First thanks to everyone who help make this a wonderful trip. Sorry for the delay in posting the report --- Let me start by saying that I fell in love with the atmosphere and kindness of Paris. Every person that I came across on the trip left me with a warm feeling of hospitality. I loved it so much that I am visiting again in a couple of weeks (April 20th-24th).
If you remember this was an early Christmas Gift for my mother. My father was going to take her to Paris but unfortunately he passed in 2005 and they never took the trip.
Day 1 - Friday 11/7
Arrived CDG around 1:35pm then pick up luggage and made our way to the RER station at CDG. We pick up tickets from the automated machine (so easy and did not have to fight the line in the ticket office) took the RER to Châtelet-les Halles stop then worked our way through the maze of escalators to the street level walked across the way to our hotel Novotel Paris Les Halles.The desk staff was great and showed us all the courtesy of a regular customer even though we got a great discounted rate via Priceline. Got settled in the room and our two major concerns were put at ease great beds and good bathroom facilities. Our only complaint could of been that the room was a bit warm since the ac did not work properly but we opened the window for an easy fix and it worked out well. After a shower we took texhills advice and wondered around neighborhood of our hotel I think my mother visited every nick knack shop. We then found a pace for dinner and had an early night.
Day 2 - Saturday 11/8
Got up and had some great mother son conversation about the flight and our first impressions of Paris (All Positive) what a great start. We got out the hotel about 10:30 walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral along the way we visited many nick knack shops also their was a cool wind so my mother picked out a nice scarf and pair of gloves. Once we arrived at the Cathedral we decided to get a bite to eat. There was a restaurant across the street from the cathedral and I got a great sandwich with egg and coffee. We then cross the street and walk towards the Cathedral we just stood in the square and looked up at this beautiful building the structure and detail was just exhilarating. We then moved from the light of the Paris day into the darkness of this awe inspiring Cathedral I could not help but feel reverence and comfort. The sites inside were overwhelming to my senses - the echoing sounds of the visitors, the light breaking through the stain glass windows, the preserved smell of an historical Cathedral, and the detail of the structure and the beauty of its art. There were two moments in the Cathedral that I reflect upon still today. The first was sitting in chair looking up at the alter and beyond I felt as though I was Centuries in the past. I then shut my eyes and visualized the rituals and Sacraments that has long since consummated. The second and more personal experience is when I stood at the row of candles and light two of them then said a prayer. The first candle was to honor my father and the second was in memory of my birth mother. This wonderful lady that accompanied me to Paris was not my mother of birth but my mother still the same. Who else but a mother, saint, or crazy lady would marry a man with three young and mischievous boys that were at the time 10, 7 and 5 treat them with love and encouragement as well as discipline when needed. After we exited the Cathedral we walked into the park that ran along the side and was able to get a great view of the backside of the building. We left the park and headed back to the nick knack shops around the Cathedral. Now its off to Ile St.-Louis as we walked across the bridge I stopped to look out and I thought my mother did the same but I was wrong she was walking and talking as if I was still there but to her surprise it was not me. I still do not know what was said but it must have been funny because booth her and the man she was walking with had a big laugh. Do you know the expression I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants well luckily there was a Subway shop right in front of us. My mother went to the washroom and I stopped to get some tokens for the door at the counter which I did not have to pay for as the friendly lady gave me a nice smile any waved my hand with the money away. So while waiting for the use of the washroom the was a woman from the States talking to her daughter so I asked her how was there visit and what they thought about Paris she said the enjoy being in Paris and that they were currently living in Paris. She gave us a lot of great information about the city. Who know you could learn so much waiting in a line for the washroom. We spent the rest of the day wandering Ile St.-Louis visiting the shops and enjoying the area. We also popped into a café I got a coffee and she had a hot chocolate – It was a good day. After a rest and shower at the hotel we wandered the area around the hotel and ate dinner. I had the onion soup and a nice salad and she had the soup and a pasta dish. Back to the hotel to ponder the day and dream about what tomorrow will bring.
Day 3 – Sunday 11/9
We had planned to walk to the Louvre and catch the open-air bus but my mom wanted to go back to one of the nick knack shops by the Notre Dame Cathedral to get a gift she wish she had got the day before. Paris sure does have a lot of little music boxes and a large viriaty of songs I think I lost track of the song titles after about a hundred and one. So we get on the open-air bus at the Cathedral and venture on to see the sites of Paris. I was glad we decided to take the bus it was an informative and fun way to see Paris. We got off the bus and visited the Opera House -if those walls could talk I bet the stories they could tell – The talent and history of that house is inspiring. I believe it was at the end of the Champs Elysees where we then got off the bus at the stop for the Arc de Triomphe. It was time for lunch so we walked up the street to eat lunch and settled what local chain sandwich shop. There were several sandwich to choose from and I forget which one we got but I do remember it was good very tasty and a good value as it was a combo price for a sandwich and soup along with soda and coffee toped off with a wonderful tart (I had one berry and kiwi fruit).We then proceeded back up street and through the tunnel to the Arc de Triomphe once again I just could not get over the detail and craftsmanship that went into the construction of this monument. We walked around the base of the Arc and took in the beauty of the monument as well as the reverence to the fallen soldiers of France. Now its time to conquer the Arc I could not get my mom to go to the top of the monument since she is not the best with heights. So the trek begins – A little about me first – I’m in my forties stand about 6’3 and weight around 245 lbs and have decent size feet so yes I am carrying some extra pounds and I felt every one of them as my foot hit every step of the steep circular path to the top of the Arc. I did make it barely and they must of read my mind because someone placed a bench in the hall as you finish the climb. I was so happy I decided to purchase bottle water when we left the sandwich shop it sure came in handy while collecting myself on the nicely placed bench. So I get off the bench and enter the doorway of the next room only to find more steps but at least these were straight forward and not like the circular stairway I just walked up. At last I am in the main hall of the Arc where the history of the Arc was on display along with a gift shop. Now to the top and outside – Yes more steps – but all the steps were worth it the view was just amazing looking down the Champs Elysees and a building up on a hill its golden dome glistening in the sunshine. Then I turned my head and there she was the Eiffel Tower – what a spectacular site to behold. I then made my way back to the main hall and to the gift shop they had a poster that caught my eye and I also had to put a euro in the coin machine to get my souvenir coin with the Arc on it because I was victorious climbed all those steps and survived (barely) I then got to visit all those steps again on the journey back down and yes I did survive and ready to do it again. So I joined my mom at the designated nick knack store and after a little bit of window-shopping and wandering area it was back to the open-air bus and off to the Eiffel Tower. The line for tickets and security was not bad at all. (I did mention that my mom was not fond of heights) I was able to get her in the line with some help and encouragement from to other gentlemen one from the UK and the other Australia. Well it almost worked she stood in line till we got the point of no return and yes she decided to return so she got out of line and explored the excitement of the grounds around the tower. After I got off the main lift I ventured outside and took in the view and a wonderful view it was after a short run of my roll as photographer it was easer for me to take a picture of the couples then for them to take a picture of each other and not together. I walked to the snack shop got a cup of coffee and enjoyed the view. Now to the top of the tower – This took a bit longer first you had to walk around the line to find the end and the lifts were much smaller than the main lifts that take you to the main level. (Side note the tower has several levels depending on how far up the tower you want to go determents the price of your ticket) The wait was worth it the view from the top was just breathtaking. I make my way down the tower and find my mom sitting on a bench talking with to other ladies who just happen to be the wives of the two men who helped with the encouragement to get my mother in line (they were good but I now know it wasn’t the first time that day they used those encouraging words). Back on the open-air bus and to the Louvre stop and nice stroll back to the hotel. After a well-deserved rest we discussed what to do that night well my mom had the casino in her plans but the casino was not as appealing to me. The staff at the front desk was just great they got the address for the casino and called a taxi for my mom. Once my mother was on her way to the casino I make my way through the streets of Paris. After wandering the streets for a bit I stopped in a local pub and sampled the local beer on tap and had great conversation with a couple of regular patrons - I felt so welcomed! Time for dinner I found a little restaurant and sat outside enjoying the Paris night along with the great bread and cheese. I had a salad and pasta dish finished off with a cup of coffee. I then walked, Walked and walked just a little more I reached the square by the hotel and paused to enjoy the night it was relaxing – the cool night air, the couple holding hands, the family walking pass mom and dad with the I’m ready for bed look and the kids wide-eyed and energetic, the sounds of people spilling out of the pubs, restaurants and shops but my favorite sound that night was the music from the street musician playing his guitar on the corner. To my surprise I get back to the room to find my mom already back from the casino. That was a quick casino trip I said sure was she replied could you believe when I get to the Casino they had an entrance fee to get in I wasn’t going to pay to get in to only give them more money gambling – That’s my mom! Then she said but at least a got a great tour of Paris and it’s a beautiful city at night. So it looks like we did the same thing that night wander the streets of Paris one by foot and the other by taxi.
Day 4 – Monday 11/10
We slept in a bit left the hotel around 10:30 and started our walk to the Louvre we walked along the river looking stalls of merchants selling books and art. We found the entrance to the Louvre with no problems and the line to get in was short no waiting at all. We then checked our coats and preceded to the ticket booth again the line was not too bad. Even better there are also self-service ticket machines that no one was using so zip in and zip out tickets in hand. Now time for lunch we settled on the cafeteria in the Louvre the meal was good actually better than expected. The variety of choices was abundant breads, cheeses, salads, soups, and meats just wonderful options. I had cheese and bread, salad, beef and vegetables and coffee she decided on the chicken and a rice dish. One note if you want coffee after your meal get a token when you pay for your meal. The coffee machines take a coin token I had fun trying to find the right coin from my pocket of change only to realize that none of them would work because you need the special coin token from the check out. You also you have two choices the small espresso or a bigger cup of coffee make sure you select the right size cup and push the correct button for your choice because as I found out not doing this correctly could make a little bit of a mess - The coffee was good! Now it’s time to make our way through the Louvre this place is just overwhelming every place you turn beauty awaits from the artful ceilings, art on the walls and the statues that great you along the way. You turn to one wall to see a giant I mean huge rendering of the last supper. You walk into one area and there she is the beauty that is Aphrodite to welcome you. In another room you walk through a procession of Greek statues it brings alive the fables I remember from Mythology class. We make our way through the museum up stairs down stairs wandering through the maze of the rooms down the hall and enter the room that houses the Mona Lisa. The spectacle of the people looking, taking pictures and guarding the Mona Lisa almost overshadow the beauty of this work of art. The ropes keep you a good distance away and it is behind heavy glass and the visitors crowd around the ropes to get a glimpse of this masterpiece. In contrast you can almost walk right up to Aphrodite and bask in her beauty. The Lovre can be a bit cumbersome to navigate but if you do your research and decide ahead of time what rooms you want to visit you can have a pleasant visit. The website allows you to view the layout and the info desk at the Museum provides maps that are easily understood. If all else falls ask someone there are staff members throughout the Museum that are extremely friendly and helpful. After a full day at the Louvre we walk back to the hotel, did you know on one little street that leads to the Louvre there are about nine nick knack shops? I can not say enough about the service we received from the staff at the front desk of our hotel they went out of the way to ensure that our visit was more than enjoyable always a smile and good morning when we left and a smile and welcome back upon our return. Since I had little to non-mastery of the French language it was so helpful when the staff arranging dinner reservations for our last night in Paris. The place Le Florimond and can I say what a wonderful welcoming establishment to enjoy a dinner in Paris. From the time we walked in to the restaurant we were treated as old friends thank you so much to the TA posters that recommended this restaurant. The place is just great I could not ask for a more pleasant dinning experience. The staff, food and atmosphere were outstanding. Now one thing you should know make sure you have reservations this is a small establishment with about 12 tables one lady walk in only to find out that she had misunderstood the reservation time and missed her seating. The restaurant was full and no place for her to eat but she insisted that she must eat at this restaurant and sad she would sit outside the gentlemen look at her a bit confused but obliged and set up one of the tables outside. I think the reason he looked confused or maybe even amused is because it was a cold November night and no one in their right mind would sit out side to eat. I had a hot beets and I think celery puree type dish, as a starter all I can remember is how the wonderful taste and warmth of the dish pleased me. I than had the a double meat dish as the main course a slice of beef cooked to perfection accompany by a little pot with beef stew a finished off with a cup of coffee just wonderful! She had lobster ravioli and the rabbit dish, which was delicious! We had a pleasant walk about a block up the street to the taxi stand and a comfortable ride back to the hotel. Once back in the room it was time to get the luggage ready for a early morning flight back to Memphis my mother on the other hand will have one more day of travel after a night in Memphis she will make her six or so hour drive back to her home just north of New Orleans. I was still quite satisfied with dinner and wanted to experience one last walk in the exhilarating night of Paris so I returned to the square around our hotel and enjoyed the atmosphere of my last night In Paris. The funny thing was that the faces had all changed but the beauty did not a different couple embracing, another family walking by, a new musician sharing his soul and more wonderful sounds from the pubs, restraints and shops…. Ah Paris.
Day 5 -11/11
We got up around 4:30 showered and dressed and ready to head to CDG. As we rolled the luggage through the empty square that had been so full the night before I paused for a second took in a deep breath gave it one more look over and smiled. We took the RER from the Châtelet-les Halles stop to the airport with no problems at all. Check in at the airport was a breeze grabbed a couple of croissants along with a cup of coffee and watch the other traveler wondering what experiences have crossed their path. It was time to board the plane the door closed so long Paris.
-- As I reflect on this November Paris visit I realize that I am lucky to have been part of a big loving family from a small Parish just outside of New Orleans, educated in the Catholic schools of New Orleans that taught me the importance of service to mankind and my belief that I will never meet a stranger but rather a new friend because I found that the city of Paris shared those beliefs and treated me the same way. I remember on the way to the airport when I paused in the empty square with the cool wind of the Paris morning tickling the back of my neck I could hear the sounds of the people, musicians, bars, pubs, shops and the streets of Paris a city that filled my heart with warmth, compassion and friendship.
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WOW! What a great trip report! Thanks for sharing.
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my pleasure! sorry if I rambled a bit but the mind races faster than the fingers.
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What a beautiful love letter to Paris and the woman who raised you!
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What a wonderful report! Your thoughts and the details you shared made it a joy to read. Your last paragraph shows why you had such a great trip......you went looking for the good in other people and cultures and you found it. I think that is one of the secrets of enjoying a new place........believing that although it may be different from what you are used to, it is still to be savoured and enjoyed rather than comparing it to home.
Thank you for sharing your trip and your soul with us.
Jo
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Thanks for the kind replies
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Lonnie...I do remember you earlier post. Once again please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your Mother....
And what a wonderful trip you two took. God has it all planned and there you were in Paris with your Mother. I%26#39;d be like you, standing around while my Mother knick knak shopped. I%26#39;d be food shopping....
Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. A trip of a lifetime.
Take care and God Bless....
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