Paris: Day two

Paris: Day two

A petit dejeuner: Each morning we start our day with a basket of pastries and breads, juice, coffee, yogurt, jam, and cheese at the hotel. We'll have to get a photo of it one of these mornings.

Map my run: Today we ant all out. Over 14 miles walked according to an online map of our route.

Arc de Triomphe: The Arc was larger than I had imagined it would be. Although I have seen many photos of it, I would have never guessed it was as tall as it is.

Champs-élysées: I was humming the champs-élysées song for quite a few blocks. Neat to walk down it, but since we cannot afford the height of French fashion, mostly just "window licking" as they say in Paris. We found a version of a Dollar Store. It was an "everything for 20 euros (30 dollars) store". Cheap!

Jardin des Tuileries: the gardens in front of the Louvre. The flowers and trees are just starting to blossom, but still pre-spring in looks. We did not go in to the Louvre today, that is for a different day.

Lunch at the cafe: we found a cafe with some quiches and sandwiches for lunch.

Montmartre: As Rick Steves says, " it used to be filled with Bohemians, now it is just filled with wannabe Bohemians.

Sacre-Cour: At the top of our steep climb we were able to tour Sacre-Couer. Unfortunately no photos can be taken inside and the tower was not available for tours. On the steps people sat and took in a view of the city while musicians took turns performing to the crowds. Young men were walking around selling beer out of cases to make money.

The artists of Monmartre: In the back alleys there were tourist shops and artists wandering around trying to let them sketch us for a few Euros.

After the long walk back to our hotel we rested a bit before venturing out again. Dinner was crepes (Hal had strawberries, Anna had chocolate and bananas) while watching the Eiffel Tower light up at a distance from one of the hillsides.

Pictures: Here are some photos from our day.





































































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Paris: Day one

Paris: Day one

Bonjour a Paris!

After waiting for six years, Anna and I have finally made it to Paris.

Plane ride: Hal still does not fit well on planes. In between movies he had to get up and move around. We tried to trick ourselves by pretending it was night so that we could sleep on the plane and be ready to go at 8:30am local time when we arrived. There was a group of elementary school students around us, and they were keyed up the whole flight. The boy across the aisle from me didn't eat much of his meal, but had a bag full of Smarties to keep him going the whole flight.

The hotel: although early, our room was ready when we arrived. There is a cute little Frenchman who works the desk during the day who answers our questions. The room isn't as exquisite as the web site would lead you to believe. A twin bed (Hal's feet hang over the edge) and a very small closet and bathroom. No worries, it's just a place to sleep.

The language: Hal has been attempting his French but the locals typically respond in English. Some start out in English so it must be the clothes or day pack/camera that gives us away.

Internet: we have to pay per minute for Internet access, so the plan is to put up photos once a day.

Eiffel tower: We are a couple of blocks from the Eiffel Tower. On the first day we went twice; in the afternoon and evening. As promised by Mme Roundy, one can by a replica of the tower in any size imaginable. In addition to lighting up in the evening, there is a strobe sparkle show for 10 minutes on the hour. It's fun to hear the children cheer from all directions when it starts; it's like a fireworks display.

Pictures: Below are pictures of the Eiffel tower in the afternoon and in the evening. Anna hopes to have some morning photos before we leave.


















































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PT Conference 2011

Hal writes:

A few months ago I was accepted to present at a national conference for a group that Anna belongs to. This is the third national conference I have presented at in the last three years. Unfortunately, Anna was not able to attend, so I went to New Orleans myself this past weekend. Since I did not attend many sessions, I had the opportunity to explore and take pictures.



Easter is late this year, so Mardi Gras is still a ways away, but Who Dat nation is already starting to decorate for the upcoming festivities.


One of Anna's friends from UMD, Katie, and her brother Miker were in town to run the marathon that weekend. The three of us did some exploring together. I also found them along the race route at mile 15 and unofficially ran in the marathon with them for a mile.




A shrimp po' boy sandwich.

The oldest cemetery. Had a chance to see some famous graves.

Jackson Square, an iconic view.

Explored Bourbon Street at 10am and 10pm on the same day. Each gave a different look and feel to the French Quarter. ;)



The bride and groom leading a parade after getting married in the French Quarter. Lassez les bons temps rouler!