TravelStream™ news feed for member davefremland on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/davefremland en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:32:38 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1257011097/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1257011097/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1257011097/tpod.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:32:38 -0400 Castle Von Frankenstein....Another Halloween trick (or treat)

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Messel, Hesse, Germany

So, today I am feeling a bit tired and worn from the fabulous party last night.  I can't decide if I should go out again tonight or not but for today, I decided to check out the valley below the Castle.  I took the train into Darmstadt about 12 noon or so.  I took the tram into the center which I found a great mix of modern German technology and old world charm.  My goal was to stroll around and see how the place made me feel.  then head toward the end of the line toward the castle and check the old village.I found it very charming with gingerbread houses, a river running through near an old graveyard and an amazing gothic church.So, I wandered around for the afternoon until the weather turned cold, then headed back to my room to have a halloween evening.I will be talking to my family on skype and going back to the castle for another round of fun.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256980249/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256980249/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256980249/tpod.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:19:20 -0400 Castle Von Frankenstein....Another Halloween trick (or treat)

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Dieburg, Hesse, Germany

So, after a relaxing evening in my hotel, I awoke refreshed and ready to find the castle.  Unfortunately, nobody seems to speak English so it is difficult to explain what I am asking for.  I brought my printout of the castle but still, nobody seemed to understand.  (apparently, the castle is frequented by Americans mostly and not of much interest to the locals.)  Ok, I got a ride into the village by the hotel clerk and then asked at the information booth what to do.  After a series of grunts and pointing, I figured out where to go and caught the number 6 tram to the Frankenstein stop.  As the tram left the inner city, the village became more and more fairy tale like.  At the stop, there were no markings or any real roads, just a park with a long dirt path leading into the woods.  i tried to ask a stranger for help but he simply pointed and insinuated that I should walk in that direction.So, off I headed not knowing where I would end up.  As the woods got denser and denser, I began to feel my heart race and wondered what it would have been like centuries ago with the myths of monsters and less civilization on hand.  Again, I started to get a little panicked and then there was a very small sign on a fence post that indicated the castle.Guess what...It was about an hour of uphill climb before I saw another guy on a bike and asked him if it was the right direction.  Of course it was as I found out later that all the paths lead to the castle.So, as i got closer to the crest of the mountain, I began to feel better as I would hear the voices of humans in the distance, i knew I was closing in.I arrived at the castle to find it closed but I spent some time meandering around the grounds in anticipation for the party that eve.  It was obvious that the party was large and very professionally done.  I could see the ghosts and skeletons thropugh the giant wooden gates.An hour had passed and I decided to head down that steep scary mountain the whole way anticipating my dventure that eve.When I arrived at my room to check out the information on the internet, I was disapointed to find my internet not working.  After a frustrating time with that, I decided to go get some food and last minute costume stuff for the eve.The party8:00 I decided it was time to head out.  By now, I was fully aware how to arrive to the Frankenstein tram stop but still unsure where the shuttles were.  When I arrived at the Darmstadt train station, the place was full of witches and goblins of all type. My costume  was quite simple.  A misplaced urban vampire.  I wore my t shirt reading "I love Transylvania" along with some tattered jeans, cape and bad ugly fangs.  I was rather surprized at the amount of attention this simple costume brought me but anyway...it was fun.On thet ram I met up with some other revelers and they assisted me all the way up to the entrance of the party.  The line was long but moved quickly.  There were dozens of busses and hundereds of people lined up at the gates.  When i finally got in...It was a sight.  The entire castle and grounds was decorated and festooned with monsters and partiers from all over the world.It was like being transported in time to the 14th or 15th century with gallows and guillotenes, graves and prisoners in small cells with iron bars in front.  There were actual demonstartions with these torture devices but stopped short of injury. There was so much going on and so many people.  The basic feeling was that it seemed so real ...there was a labe where a human body was being assembled and everything....How did they make the lightning???  The grounds were covered by fog and everything was very realistic.It was great and worth all the trouble to go.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256841353/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256841353/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/8/1256841353/tpod.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:06:25 -0400 Castle Von Frankenstein....Another Halloween trick (or treat)

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Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany

So arriving at Darmstadt was a little more involved than I had expected.  I was up at 6:00 and very tired but made my way to the airport with time to spare.  Since I had a priority boarding ticket, I was able to relax and not deal with crowded lines.At 9:30 I was boarded on the plane and in my seat waiting for our 10:00 take off.  It was a great day to fly with clear skies and beautiful views from the sky.  I was excited to be able to get some aerial shots above Rome and the Italian coastline.After a 2 hour flight I was dumbfounded to find out that there is no shuttle to Darmstadt from Hann airport.  I waited an hour at the airport for the 2 1/2 hour shuttle to the Frankfurt train station where I boarded a train for Darmstadt. At Darmstadt, I had about 3 minutes to traverse the station to my connection to Dieburg.  Luckily for me, this leg of the journey was short and sweet through the German countryside.All the trees are in full autumn color and the rolling hills are freckled with cottages and small villages.  I was impressed at the number of roofs with solar panels. Also loved the charm of the ride.Arriving in Dieburg i found a cab to my Hotel in nearby Munster.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256122599/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256122599/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256122599/tpod.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:54:54 -0400 Eurochocolate Festival

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Perugia, Umbria, Italy

So the morning came and Licia and I each took our turn getting cleaned and ready for our exciting chocolate adventure.  It was about an hour drive through the beautiful Umbrian countryside to the Perugia exit from the highway.  At this time traffic was getting quite dense as was our anticipation growing.Arriving at the base of the hills, we came to an enormous parking lot with carnival rides and then the most interesting surprize.Perugia is surrounded by modern buildings and from the parking area there is a very modern, completely automated "minitram" connecting like a long rollercoaster, through the village below and under the mountain to the far side of Perugia.  This is probably the most modern and efficient devise in all of Italy.Arriving at the far side of Perugia, we were herded through the market emerging in the center.  Che bella!!!  The festival was in full force with booths of chocolate and related prodects as far as the eye could see.  Unfortunately, also were crowds as far as the eye could see.My camera batteries had taken a surprize turn and I needed to go find a tobacco shop to buy more and Licia opted to wait in the center.  Unfortunately, i got a little lost on the way back and left her waiting for a (seemingly) endless time.  we were finally reunited and snuck off to a calmer alley to a pizza al taglio shop.The pizza was terrific, much more like the American pizza I am used to than the Roman pizza. We sat on a bench and ate in peace then stopped in the most beautiful chocolate shop.  They were offering shots of Chocolate liqours and I bought a sample sized bottle of Chocolate with absenthe.Next we decided to explore the surrounding village before entering the crowds above.  Perugia is a beautiful midieval village and very well preserved.  Incorporated into this ancient setting are some very modern things like an underground moving walkway, taking you through the mazez below the pallazo. On this day, there were special booths set up for children and chocolate vendors.Eventually we made our way to some of the cathedrals and then down to the main center of chocolate wonders.  I sasw a block of chocolate the size of a human being that was being cut with a giant saw the crumbled with a sledge hammer and sold by the gram.By now the day was winding down and we had a long drive ahead so we made our way back down the hill and drove leisurely home!!Good job, well done!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256121761/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256121761/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/7/1256121761/tpod.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:31:48 -0400 Eurochocolate Festival

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Perugia, Umbria, Italy

So Licia and I both had to work on Saturday morning so we decided to meet at her house when we finished and then drive up to Montecastrilli for the night. The weather was nice and as it was late afternoon, we had little traffic.It was a pleasant 2 hour drive to Montecastrilli. This is a small village near the center of Umbria.  My friend has a nice, sparsely decorated flat in the heart of the village.  We settled in and then went to the neighboring town of Amelia for a nice dinner.Licia had worked in that region for a few months and had been recommended to a good restaurant near Amelia.  We drove over the rolling hills to the small hilltop village.We had a traditional dinner consisting of foods from that region.  I had a pasta followed by the most sumptuous lamb.  And Licia had the same.  We took a stroll through the charming village and then drove back to our village for the night.It was quite cold but with the fresh air and quiet, I got a great night's sleep.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251706475/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251706475/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251706475/tpod.html Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:38:27 -0400 Paris

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Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Well, here it is the last day of my vacation.  In order to make my 9:20 flight, i must leave from my hotel at 4:00-4:30.  With a 12:00 check out and so many things left that I want to see and do.  Oh well, I decided after all, to enjoy the comforts of my room, waking up slowly, packing and just enjoying the luxury that I would be soon giving up.  About 10:30, I checked out, left my bag with the hotel, and set off to see what i could do in the time I had left.For the entire trip, i was intrigued by a part of town that is modern which you can see from all over.  Highrises and glass towers surrounding a giant, see through square.  The area is on the map across the other bend in the river and on the other side of the arch of triumph from the Champs elysees.  So, on the subway i went...The area is called defense and has been being developed since 1958 as an extension of the city into the modern world and reflects architecture from each decade.  It constists of shopping malls, hotels, offices and condominiums.Since it was Sunday morning, many of the shops were closed and there weren't too many people.  The area itself is still growing and changing and i spent some time in the museum which was free and explained the design and future plans for the area.  Oddly, i felt like I was at "Tomorrowland" at disneyland.  but it's a poor comparison.Then rest of the morning was finishing a walk along the Champs elysees (where everything was open).  And before I knew it, I had to retrieve my stuff from the hotel.From the hotel, I needed to take the subway to Champs elysees, then transfer to Porte Malloie.  Next, buy a shuttle bus ticket for the only bus to Beauvais Airport...for ALL flights in that 2 hour period.  then the bus left in about 20 mionutes for a 1.5 hour ride.  Arriving at the airport about 2 hours before my flight...  I edited photographs, which I am very slow at and ...ready to check in.So as I'm crossing the security gate, I am asked to remove my belt...ok but if I do, i must hold my pants up with my hands.  "No no" says the officer "place your hands in front of you"  I tried to explain the consequenses but failed.  As I crossed through the meteal detectors, my pants fell down.  The man was very embarassed for me but the other passengers seemed amused.  I took it in stride.  They let me board the plane first.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251614155/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251614155/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251614155/tpod.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:30:54 -0400 Paris

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Paris, Ile-de-France, France

So, I went out last night and woke up today kind of tired. My objective is to explore my own area near my hotel and the left bank area.  I really just wanted to enjoy my Saturday morning with no pressure or goal.  Feel the city life etc.So, Off I went around 11:00 a.m. up the street near my hotel filled with clubs and entertainment venues known as Avenue Montparnasse.  This is on the southern end of the city and is the location of many famous clubs and cafes once frequented by the artists and poets of the 19th and 20th centuries.I zigzagged through the streets and enjoyed the perfect weather. It was a cool, sunny Saturday morning and elders and young folks alike were filling the bistros for brunch with family and friends. The sound of plates and the smell of cigarettes and food permeated the air all around.  I turned left then right, not really having a goal, I could follow what looked intersting and frankly, everywhere in Paris is beutiful.   I eventually came across a large garden where men were doing stretches and women were tending to toddlers.  The garden was perfectly manicured and contained beautiful fountains and walkways.  As it happens, this was the garden of the palace du Luxemburg. Once one of the many royal palaces that adoen Paris.  All along the paths were people enjoying their Saturday morning. At the fountain in the very center were many childeren with sailboats they were pushing with long sticks across the artificial lake.  Also, people relaxing in the sun and just being.  It was very comfortable and calming.I took my time to enjoy the plantings and flowers, finally emerging at the far end and through the Latin quarter to the Left Bank. I strolled around the area where such notables as D'Artanian of musketeer fame resided at one time and artist and intellectuals of Paris were known to frequent in days of old and still.  I took note of the many bookstores, coffeeshops, and even an amazing open air wine and flower market.  I love the combination!!By now it was getting to be time for lunch and I was ready for a nice salad in this quarter.  I treated myself to a sit down lunch and watched all the people go by enjoying the many attractive, well dressed Parisiens and toiurists from all over.An obsession with me has always been Frances history with the guillotene. As a result, i found online that there is indeed a point in Paris where exists the final guillotene used in a public execution and it is only steps away from the location it was last used.  It is a smallish courtyard where the stones have been replaced with different size and color to the surrounding stones as to remind the Parisiens of the tragic event and next door is a quite unassuming pub boasting on the window...the guillotene pub.  Inside is the guillotene surrounded by barstools and tables.  I wante dbadly to have a beer here but they were closed until Sept.Anyway, after a cruise through this area soaking it all in, I made my way up town through the gallerias la Fayette.  when you are in Paris, you must at least pay hommage to the shopping...the likes of which I have never seen.  One entire shopping mall completely for women with another twin mall for men across the crowded busy street.  The size...gargantuan. UNBELIEVABLE.  I have seen plenty of super-sized malls in my life, but I think the French really invented shopping as we know it today.When I came to Paris with my father in the early 70's, I remember seeing everywhere, signs for Follies Bergere.  The famous dance review for adults was advertized proudly with nudity on every corner and as a young lad I was quite titalated.  Now, the famous follies have gone by the wayside.  The new shows will be re-vamped and open in a few years but for now, only Lido and Moulin rouge remain of the famous reviews of old.  I did however come across the old, theatre which will reopen someday.  the neighborhood boarders on a very adult section of town in which there is the famous "can can review"  i came across this and the sleezy, prostitute ridden area called Pigalle. I stopped for, of all things, chinese take out, then made my way back home.  Tonight, Saturday night back in La Marais.  Should be hoppin!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251505146/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251505146/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251505146/tpod.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:17:33 -0400 Paris

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Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Boy time is going fast.  I woke up at about 9 but decided to take it real slow.  By the time I left my room, it was nearly 11, but it was a cool, brisk and sunny day!  My absolute favorite weather!!I decided to go for a walk through the center areas of the city, leaving myself time to go to the top of the Eiffel tower in the afternoon.  I was trying to pick a time when it would be optimal.So, starting off my day with a beautiful stroll up toward the river bank.  I took a slow walk all the way through Montparnasse, stopping along the way to look in shop windows and at architecture.  All the way humming "Mona Lisa".  when i arrived at the "left bank" I decided to stop for a sandwich at one of the many sidewalk cafes.  Unfortunately, the food is all full of creamy dressing which doesn't agree with me.  Either way, I had a wonderful tasting chicken salad sandwich.  So I arrived at the first bridge and it was such a beautiful day, I was struck by the world famous views across the river.  There was a slight cool mist in the air and it made it easy to be in the sun.Having reached the "Alexander the 3rd" bridge" I went to the middle and just stood there.  Completely in awe of my surroundings.  Bicyclists were riding along the banks of the river and tourists were crossing and couples were smooching.  It was just as you would expect and nothing less.I crossed the bridge arriving at the main circle known as concorde.  It is the area where the guilloteines were set up during the revolution period.  Naturally, the sickness in me wanted to go touch the spot.  I did.  It is a highly developed circle where there is a large obelisk, statues representing the main cities in France and two gorgeous fountains. Directly across from the concorde is the entrance to the"tulieres gardens".  A beautiful, well groomed garden with topiaries and flowers centered by a large fountain with chairs and tables all around.  I stopped at one of th esmall cafes and got a large bottle of Perrier and a glass and sat down and enjoyed the gardens.  Interesting side note, at night this is a cruising area for gay men.Ok, I arrived at the other side of th egardens to find myself at the opening of the Louvre!!!The Louvre is marked by an enormous glass pyramid right between the courtyards of an gigantic palace.  It is one of th eoldest and THE wealthiest musem in the world.  Inside is the famous Mona Lisa and many other famous works.  Meanwhile in the first courtyard, this glass pyramid hides an underground entrance to the musem, bookstore, and...shopping mall.  It is a recently developed area since at least the 70's because it WASN'T like this when I was there as a kid.  So, i spent a great deal of time enjoying the famous area included with the new underground developement.  After the Louvre but with still quite a bit of daytime ahead, I made my way past the famous Hotel de Ville, and toward The Notre Dame Cathedral.  An amazing Gothic style church with an ornate facade and famous for its gargoyels and creepy statues.  This is a BUSY area with so many tourists on this sunny Friday morning.  Naturally I had to go in and look at the inspiration for the Famous Hunchback...Quasimodo.It is truly beautiful and it is amazing to me what the people of the time were thinking about when  they thought of these structures, their sense of asthetics and such.It was crowded so I spent just a brief time there knowing I would come back to the island tomorrow to exp[lore the villages thereon.Well, I crossed to the right bank and actually, while slightly lost on the tangles street, I found the George Pomedeau area with it's amazingly out of place yet still fashionable modern sculptures and giant glass and tube building.  I studied the area in detail but by now it was getting to be a good time to think about the tour Eiffel.There is just too much in Paris for such a short trip, I will either spend a lump of time here or make several trips to do specific things.Now,Tour Eiffel and my phobia of falling.So, using my well purchased bus ticket I took the surface transport to the tower as to see more of the grand city.  I arrived at the tower and it was a clear day and the lines were low due to the time of day...around 5-6 when people were getting home from work and tourists resting for dinner.  The line was short and the price was amazingly cheap at about 4 or 5 euros for the second floor.  the top was temporarily closed due to high winds and the line was long on the second floor but I was going to get there.  I have a fear of falling and the tower was no exception.  It is see through all the way up with glass elevators.  the first leg goes up sideways with a specially balanced car to make up for the curvature of the legs.  I got to the second floor and took a few minutes inland to steady myself for the view.  It was remarkably windy, high up and cold.  There were couples and newlyweds everywhere and I felt like the only solo...families etc.  Oh well.  the views were incredible and well worth it.I asked the attendant where the line would be for ticklets to the top and she said it would be a while, but I had time.  i ate a sandwhich at the cafe for an over iinflated price of 10 euros but I'm on the Eiffel tower at a cafe...  Then suddenly the line opened for the top and I was right at the front.  I was joined in the very tiny elevator with a couple from somewhere in Britain and we compared the elevator to the great glass wonkavator from charlie and the chocolate factory.  At teh top, it was CCCCCCOOOLLLLD and windy... pretty scary but you could see all the way to heaven from there.  The view was immense and overwhelming and you could enhance it with a glass of champagne for only 50 euros.  i made my looks around and was in complete amazement the whole time.  I actually shed a tear taken by the beauty.Then I went down.  relief.Now it's around sunset and I'd better go back to my room to get ready for Friday night!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251445545/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251445545/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251445545/tpod.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:24:22 -0400 Paris

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Paris, Ile-de-France, France

After a good night's sleep, I awoke ready to explore Paris. I usually like to take a nice walk in the morning while I'm still fuzzy to sort out my head.  I am not one to make strict plans when traveling but brought along some tour pamphlets to look at while I figured out my day.I went for my walk making my way through the cemetary at montparnasse up to the area known as Les Halles.  At night it is a bustling area of jazz clubs, gay bars, sports bars, and a crazy mix of people.  In the morning, however, it is a quiet neighborhood with a very nice market and a large central park.  Marked by a large, gothic tower, the area is near the river and very central.  I strolled around for a bit down the winding streets and plazas and noticed some clubs I may want to see at night.Ok, after my morning walk, allowing the housekeeping staff to clean my room, I went back for my shower and to get ready for my real day.  I also asked the receptionist to book me on an evening river cruise followed by a bus tour of the city of light.My plan began with a stroll around the "Sacre Cuoer" church and the surrounding area.  The hill is steep but there is a funicular that leads up the hill, stopping at a piazza on top filled with tourists.  I was stunned at the grandeur of the edifice itself and more so by the views from the hilltop.  Along the road by the steps leading up to the giant church, were an amazing mix of tourists, young kids hanging around and drinking beer, vendors selling trinkets, and, even a quartet playing "La vie en rose on violins!! As I made my way round the hilltop, I found the scenery quite charming with cottage-like buildings and sidewalk cafes.  Again, the views from all sides of the slope were immense.  So, making a slow circle down the winding roads, I came upon a square filled with jazz bars and artists trying to make a living doing pencil sketches and chalks of passersby. Frankly, it's just like being in amovie set.  COMPLETELY unreal.  Twisting down the road further, I came across a few interesting looking spots with a piano bar, a comedy club, an old fashioned puppet show, and, even a windmill on top of a pub.Now, it's getting close to time for my river cruise, so I headed down the hill and followed a small tour group to the "Moulan Rouge". I only had time to take a picture....I will explore this area in detail later.So, I had booked an evening cruise on the river followed by a bus tour called "illuminations" meant to show the city of light at its best.  I arrived in time to get the first seat on the bus, but it only led us to the boat.  The tour office is located near the Louvre and the bus took us to the feet of the Eiffel tower where we were given priority seating on the cruise boat.The cruise was to last 1.5 hours and then the bus tour of the same duration.  Beginning under the "Alexander" Bridge...a very romantic, well lit, ornate bridge which was a gift from Russia, we slowly made our way past the famous landmarks along the river and her banks.  The afternoon sun was getting low in the sky as the lights of Paris began to illuminate.  Not even pictures can describe the romantic feelings that come up inside from the beautiful views. At the far end of teh river, there was a park where the Parisiens go to dance the Tango along the riverside. Then heading back, the Notre Dame Cathedral was in sillouette against the pink and blue sky.  We arrived at the Eiffel tower in time for the llights to come on.  For the first 6 minutes of each hour...twinkle lights!!!!!Then we met the bus back inthe parking lot and began our tour ogf the city lights.  Paris was the first city to light her streets with electricity. Now, the buildings and lanmarks are lit in the most flattering of ways to make the journey through town most enjoyable.  Unfortunately I haven't learned how to use the camera settings for night shots, so I just enjoyed the tour "camera free".  I DO RECCOMEND this tour to anyone!!  We passed all the major sights and area of interest with a nice commentary about each view.  AMAZING!After the tour, a small walk through the area known as "La Marais", an area filled with (gay) night life.  One comment, in Paris...anything goes. I have noticed the highest level of tolerance here.  The city is filled with people of all types and everyone seems to get along just fine..however, i have not read a paper or watched the news.  Meanwhile, the area was bustling with people even on a week night.  I made my way back to my room, now at about 1:30 a.m. and collapsed on my bed.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251317384/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251317384/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/davefremland/6/1251317384/tpod.html Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:05:00 -0400 Paris

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Paris, Ile-de-France, France

So my flight was scheduled to leave Rome at 7:00.  Ryanair is well known for being cheap, but they are VERY on time.  I had to wake up at 3:45 a.m. to get to the airport on time.  There were no problems.  !!!Having purchased priority boarding, I was able to get a prime window seat and I gazed out in awe for the duration of the 2 hour flight.  First over the city of Rome, then out along the Italian coastline.  I was able to make out some distinctive areas such as Piza, Livorno and some other coastal areas.  It was then up over France and then a slow descent over the French countryside to Beauvais.  This is a tiny serviceless airport about 1.5 hours by bus from the center of Paris.The bus left me in the center of Paris at about 12 but my check in wasn't allowed until 2 and I was...where???  So, I followed some folks who looked like they knew their way, ended up in a main subway station.  I purchased a pass for 5 days with access to all areas.  I figured it would be worth it in case I went to areas outside the normal tourist spots.  According to my math, if I use the metro 4 times a day, it comes out ahead.So, I also got a map, and began to make my tangled way to my hotel.  After about 40 minutes, I arrived at the hotel and dropped off my bag.  Since I had about an hour and half before I could check in, I decided to go for a walk around my area, Montparnasse.  Actually, It was quite nice, with sidewalk cafes and shops along tree lined streets.  I made it as far as the the base of the Eiffel tower and then turned back.I checked in to my room and was quite happy with the accommodation.After checking into the hotel, I relaxed for a few minutes but was quite anxious to see Paris.  I walked out to the other side of my street and found a very quaint street market with wine and fruit stands.  At the end of the street was "the crypts of Paris"  I made a mental note.Turning left, looking up the street (a long way) I could see Notre Dame...I began walking but remembered my bus ticket.  I got on the bus and headed up town getting off at the cathederal.  Finding myself on the "Left bank" of the seine river, I decided to check out the quaint streets and cafes along the way.Then i crossed the bridge to the Island and Cathederal.  Turning back I noticed the beautiful sight if the river banks.  I noticed what looked like a castle and beautiful bridges and buildings.After a breif stop, I went directly across the bridge and up the walk ending up at the famous opera house...home of the Phantom of the opera!!!After this stop, I got on the user friendly subway system and ended up at the Arch of Triumph.  I was taken by the immensity of the structure itself, while also intrigued by the military history of France.  As I see it, they are quite nationalistic and it is reflected in the structures and grandiosity of the facades.By now it is well into the evening and I am hungry and tired.  I went to my room for a short rest but, well, it's Paris!  I went by subway to the area known as Monmarte to see the amazing night views of the city.  Just so happens, I'm at the top of the hill at the same time as the Eiffel tower goes into glitter mode!!!  It was so exciting.  Well, by now, It's after midnight and I am sure to have a big day tomorrow. I stop at a grocery store, the size of which I have rarely seen, and made my way back to my room to rest up for the night.
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