Billie and I are off on our adventures in Europe: five nights in Paris, five in Venice, and five in Rome. Twenty-eight years ago my older daughter, Elizabeth and I set off for a somewhat more ambitious trip: 19 days on a Trafalger bus lines tour of parts of Western Europe: London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Zurich, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Nice, Lyons, Paris, and back to London. A definite whirlwind, a first-time European adventure for both of us. She was 11. A few year later I offered to take Catherine on a similar journey, but to her subsequent regret she wasn't interested. But the grandchildren have been. Seven years ago just before Theo's 11th birthday we went off for a tour around Italy. His desire was primarily focused on seeing the Colosseum, Two years later it was Emily's turn. We traveled to London, took the Eurotunnel train to Paris, an overnight train to Venice, on to Florence and Pisa, and then to Rome from where we flew home. So now it's Billie's turn to run around Europe with her Nana, getting her first taste of foreign travel and building up some memories to lean back upon when it comes time for her to venture out on her own. Every one of these trips has been special for me -- a chance to spend some concentrated time with "the kid," showing him or her some of my favorite cities in the world.
Billie and I left Toronto around noon last Friday, September 30, headed for Charlotte, North Carolina with American Air. We had a four hour wait in their international terminal before boarding an overnight flight to Paris. Night flights are truly not the best way to fly. The plane was fine; the service was good; we had lots of movies for entertainment, BUT, neither of us was able to get comfortable enough to get more than an hour's sleep. We poured into Paris a little the worse for wear, though still keen to see the place. Billie is also recovering from bronchitis, a condition that has slowed her down from her usual high energy. We took the REF train to the Gare de Nord, got some advice from the info desk there and made our way via two local buses to our hotel just immediately above the ring road at Porte de Montmartre. The Euro and Paris prices being what they are, I had reserved at a decidedly down-scale operation. We have a tiny room overlooking the ring road. It comes with a double bed over which hangs a single bunk -- Billie opted for the latter; a sink; a tiny triangular shelf upon which sits my computer, and, a chair to complete the picture. No storage space -- so our suitcases and other paraphenalia are spread upon the floor under Billie's ladder; a couple of towels but no soap -- so we must purchase some when we emerge later this morning. Bathing and toilette facilities are shared as in a dorm -- a good sized room down the hall holds several WC units and several showers. It is quite clean and well cared for. So this space has quickly become our home for the next several days.
Arriving here we both fell happily upon our beds for a nap. After an hour or so I had practically to revert to physical violence to rouse Billie from her torpor, however. She hadn't eaten and had barely had anything to drink, despite encouragement, since we had left Toronto. She was seriously dehydrated and exhausted. She did get going however. We took the Metro, changing twice to emerge at Place St. Michel. My first priority was to get something to eat and hopefully to induce Billie to do the same. We settled at a small restaurant in one of the lanes close to the Seine where they serve a three course meal for 10 Euros mid-afternoon. I had hoped that I could get a meal and that Billie would share some of it. But, she refused all offers other than a piece of crusty bread that came with my too large lunch. The owner approached: each patron must order something or begone. Billie ordered tea. It was a start. She was pretty much out for the count, tired and without energy.
From the restaurant we sauntered over to Notre Dame. Billie's interest and excitement grew as it came in sight. WOW. What a building. Inside she became positively animated, ready to walk all about, exclaiming over the magnificence of the ancient church. It was a delight to see her so excited. Her first real taste of the joys of Europe! Later we cruised by the storied Shakespeare & Co. book store, finding a supermarche nearby. There we purchased biscuits, hummus, apples, bananas, yogurt, juice, and Billie's fav -- Nutella. We returned to our "home" in Paris via Metro, tired but pleased with our outing. Supper at home and an early to bed were all we wanted.
Billie is still enjoying her snooze though I will soon get her up and off for more of the city. She is particularly interested in the Eiffel Tower so we will head in that direction first. Then we'll let our feet, the Metro, and our energies dictate directions for the day. More to follow.
Remember to drop us a line about yourself. All news from Canada greatly appreciated. Lots of love. Brenda
Billie and I left Toronto around noon last Friday, September 30, headed for Charlotte, North Carolina with American Air. We had a four hour wait in their international terminal before boarding an overnight flight to Paris. Night flights are truly not the best way to fly. The plane was fine; the service was good; we had lots of movies for entertainment, BUT, neither of us was able to get comfortable enough to get more than an hour's sleep. We poured into Paris a little the worse for wear, though still keen to see the place. Billie is also recovering from bronchitis, a condition that has slowed her down from her usual high energy. We took the REF train to the Gare de Nord, got some advice from the info desk there and made our way via two local buses to our hotel just immediately above the ring road at Porte de Montmartre. The Euro and Paris prices being what they are, I had reserved at a decidedly down-scale operation. We have a tiny room overlooking the ring road. It comes with a double bed over which hangs a single bunk -- Billie opted for the latter; a sink; a tiny triangular shelf upon which sits my computer, and, a chair to complete the picture. No storage space -- so our suitcases and other paraphenalia are spread upon the floor under Billie's ladder; a couple of towels but no soap -- so we must purchase some when we emerge later this morning. Bathing and toilette facilities are shared as in a dorm -- a good sized room down the hall holds several WC units and several showers. It is quite clean and well cared for. So this space has quickly become our home for the next several days.
Arriving here we both fell happily upon our beds for a nap. After an hour or so I had practically to revert to physical violence to rouse Billie from her torpor, however. She hadn't eaten and had barely had anything to drink, despite encouragement, since we had left Toronto. She was seriously dehydrated and exhausted. She did get going however. We took the Metro, changing twice to emerge at Place St. Michel. My first priority was to get something to eat and hopefully to induce Billie to do the same. We settled at a small restaurant in one of the lanes close to the Seine where they serve a three course meal for 10 Euros mid-afternoon. I had hoped that I could get a meal and that Billie would share some of it. But, she refused all offers other than a piece of crusty bread that came with my too large lunch. The owner approached: each patron must order something or begone. Billie ordered tea. It was a start. She was pretty much out for the count, tired and without energy.
From the restaurant we sauntered over to Notre Dame. Billie's interest and excitement grew as it came in sight. WOW. What a building. Inside she became positively animated, ready to walk all about, exclaiming over the magnificence of the ancient church. It was a delight to see her so excited. Her first real taste of the joys of Europe! Later we cruised by the storied Shakespeare & Co. book store, finding a supermarche nearby. There we purchased biscuits, hummus, apples, bananas, yogurt, juice, and Billie's fav -- Nutella. We returned to our "home" in Paris via Metro, tired but pleased with our outing. Supper at home and an early to bed were all we wanted.
Billie is still enjoying her snooze though I will soon get her up and off for more of the city. She is particularly interested in the Eiffel Tower so we will head in that direction first. Then we'll let our feet, the Metro, and our energies dictate directions for the day. More to follow.
Remember to drop us a line about yourself. All news from Canada greatly appreciated. Lots of love. Brenda
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