21 July Paris

What a gorgeous hotel we are staying in. Morwenna, you have to recommend Golden Tulip Opera Noailles to anybody who wants to stay in Paris. The last time we experienced personal service like this was our 25th anniversary celebration at the Hotel Du Vin. They just seem to go the extra mile while making us so welcome. The Continental breakfast is yummy. Christophe and Alix set us right with excursions and tips. We discovered a light was not going and the maintenance man had it fixed in 10 minutes. Our beds were so comfortable we slept in, a bit rough, as Bill wants to see everything in 2 full days, which suits me as well. Again we did the Paris On Off tours which take you around all the attractions. The ticket lasts for 1 or 2 days dependent on how much time you have. Wow, We loved the UK, but Faye and Anne, you are so right, we love Paris. Both Bill and I were like kids in a candy store. Everything is so much larger than life and seeing things in the flesh brought it alive for us. One thing I now regret is not taking my French Studies more seriously back in High School. Poor Mr. Herbert back then. .I had Anne’s French phrase book to refer to but there is definite room for improvement. It is amazing how fast the learnt language does come back. The French to my surprise are very accommodating as I did try. Bill is a quick learner as he remembers everything I tell him. The photos speak for themselves. What an awesome day. Stocked up on my French Parfum so should keep me going for a wee while. Visited an Art Gallery with the largest private collection of Marc Chagalls in the world. I was very moved, as he is one of my favourite artists. I am sure Paris is the most expensive city on earth. A Coke in a place we had lunch was 6 Euros or $12. Yikes! In the evening we went to the Lido Theatre on the Champs Elysees for Dinner, music and a show. You have to dress up for the event, a few photos to whet the appetite but no photos I am afraid of the show because of copyright laws. The Show or revue is called Bonheur. It is about a woman’s quest for happiness, in the guise of fantasy and discovery. Four Tableaux each with 5-6 scenes with amazing acts separating them makes it a cross between Cirque du Soliel, Las Vegas and Burlesque. They had an amazing stage, which could be made into a real fountain, an Egyptian Pyramid, and what ever takes their fancy. It was an unforgettable experience, not cheap, but hey you are only in Paris once. Not allowed to sleep in tomorrow. We are off to the Palace at Versailles.