My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 4) - Part 1

Day 3 in Paris and we are going to visit my favorite place. I am so excited when I wake. I dress quickly, not that it matters because we are on a schedule, and head downstairs for breakfast. That is when I look outside. The sky is overcast and threatens rain. NOOOO, I cry inside my mind. Rain any day but today, pleaassseeee! I anxiously watch the sky from the moment we leave the hotel and all through out drive. Before we left I reluctantly went back upstairs for my umbrella, but was determined not to need it.

The bus pulls into the gravel drive and still no drops. So far so good. We are early and need to sit in the bus for another twenty minutes before we will be let inside. I can see my destination in the distance and want to get out so I can walk closer.

We are finally allowed to step outside and move toward our destination. No sprinkles yet, but the wind is stronger than a breeze. However, I will not let it dampen my mood. As soon as we reach the entrance, a few drops fall. Still, it isn’t a downpour and I am certainly not going to melt in the rain. The last thing I am made of is sugar. However, I have eaten enough of it in my life one has to wonder.

Modern technology has become a fixture at the entrance and we need to place our bags on a conveyor belt to be taken through x-ray and we walk through the metal detector. On the other side we are handed MP3 players. These are to assist us with our tour through VERSAILLES. Did I mention this is my favorite place in France? Well, so far at least. The last time I visited was a beautiful day. Absolutely gorgeous and I wish I had the pictures to post but my eldest has those as she was the photographer on that trip.

Originally, when the palace was built, there were two sets of gates. To the left of the first were the stables and to the right, the kitchens. The second was torn down during the French Revolution. When the kings lived here everyone could enter Versailles. Several guards were posted to confiscate weapons, search carriages and to ensure the visitor was properly dressed. It was built by Louis XIV because he wanted to get away from Paris. Versailles is not too close but neither is it too far and large enough for him to have his court permanently around him, including aristocracy, ministers, advisors, etc. Anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 people lived at Versailles at one time. From 1682 until 1789 it was the seat of the absolute monarchy of France, where the King rules alone. Well, we know what happened in 1789, but this post is not about the French Revolution, it is about the palace.

Versailles was originally the hunting lodge for Louis the XIII but refurbished. The construction lasted over 50 years. And in 1682 it became Louis XIV’s official residence and in ten years the expanse was ten fold.

We need to tour the inside first so we can hand out MP3 players off before we step outside. Because of the threatening weather I wish we could do this the other way around, but I don’t have that choice. My plan one day is to travel here, without being part of a tour, so I can stroll and explorer on my own schedule. There is just so much to see that this post will cover at least two days. Today, we are going to tour the inside, or what we were able to see anyway.

Focusing

I won't be posting here today. Instead I am at www.ladyscribes.blogspot.com talking about how I can focus better. Hope you can stop by and leave me some suggestions.

Have a Great Tuesday.

Amy

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 3 - continued)

When I last left off we had been at Notre Dame. While in the area we broke into groups and headed to one of the many café’s for lunch. I absolutely adore the café’s with outdoor seating. It is so much fun to sit and watch people stroll by. I’ve passed some outdoor areas where the tables and chairs are all in a row – all facing out toward the street as opposed to chairs on all sides of the table for conversation. I prefer the ones where I can sit and converse with others. In all actuality, I cannot recall if we ate lunch before or after the visit to Notre Dame but the more I think about it, it was before.

Once we were back on the bus, we headed to another famous spot – the Louvre. Wow, does this place have a history. We are given maps and we broke up into different directions to see the artwork we were most interested in. A number of the students headed for the Mona Lisa. The first time I did this as well, especially since that trip came on the heels of reading The Da Vinci Code. I was really surprise to see that it was much smaller than I imagined. I guess I never paid attention if anyone told me the size, but I was really expecting a larger painting. I am still glad I got to stand before it.

On both visits I roamed and roamed and tried to take it all in – IMPOSSIBLE! I had the same feeling I did when I visited the Smithsonian, a person needs a weeks to take it all in. In fact, our tour guide quoted that it would take 8 months to see everything in the Louvre if you only stood in front of each piece of art or historical item for 30 seconds. Even then you wouldn’t see it all because they still have a bunch of items in storage. Apparently they have or will be opening another portion of the museum or one somewhere else to house the art that is not on display. I didn’t catch the exact details, but I think there is going to be an extension in another town perhaps.

Historically, the Louvre was built in the 12th Century to protect the city. It became the residence for the king in the 15th Century and each one made a change of left their mark. The French President placed the pyramid at the Louvre as his 20th Century gift.

Following our visit to the Louvre, we were once again back on the bus for a continued tour of Paris, which ended at the Champs Élysées. The drive also took us by the Opera d’ Paris, which we will visit later.

The day ended with dinner at a Moroccan restaurant not far from Pompidou Center, a place I have yet to visit. This is a picutre of the outside of the Pompidou.

Powerful Prayful Post – Sunday, July 4th

I am taking a break from revisiting my previous trips to France because today, in America, it is our day to celebrate our Independence.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to pray for each and everyone one of you who responded to my blog last Sunday. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until it was back. And, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the prayers you offered. Not much has changed with my mother or mother-in-law, but I continue to think and pray for them, as well as their vast families who love them both.

One praise I would like to offer up is to thank God for blessing me by having me born in America. Sometimes I don’t think we realize, or perhaps lose sight of, what a great country we have. The other night there was a political discussion in the group I was with. Basically, some were Democrats and the others were Republicans with a few Independents thrown in. While there was more disagreement than agreement, the argument was civil and educational as you listened to each point of view. This happens in America every day of the week and probably almost every minute. And, it is an incredible gift. Why, because in some countries, if you voice your opinion when disagreeing with the government or leaders you could end up in prison, or worse. We can do this here without repercussions. You may lose a friend, but you will never lose your life.

Another wonderful freedom we have is freedom of religion. Even in this day in age there are still countries where it is illegal, punishable by prison, torture or death to worship God. Too many people still need to hide to worship because of the country they live in. I personally don’t get it. What difference does it make to a country if you prefer to read the Bible and attend church? I guess maybe I will never understand. But, as part of this Powerful Prayful Post, I would like us to each keep in our hearts and prayers those Christians who live in countries where they are not allowed to openly worship our Lord without fear of death, and the missionaries who have traveled there regardless of the danger.

I hope you continue to post your prayer requests here so that I can have the honor or praying for you.

I was going to also blog about how the French supported us during our Revolution since I am participating in Paris in July, but this blog would have become too long and perhaps I will write about the French heroes another day.

But, I did visit the small island to Statia at http://ladyscribes.blogspot.com today to talk about how they were beneficial and necessary for America to win their Independence from England. Hope you can stop by.

Have a blessed and safe 4th of July.

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 3)

Day 2 in Paris and our first morning waking there. After getting ready for the day and making sure I have comfy shoes, enough euro to get me through and a light jacket, I make my way downstairs for the continental breakfast. I should have taken a picture of the hotel breakfast. It consists of scrambled eggs (though they are a little different than we would have here, though I can’t quite explain it except maybe not cooked enough), breads, croissants, cheeses, cold meats, fruit, juices, milke and coffee. I fill my plate, get a cup of coffee and sit down to enjoy. By the way, this will be the same breakfast we get every day. No variations and the only thing close to hot is the eggs. But hey, that is okay. I didn’t come to France to eat breakfast.

Once done, we all board the bus for a riding tour of the city. It is impossible to see all of the sites when you will only be in the country for 7 days. Some things you just get to drive by and sometimes step outside and take photos. Below are my photos from the bus tour.

First Stop – the Eiffel Tower. This is as close as we will get – today. Across the street from where we are standing is Ecole Militaire, where Napoleon went to military school. I am sure it dates back to before Napoleon, but I haven’t gotten to that research yet. The green lawn (well it used to be there) between the school and on through to where the Eiffel Tower now stands was Champs de Mars, and where the students used to train. Sometimes the history just hits me. I remember standing there thinking wow, this is where Napoleon actually trained for his military career when he was a young man. I know, the man turned out to be a dictator, wanting to take over the world, or at least his side of it, but still, this is Napoleon we are talking about and I was standing where he practiced.

Okay, enough of that and time to get back on the bus. We next drive by the Church of the Invalides, which is attached to the Hotel des Invalids. It was initiated by Louis XIV for a home and hospital for aged and unwell soldiers. The project was initiated on November 24, 1670. Napoleon is buried under the gold dome. The building is now the Musee de l’Armee (museum of military history).

The next view out of our window is the Obelisque. It is the oldest statute in Paris and actually dates back to before Paris. Paris is 2000 years old and the Obelisque is 3000 years old. It was a gift from Egypt in 1836.

We then drive by Palace de la Revolution, a/k/a Palace de la Concord Place. It was on this square that the guillotine was set and King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and dozens upon dozens of others lost their head.

After the tour the bus drops us at our last stop – Notre Dame. On my first visit I did go inside Notre Dame and it was amazing. I am not Catholic but I was overcome with emotion just standing inside the cathedral. I wish I could describe the feelings within me (guess that doesn’t make me a very good writer, does it?) All I can explain is that it was spiritual, emotional, a heavy weight in my chest. Maybe it is because the place is so old and so many Christians had spent time within the walls perhaps a small piece of their soul remained. I cried, overwhelmed with emotion and have absolutely no idea why. My sister, who is not Catholic either, always lights a candle and prays. It is something she is compelled to do whenever she visits Notre Dame. On the second trip, we arrived there on Palm Sunday. The line was huge, huge, huge, not to mention crowded. I opted to remain outside and let those who had not had the opportunity before to go inside. Outside I could still hear the music from the mass. It always seemed odd to me that while tourists and visitors strolled about, mass would be going on. I always felt uncomfortable in cathedrals we visited where mass was taking place. It just seemed wrong not to take a seat and pay attention and listen. Maybe someday I will, but with tours, time is limited.

While several of the students were inside, I and a friend strolled along the outside. I had not seen the backside of Notre Dame, though I had seen the side from the cruise along the Seine before. The gardens were beautiful and there is a park like setting at the back.

Since we had some time, we took a walk over the bridge to an area with several shops and restaurants. I was on a quest. A friend had gone this way on a visit she took and said that the best ice cream ever was in this direction. We found the shop on the second road to the right after crossing the bridge. You would miss it if you weren’t looking for it. You need to realize that in much of Paris all the buildings and connected. The ice cream shop was probably not ten feet wide. No door to go in, just a window with the daily, fresh made choices written out on a chalkboard. I had chocolate (of course) on a cone. I was delicious and I enjoyed every single lick and bite as we took our time walking back to Notre Dame. However, I did do one thing while still at this famous cathedral. There is a disc on the ground, put into the pavement. It is supposed to be the center of Paris. If you walk over it, it means you will return to Paris. I walked over it, just as I had done four years earlier.

Though the day is not done (we haven’t even had lunch yet), I am going to bring this blog to a close due to its length. I will pick up the tour tomorrow.

Have you visited any of these places? What did you think of them?

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 2)

So, this is our actual first day in Paris. After being dropped at the hotel, everyone is assigned their roommates, a room, and sent up to drop their bags. Nothing is planned during the day of the first trip because despite plane schedules, you never know what will be thrown off, a delay, etc. So, we are on our own.

One of the first things provided to each member of the group is a tourist map of Paris, which also includes the Metropolitan (subway) map. The Metro map is invaluable if you intend to travel anywhere in Paris. Of course, you could take a bus, spend a huge amount of money (and time) on a taxi, or try to make it on your own with a rental car. None of those would work for me. After a day or two traveling the Metro in Paris, that is the only way I would attempt to get from point A to point B.

So, we have free time and Madame (my sister) decides that this will probably be the only time to spend time shopping, short of the touristy shops at the various places we visit, and we head to the nearest metro. We get our tickets and head to the correct platform. Our destination: Champs-Élysées!

If you are going to shop in Paris, this is the place to go. We exit out of the Charles de Gaulle Etoile stop. As soon as we reach the top of the stairs onto the street, the first sight to great us is the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t even think about trying to cross the street to get to it. It sits in the middle of a road, at least four (possibly 6) lanes wide, that circles around the Arc with 11 or 12 different streets leading into and exiting off of it. Luckily, there is an underground tunnel you can take so you don’t have to risk life and limb getting to it.

Before shopping I decided to visit the Arc.

The triumphal arch honours those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are all of the names of generals and wars fought. Underneath is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I…The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, and its iconographic program pitted heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail. It set the tone for public monuments, with triumphant patriotic messages, until World War I…It was commissioned in 1806 after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon at the peak of his fortunes. Laying the foundations alone took two years, and in 1810 when Napoleon entered Paris from the west with his bride Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria, he had a wooden mock-up of the completed arch constructed…Napoleon's body passed under it on 15 December 1840 on its way to its second and final resting place at the Invalides.[6] The body of Victor Hugo was exposed under the Arch during the night of the 22 May 1885, prior to burial in the Panthéon…Following its construction, the Arc de Triomphe became the rallying point of French troops parading after successful military campaigns and for the annual Bastille Day Military Parade. Famous victory marches around or under the Arc have included the Germans in 1871, the French in 1918, the Germans in 1940,[8] and the French and Allies in 1944[9] and 1945. A United States postage stamp from 1945 shows the Arc in the background as victorious American troops march down the Champs-Élysées and U.S. airplanes fly overhead…(From Wikipedia)

After visiting the Arc, it is time to return to the other side. We stop at a side café for a bite to eat before we begin to peruse the shops. I will also admit, this is officially my first glass of wine in France. Once appetites are satisfied, we stroll down the avenue for more than a few blocks before heading back. Of course, we stop in a number of stores along the way and I purchased a cute blouse, after I figured out what size I am in France.

I love the Champs Élysées and could spend a lot more time there than we did. Of course, if we had, my vacation budget could have easily been blown in one afternoon so it is probably best that we were limited to only a few hours.

Our first scheduled event will be dinner. I cannot recall the name of the restaurant for either of my first nights in Paris, nor what I ate. I just know the food was always good and the wine very reasonable. In fact, wherever we went, a glass of the house wine was the same price as a glass of soda. You can’t beat that.

So ends our first day in Paris. Exhausted, we all make our way to our rooms because we know tomorrow is going to be a long and fun day.

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 1)

Over the next few days I am going to revisit my trips to Paris. And, I am going to start from at the beginning of the trip - the airport.

Each time we left from O’Hare Airport in Chicago. It was always a Friday afternoon. By the time we were over New York, we were having dinner. I always found it interesting that when you looked at the map of where the plane was, it always seemed close to some land, when you knew it was impossible being smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic. Those little visuals are probably for people like me and I should not even look at them and pay attention to a movie instead.

You see, I have a fear of flying over large bodies of water. Irrational, I know. But, I can’t fly over the ocean without the assistance of a prescription. So, you all know my weakness now. Leading up to the first trip I kept having serious anxiety attacks. Okay, we will call them what they are – panic attacks. Not pleasant and no matter how much I had a talk with myself, it didn’t work. So, off to the doctor I went. There was no way I was going to miss a trip like this.

The second time around, I thought I would be fine. I already made the trip once, right. Nope, didn’t work that way. Again, that little panic set in and off to the doctor I went again. I honestly don’t get it. I can fly to NY, California or Florida with no problem. As soon as someone mentions I will be over the ocean for a long period of time, my heartbeat increased and beads of sweat breakout on my brow (not a pretty sight). But there is an additional benefit to this medication. Not only does it calm me enough to fly over the water, but it also knocks me out. Since I am stuck on the plane for up to 10+ hours (could be more or a little less) I might as well sleep, right. And trust me; this sleep will come in handy because even though we left Chicago around 4:00 p.m. we will land in Paris at about 11:00 a.m. (losing about 6 hours in the meantime). Basically, we arrive when our body clock thinks it is around 3:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. But, since it is around 11:00 a.m. in Paris, don’t even think about trying to sleep.

The time change always threw me. But, I learned to basically count by starting with 11:00 p.m., which is the best time to call home. You aren’t waking any family at that time because in Illinois, it is around dinner time. I used that method to try and keep track. I usually give up within a few days.

Each time I went I was a chaperone of Junior and Senior high school students. My sister is a French teacher and takes students every other year. I’ve lost count of how many times she has gone. For me, next spring will be my third trip. The first trip my oldest went, the second, my middle child and next spring, my son and husband.

Back to landing in Paris. Well, the first time we went we switched planes in Zurich, Switzerland. We had to run and try and catch a type of subway car to make our connection. Luckily, we all made it, even with a few of the students being selected for a full search. The second time, we flew right into Charles de Gaulle. And since the students were too excited to sleep on the plane, they are a bit more tired than me.

The first thing we do after collecting our luggage is meet up with our tour guide, load onto a bus and are taken to our hotel. The day is just beginning from there.

Day 2 of my trip to Paris (which is actually day 1 in Paris) will continue tomorrow.

I am curious, do any of you have issues with flying? Ever been pulled aside in an airport to be searched?

Paris

In preparation of Paris in July, I've been going through pictures, notes, books etc so my blogs can begin on July 1st. I am looking forward to reading what everyone else posts and more than ever, I can't wait to return to France.

Have you ever been? What is your favorite place?

Powerfulr Prayful Sunday 6/26 - n/k/a Powerful Prayful Post

Yep, I know it has been a very long time. However, that doesn't mean I have stopped praying. In fact, I've prayed quite a bit since my last Powerful Prayful Post. Wait, I like that title. I think I should changed the title of the blog to that :).

Anyway, between my son's confirmation, daughter's wedding, son's graduation, huband's retirement and starting a new career, my mother's health, mother-in-law's health, there have been praises for the blessings and prayers for concerns.

At the moment, neither my mother or my mother-in-law's health is at its best so I've been praying the most for them.

How about you? Any praises or concerns? Let us know so we can pray for and with each other.

Have a blessed Sunday, and week.

Favorite Places to Visit

One of my favorite cities is Paris, which I have been lucky enough to visit twice and I will get to return to next spring. I don't remember if I have ever mentioned this, but I have been doing a lot of research into the French Revolution. For some reason I am really drawn to that time period and have the start or outline starts of six books for a series. Finding time to write them, now that is another issue.

Anyway, as I was checking out some new blogs I came across two who are "jointly hosting a French themed blogging experience running from the 1st - 31st July". And, they aren't the only two. Others have agreed to accept the challenge and post blogs about Paris during the month. I am going to try and participate also so I hope you want to hear about my travels to France or some interesting historical facts I've uncovered in my research.

And, if you are interested in Paris, of French fiction, movies, food, etc., you may want to check out their blogs: http://thyme-for-tea.blogspot.com/ or http://bookbath.blogspot.com/. I plan on checking in often during the month of July and those who are also posting blogs.

Maybe someone will visit England in August. I would have to say, my favorite city not visited of yet is London. Hopefully, if all things go as planned, that trip will happen in 2012.

What is your favorite City? Have you had a chance to visit other countries, absorbe the culture, history, food, etc. If you kept your travels to the States, which City would you like to go back to?

Why I Disappeared

My last real post was, I believe, May 11th. It wasn't that I got bored or decided not to blog anymore. Nope, a lot was going on. Things seem to just now be settling down. But, this is what kept me busy.

On May 15th my daughter became a bride. The days and weeks leading up to that date were packed full of things that needed to get done. Of course, if you have ever planned a wedding, this isn't any news.

The first picture is my daughter and her new husband (as if it really needed an explanation); The second, my husband and son and lastly, my two daughters. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful ceremony and lovely reception. I could not be happier with my daughter's choice of a husband. In fact, everything was perfect.

As soon as I caught my breath after the wedding, my son graduated from eighth grade. It just doesn't seem possible that I could have a married daughter and a son going into high school. The only explanation is that I must have married and had my children very, very young because I certainly don't feel old enough.

When my daughter and her new husband returned from their honeymoon, we helped move her out and into his apartment. The middle daughter wasted no time in claiming the elder's room as it was larger. My son wanted to remain where he was which left an empty bedroom. Though I miss not having my daughter here, I did gain an office. I stayed with the paint color because I frankly didn't want to take the time to paint, and moved in. This opened my kitchen up so all of it could be used for it's purpose. So, now I have a place I can go and close the door and write.

So, now that things have settled, I plan on getting back into the groove of blogging, reading blogs, writing, researching and all the things I had to put aside during the month of May and beginning of June.

How about you, anything major happen while I was away?

Getting Back in the Groove

I am trying to get back in the groove of blogging. It has been a busy 2 months full of blessings and concerns which I will write about in more detail later. For today, I've blogged about conflicts and www.ladyscribes.blogspot.com I hope you can stop by.