DAY 8 (HOME)

MORNING

Time to check out of the hotel and have one last breakfast.  The group from Louisiana will be flying on to Amsterdam.  Everyone else is going home.  There is a mix up with the boxed breakfasts and they are given to our group when they were to go to the Louisiana group.  Therefore, we get two breakfast meals.

We arrive at the Paris De Gaulle airport to Heathrow to catch our British Airways connecting flight home.  The weather is still a little stormy, brief showers on and off.

Boarding the flight is not until 9:30 am., we are too early so we go upstairs and chill.  I did not get what I wanted for breakfast and there is a McDonalds right across from our lounge seating.  I am suddenly hungry for a Egg McMuffin.  The ordering is totally automated.  You place your order at these computer stations, pay there too, and then wait until your number is called.  Faster, but very impersonal.

I get a window seat on this flight.  It should only take about 45 minutes, but because of the stormy weather we have to circle the airport another 20 minutes.  This delay costs us precious time.  We have a connecting flight to catch home.  

Afternoon
Security checks almost costs us that flight home.  My bag and another girl's bag were earmarked for additional security checks due to overage of fluids.  The security officer was slower than molasses, and I ended up throwing out all of my travel samples, just to get the heck out of dodge.  Lesson learned: whenever you are in doubt about these fluid regulations, just get rid of any unnecessary items before you fly, will save you a lot of misery.

We finally clear security and make a mad dash to the boarding terminal.  We had to get on escalators, elevators, trains you name it.  Even on the train we had to wait until each car was checked by security.  Minutes were ticking by quickly.  Prayers were being sent heavenward.  We all just wanted to catch this flight home.  

Two minutes to spare we arrive to the relief of the others in the group who were anxiously awaiting our arrival.  All seemed to be going smoothly until I get to the boarding area.  I am the last one in line and hear, Ma'am you cannot take that bag on board, it is too big, you have to check it in downstairs.  Panic goes through my mind.  Downstairs where?  Does she mean all the way back from where we came?  Thank God, no, there was a airline employee sent to meet me and take my bag as I was boarding.

Our group once again is seated in the tail of the plane.  I intact am in seat 36 D literally across the aisle from the seat I sat in coming to London.  One girl sat in the exact same seat.

Then over hear over the intercom comes the announcement, we are not able to taxi down the runway yet, due to a bag being loaded into the plane.  Oh I bet I know whose bag that is.  Well, I told my classmate, at least I know it made it onto the plane.  LOL

The flight home always is murder, just like a car ride.  Seems like you will never get to your destination.  There is no way to really make the 10 hour flight go faster, even watching movies and getting up are little consolation.  Another strange thing because of the time changes, the Monday lingers on 6 hours longer for us-a time warp of sorts.

Evening
We land and as we are leaving the plane I look at a passenger ahead of us, could it be?  There is a lady that looks a lot like my 28 year old daughter's 4th grade teacher, Dana Davis. We lock eyes and she recognizes me.  It is her with her 4 children-3 high school age and 1-junior high.  Small world.  We talk and catch up on life while we are walking to immigrations.  Her husband is a CEO for Texas A&M.  They have been living in France for the last 2 years, but still have a home in College Station.

All of our loved ones are waiting for us to get out of the security area.  Slowly we pop up and get to go home.  So good to see my husband.  Check in with our daughters and my mother by phone.  Good to hear their familiar voices too.

Looking back and reflecting, I had an amazing journey.  Challenges and all I would not have wanted to miss any part of this experience. 

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DAY 5 (PARIS)

MORNING:

Our alarm goes off at 5 a.m. so we can make the 6 a.m. breakfast and check out.  We have our typical food fare and then load our baggages onto the bus.  It is sunny our last day in London.  Leaving is bitter sweet.  It was so fun here, but I am excited to see what lies ahead in Paris on the 70th anniversary of Normandy Invasion D-Day.

The bus trip is not too long.  We arrive at the railway station, pass through security and wait with other passengers until it is time to board our train.  The lounge area is noisy, lots of excited school children in the area.  

Some of the group take this opportunity to get another cup of coffee, use the toilets, and relax a bit.  If we follow suit, we will not be idle long after we reach Paris and check into the hotel.

Tickets get shuffled several times before we finally get our permanent seats.  I am on Eurostar train 16 seat 46.  I am seated next to three other members of our group and we have the seats with the table in the middle.  Once the train gets going it moves quickly, we were told 170 m.p.h.  Our arrival time in Paris should be in just 2-1/2 hours.

The countryside is beautiful and the homes are larger than I expected to see in the rural areas of France.

AFTERNOON We arrive to the train station.  Adjust my watch 1 hour ahead of London's time.  Most of the ladies of the three groups need to use the toilettes.  They are not free and cost 70 cent Euro.  Since no one has any Euros except me, I fortunately saved some Euros from my Amsterdam trip and can pay for everyone.

Barely off the train one of the ladies from Louisiana was accosted by a Gypsy trying to take her purse.  She fought him off.  Our guide, Guilliaume, warns us about these people and other criminals.  He tells us how to avoid them.

It is definitely much sunnier and hotter in Paris than in London.  Don't need our jackets anymore.  The highs are around 90 and the humidity feels like back in Texas.  

The tour bus that will take us to our hotel.  First, we must get through the traffic congestion.  It amazes me how these little compact cars and motorcycles challenge our bus for the right of way on the road.  He ends up opening his window to yell at them to get back.  Have to readjust to being on the right side of the road again, just when I was getting used to the other way.

Our bus makes several stops on the way to our hotel, Mercure Paris Porte d'Orleans.  The Porte d'Orleans will also be our subway stop name.  One of the stops is the Eiffel Tower.  It is so tall over 1000'.  Paris does not disappoint with its' landmarks.  London felt like an American city, but Paris is definitely not like any city we have at home.  Most every building and monument is such a grand scale.

click on History of Eiffel Tower

Next stop at a park spend about 30 minutes there.  First things I notice different than London and US.  People are taking time to enjoy visiting each other, resting even out in public. The chairs are not locked up and no rental fees to use them like in London parks.   Also, the fashions in Paris are much more colorful than London, they are more grays and blacks, neutrals.  

a garden spot at last

love the red poppies

more travelers

Park scene reminds me modern version of the painting below

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte – 1884 is one of Georges Seurat's most famous works, and is an example of pointillism.

Park chairs and tables for all to enjoy

Finally arrive at hotel to quickly check into our rooms and get back down to begin touring. Only one problem the elevators are very small and slow.  So we are given 20 minutes.  Guillaume tells us that the subway system here is not the same as London.  The doors will not wait for you to get on, must really hurry and there are no signs posting what stop you are at so you have to really pay attention to the wall signs and the announcements.  Also the tickets are good for only one ride not passes for the day.  So we have to keep up with multiple tickets and make sure we have the right one.  That is nerve racking.

We head out and pass through busy streets on the way to see Notre Dame and Locks of Love Bridge.  Stop to get cold water, since it is so hot easy to get dehydrated.  I especially have to monitor this because of my heart condition and medication.  While traveling it is hard to find that balance of enough water, but not too much for frequent bathroom breaks. Street vendors are the cheapest 1 Euro for cold water, other places double the price if it is refrigerated.

 As we are looking at the smallest street still in Paris, I feel a man brush up against me.  The student next to me notices too.  This man has a strange look on his face as he passes looking directly at me.  If he was after my wedding ring, or something else his plans failed.  I decide to take my ring off while I am in Paris.  Too risky.  

Street Spray Paint Artist, interesting to watch his process

Small streets led to high crime in Paris before the wider Boulevards were built

At Notre Dame's Mass has started, you are allowed to take photos and sit in the service.  I take about 15 minutes to just soak in the environment and have time for silent prayer. Grateful for having this amazing life experience.  

Seeing the altar incense rise upward toward Heaven, smelling the fragrance, hearing the priest and choir chant out prayers.  Looking around at the beauty and shear size of the ceiling and building expanse, sensing God's Divine presence.

click on History of Notre Dame

Seine River crossing to Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Inside is massive

One of the beautiful stained glass windows

Virgin Mary and Christ statue

Quickly get a chance to see the Locks of Love Bridge.  This is the bridge that made the National news on Tuesday, day after we got home.  We just missed this event.  

click on Locks of Love Bridge History and News Story

EVENING:Time to eat.  We walk through the city and see lots of outdoor Bistro type cafes.  Flowers in window boxes just as I imagined next to wrought iron railings and brightly colored shutters on several story stone buildings.  So beautiful, a painting in the making.

We arrive at our destination.  This restaurant is a remodeled cave from the 13th century.  We go downstairs and it is instantly much cooler in this cavern where we will eat a duck dinner.  Our first meal in France is specially prepared for us:  duck shepherd's pie, organic salad that is grown on the grounds with a light vinaigrette dressing, and a papaya-passion fruit topped with kiwi creme desert.  I promised to have a glass of wine in France for a friend, I do so here.  I order a small carafe of rose wine.  All of it is delicious.  

13th century cave 

Organic Greens, white asparagus, pickled parsnip

desert, so creamy and light

Bon Appetite and Cheers dear friend

I could get used to French cuisine.  This duck is so tender and sweet
parmentier-de-canard-confit-Duck Shepherd Pie Recipe

When dinner is over we take a stroll for some Gelato (What is it?).

                                                 Deeply Chocolate Gelato Recipe  

Cannot believe I still have room, but don't miss a chance to have dark chocolate ice cream on a cone 3 Euro.

Looking for the Gelato shop

A common site along the Seine River, people laughing, playing cards eating and drinking wine

PDA is a common site for the City of Love

Pass by a Law University, this pic is for my daughter who is planning to attend Law School

NIGHTFALL
A beautiful site on the way back to the subway that takes us to the hotel.  I am looking for a Pharmacie to buy some bandaids and epson salts.  My feet really are swollen in the evenings.  My breathing is more difficult too, especially on those inclines.  Our University campus' hills look easy compared to these.

The setting sun's reflection on these buildings is so beautiful

Wonder why all the stores are closed so early.  Well, it's almost 10:00 p.m. and as you can see the sun is still up.  The sun does not set here until 10:30 ish.  That really throws my internal clock off kilter. 

Get back to the hotel, but first stop to get some water at the front desk.  A miracle, I happen to spot some spa bath salts for sale in the cabinet next to the refrigerator.  At this point, I don't care how much they cost.  I am determined to soak my poor feet.  When I get back to my room, my roommate and I agree to sit on the side of the tub and do just that before bedtime and it feels wonderful.

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DAY 4 (LONDON)

MORNING:
Today the groups have a "Free Day" to tour separately from the main groups.  We still eat breakfast at 8 a.m. in the hotel cafe.  I change up my choices slightly by choosing a toasted English muffin and Cafe Americano (1/2 water and a little coffee-not quite the caffeine punch).

It is our first sunny day, a little warmer with the sunshine, but still need a light jacket.  Later in the day it warms up.  Around 9 a.m. we head to the Tube and arrive above ground walking past Big Ben area.  We cross a bridge over the Thames River to the Tate Modern Museum where a Matisse exhibit, "Cut Outs" is being shown. We are able to get a student discount on the tickets.

Click on Video Matisse's Cut Outs exhibit

Matisse's work was really very interesting and inspiring.  I was able to gain insight on how his mind worked-his artistic process that created these amazing pieces.  Gives me food for thought and more ideas to apply back on campus for our Narrativity art class project. 

Also his exhibit really drove home this thought:  when you have a passion for something you will always find a way to follow that passion.  Not even his health problems stopped him from making great art.  Just have to be adaptable. 

Walking toward museum

Thames River

The Main Museum exhibits works from other artist such as: Salvador Dali, Stanley Spencer, Louise Bourgeois, Dod Proctor, and
F.E. McWilliam

AFTERNOON:

We finished touring the museum and went shopping in the gift shops.  I found several books, and souvenir items to bring home. Went to the cafe to buy a beverage. There I met a friendly, older British man who asked for my help.  He left his reading glasses at home and needed me to read the labels.  He was trying to purchase his wife's lunch.  Found out non-carbonated water is labeled STILL and carbonated is BUBBLY.  I decide to be adventuresome and try a bottle Bubbly Elderberry water.  My new acquaintance farmed and knows quite a lot about Texas farmers and our drought situation.  He was a delight and even bought my water as a way to say thank you.

Our group then heads toward the National Gallery and spy's Sir Newton's Hamburgers, "Best In London."  Cute little eclectic style cafe/pub.  A few of us  order the hamburgers.  I instead ordered a baguette pizza and salad.  Waiter came back saying, no one has asked for this in a year, so this item was no longer available.  Instead chose melted cheese on toast with baked beans and salad.  A typical fare in London and was a new fav for me.  My meal was 4.95#.  We were given a student discount here too.

Onto The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.  This was also an amazing place of culture.  Outside the building there were street performers. chalk artist, and one watercolor artist (who made it quite clear did not like an audience while they worked.  Go figure you are out in a public place and want privacy).  

Were to add money to your country's flag

Unfortunately no photos were allowed inside Gallery.  I should have bought a guide book to remind me of all of the amazing things I saw.  There were incredible works by Rembrandt, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Moroni, Boticelli, Jardaens, Singer Sargent, Van Dyck, deHooch, Goltzius, Rubens, Gossaert, and Holbein to name a few of the many exhibited.

One of my favorite paintings was "The Ambassadors," by Hans Holbein the Younger.  I love illusionary art and check out this skull in his painting.  Here are two short You Tube clips describing what I saw.

"The Ambassadors" by Hans Holbein the Younger (1533-National Gallery-London)

The National Gallery Explanation How the Skull was created
The National Gallery Explanation of How to View the Skull
Have a little time before we are to rejoin the group so I and another student, make a quick dash to the National Portrait Gallery around the corner.  It was much smaller, but did not disappoint.  Unfortunately the main exhibit room was closed due to installation of artwork to be seen June 26th.

Time to ride the Tube again and make our way to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge.
click on
History of Tower of London
History of Tower Bridge

Tower of London

When we all completed the walk across the bridge and find a quaint Italian restaurant up ahead.  This is where we eat dinner.  We all order a variety of dishes, mine was to be pasta primavera, but instead I was served a chicken, mushroom rigatoni.  It was tasty too.

The group split into two.  Some of us, myself included opt to go back to the hotel. My feet were swelling again and my blister has worsened.   The other group went shopping since this was our last night in London.  They also want to see Big Ben lit up at night.  This group of students were so sweet, since I couldn't shop for my postcards, they found some and got them for me to take home.  Love our group.

We finally arrive back at the hotel at 10:30 p.m.  A few of us stop at the local grocery convenience store to pick up snacks to eat on the train.  When I get to my room, I decide to pack tonight since we have a very early breakfast and check out time of 6 a.m.  We are catching a train to Paris.

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DAY 3 -(LONDON)

MORNING:

Wake up rested- sleep like a rock.  The bed, lavender sheet spray and the essential oils I put on my eye mask seemed to do the trick.  

Our first breakfast in London at the hotel was very pleasant. Everyone was to meet in the cafe at 8 a.m. There was plenty of variety and food for everyone to enjoy.  I ate fresh fruit, peach yogurt, bran flakes, and coffee (Cafe Latte-stronger taste with more caffeine punch than I am used to).  

We finished around 8:30 and loaded up on the coach bus to begin touring for the day. Need our jackets, and umbrellas again today.  Cool temperatures and damp weather make it feel pretty chilly.  Even though it is cool, it is good news to find out our Mercedes bus has a/c still will need the airflow.

Our guide is a very busy person, juggling schedule changes and another group from California due to arrive, which had been delayed by one day due to missing their connecting flight.

Everyone from Louisiana, Texas, and now California was loaded onto the bus.  The 5 members from California barely had time to breath, they went from the airport to the hotel, dropped off their luggage and hopped onto our bus. 

Plans were changed for the day.  Originally we were to see Buckinham Palace first, but today was the annual event where the Queen travels from the House of Lords to the House of Commons.  Therefore, the area was blocked from visitors.   We would try to see Buckingham Palace later that day when these events are over.

traffic view from our bus

We picked up another tour guide for today, Barry.  He is a storyteller with a theatrical flare. Quite entertaining and knowledgable.  He told us the trip would only take about an hour from the hotel to Winsor Castle.

Even these seasoned guides were caught off guard by the heavy traffic, mostly it was gridlocked.  Almost 4 hours from the time we left, one of the California ladies needed to use the bathroom facilities.  Since we hardly were moving, she suggested those who needed the toilets get off the bus and then get back on.  

I decided I should take this opportunity, because no one was sure how much longer we would be traveling and when the next opportunity would arise for a bathroom break.  Several others had the same idea.

We all hopped off the bus thinking the pub just up the street would be the closest toilette.  Unfortunately for us businesses were closed due to the event.  So in a quick scan of the area, one person finds a Days Inn hotel and we quick run into the lobby.  The ladies behind the desk accommodate our needs.  The bus parks just a little way from where we left it and we get on.

It was a good thing we took this opportunity, because our one hour trip took 5-1/2 hours.

To entertain us Barry would tell us fun facts including how did the custom driving on the left side of the road start.  He explained it was during the horse and carriage age.  Drivers would hold whips in their right hands and so as not to hurt passersby they would use the left side of the road.

We passed by the Tower of London.  We learned the moat was drained due to a large Cholera outbreak.  Almost the whole town of London burned down beginning with the King's Bakery.  There now is a monument tower to remember the event.  

Tower of London

As we passed the contemporary building named Cheese Grater, we were told a funny story.  A few years ago the sun reflected off the roof top in such a way a Jaquar car parked along the street caught on fire.  

LATE AFTERNOON:

click on Windsor Castle History

We finally arrive at Windsor Castle.  It is so massive of a structure.  The grounds make a city unto themselves.  Once we get through security that is much like the airport,  my attention is directed to the garden area where normally water would be filling the moat

security checks

entrance

walkway

one of the many towers

moat area

moat garden

Ironic how commercialism takes over.  We found ourselves in a mall shopping area just like a Outlet mall in the States.  The food court was also familiar.  We stopped for lunch.  I had a tuna and corn sandwich (I fell in love with this sandwich while in Scotland), with ice tea (in England means is a bottled Lipton tea that has been refrigerated, no ice) and a yummy chocolate brownie.

Finally get deeper inside of the castle, it was breathtaking.  Unfortunately we were not able to take any photos.  The Royal family did live a larger than life existence.  Even the little Princesses toys were amazing. They were to prepare them for life as a Queen.

One special doll house was about 5' w x 8' h.  It had running water and electricity.  The cars parked in the garage were Royal Royces, the dishes were sterling silver and there was even an exact replica of the Crown Jewels.

Their dress up dolls were no exception.  It was similar to the American Girl doll series that my own daughters played with, but with life size dolls (about 4'tall).  The dresses were so ornate and beautiful.  

Another everyday extravagance were the Royal dishes.  Some of these designs I have seen in America as replicas, but they don't come close to the beautiful originals.

The artwork was just as extraordinary and interesting. It did help to have our own Art Historian professor along to give us insight as to what we were viewing.

I was disappointed not to have left the Castle in enough time to see the Cathedral before it closed at 4p.m. So I decided to walk the grounds trying and imagine what it would be like to have the extraordinary life these people had.
.

view of the city below

I missed the Cathedral viewing, but not the changing of the guard. I read is required by the Queen every hour. 

click on History of Changing of the Guard

me with a guard

Our final meeting place was the restaurant where we ate lunch.  These two cute dogs were visiting with their masters. They reminded me of my Granddog, Call.

We head back to London to see Buckingham Palace.  We have to walk from the Tube through a wonderful park called Green Park.  We notice how the chairs are chained and not free for public use, a fee is required.

EARLY EVENING:

click on History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is not as large as I thought it would be.  Especially the balcony that is shown quite frequently with the Royals standing to announce weddings, or births.  When the flag is up that signals the Queen is in residence. Two in our group were fortunate enough to see the Queen pass by in her caravan of cars.  She was probably leaving for France and the Normandy celebrations.

These guards are so still they don't look real

There is a wonderful fountain right across from these gates.  I was disappointed I did not take a photo of it.  Each sculptured figure has a lot of symbolism.

LATE EVENING:
Each of the groups goes their own way for dinner.  Our group decides they would like to try Indian food in Soho.  We find the restaurant after lots of walking, but it will take 1-1/2 hours before being seated.  We decide to try Chinese food in China town.  Mr. Woo's is where we decide to eat.  Groups are seated upstairs.  I have a fried chicken with seasonal vegetable dish.  First time I did not have to ask about no MSG, many food establishments do not use it and prepare more organic, natural foods. Smaller portions are served than in the States.  I am the only one who orders bottled water, I am not sure how my stomach will do with the local tap water here.  Disappointed no Fortune Cookies are given, I always look for the message.  In fact, I received one the day before my Tuition Award on campus saying I would shortly get a surprise gift.

Notice I have more foot and leg swelling in the evening.  Developing some other foot problems like a blister.  We walk toward our Tube station stopping to look around some of the area, reminds me a lot of New Yorks's Time Square area, before heading back to the hotel.  We arrive around 10:30 p.m.

China Town

Picadilly Circus

Soho

Deserts looked so enticing and yummy

Love to have one of these printers

Have enjoyed looking for verbiage on the signage in London to find examples of our languages differences. 

Yield

Speed Bumps

Keep Right

Exit & Elevator

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