Incredibly Interesting Itinerary!
Lisa Leads the Lucky to the Lourve
It was tough to wake up that Friday morning- and not just because of our late night limoncello party! I knew this was our last day together. This was the final day of the tour, really, and I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to say goodbye.
Our group met outside the hotel to get on the metro for our trip to the Louvre. Unfortunately, Dimitri quickly remembered his promise to make me lead the pack. When I gave him my dumb look (Which I wish wasn't so genuine), he led me to the map and helped me navigate our route.
The only comfort in this whole, "Lisa as the metro leader" plan, was that it meant Dimitri would be by my side- at least for a while- and his confidence was contagious.
It was so sweet because as the day went on, several in the group started asking me to tell them where we needed to go next, or which hallway do we take to the next train, or they prompted me when I was struggling with directions.
By the end of the day, I was feeling much better about being on the metro and more confident about being able to find my way somewhere should I get lost or should I need to ride alone. While there was no love lost between me and the crowded metro, and while I wouldn't be volunteering to ride it if there was another alternative available, the metro and I managed to reach a tentative truce.
Soon we were at the Louvre. I was so excited to be there! I had gone before, with my daughter on that fateful day three years earlier. However, we had been so upset and so delayed, that by the time we finally got there, we only had a short time to explore before we had to leave.
I knew that this time we'd have the benefit of a guide to provide us a great overview and give us some history on important pieces.
Our group met outside the hotel to get on the metro for our trip to the Louvre. Unfortunately, Dimitri quickly remembered his promise to make me lead the pack. When I gave him my dumb look (Which I wish wasn't so genuine), he led me to the map and helped me navigate our route.
The only comfort in this whole, "Lisa as the metro leader" plan, was that it meant Dimitri would be by my side- at least for a while- and his confidence was contagious.
It was so sweet because as the day went on, several in the group started asking me to tell them where we needed to go next, or which hallway do we take to the next train, or they prompted me when I was struggling with directions.
By the end of the day, I was feeling much better about being on the metro and more confident about being able to find my way somewhere should I get lost or should I need to ride alone. While there was no love lost between me and the crowded metro, and while I wouldn't be volunteering to ride it if there was another alternative available, the metro and I managed to reach a tentative truce.
Soon we were at the Louvre. I was so excited to be there! I had gone before, with my daughter on that fateful day three years earlier. However, we had been so upset and so delayed, that by the time we finally got there, we only had a short time to explore before we had to leave.
I knew that this time we'd have the benefit of a guide to provide us a great overview and give us some history on important pieces.
Did you know that the Musée du Louvre was established in 1792? The former palace is now the largest museum in the world and the most visited museum in the world. According to a CNN article, if you were to spend one minute at each exhibit in the Louvre, it would take you 64 days to see it all.
Here I am with Winged Victory, also known as Nike of Samothrace.
Here I am with Winged Victory, also known as Nike of Samothrace.
Robert and Lynn, two of the nicest people you'll ever meet!
The Mona Lisa is the most popular piece at the Louvre. She sits behind bullet proof glass and has her own set of guards. What you might not know is that the painting is really quite small at, 21" X 30".
To get close enough to actually see her, pretend it's Black Friday. Against your better judgment, you promised your kid/grandkid that limited edition game system. There are 50 systems available and 500 people ahead of you in line, all wanting it. You are going to get it, or die trying. Now go!
To get close enough to actually see her, pretend it's Black Friday. Against your better judgment, you promised your kid/grandkid that limited edition game system. There are 50 systems available and 500 people ahead of you in line, all wanting it. You are going to get it, or die trying. Now go!
If by some luck you manage to get close to her, hold your ground and take your picture fast! There WILL be jostling, so you might only get a shot with half of your face in it!
Good picture of me and Mona Lisa, courtesy of tour-mate, Lori!
Or you might run into a tour mate and make a deal. I took her picture and she took mine. Lori is a great photographer, and a really sweet girl.
The Louvre was our last official group activity. We had the rest of the afternoon free. That evening we would have our last supper together before going to the Eiffel for goodbyes.
The Louvre was our last official group activity. We had the rest of the afternoon free. That evening we would have our last supper together before going to the Eiffel for goodbyes.
Pat and I decided that we needed to revisit the restaurant we lunched at a day earlier. Crepes were the order of the day. Pat tried a new one, but I stuck with the delicious ham and cheese crepe.
Even with our bellys happy, Pat suggested we share a dessert crepe. Since that sounded so good, he didn't need to suggest it twice! We ordered the strawberry and chocolate crepe. I cracked up laughing when they brought it to us. I called it our "Love Crepe".
Even with our bellys happy, Pat suggested we share a dessert crepe. Since that sounded so good, he didn't need to suggest it twice! We ordered the strawberry and chocolate crepe. I cracked up laughing when they brought it to us. I called it our "Love Crepe".
Memorable Moment
After lunch Pat and I decided to go our separate ways (so much for the love, ha ha). I wanted to find a present for Dimitri. It had to be just right, but I didn't know what it was. I would know it when I saw it.
I was nervous venturing so far from "home" by myself, but at the same time it was exhilarating. I went into several shops without luck. Things were either too pricy or not appropriate. Then I found an adorable blank card. I thought it perfectly represented Dimitri and our group.
After I found the card, my hope was to find a little duck or swan figurine for a reasonable price.
I soon found myself in a teeny tiny little jewelry shop. The owner came over to greet me in French. I said, Bonjour, but when I asked him if he spoke English, he shook his head no. Then he struggled and said, "leetle bit". With a few simple words and a lot of hand gestures I said I'd just look around and he nodded.
I about fell over when I looked under one piece of glass and found a crystal duck. I gestured for the owner to come over so I might see the duck up close and find out the price. I was thrilled when he quoted me the perfect price. The duck was of good quality, not cheap, but not expensive. Just right. I was very happy.
The shop owner and I began to have a very pleasant, if stilted conversation while I paid and he wrapped up the gift. He was so nice that I wanted to give him a hug! Instead, with a lot of "merci beaucoup's" and a heart felt "au revoir", I left the shop.
Back in my room I wrote Dimitri a note thanking him for being a great tour guide and especially for the games of pool and the special attention on the Paris metro. It was all very appreciated.
I was nervous venturing so far from "home" by myself, but at the same time it was exhilarating. I went into several shops without luck. Things were either too pricy or not appropriate. Then I found an adorable blank card. I thought it perfectly represented Dimitri and our group.
After I found the card, my hope was to find a little duck or swan figurine for a reasonable price.
I soon found myself in a teeny tiny little jewelry shop. The owner came over to greet me in French. I said, Bonjour, but when I asked him if he spoke English, he shook his head no. Then he struggled and said, "leetle bit". With a few simple words and a lot of hand gestures I said I'd just look around and he nodded.
I about fell over when I looked under one piece of glass and found a crystal duck. I gestured for the owner to come over so I might see the duck up close and find out the price. I was thrilled when he quoted me the perfect price. The duck was of good quality, not cheap, but not expensive. Just right. I was very happy.
The shop owner and I began to have a very pleasant, if stilted conversation while I paid and he wrapped up the gift. He was so nice that I wanted to give him a hug! Instead, with a lot of "merci beaucoup's" and a heart felt "au revoir", I left the shop.
Back in my room I wrote Dimitri a note thanking him for being a great tour guide and especially for the games of pool and the special attention on the Paris metro. It was all very appreciated.
Everybody was excited for the night to come, but there was also an underlying sadness in knowing the end was near.
Dinner that night began with French onion soup. Then I decided to try something new and ordered the duck which came with a side of fries. Then it was ice cream for dessert. Julie wanted escargot again.
Once dinner was finished we all had a lovely walk to the Eiffel tower. Dimitri surprised us by pulling out champagne and plastic glasses. He also had orange juice for those who didn't want champagne or who wanted mimosas instead.
We all stood in a circle and Dimitri made a toast. Then everybody took a turn saying whatever they wanted to say.
The champagne kept flowing as everybody hugged and chatted. The sun started to set and most of us wanted to stick around to see the Eiffel light up. A bunch of us started taking silly pictures and fun pictures and final pictures.
I switched to video mode on my camera. I asked each tourmate to describe their 21 Day Best of Europe experience in three words. (Not everybody was available to answer) Here are the answers I got.
Julie: Totally awesome fun.
Lannie: Totally awesome trip.
Joe: Completely positive. Fully.
Robert: Truly exciting expedition.
Tom: Totally awesome. (I told him he needed one more word) One.
Ila: Incredibly amazing experience!
Lynn: a fabulous, exciting, learning experience- but tiring!
Imants: One, two, three!
Barb: Best. Vacation. Ever!
Pat: Libertate, egalitate, fraternitate! (Pat was quoting the French National Motto: liberty, equality and fraternity- originally used during the French Revolution)
Herb: Not having work.
Barb: Ooo La la!
Pat: Loved the luge!
Lori: It was wonderful!
Emily: The 5th amendment!
Tom: You'd better talk to John.
John: Getting to know Lisa!
Shirley: Making new friends.
Dennis: Bus front seat.
Dimitri: Amazing people. (then with prompting from me) ROMA! (with heavily rolled "Rs"
Julie: I have another one! Love Dimitri's surprises! Oh! My greek guide! (complete with rolled Rs)
Dimitri: Ei yi yi!
We all stood in a circle and Dimitri made a toast. Then everybody took a turn saying whatever they wanted to say.
The champagne kept flowing as everybody hugged and chatted. The sun started to set and most of us wanted to stick around to see the Eiffel light up. A bunch of us started taking silly pictures and fun pictures and final pictures.
I switched to video mode on my camera. I asked each tourmate to describe their 21 Day Best of Europe experience in three words. (Not everybody was available to answer) Here are the answers I got.
Julie: Totally awesome fun.
Lannie: Totally awesome trip.
Joe: Completely positive. Fully.
Robert: Truly exciting expedition.
Tom: Totally awesome. (I told him he needed one more word) One.
Ila: Incredibly amazing experience!
Lynn: a fabulous, exciting, learning experience- but tiring!
Imants: One, two, three!
Barb: Best. Vacation. Ever!
Pat: Libertate, egalitate, fraternitate! (Pat was quoting the French National Motto: liberty, equality and fraternity- originally used during the French Revolution)
Herb: Not having work.
Barb: Ooo La la!
Pat: Loved the luge!
Lori: It was wonderful!
Emily: The 5th amendment!
Tom: You'd better talk to John.
John: Getting to know Lisa!
Shirley: Making new friends.
Dennis: Bus front seat.
Dimitri: Amazing people. (then with prompting from me) ROMA! (with heavily rolled "Rs"
Julie: I have another one! Love Dimitri's surprises! Oh! My greek guide! (complete with rolled Rs)
Dimitri: Ei yi yi!
Me and Julie. Both pictures courtesy of Julie.
Herb, me, Lannie and Pat.
Herb, me, Lannie and Pat.
Joe and Julie.
Imants and me.
Imants and me.
Lori, Julie, me and Lannie.
Me and Dimitri.
Me and Dimitri.
Some people (Julie, Lannie and I) don't know when to end a party! We decided on the way home from the Eiffel to make a pit stop at a liquor store and pick up a bottle of wine. Somehow the bottle of wine became a bottle of limoncello. Dimitri contributed the leftover glasses he had.
We invited everybody to join us, but everybody wanted to go to their rooms to pack and prepare for their flights and extension trips. Once again, it was down to the three amigas, though at one point we were inviting anybody who walked by to join our little soirée.
Nobody joined us, though folks would laugh with us (at us) and exchange a few pleasantries. Finally, we got one gentleman (from New Zealand) to join us. I think he found Lannie very attractive. He sat down with her, the two of them began talking and soon were in their own little world.
At one point our laughter and enthusiasm became a bit much and Julie knocked over her glass and spilled on the floor. She quickly fetched a washcloth and began to scrub!
I won't say what time we went to bed, but I will say the dawn wasn't far off!
We invited everybody to join us, but everybody wanted to go to their rooms to pack and prepare for their flights and extension trips. Once again, it was down to the three amigas, though at one point we were inviting anybody who walked by to join our little soirée.
Nobody joined us, though folks would laugh with us (at us) and exchange a few pleasantries. Finally, we got one gentleman (from New Zealand) to join us. I think he found Lannie very attractive. He sat down with her, the two of them began talking and soon were in their own little world.
At one point our laughter and enthusiasm became a bit much and Julie knocked over her glass and spilled on the floor. She quickly fetched a washcloth and began to scrub!
I won't say what time we went to bed, but I will say the dawn wasn't far off!
First picture below, of me, is courtesy of tour-mate, Julie.
Photo below courtesy of tour-mate, Julie!