Last month, Annie and I ventured to Europe for a 3 week vacation. Our visit included France, Slovenia, and Italy. I'm going to dedicate a blog entry for each country beginning with our first destination of France.
Rough Landing
Annie and I experienced a bit of a rough landing heading to Europe as our 10.5 hour non-stop flight to Paris began. Annie got stuck next to the largest guy on the entire plane, and while Air France did have personal entertainment touch systems at every seat, they were probably the most uncomfortable seats I've ever been in! As soon as we landed in Paris, we believe Annie's iphone was stolen, which added to the fun. As soon as we arrived at our flat rental in Paris, the next door neighbor was working on something and banging a hammer on the wall. All we wanted to do was sleep and this noise was driving us crazy!
Turn for the Better
This was Annie's first jaunt to Europe and I wanted her to really love it. It took a few days, but she really warmed up to the beauty of the city (if you look past the metros). We went to Versailles and checked out Marie Antoinette's hamlet, which was strange and fascinating at the same time.
Rough Landing
Annie and I experienced a bit of a rough landing heading to Europe as our 10.5 hour non-stop flight to Paris began. Annie got stuck next to the largest guy on the entire plane, and while Air France did have personal entertainment touch systems at every seat, they were probably the most uncomfortable seats I've ever been in! As soon as we landed in Paris, we believe Annie's iphone was stolen, which added to the fun. As soon as we arrived at our flat rental in Paris, the next door neighbor was working on something and banging a hammer on the wall. All we wanted to do was sleep and this noise was driving us crazy!
Turn for the Better
This was Annie's first jaunt to Europe and I wanted her to really love it. It took a few days, but she really warmed up to the beauty of the city (if you look past the metros). We went to Versailles and checked out Marie Antoinette's hamlet, which was strange and fascinating at the same time.
This is a picture from her little fake village. She wanted to live like a peasant, so she had this village constructed. She wore a straw hat and ordered the villagers (like actors) around and had them work the land. While outside the gates the real peasants of France were starving, she was playing Barbie with real people in this village.
In Paris we enjoyed some amazing meals. Two recommendations from the Rick Steeve's Travel book ended up being great finds. The first was called Perraudin in the Latin Quarter. Annie said her French Onion Soup (in France: Onion Soup) was the best she's ever had. And her pasta (which I taste tested) was better than any we had in Italy! I had Boeuf Bourguignon, which was awesome, but not the best choice on a hot summer evening.
The second restaurant was called Au Petit Tonneau which was greatly enhanced by the presence of Chef Madame Boyer, seen below.
In Paris we enjoyed some amazing meals. Two recommendations from the Rick Steeve's Travel book ended up being great finds. The first was called Perraudin in the Latin Quarter. Annie said her French Onion Soup (in France: Onion Soup) was the best she's ever had. And her pasta (which I taste tested) was better than any we had in Italy! I had Boeuf Bourguignon, which was awesome, but not the best choice on a hot summer evening.
The second restaurant was called Au Petit Tonneau which was greatly enhanced by the presence of Chef Madame Boyer, seen below.
She cooked all the food in the back, and in between the clanking of all the pots and pans, she managed to pop out of the kitchen for a photo op!
Out of the City
After 5 days in the City of Lights, we rented a car and ventured out into the French countryside to the Normandy region. Our countryside chateau was near Lisieux, home of St. Therese the Little Flower. St. Therese has been an important saint in our lives, and we wanted to see where she grew up, her convent, and the basilica that was built in her honor. Our countryside retreat was called Lord Fred. http://www.lordfred.fr/home The region is known for growing apples and their liquor of choice is the delicious Calvados. This regional favorite was strong!
We ate one night in a pizza place and were the television show entertainment for the locals. Everyone was observing our every move. We found out later that in this rural community they rarely, if ever, see Americans. Once we ordered our Calvados for an after dinner aperitif, there was a look of acceptance and relaxation on the faces of the restaurant patrons.
Out of the City
After 5 days in the City of Lights, we rented a car and ventured out into the French countryside to the Normandy region. Our countryside chateau was near Lisieux, home of St. Therese the Little Flower. St. Therese has been an important saint in our lives, and we wanted to see where she grew up, her convent, and the basilica that was built in her honor. Our countryside retreat was called Lord Fred. http://www.lordfred.fr/home The region is known for growing apples and their liquor of choice is the delicious Calvados. This regional favorite was strong!
We ate one night in a pizza place and were the television show entertainment for the locals. Everyone was observing our every move. We found out later that in this rural community they rarely, if ever, see Americans. Once we ordered our Calvados for an after dinner aperitif, there was a look of acceptance and relaxation on the faces of the restaurant patrons.
This is an apple tree on the Lord Fred grounds. Everything was so green and beautiful. There was a great thunderstorm the first night we stayed there, which was so relaxing with the windows open. It was actually a treat coming from LA where you rarely hear thunder and see lightning.
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