Midnight...In...Paris!

Midnight...in...Paris

Midnight and im lying in bed...Rain is softly hitting the window and that is the only sound I hear...from the outside.  Inside my mind is racing with thoughts and pictures from the day, and set to the music of the raindrops, all seems surreal.  

When I planned this trip I knew I was planning more in a week than I do in a year at home...a slight exaggeration, but I know what wonderful things happen when I set out on an adventure.  And the whole of the experience does exceed anything that happens at home...and this day was no exception!

My day started quite early in London.  I'd had enough sleep by the middle of the night so was up writing the last entry.  I was at the dining room for breakfast when it opened at 6AM.  I was quite hungry, after all, that would have been 11 PM at home and I'd not had dinner....many hours since my fish and chips.  I had a big day ahead of me, so I knew to have a nice breakfast to get me through.  What I didn't know was how 'big' it would be.

London has terrible traffic.  I'd booked a driver from my airport hotel to the station for my train to Paris.  I've always gone by tube and high speed train before, but wanted to save that hassle.  I found a company that had a set rate of 30 GBP so the car was reserved.  Id reserved it for 3 hours before the departure, thinking i would put my luggage in a locker and wander that part of the city, since the ride would be about 40 minutes.  On the flight over I'd heard I'd be there during a tube strike.  That put seeds of doubt and worry in my mind, and how right I was.  London traffic is horrendous, add to that a major strike of the tube and even a big cutback of the express train...and you have gridlock and long lines for the very limited transportation options.  When I arrived I told my concierge friends of the worries and decided I would call to schedule the driver for even earlier.  I am so glad I listen to my gut on these matters!  Now a call from the room would have cost several GBP, ridiculous, so I just mentioned it to my concierge friends and they let me use their phone, truly I can't say enough about how it feels to have them taking care of me!  So I called and moved up my pickup 30 minutes earlier, now I would have to be ready by 7 AM.  Smart, smart me!

Just before 7 a gentleman walked in to get me.  My buddies use a very expensive car service there, of course, so I had booked my own transportation.  They teased me about what my car would be, and I was pleased to see a nice car, nothing like the ultra fancy cars they use, but fine for me.  So off we went, for what would be a VERY long ride!  The kind driver told me he was Brazilian and of course that got me talking about the Portuguese words I know.  (If you don't know, Brazilians speak Portuguese, although it is a bit different).  Charles had some interesting stories on many subjects, and it is a way I enjoy learning about different cultures, directly from the people who know.  Well, I had longer for stories than anyone could have predicted!  We moved at a snails pace for hours...just over 2 1/2 hours on the road!  There was no break from the gridlock traffic the entire way...great thinking me!  I'm quite sure I'd not have made the train if I'd have left a minute later, or tried to manage on my own.  I felt badly for him, he had to call people to postpone or delay his other pickups, thankfully I'd been the first of the day.  I hope that the strike proved the point and the workers get the raise they want and deserve.

My train left at 10:25 and I arrived only 45 minutes ahead of time, check in is required 30 minutes ahead at the latest...whew!  Made it!  I even had time to get to the bathroom and buy some water for the journey...whew again!  I have a bit too much luggage, and I had to laugh at myself as I was holding on for dear live as the quite steep moving sidewalk slowly took us up to the platform.  There is no better workout for me than dropping me in Europe and making me survive!  Rather like dropping someone into water so they swim.  I wondered if the lady behind me had any idea how close she was to being flattened by my luggage as my arm got weaker and weaker on the trip up!  But I made it and began the long walk to my coach...3rd from the end...and what a trek it was.  

Finally I was at car 16.  A nice man helped me with my luggage and soon I was searching for my seat.  I was surprised at how full the train was, I'd thought with the strike many wouldn't make it, but it seems everyone had a plan and were where they needed to be in time.

I sat down, glad to be on my way to Paris...and the very kind young man next to me, started talking to me.  He was delightful!  Nice person #2, out of 2, not bad!  He is a set designer and is currently working on a set in London and Paris for a commercial with a famous actor.  He was on his 4th trip back and forth for the filming.  It will be on at theatres before the movie.  He was exhausted and said he would be sleeping, but he talked for most of the journey, explaining what we were seeing on the way and when we were 500 feet down in bedrock on out journey across the Channel.  

He was quite philosophical and shared so many stories and then at one point he left to get something to drink, and returned with a map of Paris marked with things to see and then proceeded to explain to me what was what on the map.  How kind is that?!  Then he started telling me about a church I needed to see and he drew me a picture of what I would see, which entrance to use and where to go once inside.  I told him it was nice to have an artist helping me, I liked having the pictures to go by, and asked him if one day my pictures would be worth a lot when he is famous.  He was amused and signed the one of the church just in case.  Finally he said he was tired and went to sleep.  I'm reading a book about Paris, a historical fiction, and within a page or two I was reading about the exact church he had told me about!  So I stopped and saved the place to show him when he woke up.  Next thing I knew he was waking me up, he needed to get out and we were almost there.  What a truly delightful trip!  He told me about his wife who is a designer for a very famous fashion designer and about their upcoming baby.  So sweet, and I asked if it was a girl or boy.  He answered and said I was the only one outside of them who knew!  I promised I'd not tell!  How special!  He gave me his business card and said he would like to be in touch.  He does know someone who works at the international school in Paris so perhaps someday I'll be teaching English there?  He was a fascinating young man, a very delightful travel companion!  He said I was the same and perhaps on my next train ride I would meet a man who isn't married and expecting a child...how cute!  I love meeting interesting people, and he certainly was!

So before I knew it we were arriving at the Paris station.  I'd mentioned I get so lost finding the right exit so he offered to help me, but I knew he was being met by the film crew and whisked away to film at the airport so I assured him I would be fine, to go on his way.  So he left me after a hug and kiss and wish for a wonderful journey.  Ahhh, the joy of traveling alone!  What a highlight!  But it turns out....that was not to be the last of the day!

I wandered the station, figured out the exit closest to my hotel and stopped to purchase a carnet of train tickets...that is 10 and it is very handy to have and not have to buy a ticket at each place.  So carnet in hand, off I went rolling my luggage over the cobblestones at places...across the street to my hotel.  I was starving, but needed to drop off my things before eating.  It took forever to check in, of course I got a new lady on day 2!  But it did get done and eventually I found my room, the halls are quite a maze and yes, I have a quiet room, thank goodness!  So I went then to the restaurant next door and had a croque Monsieur, an open face sandwich on a slice of bread with ham and melted cheese.  A bit dry, but at that point just about anything would be good!  I returned to the room and started getting ready for my outing and the bed won the contest and I collapsed for a few hours nap.  Much needed and wonderful!

I woke up in the rain, what would I do?  It was still light but my new friend had said to try to go to the church when the sun was shining, so I decided to take my small camera and head to my hot chocolate/ olive beef stew place.  

Each time I get more comfortable on the metro, and to be honest, it is thrilling to me to be part of Parisian life!   I got off at the stop and crossed the street and went in to the candy/macaroon shop I saw right there.  I do love the macaroons and couldn't pass up a chance to purchase some for later.  Oh, what flavors they have.  If you don't know what these are, check them out online.  We have a place at home that makes them and I drove downtown to sample them...NOT even close to the real thing, so it was a necessary stop!  :-). 

I found the restaurant much quicker this time.  I was told that the wait was about 20 minutes.  I'd flown 5000 miles for this, I could wait a bit.  I said something to the couple also waiting and it was quite apparent they did not want to talk, so that was that.  I sat outside on what is the oldest street in Paris, enjoying the sight of all the people wandering with their umbrellas.  The wait was closer to an hour because they were expecting a group of 12.  Next time I will know they take reservations.  So I waited and waited.  Eventually a large group came up and they were happy to chat while waiting.  The family was from San Diego and their daughter was married in Sorrento, Italy and the parents, newlyweds and a few family members were enjoying Paris and had the restaurant recommended, they were a group of 8, the other four didn't show up. 

 Finally I was taken in and given a table.  People on both sides of me were very kind.  I didn't plan to talk because I assumed that couples wanted to spend their time together without interruption.  But the people on both sides of me struck up conversations and soon we were all chatting.  One couple from San Francisco were just off a 2 week river cruise.  They followed my suggestion and ordered the hot chocolate and said they loved it.   Soon they were gone.  

The other couple were delightful, young and so very kind...of course they were, turns out they were Greek!  Oh I do love Greek people...whether is is because I grew up close to a Greek family or had my Greek love in college, or the way I'm treated in Mykonos, well, it doesn't matter, two more wonderful Greek people are in my life.  We got along so well, the man is in the food industry and we laughed as I shared my favorite food from places around the world.  He asked if I were in the gastronomic industry and then said I should be.  Cute!  His girlfriend is a teacher working on her masters degree in London and they just recently met, a few months ago.  All her life she has been a Disney fan and wanted to see Disneyland.  He brought her to Paris and when they arrived, just that morning, he had given her tickets to Disneyland!!  She was beside her self, so thrilled about that visit!  What a wonderful man.  They had the cutest story, he kept telling her to pack her 'trainers' and she refused!  She said she was going to Paris and was only taking her heels...and now she will be seeing Disneyland in heels!  I told her she might want to listen to him in the future!  They were lovely!  We all shared our food, I tasted their coq au vin and duck,very tasty.  They made the evening so much fun and we spent a lot of time together and were the last to leave.  He talked to the owner a bit and before we knew it they gave us their special dessert.  Delicious!  

When i was getting out my card to charge dinner, Dimitri picked up my check and paid for my dinner!  How incredibly kind was that!  I was so touched i had tears in my eyes, it just isn't anything i am used to.  We left with email addresses and a page of notes of interesting things he/they had discussed.  So much to pursue when I get home, and two new wonderful thoughtful friends!  AND they have invited me to visit them in Mykonos this summer, where he has lived for years in the past.  He is working with a new company, with places in aspen, so who knows, perhaps they will be visiting me someday.  What an incredible special evening! They even insisted in walking me to the metro in the pouring rain, truly lovely, delightful people.  And I do think we will see each other again...

And so you see, why as the rain hits against my window I smile with memories of my day...and it is only day 2 of my adventure!  Travel is magical for me!  

Suck It Up!

Suck It Up!

London, whew!  My flights went well.  In a discussion with my flight friend, we were talking about jet lag.  He was headed off to a full day of meetings before he got to sleep.  His suit was in a wardrobe bag and he would visit the arrival lounge and get a shower and prepare for his day.  I was saying how hard it is for me and how I've been known to take a nap when I arrive, only to awaken at night, perpetuating the jet lag longer.  He was funny, he told me to just suck it up and stay awake.  He had no idea that I am quite far from a 'suck it up' person!   But...I was determined to do things a bit differently this time to see what would happen...so when I checked into my hotel a bit after 9AM, and looked longingly at the big, fluffy bed, I resisted the urge to lie down and sleep, after all it was 2AM at home and I'd had a very long day, so what harm could a short nap do?

And then I remembered the times a short nap turned into a full days sleep, leaving me up all night.  When I started traveling, a short nap worked, now it doesn't, so time to try something new.  Suck it up and head out...oh how tired I was!

I stay at an airport hotel.  It is easy for me to get here when I arrive so exhausted. I walk out the door marked 'Taxis' and 10 GBP  later, I'm checking into my hotel.  I know I could not tackle facing the tube with my luggage, no desire to sit in traffic in a car with a driver or really much of anything.  When i was with someone it was easier to arrive and make a journey to a hotel, but alone, i just dont have the stamina.  This time since my onward journey is from a train station in central London, I had decided to check out central hotels.  I'm back at my hotel at the airport, and here is why...

Hotels that are large in central London are over twice as expensive as my airport hangout, actually probably 3 or 4 times as much.  Small ones that are more comparable in price don't have the large number of rooms available so when they say check in is at 3 that is what they mean!  I could have paid an extra 20 or 30 GBP to check in at noon.  But I know myself well and know that I could never stay awake that long on arrival day.  So after extensive research, I decided that for me personally, I needed to stay in the airport vicinity.  Another advantage, beyond location and cheaper cost, is the fact that large hotels have people checking out all the time, and many rooms, and it is more likely a room will be available that early.  That is very important to me.  

So the flight arrived a little late, about 6:45 AM, and I was through customs and in a taxi by 7:45 and at my hotel by 8 AM.  I've stayed at the same hotel for the 7 years I've been traveling and although the front desk staff has changed constantly, the concierge staff has been there to greet me year after year!  That warm greeting is so nice to walk in to after the long trip!  I don't even have anyone to greet me when I return home except the dogs, so it is nice to arrive somewhere where people are warm and nurturing.  Those men are amazing, and do take care of me.  The hotel was recently purchased by someone and perhaps the front desk will rise to the quality of the concierge staff.  My package I purchased through a third party on line included breakfast  for the following morning.  The very nice reception man called to have a room cleaned for me and gave me a breakfast voucher to enjoy while I waited.  The cost for that is usually 20 GBP, so a nice treat indeed!  I enjoyed that and the free Internet pass code they gave me and by the time I'd finished breakfast, a room was ready and there I was, facing the big cushy bed calling my name..

Tempting, but I could resist, I could 'suck it up' and head out for a bit...just to see how it worked out...so off I headed for a new adventure in England!  I'd planned the outing, a place not too far from the airport but like another world...Windsor.  I'd visited Windsor on my first visit to England for a cruise, but that was in the days of being afraid of everything and had a car and driver and wandered down the street and since it was too late to get into the castle, we then just drove all over the area.  It was lovely, but I've been wanting to see more, so I was looking forward to this new adventure.  Windsor castle, breathtaking high on a hill, the place the queen loves.  And from the flag flying and the smoke in the chimney from the Queen's chambers, all knew that the Queen was in residence that day.  I have to admit that it was a bit thrilling to know I was so close to the Queen of England.

I had 2 choices on transportation, I could take a car and driver, expensive, or two buses.  I decided to opt for the car and driver there and would take the buses back.  So just after 10 AM I was walking into Windsor Castle!  I had not thought about the fact that the walk...to that castle on a hill, would include an uphill climb.  Probably nothing for most people, but for me, in my exhausted state, it was a challenge.  Of course I made it, slowly, and how lovely the grounds are!  I wandered around and was lucky that the changing of the guard would be taking place during my visit.  I headed up to the field where it would take place.  I sat, a mistake because in no time at all so many people had gathered I couldn't get close to seeing anything.  I then decided that since I'd seen the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, I could pass on that and continue on to the state apartments while most people were watching the big event.  Oh, how my feet hurt!  But trudge on I did, one can't be in Windsor and not see it all!  I had been given an audio tour when I arrived, but somehow I'd missed the headphones so I decided to browse, enjoy what I saw and at some later date read about it.  I was too tired to want someone talking in my ears anyway.  

What beauty I experienced as I wandered through the Queens dollhouse room and the gorgeous rooms beyond.  The kings bedchamber, the throne room, the Queen's reception room, a dining room, and so many more!  I may have the names wrong, but the beauty and feel of the elegance was well worth the trip!  When I'm home I will read more about the sights I saw.

There are attendants all around the grounds and in the rooms.  Everyone looked so formal I was a little intimidated.  But in one of the last rooms, which overlooked the field where the changing of the guard was taking place, set to music, I was able to watch a bit of that and just had to ask a question.  I went up to a young man and older woman and asked if I could ask a question.  "of course you can, my love" the lady responded.  I said that I had not listened to my audio tour but...and the young man laughed and said I was talking to a teacher so I probably shouldn't say I'd not listened to a thing.  I told them I was a teacher too and I thought that allowed us to not follow directions.  She laughed, she was lovely.  I asked where the Queen was, since she was there.  She jokingly said she wandered incognito and was right behind me.  Of course she got a good laugh when I turned around.  Then she took me to the window and pointed out where their living area was, and where guests stayed. She showed me where the car would drive inside to let the Queen out and which windows were her sitting room, where she probably was right then watching the changing of the guard.  Interesting feeling to think I was close to royalty.

I was exhausted and it was time to head back to the hotel and that bed...I wasn't sure my feet would carry me.  The exit was down the hill, downhill-a good thing at that point!  But there was one place left to see, I wasn't sure my feet would make it...

I have a friend who is amazing.  He lives in Scotland and he spoils me with his expert travel advice.  How lucky I am to have my own private travel consultant!  I've learned that when Jon tells me to see and do something, I need to follow his advice, he always knows what I enjoy!  So Jon told me to visit the chapel...this meant that my feet would have to carry me a bit further, my body would have to stay awake a bit longer and I would just have to 'suck it up' because I wouldn't leave until I'd seen it!  Well, he was right again!  I'd not expected much, I've been in beautiful churches and thought it would be just one more...how wonderfully surprised I was!  It was breathtaking!  I can't wait to learn why it is so important, but I do know how I felt when I entered...I was in a very special place!  I tried to see it all and put it in my memory so when I read about it, I will know each thing I read about.  Thank you Jon!  That was the highlight of the visit and I do love Windsor!  

So the sightseeing was over for the day and by the time I got back to the hotel it was half past noon, finally time to sleep...I'd 'sucked it up' as long as I could!  Slept most of the day, went down for fish and chips for dinner.  Expensive but it was that or walking a few blocks to the pub...exhaustion won out, and soon I was back in bed!

End of day 1...

The Journey Begins...Again!

The Journey Begins...

Well, actually, as anyone who has traveled knows, the  journey begins long before you depart, bags in hand.   So this may be the part of the journey that preparations have led up to...but this journey started a few weeks ago.  

I love when I get 'feelings'.  The last time I had the urge to check cruises I found an amazing one, and had a dream trip to the Greek isles for a 'real deal'.  And it was one of the best trips ever...

So when a feeling out of nowhere came to me to check cruises on a different cruise line, I was so astounded by what I saw, I actually called the cruise line to see if it was a mistake.  No it wasn't, the ship wasn't filling up...hence the incredibly low price. I was so excited that I would be going to new countries and cities .  Things fell into place, you know, the way they do when things were meant to be.  And then everything came to a halt...There was no one to watch my little dog, and I ended up with some health issues that would have made travel, especially on long tours, very uncomfortable.  I sadly rethought things and accepted that the cruise to previously unvisited places was not to be.  Perhaps someday...Slovenia, Montenegro, Sicily and beyond.

But I did have a ticket to Europe with miles I've been collecting for a very long time.  So maybe I would shorten the trip and at least go for a short time.  Creative planning is one of my 'gifts'.  And the search for a sooner return flight began.  I love it...I love trying different things until something works out.  And work out it did!  

Not many options for flights to Europe so I kept the same flight to London, but was able to find a return from Amsterdam a week later.  Oh, how I wanted to stay a couple more days but by the time something opened up, I'd planned so much I decided that a week would be enough.  And I like the flight home, directly from Frankfurt to Denver, that in itself will be a treat!  I fly from Amsterdam to Frankfurt for the nonstop flight home.  Creative planning...

I always try to encourage people to use the United mileage credit card.  Yes, it costs after the first year, but you will be collecting miles for every purchase.  Just to motivate you, I'll let you know my ticket details.  I'm flying first class...Denver to Toronto to London...$6!  Coming home is a bit more expensive, $98.  This trip cost 140,000 a lot of miles!  If you want to travel in coach...it is just 60,000.  Domestic flights are much less.  I also use miles for upgrades, but those days of deals are over, now it is around $1000 additional to upgrade to business/first class.  Used to be free.  I'm so glad I traveled so much when I did...it isn't getting better.  But travel still is a thrill unequaled by anything else in my life.  And so, I will go as long as possible.

Now back to this trip, I woke up to a dark, gloomy, cold, rainy day at home, hoping there would be no delays.  I had a two hour connection in Toronto and I didn't want to miss the international flight.  However I did have a back up plan, my friend from Winnipeg is now living in Toronto, soooo if I were stranded there, at least I'd have a friend to spend time with.   

I arrived at the parking lot I use and the valet parking went up from $9 a stay to $4 a day!  That is a luxury I won't be enjoying much anymore.  I know things change, but that is a big increase, well that is the way of the day I guess.  They can get it, so they charge it.  I made it to check in and had to wait, air Canada wasn't open yet.  

There was a lady and her teenage daughter behind me.  I started talking to her and asked if her daughter was on crutches because of a ski accident.  She explained that they were in Vail for hip surgery.  She had had 3 surgeries in Canada and none were good so the went to Colorado for one of the top orthopedists in the world and stayed for physical therapy for a month.  They were very pleased with the results This time.  Poor thing, four surgeries!

I got to security and two spots showed up to be checked, so here I was with a pat down again.  I was told it would be my private parts and given the option to go into a private room.  I said to just do it there.  Not sure what that was about because the areas to check were my shoulders!  Then they tested my hands and she put her hands in my hair...my hair?  Oh well, of course nothing showed up and I was on my way in a short time.

Made it to the plane and when it was time to head up, up and away...we had to sit, sit and stay...but finally we were on our way and it looked like I'd make the connection.  I was not too impressed with the airline, the tvs on my side of the plane broke...and the caterer never showed up with the bread, small thing but curious.  Had 30 minutes to spare arriving in canada, so I took advantage of the lounge access and found the food delicious and very diverse, much better than in the US, broken tvs forgiven.

And finally it was time to board the overseas flight!  Oh how exciting that is for me.  Walking on and settling in, for the next 7 1/2 hours.  The seats in this plane are single seats.  I put my things in the overhead compartment and started enjoying and exploring the first class seat.  The woman in front of me looked into the overhead compartment and very rudely asked whose things were in there.  I was shocked and replied they were mine and then she told me to move them.  Pretty funny, I replied that I would not be moving them, they were in the right place.  The very kind man across the row looked at me, stared at her, and smiled when I kindly said no.  I think it was her first time and she didn't realize that people share.  Throughout the flight she complained about everything.  That smile from the nice man connected us and we chatted a bit, but it wasn't easy across the aisle.  Traveling alone, it is always nice to connect with someone.

The dinner was wonderful and I even was able to sleep a couple of hours.  Watched  a movie and before I knew it, we were circling London, waiting for the okay to land.  And it was the next morning here, I was landing and ready for my day when people at home were getting ready for bed.  Okay, well perhaps not quite 'ready'!  But a safe arrival.  I was confused when I deplaned, everything looked different.  Walking out to get the taxi to my hotel I realized that I wasn't crazy, I was at a different terminal, whew, was worrying about the fact that I'd forgotten everything.  I'd assumed all Star Alliance flights arrived at the same terminal...wrong.  Welcome to terminal 3!  Europe, United Kingdom, here I am!