Thoughts on Paris

I haven't posted anything for a few days as Steve and I are on the road visitng some of our dealers on our way to Orlando, FL and the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners meeting. It's always enjoyable getting to see or even meet for the first time, the people with whom we speak on the phone when they place orders. Some people are not at all what one expects from their voice. I mean not at all!
I have started a list of places that just randomly come to mind in or near Paris. Versailles I think is a must. In fact, there are "day tours" from Paris to Giverny and Palais du Versailles. Get to see both places all in one day! Yup. Up there on the list!
Katie and I were talking about absolute musts...the Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, cooking class, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees. We figure that's about 3 days of activities. Then Giverny and Versailles, that makes 4. That will leave us 3 days to check out other sights. We will celebrate Katie's 30th our last night in Paris. That will be a special place for dinner. Will have to research that. Maybe the restaurant featured in Something's Gotta Give". Love that movie!!
On my list is a question mark next to the Moulin Rouge. I don't even know if it still exists. The first time I was in Paris at the ripe old age of 16, my roommate and some other students on our tour, sneaked out of our "hostel" and went to the Moulin Rouge. I even have a photo of her all dressed (albeit very conservatively) and ready to go. She left. I went to bed. Then they did a bed check at curfew. Cathie, my roommate, was not back yet. Ooops. I got grounded because I had not told the chaperones that the group had gone to the forbidden Moulin Rouge. Missed a whole day in Paris. So, the Moulin Rouge indirectly, caused me a problem before. Could be we will just walk past. Loved the movie, though!
Never did make it to Barnes & Noble. Maybe Sunday afternoon when we get back in town. Want to get a map of all the arrondissements (yes I know there is one on the internet, but I want lifesize!) and maybe a tour book. Why not...n'est-ce pas? Also, I'll price a refresher course en francais.
Katie has been listing items in our eBay store to sell to fund our big adventure. Loads and loads of "yarn snob" quality yarn...and addi turbo circular needles. Can't knit due to arthritis, so might as well sell things so others can enjoy.
I think our "journey" will be an interesting one as, we will not be so much a mother and daughter travelling together, but more like two women at different stages in their lives, differing political views, addressing Paris in probably differing ways and experiencing it in differing ways. That part of our journey will be the most enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to seeing Katie's reactions to places and trying to absorb her "take" on our experiences. This is going to be fun!

Au revoir pour maintenant!

Making a list of random thoughts about France and what to do and see...

This morning, as I was strategically applying make-up (it takes more and more time and "products" to look "natural" these days), I looked down into the drawer where I was placing my dear Bobbi Brown to hide from my adorable granddaughters who think concealer is lipstick, etc., I saw some notecards with Monet's gardens on the front.  Claude Monet!  I quickly sent a text message to Katie to ask her if Claude Monet wasn't from around Paris somewhere...Alas, Giverny, his home for 43 years (and his inspiration) is only 80-90 km west of Paris.  I guess I'm going to have to look up km vs. miles and remember the formula if I am going to be planning this trip!  Aha... it's .6 miles... so doing the math it's only 48-54 miles!  I think that might be doable.  

Katie has researched some cooking classes.  Is one week going to be enough time?

Off to the bookstore to gather some reading materials and a map of all the arrondissements of Paris!

Au revoir!

PS  Maybe I should price French refresher course CD's.  I had cassettes, but nothing to play them on anymore.  C'est la vie!  

Jan