other. We got to St. Pancreas station and Needles and I wander across to street with Trevor to King Cross station to visit Platform 9 3/4 which is famed in the Harry Potter books and movies.

We did a quick photo and back to our station to await our travels on the Eurostar. We decided during our wait to grab some coffee and food. Finished just in time for our guide to notice he had read the tickets wrong and our 8:30 am trip was going to be leaving in about 10 min. We grabbed all of our luggage and ran to security and up to platform 2. We made it on the train, stowed our luggage and found our seats.

The train was amazingly fast and quiet. I however didn't like when we went through a tunnel your ears felt like they were going to pop. Occasionally there would be a roar past the train which was another train traveling in the opposite direction. It was neat to see a full length train pass by in a matter of 2 to 3 seconds. The overall trip to Paris only took a little over 2 hours.When we arrived at the Metro station it was literally a matter of seconds before a Gypsy approached our group looking for a hand out. We pulled all of our luggage into a group to best keep our eye on it while several went for a bathroom visit. After meeting our guide Corena, Trevor went to look for our bus and we headed out for our guided tour of Paris. The city was very congested and a times 3 lanes of traffic had 4 lanes of traffic. Motorbikes and scooter were everywhere dodging in and out of traffic, horns honking and tire screeching all the while we we trying to be guided through the city.

Our 3 hour tour ended up being a little less and our guide wasn't very impressive. We stopped at a coffee place and most of the group went in a placed their order at the bar and then set down in the outside seating. It was only after this we were instructed by our guide that this was the only shop in Paris we could do this.Traditionally if you order from the bar you then take your food or drink to go and are charged a to go price. If you want to set you set yourself and have a waiter come to you. Therefore you are charged differently for eating in. Also we were told that in order to avoid hardship of communicating with others in Paris the first word out of your mouth should be Bonjour or Hello. If you fail to do this the person might act like they don't speak English or give you the time of day. Pretty much after this I was content to just pack it up and head home. We drove by several of the iconic Paris attractions such as the Place de la Concorde, Champs-Elysee's, Arc de Triomphe, Arc de Triomphe de Carrousel, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides where Neapoleon is entombed, Notre Dam Cathedral and last but not least the Statue of Liberty.When we got settled into the Median Hotel Porte de Versailles and then went to a bakery across the street to grab a quick bite to tide us over until diner. We got a salad and some sort of sandwich with ham, gravy and cheese. It was very good and you could tell the bread was fresh.

 





 We travelled via the Metro since we had a scheduled diner in the Latin Quarter at a reataurant names Cafe Latin. We had salad, duck breast in a honey and xeres sauce with sauteed potatoes and Tart Tatin, upside down apple pie. I enjoyed the food but Needles mentioned the duck was tough and this was not her favorite meal. After wandering around some more we ended our day with a trip to Shakespeare's and Company Book Store before returning to the hotel.

European Vacation Day Seven

Day Seven, Jun 10th.
We awoke early to grab breakfast and get on the bus to head out to Windsor Castle.

We met up with our guide Pepe to get a tour the castle grounds once in the castle walls we had head set that told us about each room.

We quickly moved through the rooms so that we could catch the changing of the guard ceremony. After that we headed back to the shops to get lunch at the Cinnamon Cafe.

Our guide recommended the Jacketed Potatoes. Basically Baked potato with beacon and cheese. After lunch we made our way to the souvenir shops and then back to the bus and on into London to Buckingham Palace. We stopped for a few photos and then away to downtown where we got our first glimpse of St. Paul's Catherdral, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, London Eye, The Tower of London, the Shard and Temple Bar.

 

 

 

We got to spend some time around Trafalgar square and had dinner at The Silver Cross Pub. I had a Black Sheep Bitters before we headed down stairs for our fish and chips meal.We also rode on the tube once again and made it to the London Theater to see Wicked.

The play was well done and I am glad we got to go. We returned late that night after midnight on the tube. It was on our way back that Trevor informed us that the next morning was going to be the earliest yet due to the train schedule.

European Vacation Day Six

Day Six, June 9th.
The next morning we had to move on down the road and bring our bags down with us for breakfast. As usual a continental breakfast with cereal, yogurt, toast and fruit recharged us so we could continue on with our journey. Our first stop on the day was in Shottery and to be more specific, Ann Hathaway's Cottage .

She was William Shakespeare's wife. The thatched roof cottage was cozy and quaint with all the usual contents of a some what well to do family of that time period. The flower garden was gorgeous but we were later informed that this wasn't original and that it was a working farm during that time and the garden would have most likely be a dirt and mud lot. We move to our next destination just in time to escape the crowds coming in from the tour buses. Next up, Stratford Upon Avon and the home in which Shakespeare was born.

The home started out small but had several additions over the years to accommodate his fathers business as a glover with a on site tannery and woolery. The home contained many nice items of the time. The somewhat lavish decor for a cottage suggested that his father was a successful business man. When we left the structure there were people dressed in period attire asking requests for favorite Shakespeare's lines for them to perform. There was a tree in the back yard that Shakespeare was to climb as a young boy but we found it had been cut down due to disease. We also went by the location of Shakespeare's newest house but unfortunately the home was destroyed by the owner sometime ago after being pestered by tourists. The lot is still empty.

After that we had free time to roam Stratford where we made our way down to the River Avon where the long boats where and also an open air craft fair. Needles and I spotted a Chinese noodle booth that was called the Hungry Dragon. We made our way through the thick crowd to get to the booth and order. Needles had the chicken and I had the special. We sat in the park and ate before making our way to the church where Shakespeare is buried.

The Holy Trinity Church is the location in which Shakespeare and his wife is entombed. We made our way back to The Jester statue near the bus parking to meet up with our group and continue on our way. Next stop was Oxford, UK home of Oxford College and about thirty other colleges.

We walked the streets on a tour with our guide Trevor and then was given free time to look around. Needles stepped into a local yarn shop called Darn It & Stitch but was unable to procure a local yarn as they were out. We made our way to the Cafe Bar Cafe where we were treated to quirky writings on the wall and good coffee and dessert of caramel shortbread.

We continued on to London and the Days Hotel in Hounslow, UK. When we arrived we were wondering where to get diner as it was one that we were on our own. Our guide suggested some Tia food but after a long walk stumbled upon a Taste of Lahore which was our first time for Indian food. I had the Chicken Chili Marsala, Needles had the Butter Chicken Marsala and we share a order of egg fried rice. We made our way back to the hotel with very full bellies. I think that several in our crowd wasn't impressed with the food but I thought it was nice to expand my food experiences and try something that we don't have at home.

European Vacation Day Five

Day Five, June 8th.
The next morning started very early with bagged breakfast in hand we had to make our way to the ferry to take us across the Irish Sea from Dublin, Ireland to Holy Head, UK. The crossing was to take just over 3 hours and is the largest passenger and car ferry in the world. The sea was calm and it gave me a feeling of want to go on another cruise.

After disembarking the ferry we had to pick up our luggage much like an airplane terminal. After grabbing our things we loaded up onto a much more comfortable bus than we had before. The bus took us to Beaumaris Castle.

While there we were treated to a renaissance fair with people dressed in period attire and walking around the grounds talking as if in the days of the past. We had to grab food quickly so we stepped into the Castle Restaurant and was introduced to beacon baps. Basically a beacon sandwich which was very good. We rejoined the bus and rode in comfort through Snowdonia National Park where we got to see the second highest mountain peak in Europe, Mount Snowdon.

We stopped off at a scenic area to look at the mountain range and get some photos. We made our way to Betws-y- Coed, Wales which is Welsh and translates to Prayer House in the Woods.

We walked along the roads and enjoyed this small town that was over run with tourist and people of the surrounding area out enjoying the weather. We were informed that when the locals sunbath it is called pinking because they rarely are able to tan. We continued on and stopped at a scenic little town split in half by a railroad and a river.

 

The town was Llangollen, Wales situated on the River Dee. The railroad still uses steam engines and the passenger cars bare the British Railways symbol of the red dragon. We ended the days travels in Crewe, UK at the Ramada Encore. The rooms were very clean and modern with hard wood floors and minimalistic decore. We met up in the dining area for dinner. We were served Cottage Pie and chocolate cake with cream for dessert. The food was very good and we went back to our rooms to find that the free internet wasn't working. Nice.

European Vacation Day Four

Day Four, June 7th.
The next morning we had a continental breakfast and then headed out for a guided tour of Dublin with Kate.

She was born in Ireland and moved to the states where she spent most of her life before returning and has lived in Dublin for the past 16 years.

We also stopped by St. Patrick's Cathedral with it's flying buttresses, Georgian squares with the entertaining stories about the different colored doors and Phoenix Park where the original White House stands.

After the tour we trekked to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells known to be the most illuminated manuscript of the gospels and Ireland's most treasured item.

When we left Trinity College the group split up to track down lunch. We ended up at Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe. Needles and I both got the fish and chips and we got honest to goodness real ice tea. Needles requested a yarn shop adventure so we went looking for This is Knit. Needles picked up a couple of skein of yarn dyed by a local artist and we continued our search for the Museums. Our first stop was at the National Museum of Ireland Natural History.

The museum was filled with taxidermied animals large and small. National Museum of Ireland Archaeology. We were most interested in seeing the bog bodies and I was excited to view their collection of Egyptian artifacts which included three mummies and their burial adornments and masks.

After that our group split up for some free time to shop and grab some snack before meeting back at the bus. Needles and I stopped at a local place and picked up some macrons. After that we made our way to the hotel and ended up meeting with our group to grab a late diner. We walked to a place called Blazing Grill. I had the Upper Class Burger and Needles had the Salmon. The food was very good and by the time we made it back to the hotel it was after midnight. Unfortunately there is a bar next to the hotel and the music was very loud until about 3 am when it just became drunk people from the bar yelling at each other in the parking lot.