Venice - last day

I can't believe it's almost over!  Today we took a boat to Murano to look at the glass factory.  We didn't buy anything, and I think they were disappointed because I'm sure they get commission.  We came back to Venice, and shopped, and walked all over Venice.  We went to Santa Maria Gloriosa Friarer Cathedral.  It was amazing.  We went on the Bar 'crawl' last night, and that was really fun.  The walking tour didn't work out, but we had a great time with Alessandro.  He was full of great info.  Everybody in France and Italy wears scarves, and there are thousands to choose from.  (sorry - wish I had pictures - none today).  We have found lots of fun things to buy, including Italian Leather purses!! It's been a great day.  I think my feet are adjusting to the walking & the stairs. (Finally)  Tomorrow we leave very early for Rome - the train depot is just across the canal - just have to climb the bridge, and we're there.  Our train leaves about 6:30a, and we get into Rome about 10a (if there is no blackout!)  Sorry I haven't posted many photos!  I'll work on that.  No way to post after the 18th, because the computer is leaving! I'll fill you all in later!
Ciao, Bella!!

Caroline

Venice

Can't remember where I left off, but we're in Venice - Day 2 I think.  We had a great day and got out early.  went to St. Mark's Bascillica - OMG.  Words cannot express how fabulous that place is!  We then checked out some shops and bought a few souveniers, and finally got back to our room about 3p.  We had lunch at a place recommended by our hotel, but we didn't get there until 2:30p, and they were a bit crabby!  But the food was good.  I had Lasagna, and it was excellent.  We didn't go on the 2 hr walking tour, but we did make the 2 hour Bar crawl.  Met Alessandro at the top of the Rialto Bridge at 6p, and had a great time.  He is a very interesting person, and we learned alot about Venice and Italy.  He took us back to the bridge, and we got back on a boat to the stop near our hotel.  Mary went back to the room and Laure & I went on a search for Gelato!  We found  a great place near the train station, and I had Chocolate Mint and Amaretto.  Yummy!  Alessandro had told us that the Gelato was only in the summer, but the tourists have made it a 12 month 'feature' now.  Tomorrow we're going to Murano & Burano and one other church that I can't recall the name.  The wine is so good here - it doesn't have sulfites, and that really makes a difference!  All is well in Italy!  I haven't downloaded any of my pictures yet - but I will eventually.  It makes for a better blog with photos - but - oh well! 

Caroline

Venice

Had a great day in Paris, although it was windy.  Found some great souvenier 'junk', and had lunch right next to Notre Dame.  Had to be at Paris Bercy by 7p, and we got back to the hotel in time to have TWO glasses of red wine.  The Taxi arrived before 7p and got us to Bercy in time.  We were greeted with a PACKED terminal, and the word that there was a blackout!!  Oh great!  We sat on our suitcases, and the train station passed out lunch boxes to keep people happy.  We finally got on our train about 10p, and left shortly after (should've left at 8:33p).  Had a FAST trip, but I didn't sleep well.  We couldn't see much now because it was dark, but we were happy.  I had some more wine, and finally went to bed about 11:30p.  Didn't sleep well, but woke up about 6:30a.  Got to Venice about 11a, and our hotel wasn't ready.  NO PROBLEM.  Found a place for a great lunch, then went on the Vaparetto, and visited several sights.  Hotel is fabulous, and we're planning a full day tomorrow of sight seeing.  This is a wonderful place!!  Had Cababaro for lunch and pizza for dinner.  Haven't had Gelato yet, but I think that will be tomorrow!!
Having a great time!
Caroline

Sunday

another fabulous day weather wise!!  We got a late start, as we were trying to go to Giverny or Versailles, but that didn't work out, so we went to Notre Dame.  Wow - that is all I can say.  What a fabulous place that is.  We had seen it from the Seine River cruise, but it was great.  We were lucky because we were there on a Sunday and they were having services.  Then we went to Sainte Chappelle.  Long lines, so we went and had a lovely lunch at a Sidewalk cafe, and enjoyed that.  We went back to Sainte Chappelle after lunch and took a tour.  Another amazing place.  The stained glass windows are indescribable.  My feet & knees gave out about then, and I couldn't wait until we got back to the hotel.  The Metro is into torture, and you have to climb up and downstairs to reach the proper station.  But FINALLY we got back to our hotel and had a chance to recuperate!  Went to a lovely place for dinner - Chez Clement, and I had a wonderful dinner.  Started with Escargots!!  one of my favorites.  Then I ordered Fruit Du Mare (tiniest shrimp I've ever seen!), and ended my wonderful meal with Creme Brulee!! I also had a glass of wine.  Walked back to the hotel, and had more wine.  Tomorrow is our last day in Paris, and then we take the overnight train to Venice.  Beth & Andrew & kids leave us, and it's only the 3 of us.  Should be interesting!

Caroline

SATURDAY

Today we had a great day.  The weather couldn't be any better.  Last night was interesting, as around 2a, some 'drunk' was kicked out of the nudie bar (we are in the middle of Sex City I think!!), so we finally had to close our window.  The hotel was caught off guard with the weather, and the air conditioning hasn't been working very well.  They were spending today trying to get it fixed!! 
Laure & I were off early to the Louvre this morning.  Didn't encounter many crowds and got to see the Mona Lisa, the Code of Hammurabi, Winged Victory, and other fascinating things.  Wonderful!  Some of you know that I'm really not a museum person, but it was truly wonderful!!  Did I write about the Arc De Triumph yet?? 
We had lunch at the Louvre - I had Quiche Lorraine - perfect for France I thought, and we headed back around 2p.  We went to the Eiffel Tower this afternoon with the purpose of taking the Seine river cruise.  2 of us had to use the Loo, so we watched some 'scam' artists conning people.  The same 5 people were there, and they got 'unsuspecting' customers to 'bet', and it was fun to watch.  Apparently they had a 'lookout' as they scattered with a moments notice until the  coast was clear.  My feet were sore, so we came back to our room and had wonderful cheeses, baguettes, salami & fruite while Beth & Andrew went out for a nice dinner.  We watched the children and had a great time.  Not sure what tomorrow has, but possibly Versailles or Giverny!!
Stay tuned!
Caroline

Up the Downstairs Case!

We started very early today at 4:30a - picked up by a Taxi at 5:30a for St. Pancras station to take the Euro Star to France.  The weather has been spectacular!!  Got to the station, found where we should go, and got our seats.  Beth, Andrew & kids were in a different car, but we still enjoyed the trip.  THEN - we got to Gard Du Nord, and went down 287 steps to get to the train.  We decided that we were on the wrong track, so we went back up those 287 steps (luggage in tow), and found out we had been right all along.  So back down the 287 steps to get our train.  We got to the right station and found our hotel (walking quite a while).  checked in and entered our room - very nice hotel.  Went for a late lunch at a place near the hotel, and had the official French sandwich - and a salad.  Then we decided to go to Arc De Triumph - what a sight that is!  It was pretty spectacular.  Saw the Eiffel tower in the distance.  We took the Metro - up and down - up and down - up and down - hundreds of thousands of steps - no chance for anyone in a wheelchair to visit here!!
Our lunch was really late, so we went to this wonderful market and got a baguette, cheese, & salami for dinner.  Found a couple of desserts for later.  It was wonderful.  I have very sore knees, and a big fat blister on my toe.  Not sure what to do about that tomorrow.  Our plan tomorrow is for the Louvre for Laure & me, and the others will visit the Luxembourg park.  I can't believe I'm here!  What a treat.  Everyone is so kind about speaking English, but we're trying with our bad French!!
More later...............

Wed - Day 4

Yesterday we just hung around Chesham, and walked around the cute town square.  Laure arrived about 2p, and we stayed home and relaxed. Today we drove to Bath - about 2 hrs from here.  It was a fabulous day - about 72 degrees, sunny and wonderful.  Had lunch - PROPER Fish & Chips, and it was really good.  Bath is a cute place, and of course, my feet started hurting about half way thru the baths.  But it was fun anyway. The attached pictures are of the Roman baths, and the Cathedral in Bath.  Tomorrow we're off to explore London on the train.  Going to check out the changing of the guards, and Picadilly Square!!
Cheerio!!
Caroline

Day 2 or really Day 1

ok - we'll see if this works.  Arrived in London on time but did have to circle for about 15 minutes.  Heathrow is huge!  Found my sister after worrying for about 30 minutes, and we went thru Customs without being stopped and found Beth waiting for us.  Nice ride to Chesham.  Daffodils are blooming everywhere, and there are clouds in the sky today. Tired, and looking forward to seeing the children coming home from school.  I'll write more later.
Caroline

 

Day 1

I've checked in on-line and upgraded to a wider seat (whew!), with more leg room (I know - I'm not 6' 4"), and paid a bit more for it.  I figure for a 10 hour flight, it's WORTH EVERY PENNY!  I'm told British Air has a nice wine selection (I could use a few right now), and my Kindle is ready for the trip.  I should be able to see KING'S SPEECH on my way over.  I hope I haven't forgotten anything!  I won't have a computer until Tuesday, but that should be okay.  We'll be in England until Friday - then off to Paris on the train! 
On my way soon to the SF airport to sit for 3 hours!!  Later........
Caroline