Joyeaux Halloween!

I thought that on the eve of Halloween I should visit the catacombs today only to find out that they have been closed for an indeterminate amount of time (due to vandals), so sorry I can not show you pictures of bones! Boo!

But I have visited three cemeteries since I arrived. They are quite interesting to visit, the headstones, grave, etc. really show a diversity of expressing the passing of someone. Here are a few of my more favorite burial sights. Enjoy.

The thirty year olds here never went trick or treating in costumes. However, recently you will occasionally see school children dressed up in costume and some are now trick or treating a little. Give them thirty years to get more addicted to sugar and become obese like Americans ....

Word of the Day: Halloween Happy Halloween Joyeaux (OK, that is a no brainer, but how about these?)

Witch: lequel
Pumpkin: Citrouille
Candy Bon Bon (my favorite word Halloween)
Scary: avoir peur

With a special mention to my grandchildren, Matt, Dena and Brooke to tell you to have a great Halloween. Miss you!

Marie Antoinette's Estate

More photos!

Versailles: A WOW Day

Finally, the sun returned! So,having wanted to see Versailles again was now top on my list. I remember visiting it so many years ago, but primarily I visited the chateau. This time I wanted to see the chateau, the musical gardens and Marie Antoinette's home. Was I crazy?

Versailles is only about a fifteen minute train ride from my home so it is very accessible for me to visit. But even at the end of October there were pilgrims from every continent lured to this historic place like bees to honey, and ques as long as a mile. I used my head. Hey, it happens! Where was I: yeah, I used my head, took one look at the major que into the chateau and said: NO! I decided on the spot to just see the gardens and Marie's home. I had visited the chateau years ago. It was a wise choice.

First, of all: I don't remember the gardens being so fantastic. I think I only saw a bit of it way back when... Till the end of October (this was the last weekend) they offer this garden fountain musical complete with dozens of fountains dancing to the heavens accompanied by baroque music. Charming, charming, charming! I walked the entire garden, in itself an accomplishment because they are so extensive and I am on a broken foot. The sun was out. The leaves were falling. There were boats on the "pond" (as big as a lake) and bicycling and "golf carts" all to rent for those who wanted to see it more quickly. I was in the moment. I could almost see the ghost of Pissaro on shore, palette in hand, painting this gorgeous autumn scene.

Then off I walked, err, hobbled on my now painful broken foot to Marie Antoinette's home and estate. Now the home was small, nothing like the mother house in Versailles, a walk away. She had it built for herself so she had a private place to live. And she had some buildings contructed, one a theatre for her interest in the theatre, even a small English village (see photos coming up) (she was a small-town English girl, after all) and several miles of beautiful pathways, fabulous trees and hidden treasures. And, best of all, there were only a few people visiting there! It was a gem of a place in which to take a nature walk. My photos show only a small portion of this perfect,peaceful autumn day but, perhaps, they express the beauty better than I. I will blog in a second set of photos because you can not see the exquisiteness of Versailles properly represented in five photos. Impossible.

This is a day the Lord has made!

If you are visiting Paris don't miss this beautiful estate.

So what did you do with your Sunday?

Word of the day: autumn autome

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

Well, it seems I broke my toe the last night my sister was here....have no idea how, but it has left me hobbling everywhere and less active than I normally am. That and the rain have slowed me down. But there is an extra dimension of walking in the rain that is still a bit romantic. As you walk the scenes unfold differently, with more warmth, more of a surreal romanticism. Look in the shops, the cafes, the pubs and they all appear even more welcoming; a sort of shelter from the storm. It must be very rewarding to capture such scenes if one is a painter or photographer.

There is something incredible about Craig's List; you can actually meet interesting, legitimate people through it - although always exercising caution. Last week I met and shared a day and evening with a very nice man from my home town, Chicago. We spent the day walking around the 6th arrondissment, into Luxembourg Gardens (my favorite gardens in Paris because it is lush, deep, quiet and beautiful), sat under the trees for a nice conversation, protected from the rain and on to the Tiffany Exhibit. BTW, the photo of the Statue of Liberty was erected in Luxembourg Gardens by the French American community after 9/11 in a show of support for Americans. The Tiffany Exhibit was exquisite, as would be expected. Unfortunately, they didn't allow cameras. Of course, since most of the museums allow cameras that was disappointing because I would have loved to shown you some of the exquisite works coming from the house of Tiffany.

At 5 PM, I rushed, well, hobbled home, showered, changed and off we went to Le Dome (the review is in Mange column) for dinner. It was a warm, welcoming and typically Parisian restaurant with its lush wood and stained glass. Not haute cuisine but pricey, none the less: Lobster salad, which we shared was 57 euro! Then add on your entree, dessert and wine and you have an extravagant evening.(1 euro is = to about 165 American right now)

From there we went on to the Latin district to a club with dancing (see sign on the street in Latin quarter). I think it was called Le Huchette. It was built like all the rooms were caves. In the bottom cave was a very credible music group and dancers that were as good as professionals. It was an eclectic group of people and typically what you hope to find in Paris but often can't. We didn't leave there till 2:30 in the morning. Looking for a cab at that hour is nuts. Plan and simple. There were ques (my favorite thing) on every corner. At 2:30 in the morning there are still huge demands for taxis. I found out the next day that one has to have a number to call a cab. Don't expect to find one in Paris at 2:30 in the morning. We were miles from my apartment and his hotel and we began walking. That is HE began walking; I hobbled. Finally, after more than an hour he got aggressive and practically stepped in front of a cab that was empty. I got home close to 4 am. I can't remember what decade last it was that I stayed up that late. But, hobbling, rain, lack of taxi and all it was just a really fun, great experience and I enjoyed it all. I paid the price for all that walking the next day, but I wouldn't have passed up the experience.

So this week, by necessity I didn't do a whole lot besides read Ken Follett's "The Pillars of the Earth" (about the lives of the people who built the great cathedrals of Europe) and rest. Well, I did a few things, actually:

I went to the oldest market place in Paris, about 400-500 years old, but didn't like it near so much as the one close to my home, which is huge and offers so much more quality. Then, with a meet up group, we had lunch nearby at a cafe and it was surprisingly good.

Monday I went on a 2 hour walking tour of the lesser known 11th arrondissment. It is an area I would never go to myself, not because it is dangerous it is just a working man's area but with an interesting history to it, nonetheless. It is where there were/are passageways running from one building to another so that(historically) fabric cold be moved from one building to another without getting it wet. There are artisans' workshops on ground floors and residential quarters upstairs. Fabric stores, craftsmen, old fashioned hardware stores: they all hang signs out to tell what it is they offer within their little shops. Afterwards, I met a new friend for an English/French exchange so we could practice our language skills. As usual, he was much better than I am, but it was fun, nonetheless. The cafes got me for 5 euro for a cup of tea! Highway robbery.

On Tuesday, I stayed home during the day and met up with another Meet Up group in an old pub near Saint Michel fountain. Fun, but was home early (see: behaving myself again).

On Wednesday, I was supposed to go to Chartres, France for a day trip. Unfortunately, the rain suggested otherwise. So, we went to a little known museum, Marmotten, a private home made into a museum of wonderful art with over one hundred paintings by Monet. I am now an expert on Monet; I have been to every museum with his art work in Paris and twice to Giverney.
On Wednesday evening I saw my good friend, Julien, and in the rain he drove us over to get some crepes for dinner.
On Thursday, in the light, drizzling rain I walked to rue Commerce to go shopping. OK, I couldn't help myself. The sales are on, for Pete's sake, and I wanted to buy a few things.
On Friday, in the drizzling rain I walked to another area to look for boots. One Must Have Boots if one is Femme and in Paris. It is a fashion statement. And boy are they expensisve! Dear god. But I was tired of looking like a dowanger princess and I finally bought a pair.
Today, Saturday, I hobbled over, in light rain to the Pantheon, which I had never seen before. (See photos). Over the entrance of the door: "To The Great Men of the Fatherland". Here they have buried great men (and a few women). It wasn't as exciting as some of the other monuments, but sort of cool to visit where Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas etc were buried. And I climbed up the 200 narrow, winding steps to take a look out over the city (see photo of St Genevieve Church) from the upper dome area.
Then I hobbled home. My toe is feeling better but I have blisters from the new boots. Ouch! My poor feet are in a major protest.
Sunday, I plan to finally visit Versailles again as the weather promises to clear up. Then home to rest my protesting feet.
So that was my week in a glance. How was yours?
Word of the day: Rain Pluie

Your Choice: Pig's Feet, Ears, Tail or Smoked Salmon

Mange: To Eat (My favorite French Word)

Oh boy, I think I am getting into bad habits. I have never seen a city so full of cafes, brasseries, restaurants and eating opportunities. And because the food seems so much higher in the market places I find I want to eat out more and more. It almost doesn't seem worthwhile cooking if I am going to pay four times more for a chicken that doesn't taste as good as Costco's.

I have been asked for restaurant recommendations. First of all, let me tell you a restaurant to avoid:
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole at 24 rue Chanoinesse 75004 near Notre Dame. This is a restaurant I reported about in an earlier blog. Absolutely horrible prices for quality presented and service that was non existent. It looks great, the owners are nice but my food was room temperature and my companion's food was awful.

Happy Experiences:

(not in order of importance)

Au Bon Coin21 rue de la Collegiate 75005
Cute restaurant in typical red/white checked tablecloths. Affordable and tasty.

La Gauloise59 Aven de la Motte Picquet 75015 (near the 7th)
Charming, sweet ambiance. Reasonable (for Paris) prices, good food, attentive service. I had the salmon with a basil hollandaise sauce.

Au Pied de Couchon (means feet of the pig)
6 rue Coquilliere 75001
Metro: Les Hallas near St Eustache Church
I had been there seven years ago with the snow blanketed the sidewalk and there was no terrace. The windows were frosted and we had their famous Onion Soup with a bottle of wine. We were in heaven. This time a new companion showed me the summertime ambiance of the place. The terrace could have been a Hollywood set. The restaurant is decorated with typical Parisenne Belle Epogue. The service is slow so relax and expect that. My date ordered pigs feet, ear and tail, which he had had there before. This time he felt it was greasy (what does one expect from pig's feet and tail, for Pete's sake?). I had the Magret of Canard which was delicious. I love this place. I want to move into this place.

Cafe: Les Deux Magots
6 place St Germain de Pres
Find the Church and you will find the cafe. A place frequented by Hemingway and other authors. This is the best people watching place I have found. Sit outside, weather permitting. I had smoked salmon on toast and we treated ourselves to a dessert. Sit there for a couple of hours. The table is yours.

La Lipp -
Across the street from Les Deux Magot and Cafe de Flore
Also competed for the literary geniuses of the 50s: Jean Paul Satre, Hemingway, Simone de Bouvois etc etc.
This is another bustling French brasserie with two levels and a staff that is pressured to produce. So, of course, that means slow service. We went on a rainy day and let the rain splatter against the window as we enjoyed our slow-paced lunched. I had salmon in a wonderful sauce; my companion had the ham from Avignon (best area of France for ham and fromage) and lentils (which were fabulous).

Le Dome
108 Blvd Montparnasse 75014
Pleasant 1930;s ambiance, good service and delicious food. Upscale, Art Deco with rich wood and stained glass windows specializing in seafood. We split the lobster salad (57 euro!) and each had a veal chop. Thick, delicious and perfectly cooked. Splurged with calories and split a dessert: a sort of layered gateau that was huge and delicious. Splurge meal.

Le Coupole
Next to Le Dome) on Montparnasse in the 14th
Large, brightly lite restaurant which opened in 1927. I read about this in some gourmet magazine before I left the US and it is a fun, noisy, historic place. My companion insisted I have their foie gras (he knew I loved hot foie gras) and it was a fabulous, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
He ordered their speciality: a large seafood platter and he and I dug into shrimps and oysters etc Very delicious. I hope to return to this place. Now if they would just turn off half their lights. Service: average. Waiters look like they are robotic slaves who live in the back (never making eye contact or smiling) but we put up with them and dove into our meal like it was our last. I still love the place.

Across the street from these last two is the highest building in Paris. Montparnasse building has a restaurant and bar on the almost-top floor, We went for champagne before dinner. It was sophisticated and fancy and another splurge place.

Note: None of the above are considered "haute" cuisine. A "haute" cuisine restaurant will charge at least $1,000.00 for a meal for two...a bit too "hautey" for my tastes!

In coming to Paris: Do not expect to find too many bargain eateries. There are some but not often in the touristy areas. Go to a Thai place, or Moroccan etc. There will be bargains there. Also, grab a sandwich or salad to go or a crepe and swallow down some water and be on your way. Service will be slow almost everywhere. And even though their wages are inclusive in the price of the meal, it is nice to leave a small tip commensurate with the caliber restaurant and service and quality of food.

Word of the Day: Mange - Eat!
- Diet (a word I have not learned yet in French)

Posting Comments to My Blog...

I am hearing from you, my friends, that posting to my blog is difficult. Only two were smart enough to figure it all out, so from my sister's instructions here are the points you need to know to post a comment. It will probably take me longer to type this than for you to do it. Good luck! (PS I prefer to receive your comments on the blog with the blog rather than sending them to me separately; more fun for my efforts that way. Merci)
To Post Comment

1. At the end of entry there is a place to post comments.
2. Click on blue link for "comments" and that will lead to the following page.
3. Write comment in the"Post a Comment" box. Hold down the "Select profile" button and choose Google Account (the commentor must have a google account, which is free)
Hit the "Post Comments" button
4. A new page will open. Review the message or edit it. Further down the page there is a "Word verification" box with a word in it. Type the word you see in the blank box. Hit the "Post Comment" box. Voila! That's it.

Comments encourage the writer to keep writing. Au revoir. Tasha

PS If I am not writing daily there is one of two reasons: 1. I am too busy, or 2. I am too busy. :)

Flowers at Giverney

At my friend, Leslie's request, here are some more photos from the gardens of Giverney. Enjoy!

Giverney Gardens, Cruise, The Eiffel Tower

Pictures speak more elequently than words...Enjoy

Step Aerobics Class at the Eiffel Tower

It is all Mary Kay's fault! She is the one who suggested it. Off we trotted from home to the Eiffel Tower not to take the elevator up like normal folks but to climb the 729 steps up to the second level. We still had to que and we still had to pay (although it is less expensive to walk it then to use the elevators.) Actually, it wasn't so bad; it felt good to get the exercise and it avoided the crowds as long as possible. The ques here are endless and one must accommodate that into the schedule for the day because inevitably it takes longer to see anything; you have to que and wait and wait and wait...Anyway, as we climbed higher and into the very heart of this enormous structure, it naturally got colder (even with the exercise) but provided a fun experience and wonderful views. And the Police were doing maneuvers on the Tower that morning, climbing (with safety ropes) on the outside and then repelling down to the ground. Sort of cool to be right next to them as they were doing this.
I have to admit. I am in love with the Eiffel Tower. I just can't get enough! To become one with it so deep into it you can see the wheels of the elevators turning is a moving experience. Almost intimate. Really! And they completed this project for the World Exposition in less than three years and under budget. And, to add, more fun to it, they periodically change the colors at night. See photos coming to you with Giverney Gardens...So much for our step aerobics class or so I thought...

Then came Arc de Triomphe and its 200+ steps. We visited there in the evening because that is just how the schedule worked out and MK wanted to see the Champs Elysees. Honestly, while it is impressive to look at from the outside, I was not overwhelming impressed with the view from the outside roof top. It was night and any of the information that was written for tourists was not visible so I didn't learn much about it. But up we climbed nonetheless hoping to work off all those French lunches....

We had planned to visit Giverney. It was my second time; I saw it in the summer decades ago and I was happy to oblige MK's request to take the train up there and visit the gardens. But we had absolutely no idea how exquisite the gardens would still be in October! It was just a WOW day. Neither of us wanted to leave. The caretakers of this must work all the time (although none were there the day we were) and I can only imagine that there are many, many volunteers who man the gardens in homage to Monet. Just magnificent flowers, endless rows of dancing flowers, plants, vegetation, weeping willows etc. And wisely they put loads of benches so the visitors could just sit and breath in the beauty. My words can not measure the peacefulness of this place. Because it was cloudy we decided not to bike from the train station to this tiny town but we did stop for lunch in the square of the town. We enjoyed that very much, as well. There is also an American School at Giverney which has its own, gorgeous flower gardens (although not competitive with Monet's) but still lovely to look at. Home we journeyed, happy, content and pleased with taking a day away from Paris to enjoy this worthwhile day trip.
Our final day was to promenade ourselves around the 6th, St Germain de Pres. This district is always a bustling, fun place to visit. We came prepared for the inclement weather, which changes momentarily, and because of that, while we were constantly concerned that we were about to be drenched, we were not. Inevitably, the sun came out and let us stop in the church, window shop the many boutiques, ending in the Luxenbourg Gardens. All leisurely paced and great fun. Then we trotted ourselves off to the reknowned Les Deux Magots cafe, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch, wine and conversation with others nearby. This cafe is the best for people watching. We watched them; they watched us. Great fun!
Mary Kay treated me to a dinner cruise on the Seine at Bateaux Mounches for our last night together. I remember the dinner as having been higher quality from a trip I took long ago, but still we again had great fun and it was an appropriate way of finishing off a wonderful visit. But pricey! 95 euros a person got you a small, narrow table on one of two sides of the boat with fantastic views as you slide along the Seine River. A very quick service took away a bit from the leisurely feel. But they did serve: Apertif, choice of starters: I had the Smoked salmon, MK had the Green Asparagus, a Choice of Main Course: I had the medallion of lamb, green beans and goat cheese, MK had Arctic Char, then a couple of cheeses, and a selection of desserts. My lamb was overcooked, which was a shame since it was quality lamb but still taste good enough to eat. They generously supplied two full bottles of wine to us and we advantage ourselves of that giggling more as the evening progressed. Both a "little" tipsy as we walked passed our beautiful Eiffel Tower to home we knew it had been an extraordinary week, packed with activities, sisterly bonding and great memories.
(photo of me climbing the stairs is the spiral staircase of the Arc de Triomph, not Eiffel Tower.)

Word of the day: sister - soeur (For me, it also means ami - friend)

My Sister Arrives in Paris!

OK, so I warned you I might not write while my sister was here. What a whirlwind week we had together and so much fun I will probably have to write it all in two or three segments as there is a limited word allocation (thank God, I hear you saying...)

The morning Mary Kay arrived she wanted to take off. I know the feeling. You are in Paris and regardless of a sleepless night on an airplane that is most probably trying to poison you with their cuisine, the adrenaline is pumping and well,
allons-y (let's go)!

We took our bagette sandwiches and walked over to see "my" magical Eiffel Tower to each lunch in the park overlooking it. Then we leisurely walked a bit and ended up at home for a simply cooked but delicious meal of Veal Piccata and French Green Beans with vin.

We tried on our last night to list our top five favorite things for the week and had a hard time trying as we pretty much loved it all. Here are the highlights:
We took the night bike tour with Sam's Flat Tires (strange name for a bike rental). Doing it at night took on an added dimension of "danger" weaving in and out of traffic as best a large group could, zipping by world-famous monuments. We stopped for brief lectures, took in the best ice cream in Paris (Berthillion) at the Ile de St Louis, then peddled on to the Pyramid of the Louvre for, admittedly, grainy photos (better than none) and on and on. This night tour has an extra dimension to it. After about 2-2 l/2 hours we finished at the Seine for an hour cruise and free wine. Our biking colleagues were all nice and international; we had a lovely time and it gave me an idea....(an wonderful, awful idea as the Grinch would say)...I could do this: I could be a bike/walking tour guide! Why not apply for a job? Come back and live in Paris for who-knows-how-long? More as that prospect develops. We also did a day bike ride but decided we much preferred the night bike ride.

We took a free walking English guided tour of Notre Dame the next day, but didn't make it through as it was very detailed and we had a hard time standing for a lengthy period of time on the concrete and old pavement. I will finish the tour on my own. Notre Dame Paris offers English tours on Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday (no reservations needed. Just show up). They really explain in detail the fascinating details of the exterior and history of Notre Dame.

My dear friend, Julien, graciously guided us on a walking tour of Marais, the 4th arrondissment. He has become a dear friend and Mary Kay immediately liked him. I will try to attach a photo she took of us in the boulanger (bakery).

Saturday night I took her to a restaurant called Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole. It is located one block from Notre Dame in an original street left in tact by the controversial Haussmann. It was charmingly furnished in such old world style and the people, owner were very friendly, however, the service was horribly slow, painfully, horribly s l o w. Forget the very high prices, I believe there was only one waiter who endlessly called me "Sweetie" even when I told him not to and the owner would be well advised to hire more help. We sat at the best table with a view of lite-up Notre Dame. We wisely ordered the house wine (the only thing we would pay a reasonable price for on the menu). Mary Kay ordered a seafood wrapped in paper. I have done this typically French method of cooking and it can be very authentic and delicious when done properly. In marches our "Sweetie" waiter with her entree in aluminum foil! I couldn't believe it! It was like what we cooked at girl scout camp, oh so many decades ago! There were four small pieces of fish and potatoes in this aluminum foil disaster. Go crazy, girlfriend! My filet of beef was good, abeit barely warm, my vegetables room temperature. We both elected to splurge calories for desserts @ 14 euros each (about $21) and they were good, as they should be for that price.

I had to get up to ask for water. I had to scout out "Sweetie" to request more wine, and then ask three times for it. I had to hunt down this waiter to get a check (they never offered tea/coffee etc). The tab was about $150. Avoid this place even though it looks good. It was like a pretty woman whose exterior is sometimes alluring but who lacks depth. I will have restaurant recommendations for you next week.

Contending with the weather: One day we decided, despite the rain, to walk to Orangerie, which I highly recommended to Mary Kay. They opened two hours late and there was a long que, waiting in soaking rains, to get in. We waited and waited. On we forged, holding our ground like mailmen through the rain, the snow, the hail...two determined femmes who would see this exhibition if it was the last thing....well, you get the idea. Finally, we moved up the que and were allowed in. As Mary Kay's favorite Paris museum is Musee D'Orsay (she saw it the next day) mine is Organerie at the southwest end of the Tullerie Garden. It is smaller, lesser known and is solely devoted to Impressionist art. Upstairs are some of Monet's final projects: Huge, oversized paintings piece mealed together surrounding two oval rooms that he is responsible for designing. Downstairs there is a variety of Impressionist paintings and a movie room on Monet, which we watched.

We attended mass at Notre Dame, which Mary Kay really wanted to do and she was thrilled; I was bored. I am not a Catholic. I do not speak French so I didn't understand a word and that awful incense was hideous. I wonder if that stuff can give one lung cancer...MK thought I was joking.

I purchased two concert tickets for Sainte Chapelle. The tickets were affordable (33 euro each) for a one hour seven piece classical music concert. Many of the numbers I recognized: Vivaldi's Four Seasons etc. The lights were shut off except for the altar area and this sweet, perfect flow of chords came drifting out of the musicians instruments into my heart. It was such a peaceful hour, directly in the heart of Paris with all its energy, people and happenings. These pearl moments are what I can carry in my heart when I leave. While MK wasn't really enthusiastic about attending she ended up loving it. Purchase your tickets ahead of time and you won't have to que up in line. This beautiful chapel holds more than 1100 biblical scenes in enormous stained glass windows. Just exquisite. I will get more tickets soon.
Coming up: The Arc de Triomphe, Climbing the Stairs of the Eiffel Tower, gorgeous Giverney, one last perfect day in the 6th and a dinner cruise on the Seine..

Word of the Day: music musique (mu zeek) It touches the soul

Korecksheon (opps) Correcshon (opps) CORRECTION

The last entry I had a few typos and one reference to "Rocky" running up the stairs of the Art Institute in Chicago. OK, OK, so it was the stairs of the Art Museum in Philadelphia. So I goofed. Sometimes when I write this blog I am very tired so forgive the typos, mispellings and inaccurate references. Hopefully, there will not be too many. I do my best, ma ami!

News Flash! Tasha is still alive! Very much alive!

Sunday evening October 4

OK, OK. I know I havenb't been as faithful to my blog as I should. But I am living in Paris, folks! Just a tad busy! :)

A week ago last Saturday I meandered over to the Opera Garnier to try to buy a ticket to, tada!, an opera! But the only tickets they had left were to a 3 l/2 hour opera (Mirelle) and I had to pass because of the length. I went from one long que to another to try to find out the program with a certain amount of French "attitude" that said they were not going to help the likes of me.

So I elected to plunk down my euros and take a self-guided tour of the Opera house. Ohmygosh! I don't know what words I can use to tell you the breath-taking scene that unfolded with each step I took. Opulence, decadence, detailed gold-relief ceilings, murals, flooring, stairwells. I was oohhing and aahing the entire visit. My photos cannot begin to show you how beautiful these rooms were. I have attached a few but, believe me, this all left me determined to get a ticket and experience some program at Opera Garnier. It remined me of the scene from "Phantom of the Opera" where they float down the stairwell in magnificent costumes singing "Masquerade!" Absolutely magnificent!

All this heightened my determination to get a ticket to at least one performance of something before I leave. This was accomplished when my best friend, Julien,finally took me to a ticket master-type place and we purchased a ticket to an upcoming ballet. I can't wait to get dressed up and attend!

Last Sunday, yours truly registered (after much ado) for a 16K race from the Eiffel Tower to Versailles. Me and 20,000 other participants from around the world. Off I hussled, without having trained at all, on my journey to ward off old age and renew my spirit. Since I was fast-walking and the vast majority were runners they humbled me as they charged passed me. It made me feel like I was going very slowly.

And then there were about 5 kilimeters of hills! Gads, up I hurried hearing the sounds from "Rocky" movie: tada dada dada da da, tada dada dada da da....when he was charging up the stairs of the Art Institute in Chicago. What happened was kinda cool. The runners speed kept me going at my maximum walking speed and I almost matched the marathon walking speed from when I trained for Leukemia's Team in Training twelve years ago! As the runners slowed down, I kept my pace up. Therefore, my friends, yours truly did not come in last even though I was one of the only walkers. I came in in about 2 l/2 hours, which I was very happy with. And, I got a medal for finishing! Tre cool! I have been asked why I did it and all I could think of was why not? When we aging baby boomers no longer work we have to look for other avenues of accomplishment. That is what that medal represents to me.

I am bowing now. Applause please!

Lots more to tell. My sister, Mary Kay arrived this week and we are rushing around like the devil is after us. When she leaves on Friday (or possibly before) I will be blogging about our whole week including: biking tours at night, crusing on the Seine, a walking tour with Julien of the Marais, climbing over 700 steps up the Eiffel Tour, church services at Notre Dame, several museums, a concert at Saint Chappelle, a trip to Giverney and a dinner cruise on the Seine! All of that is happening now. So you will excuse me if I collapse for a while and sleep.

Words of the day: Medal medaille
Accomplishment accomplissement a kom plez mon (in any language it is sweet)