A break in my retelling of our vacation. This is for bitching! My fingers and feet hurt and I am tired of it. Last week I felt an improvement - my fingers hurt less and my feet felt pretyy good. Now I feel I'm going the wrong way and it is frustrating.
OK, I'm done. No more bitching - today.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Monday May 16
A travel day!
We were up at 8:00am and packed and out of the hotel by 9:00. I was feeling fine - dehydration was my biggest issue left over from last night. We went to Cafe Madeline for cafe au lait and viennoise and croissants. Then off to the train station for our 10:45 TGV to Paris Est. First Class again because it was cheaper than coach.
The TGV left on time but stopped short of Paris and sat for 40 minutes. There was an announcement with an explanation that seemed to include something about security. That is all we knew - but we finally got going again and arrived at Paris Est. We headed for the Metro, and as Sharon was in line buying tickets I watched bunches of young people jumping the turnstiles and going through them two at a time. We got on the normal way, changed at Opera and got off at Invalides where we would catch the Air France bus to Orly.
We found the closest lunch option right next to the National Assembly building. We both had salade chevre chaud - this one was quite different and tasty with a poached egg on top! The salads and a two glasses of rose was pricy at 44.80 euro. It was the location and entertainment - watching the police reacting to a little protest and observing people. I am sure we were on camera and under observation while we were there!
After lunch we went back to the bus stop and had a short wait for our bus back to Orly. The flight to Madrid was delayed but uneventful and comfortable. Oddly, when we boarded the gate attendant had a duplicate boarding pass for me for the Madrid to Barcelon flight. I pulled my boarding pass out of my bag and it matched. Odd.
We arrived in Madrid late and tried to board what we thought was our Barcelona flight. Turned out it was not our flight - but leaving at the same time as ours. Off to Iberia customer service! They wrote a new flight number on our boarding passes and sent us to gate J50. There was nothing happening at J50, so we went to the closest flight board - and waited. There was not gate or time associated with our flight. While waiting Sharon started talking to an Italian who was also waiting. He said that Iberia did this all the time, but if we stayed close to J50-54, that is where all the Barcelona flights boarded. He also said that Iberia did not post flight delay times because that would be an admission that they had a problem. We finally boarded - about an hour late. They changed my seat at the gate - one row back. On this flight the seating was tight!
We arrived in Barcelona late and had to walk forever to get our bags - this is a big airport and the baggage area is big - ours came in on the carousel in the far corner. Then we had to walk halfway back through the terminal to locate the buses. We considered taking a taxi, but after checking the monobus schedule we found that we could catch one to Sitges. Taxi - 60 euro. Bus 7 euro.
We made it to Sitges and Katie and Jorge's piso a bit after 11:00, we drank wine, ate olives, cheeses and bread and then went to bed - a very comfortable bed. IT had been a long day.
We were up at 8:00am and packed and out of the hotel by 9:00. I was feeling fine - dehydration was my biggest issue left over from last night. We went to Cafe Madeline for cafe au lait and viennoise and croissants. Then off to the train station for our 10:45 TGV to Paris Est. First Class again because it was cheaper than coach.
The TGV left on time but stopped short of Paris and sat for 40 minutes. There was an announcement with an explanation that seemed to include something about security. That is all we knew - but we finally got going again and arrived at Paris Est. We headed for the Metro, and as Sharon was in line buying tickets I watched bunches of young people jumping the turnstiles and going through them two at a time. We got on the normal way, changed at Opera and got off at Invalides where we would catch the Air France bus to Orly.
We found the closest lunch option right next to the National Assembly building. We both had salade chevre chaud - this one was quite different and tasty with a poached egg on top! The salads and a two glasses of rose was pricy at 44.80 euro. It was the location and entertainment - watching the police reacting to a little protest and observing people. I am sure we were on camera and under observation while we were there!
After lunch we went back to the bus stop and had a short wait for our bus back to Orly. The flight to Madrid was delayed but uneventful and comfortable. Oddly, when we boarded the gate attendant had a duplicate boarding pass for me for the Madrid to Barcelon flight. I pulled my boarding pass out of my bag and it matched. Odd.
We arrived in Madrid late and tried to board what we thought was our Barcelona flight. Turned out it was not our flight - but leaving at the same time as ours. Off to Iberia customer service! They wrote a new flight number on our boarding passes and sent us to gate J50. There was nothing happening at J50, so we went to the closest flight board - and waited. There was not gate or time associated with our flight. While waiting Sharon started talking to an Italian who was also waiting. He said that Iberia did this all the time, but if we stayed close to J50-54, that is where all the Barcelona flights boarded. He also said that Iberia did not post flight delay times because that would be an admission that they had a problem. We finally boarded - about an hour late. They changed my seat at the gate - one row back. On this flight the seating was tight!
We arrived in Barcelona late and had to walk forever to get our bags - this is a big airport and the baggage area is big - ours came in on the carousel in the far corner. Then we had to walk halfway back through the terminal to locate the buses. We considered taking a taxi, but after checking the monobus schedule we found that we could catch one to Sitges. Taxi - 60 euro. Bus 7 euro.
We made it to Sitges and Katie and Jorge's piso a bit after 11:00, we drank wine, ate olives, cheeses and bread and then went to bed - a very comfortable bed. IT had been a long day.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
May 15, Sunday
Bon Jour!
We slept late and did not get going until about 11am. It was raining and we borrowed an umbrella from the hotel. We strolled to the cool looking, art deco patisserie - Waida where we had pan chocolate, cafe au lait, cafe au chocolate, and gathered our wits and made plans. Today we may do a museum, may do another Champagne house, may sit and read. We shall see!
We then came upon an interesting building - in a bit of disrepair, but at one time quite an attractive art deco theatre.
Shortly after, I felt a gurgling in my belly - and ignored it. We sat down at a cafe for an aperitif and within moments I said I needed to go back to the hotel. The wonderful moules wanted to be purged. From 6pm to 9pm I had to stay close to le toilette. Sharon went out and bought rice, salad, pizza, and coca cola to go. Our last night in Reims was spent in our hotel room.
We slept late and did not get going until about 11am. It was raining and we borrowed an umbrella from the hotel. We strolled to the cool looking, art deco patisserie - Waida where we had pan chocolate, cafe au lait, cafe au chocolate, and gathered our wits and made plans. Today we may do a museum, may do another Champagne house, may sit and read. We shall see!
We did not make it to another Champagne house - my feet gave up at the bus stop. The museum was closed. Instead we went for lunch at Le Grande Cafe. Started with glasses of Champagne, then a pichet of rose. Sharon had Cassoulet de la Mer - shrimp, moules, scallops, mushrooms, mire poix, cream. Yummy. Colby had Moules Catalan - moules, jambon, calamari, chorizo, cream, and a side of frites.
Time for a nap! We rested a while and went for a walk to a square dedicated to victims of the gestapo. They were nasty people.
We then came upon an interesting building - in a bit of disrepair, but at one time quite an attractive art deco theatre.
Shortly after, I felt a gurgling in my belly - and ignored it. We sat down at a cafe for an aperitif and within moments I said I needed to go back to the hotel. The wonderful moules wanted to be purged. From 6pm to 9pm I had to stay close to le toilette. Sharon went out and bought rice, salad, pizza, and coca cola to go. Our last night in Reims was spent in our hotel room.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Saturday May 14
We are at Mumm as I write this. Today we got out around 10am, had cafe au lait and chocolate then walked about a bit to find a pâtisserie. We found a very nice one and got a couple of palmiers. Then we strolled about the pedestrian area of Reims and watched traditional dancers as we nibbled.
We made it to the Mars Gate and then to Casanova Champagne - no tours until 3pm and it was 11ish. I was bad and left our map in the hotel room. We saw a sign for the Musee de la Reddition. By following signs for cars we went WAY out of our way to find the museum. By the time we arrived it was 12:15 and the museum closed at noon. I took a picture for Lee!
We headed back toward the hotel and ended up at Grand Cafe where we had an enjoyable lunch and a friendly waiter. Six oysters for me, Cesar salads for each of us, a strawberry tarte for dessert and a bottle of rose to wash it all down.
After lunch we walked to Mumm and took the tour which lasted about an hour and then was followed by a tasting of Cordon Rouge and Millesime 2002. It was a nice tour though very typical of a sparkling wine producer. We had a very interesting late addition to our tour, a young Asian women who asked lots of questions. It seemed that she wanted to learn as much as she could about Champagne production. she said she wanted to sell Champagne in China.
After the tour we walked back to the city center. We passed a building that did not appear to be in use. There were mosaics that seemed to indicate it was related to champagne production. A little research later and it turns out this was a building Mumm built around 1900. I was remiss and did not photograph it - I suppose I was tired. Here is a link to a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ruamps/4061558616/in/photostream/
We came upon a wedding at the Hotel de Ville and took some pics of the bridal party and the bride tossing her bouquet. An interesting diversion. We then went to Galleries Lafayette. Colby got socks and Sharon got a hot pink sweater - very attractive. After a couple of kirs went went to relax in our room. I went for a walk with a Cuban cigar and then we dressed for dinner at Brasserie Martin. We each had entrecote with frites and salad along with a bottle of a Medoc and then finished with regional cheeses for Colby and a coupe cafe llegeois for Sharon. Back to our room at 11:45 and a Skype call with Kathy.
Bon Nuit!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday May 13
We were up and packed and out of the hotel before 10:00am. We went to the cafe we visited yesterday because they made a nice café viennois to make Sharon happy. Rather than the cute, friendly boy waiter we had yesterday we had a somewhat surly female. Yesterday we got our cafe, buttered baguette toast, and juice for 14 €. Not today! She was not accommodating. It seems our only negative server issues were in the a.m. Yesterday we got up and left Cafe du Marche because we could not get the server to even look at us.
Our dinner last night was exceptional. Di Felicie Ristorante Italiano. Wonderful food, good servers, and a birthday celebration at the next table - a French family who spent a year in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Sharon had aubergine, with tomato sauce and Parmesan - sort of a lasagna without pasta. I started with rocket, artichokes, and sliced Parmesan. I had veal Madeira with a wonderful sauce and a side of long pasta. Dessert was chocolate chip ice cream with fresh strawberries and whipped cream and finally I had a well made espresso.
Back to Friday! We took the Metro to Gare d'Est - a very nice, easily navigated train station. We were there early with about a 1 1/2 hour wait, but we had comfortable seats and could watch people, read, and relax.
We boarded the TGV at about 12:40, easily found our first class car and seats, and were on the way on time at 12:57 . It was a comfortable 45 minute ride to Reims.
The Reims Gare is lovely, quaint, and open. We walked out and saw a Touriste info building, stopped and got a couple of maps and confirmed the location of our hotel just a block or so away.
The Hotel Crystal was quite nice, large bright room and friendly staff.
Our dinner last night was exceptional. Di Felicie Ristorante Italiano. Wonderful food, good servers, and a birthday celebration at the next table - a French family who spent a year in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Sharon had aubergine, with tomato sauce and Parmesan - sort of a lasagna without pasta. I started with rocket, artichokes, and sliced Parmesan. I had veal Madeira with a wonderful sauce and a side of long pasta. Dessert was chocolate chip ice cream with fresh strawberries and whipped cream and finally I had a well made espresso.
Back to Friday! We took the Metro to Gare d'Est - a very nice, easily navigated train station. We were there early with about a 1 1/2 hour wait, but we had comfortable seats and could watch people, read, and relax.
We boarded the TGV at about 12:40, easily found our first class car and seats, and were on the way on time at 12:57 . It was a comfortable 45 minute ride to Reims.
The Reims Gare is lovely, quaint, and open. We walked out and saw a Touriste info building, stopped and got a couple of maps and confirmed the location of our hotel just a block or so away.
The Hotel Crystal was quite nice, large bright room and friendly staff.
Thursday May 12
Dining is an event for us - any meal allows us to be entertained by food. Last night at Leo Le Lion was an event - as was today's lunch at Les Relais d'Alsace and yesterday's lunch at Pere et Fils. We enjoy the flavors, the sharing, talking about food. Dining is entertainment.
Today Sharon had moules frites and I enjoyed salade chevre chaud. Today's chevre chaud was chevre chaud on toast, tomatoes, and cooked apples all on a bed of greens. Yesterday's chevre chaud was served with sliced jambon and tomato. Each was unique and both were tasty.
Why can't I get salade chevre chaud at home? I've not seen it except at our house. It is easy to make and delicious.
Today Sharon had moules frites and I enjoyed salade chevre chaud. Today's chevre chaud was chevre chaud on toast, tomatoes, and cooked apples all on a bed of greens. Yesterday's chevre chaud was served with sliced jambon and tomato. Each was unique and both were tasty.
Why can't I get salade chevre chaud at home? I've not seen it except at our house. It is easy to make and delicious.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday May 11
We slept late - about 10:30, but hey, we're on vacation! We headed to Tribeca down the street on Rue Cler for cafe, chocolat and croissants. A good Paris breakfast. Then it was off to the Metro for a cook's tour of Paris - on tap were stores that cater to cooks. We found a bookstore with all their books relating to cooking. Almost all were in French, and we did buy three. We visited D.Hellerin, Simon, MORA, and Bovida and then took a break for lunch at Pre and Fils in Quatier Pietons. We both had Salade Provencales - chevre chaud, jamon, tomatoes, and greens. We washed it down with a pichet of rosé.
After lunch we wandered toward the Louvre, through a park at the Palais Royale, then through La Tuleries and then back on the Metro at Concorde and back to Rue Cler for Kir and Pastis at Cafe du Marche.
After lunch we wandered toward the Louvre, through a park at the Palais Royale, then through La Tuleries and then back on the Metro at Concorde and back to Rue Cler for Kir and Pastis at Cafe du Marche.
We had an outstanding dinner at Leo Le Lion. We split a starter of white asparagus with two sauces. We went on to the salmon stuffed with leeks and crabmeat and poached turbot with seasonal vegetables both were outstanding. We finished with a cheese plate for me and chocolate cake for my wife. We will certainly return and will recommend to friends.
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