Villa Des Ternes Hotel Paris

... collection of etchings, paintings, Delft, and even silver from the 1600s which represented some of Rob's favorite art.

But the Pinacotheque is a three-story space that features narrow, claustrophobic spaces, and as most of the works on display were so detailed that they required someone to stand close to see everything, the lines snaked through all three stories at a snail's pace. There was no ...

... as they would have us believe.
b) Not all French bread is great.
c) Have not seen any dog **** in the street yet; contrary to expectation after reading in a newspaper in England that France lost the 2012 Olymic Games bid because their streets are filled with doggy landmines.
d) the only way to get the cars to obey pedestrian crossings is to step out in front of them.

Will let you know how the 5 euro wine goes....

Today was our last day in Paris and I used it as a day to relax and reflect a bit on 5 busy days in the City of Light. Paris truly is a vibrant city, you can see one of the greatest collections of Art the rold has to offer in the morning, Eat at top notch restraunts in the afternoon, wander through world class parks and visit some of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world all in one city ...

... in France, so Fiona could have a glass of wine with dinner. She said it felt "weird" to drink wine in a restaurant, but she had a Mona-Lisa smile as she said so, and carefully sipped her Bordeaux. We had arrived around 7:30. By the time we left it was after 10:00 and there were people standing in the entryway waiting for tables. We took the metro once again, back to the hotel and repacked the bags for the train trip tomorrow. Switzerland here we come!

... and screamed!  We are SOO happy!!!  That day it was pretty rainy out, so we decided to make it museum day and we headed to the Louvre right after the delicious free breakfast our hostel gave us.  On the way, it was impossible not to notice all of the French newspapers and signs and posters with Barack Obama's face on them.  He was everywhere, and all of Paris was happy with the fact that he had won.   We had an amazing time at the Louvre.  It was incredible.  I saw ...

... and headed back to the hotel because it started raining again. Day 3 Another late start but we didn't need the whole day to cover what we had planned. First stop, which was one of the reasons I wanted to come to Paris, The Catacombs. I saw it on the travel channel. The only thing I knew about the place was that it is a system of tunnels under Paris that holds the remains of many deceased persons. What we found ...

Hello there! Why, it's been a bit since I've posted, and I've been up to a good amount since the last update, so I'll get everyone up to speed. Classes Contrary to appearances, I am actually doing responsible things here in France such as attending classes and other scholarly activities. I'm taking about 4 hours of translation courses (both from English to French and French to English), a culture class (as if I weren't already learning about French culture ...

... and Nadal! Ryan was most patient with Laurie as we circled the entire stadium, looking for a way in! Laurie asked a few guards and then went to the ticket office and to no avail! So very, VERY sad! Sooooooooo, we lowered our expectations and set our sites on buying a hat or a t-shirt! That was even WORSE because there was no possible way to buy a souvenir without a darn ticket! One must have ticket in hand ...

... people. But it was better than walking on those cobble stones in the front courtyard. Next into the King's state rooms. That took another half hour to get in even with tickets .The royal chapel came first. The walls and ceiling were covered with murals, frescos and framed pictures. Michelangelo eat your heart out. This was just as impressive as the Sistine. After the chapel came room after room after room of wonderful stuff. Furnished ...

... meandering, so I was actually really excited to spend time in Paris with me, myself and I. And with only 48 hours before my ass would be stuck on a plane back to the states for 14 hours, you better believe I didn't waste any time getting through my Paris "to do" list! First up, The Louvre, never been inside before. I basically dropped my stuff off in my hotel room and bolted towards the museum at wizard speed (which, if you aren't familiar with it, means ...