Europe 2013 Day 14 - Paris to Seattle

Ah..the last day has come.  Time flies.  I only had a couple hours in the morning, which was perfect for picking up macarons from Laduree, and some food/snacks from Monoprix.

Display at Laduree

Its been a good trip, by far much more of a feat than my Thailand trip last year.  This was twice as long solo, and twice as many cities to plan for. 

Things I might have done differently were to have a larger list of restaurants to check out.  I found myself just randomly going to cafes that did not end up being overly great.

So much learned, so much observed!  I enjoyed meeting all the fellow travelers.  Its a large world, but when I happen to meet people with some things in common as me, the experience feels a little smaller :-)

Gare du Nord: Sign for the express RER B to CDG

Gare Du Nord: Monitor for the next approaching train

Europe 2013 Day 13 - Paris: Versailles, St Chapelle Cathedral

Versailles!  I was excited to visit.  I love symmetrical and clean gardens, grass, trees.  Took the RER C from St Michel, and the timing was perfect.  Right as I got to the platform, the train arrived.

 

It was the last stop, and everyone on board seemed to be from elsewhere.  As I was approaching the chateaux, you could see it so large and grand even from afar.  Huge tour groups were arriving as well.

 

I did a route opposite of what most do, because I knew I would like to spend more time in the massive gardens than the palace.  So, gardens first!  And wow.  It would take an entire day to even get through all of it.  I started with the gardens on the right, and eventually made it to Marie Antoinette's estate around 12:30pm.  All the hedges and patterns were so great.  Made me wish I had a better camera.

 

Beautiful gardens at Versailles

Marie Antoinette's estate was great.  I loved comparing to the movie, which probably only had some truth to it anyways.  The grounds were great,  especially the queen's area.  Cottages that were so unique!  And I especially loved the farm area.  Bunnies and chickens are friends and live together.  I saw Midas-bunny here.  There was also a bridge I walked across that had giant, fat fish.  I don't know if they were koi or carp or what.  They would crowd around wherever you pretended to throw food away.  All those open fish mouths was actually a litttle weird.

 

 

View from inside the Chateaux

Too many fish...

Midas' long-lost Bunny cousin!

I spent so much time around this estate that I was running out of time to see the rest of the gardens and the chateaux.  Trolley shuttle took me to the Grand Canal.  I really considered renting a bike to go around this large area, but also wanted to just sit and relax...so I did that instead.  Ice cream + relaxing + people watching. 

By the time I got to the chateaux, I only had an hour before it closed.  I rushed through it so quickly..unfortunately there were hundreds of Asian tourists groups doing the same.  I wish I had more time to see the paintings in detail.  There was also a free concert, wish I could have seen that too!

Marie Antoinette's Estate

After leaving the palace, I was looking forward to trying the nearby Monument Cafe, which had great reviews.  It was closed though... Website gave me the impression it was open...aw..I ended up walking nearby and finding someplace that would be quick.  There was a concert at St Chapelle's at 8:40 I wanted to see.  Decided on a corner cafe called St Claire (or something like that).  Was disappointed.  Service was slow, salad was not good.  Price was too much for the quality.  Oh well.

I made it on time for the concert.  On the program was Ave Maria, some Mozart, and more.  It was such a good experience.  The performance was under a dome of stained glass.  The panels were all lined up along the walls as well.  Great singer.  With a quartet.  Perfect last night in Paris.  I strolled back to the hotel, it was warm and clear and not at all dark for 10pm.

Concert at Sainte-Chapelle

Great long day, fit so much in.  Tomorrow morning I'll have a few hours before heading out to the airport.

Europe 2013 Day 12 - Paris: The Opera, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre

Bad sleep, again.  Why does the neighbor need to use the blow dryer continuously from 12:30-1:00am?

Breakfast service was slow.  I sat for 11, 12 minutes before receiving my baguette platter.

With all that aside...I went back to Notre Dame in the morning, before the crowds.  The many arches and stained glass are beautiful. There was a small scale model of the cathedral that I particular liked, complete with mini gargoyles.

It began getting busy, so I headed to my next destination -- the Opera. There was a well-regarded tour at 11:30am that I was planning on joining.  I got to the area around 10:15, so I walked and shopped around in the meantime.

Galleries Lafayette is a department store that takes up a few blocks it seems.  It is Europe's largest department store (I think).  I wandered the home and gifts section, and food area.  Was scolded as I was taking photos of curries.  Did not dare venture into the clothing.

Going back to the Opera, I walked the wrong way, and ended up mixed in within a huge tour group. While in line, someone who worked there asked if anyone had any bookings for the upcoming tour, and I assumed that meant prebooked tickets?  Five minutes later she came back and said the tour was completely full.  I was pretty disappointed, was looking forward to it.  Still purchased a ticket though, and received a "student" discount.

The Opera is stunning!  It seemed as though all surfaces - walls, corners, ceilings, domes, was decorated with an ornate painting, gold, moldings, or some sculpture.  Everything looked so grand.  Especially the marble staircase.

Foyer area in the Opera

Beautiful room in the Opera

I kept passing the different tours, and was actually glad that I did not end up with a group.  I missed learning about historical details about the building, but got to wander and linger as I pleased.

YUM.  Salad at Babalou

After the Opera, I headed to Sacre Coeur and the Montemartre area.  I had lunch at a cute restaurant on the side, called Babalou.  Excellent salad.  I was warned to not set anything on the table unless I wanted it to to be stolen by the pickpockets.

I finished lunch, and headed to the bottom of the hill and met with the Discover Walks tour again.  Same tour guide as before.  Had no idea that the Moulin Rouge rotates shows, not often though, and spends nine million on the production of it.  Crazy.

Sacre Coeur

Afterwards, I was in dire need of a foot massage.  My feet and legs could barely function.  If there is an Asian spa that offers affordable massages, then I will find it.  Regardless of the city.  The place I found was called Carrie Zen Spa, and unfortunately it was not a pleasant experience.  It is also very possible that more than spa services are offered here, which I did not realize until later on.

Quite interesting trying to communicate..all the women there spoke Mandarin and French.  It was a huge, huge struggle.  I tried Mandarin, would end up saying something Cantonese, she would say something Mandarin, I would say "I don't understand" in Mandarin.  Eventually, she used Google translate.  It is interesting seeing Chinese cultures in other parts of the world.

Excellent pizza at Pizza Rossi

I was asked if I wanted to wash my feet, in which I agreed.  Mistake.  This involved soaking my feet in a tub of warm tea-infused water for 15 minutes.  By the time massage started, 20 of my 60 minutes was already up.

After the massage, I journeyed to an amazing pizza spot called Pizza Rossi.  In an area commonly used for prostitution...so that caught me by surprise as I turned onto the small street.  The women were older.  Very sad.  One had a cute dog though, and I was taking photos of the dog (of course), and was told I cannot take photos...until they saw it was just of the dog.

Anyways,  finally getting ny table in the small restaurant, I immediately notice I'll have difficulty with the menu.  No English!  Although, the owners provided me with a helpful recipe translation.  The pizza was huge, thin crusted, and the most delicious pizza.  I could have just eaten it with cheese for toppings.

Was pleased with my dinner, and I made it back to the hotel for a somewhat-early night.  Tomorrow is Versailles, and my last full day in Paris.

Europe 2013 Day 11 - Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe

What a terrible night of sleep.  I must have only slept four hours. The hotel is so noisy.  All the stomping up and down the stairs, opening and closing doors, and worst of all, the shared bathroom is right next to me.  I hear the toilet paper roll whenever someone is using it.  I am supposed to share the bathroom with just one other room on the other side of the hall, but I've heard the bathroom being used many, many times.

Another downside, when I had the bedside light on, there were some little gnats that appeared.  Ahh.

All that aside...breakfast is a baguette with various spreads -- cheese, chocolate, butter, strawberry jam.  And canned fruits, fruit juice, coffee/tea/hot chocolate.  Very basic, but it suffices.

I headed to Notre Dame and got to the towers line-up at 9am.  First one there!!  I wasn't actually sure if I was in the correct place.  As I was reading the sign, another woman came and quickly sat in that first spot.  I was surprised there weren't more people at this time.  As we were sitting there, many people came and looked at the sign, saw it was not open for another hour, and left.  But...the crowds did come.  By 9:30am, there were maybe 80 people.  A nice surprise was that being 25 got me a discount.  Although I'm not sure why, because I thought I had read something about this being applicable only for EU residents.

The view from the top was so nice.  Perfect morning.  The gargoyles are interesting -- there are various types them. Seeing the city's layout from above was nice.  The Seine is such an important and large part of the city.

After climbing down, I decided against going inside the cathedral since there were hoards of tourists by now.  I will stop by tomorrow morning instead.

View from the top of Notre Dame

I walked all along Rue du Rivoli.  All the way from Notre Dame to Angelina's for lunch.  Had to try their famous hot chocolate.  It was so rich.  And expensive for sandwiches, fries...well, I have to splurge some time! 

Angelina: Sandwiches, fries & hot chocolate for lunch. $$$

Across from Angelina's is Jardin du Plants.  A garden next to the Louvre, with many purple plants.  The symmetrical layout of the trees, walkways, and fountains was clean and nice, as usual.  Again, no one allowed on the grass.

After the park, I joined another Discover Walks tour of Le Marais.  Also very good.  A large Jewish community resides in this area.

Small park where sitting on grass is allowed.  Crowded!

It was recommended to check out the view from museum Pompidou, so I dragged my feet along to the museum, because my feet and lower legs barely function anymore.  I finally make the trek there...and it is closed!  I should have known, museums are closed Tuesdays!  Oh well. I needed a break, so I sat in front of the interesting building and mooched off their free internet. 

Excellent dinner at Cafe Constant!

Dinner time!  After some research online, decided upon Cafe Constant near the Eiffel Tower.  I got there at 6:30pm though, and they open at 7.  To pass the time, I hung around the tower and park area.  Lots of pictures of course.

I got back to the restaurant at 7:10, and wow.  Jam packed already.   Only one more table was open, which was an outside table.  Perfect for me!  I had a delicious steak dish.  More and more visitors came, and there was a crowd of people waiting for seats outside.  I was very happy I got there when I did.

After dinner, I wanted some beautiful sunset views of the Eiffel tower.  Trocadero it is!  The view was stunning.  Directly across from the Eiffel tower.  It was a pretty popular spot for this view.  Plenty of scammers and people trying to sell trinkets here.  Whenever they approach me, I do not respond, or I just shake my head.  Ah, the benefits of looking like I might not speak English.  I must have taken 50+ pictures here.  You never can have too many, and you never are sure if you've got the perfect one.  There was also some professional photography session for a Chinese race car here.

Amazing view from Trocadero

Sparkling Eiffel Tower from Arc De Triomphe

It was around 9:30, and I wanted to get the amazing view of the twinkling Eiffel tower from the Arc de Triomphe at 10.  I barely made it!  First, there was so much confusion with crossing the street.  I, and a group of other tourists, were not aware of the underground passageway...so we dangerously dashed across.  Then, I could not figure out where to buy tickets!  It was again, underground, and I kept circling the Arc at ground level.  Made it in line and it was around 5 minutes till 10.  I ran up those steps!  Yes I was tired, yes my feet were killing me, but I couldn't miss this!  Perfect, as when I got up to the top, the lights had JUST started.  Not to be missed.

So nice...

Hung around and appreciated the view here until closing time.  Was exhausted by the time I got back to the hotel.

Random photo of street musicians on the metro

Europe 2013 Day 9 - Leeds Castle, Rochester

Motion sickness took over my morning!  My uncle wanted to show me his sports car, and driving to the nearby McDonald's for breakfast was enough to make me queasy and off.  We had to switch cars afterwards and could not enjoy the convertible in the sunshine.

We headed to Leeds Castle, and arrived at a popular time and long lines.  It was the last day for their jousting shows.  The performance was starting soon after we arrived, so we made it our first stop.  Eh....was not what I was expecting.  I saw the horses and was excited for that...but everything was geared towards children.  We watched the first 15 minutes, which included around 75 children parading around with pretend swords and fake human heads.

Taking this chance to explore the castle while the crowds were elsewhere, we took our time walking along the side and admiring the castle, moat, fields, and many birds.  

Leeds Castle

The castle was most recently owned by an American woman.  Interesting.  She really liked birds and dogs, and had many paintings decorating the estate.  The castle was a place of stay for royal parties, and whenever they visited, extra food would need to be brought in.  The list included chickens, calves, porpoises, and dolphins.

The grounds are beautiful, and we only explored a tiny portion, as it is over 500 acres.  So many swans and kinds of ducks.

After Leeds castle, we headed to Rochester.  The annual Charles Dickens festival was here, where people dress up and parade around.  It was entertaining seeing how involved the everyone was.

Rochester castle is here as well, and it was disappointing to see that the festival and fair was right in the middle of the castle entrance.  The carnival rides, foods, and loud children took away from the beauty of the castle walls.

People dressed up for Dickens Festival

Candy shop in Rochester....Yum.

Following Rochester was my auntie's place, where we had a nice home cooked meal of Hainan chicken rice and green beans.

Today is my last night in the UK.  Its been an eventful, tiring, and fun time.  Tomorrow morning is Paris!

Europe 2013 Day 10 - Paris, France: St. Germain, Jardin du Luxembourg, Seine River Cruise

Had an early start today.  Arrived at Ebbsfleet around 8am, and the Eurostar train was at 9:35.  There are reserved seats, but a family was seated in my seat area and their boy was sitting in my spot.  Of course I'm not going to ask him to move...

Two hours later, Paris!  But uugghh I had such a hard time getting to the city.  First, after getting off the train, I needed to locate an ATM that was not associated with Travelex.  Most people were lined up at the Travelex machine as it was closest to the arrivals area, but if you head towards the other end, there is a bank-associated one instead.

RER B sign, but it did not stop at platform 42

Went downstairs to the subway & RER info and ticket booth.  A huge line!  I waited 20 minutes.  As I was eavesdropping on others in line, it seemed as though not many had not done their research, and were not aware of the different travel pass options.  There was a poster advertising the Paris Visite pass, so most got that.  I picked up my Navigo De.  Pass -- no issues!

The signs clearly labeled where to go for each subway or RER route...but the subway was NOT where it was supposed to be.  I needed RER B, and after 10 minutes, another Chinese visitor helped me out and said it was on the other platform.  Ok, waited on the other platform.  Another 10 minutes.  Subway arrives, and I got in...but it sat there for another 10 minutes.  Really??  London transportation trumps Paris by far.

I didn't get to my hotel until around 2:30pm.  And this was after arriving at Gare du Nord at 12:47pm!  I dropped off my things and left shortly afterwards. 

Clearly labeled Metro sign

Clearly labeled Metro monitor

St. Germain area has cute small streets, with the beautiful Parisian apartment homes on top.  I passed by many galleries. I had not eaten lunch, and by now it was 4pm, so I stopped at a random pizza/pasta/bakery.  Cheesy pasta!

Locks on the bridge.  Must all be melted within 8 months.

At 5pm, I went on a walking tour of the river, led by Raphael with Discovery Walks.  There were only eight of us in the group.  A great tour!  Interesting to learn that the bridges used to have homes built on them, until the bridge would collapse some 20 years later.

After the tour ended, I headed to Jardin du Luxembourg.  I do love French gardens and landscaping.  Beautiful,  although chilly, evening.  The grass was not meant for sitting on, and there were plenty of seats all around for people watching.   Such a cute place.

Jardin du Luxembourg

I could not find the subway stop that would take me to Le Bon Marche, but was determined to still go.  Seattle used to have this store.  I walked along some main road for like 20 minutes, and the store was closed.  Actually, all the clothing stores in the area were closed, and it was only 8pm.  But...Au Bon Marche was open!  This is the food store.  Similar to the food department of Harrods, but on a smaller scale and not all luxurious.  I bought macarons for the first time!

Now it was close to 9pm, so I took the subway to the Seine river cruise at Pont Neuf.  It was supposed to start at 9:30pm...but It was not until fifteen minutes later or so that we began.  I sat at the top portion for the first 20 minutes, but it was so cold.  It was great, the timing was perfect because the twinkling lights came on as we were passing.  The sides/bottoms of bridges were very detailed.  Sometimes statues, or small detailed moldings.

Great view from the river cruise

Today I saw TWO PEKINGESES!!  The first was at a cafe in St Germain.  It was so little!   And friendly.  Aahhhh.  The second belonged to a homeless man.

PEKE!!!

My feet hurt, but the Chinese and Thai massage spas I have passed are expensive.  Will have to try Chinatown.

Passing by Notre Dame at night

Tomorrow is the Notre Dame towers!  And Le Marais.

Europe 2013 Day 8 - Canterbury & Back to London

Busy day today!  Started the day with a home cooked English breakfast.  Yum.  I like foods.  Uncle Andy, Toby, and I journeyed to Canterbury to meet my other cousin Alex.  He is an architecture student there.

One of the first places we headed to was the cathedral.  This was had a similar feel as York Minster.  Actually, the town had city walls just like York.  I enjoyed Canterbury Cathedral a lot, as Alex was able to tell us information on the architecture and build.  This cathedral had various archways, some gothic more narrow and triangular, and some rounded Roman arches.  There was a beautiful center area that looked like a scene where Harry Potter was filmed, during the Triwizard tournament and Harry seeks out Cedric in a courtyard.  

Courtyard at Canterbury Cathedral

After admiring so much of the cathedral, we went to Starbucks and people watched for a long while.  Yes, I know I paid more to have a frappachino here...

We picked up my Aunt Sue and headed back to London.  We had dinner reservations in East London, but headed up earlier to drive around.  It was nice visiting previously seen places, as this was from another perspective. 

We drove around London, and ended up in South Bank to get a quick bite to eat from their food booths.  Yum again.

Weee bikes at Hyde Park!

We headed to Hyde Park and rented bikes!  Very fun just riding around.  Although, it had been probably six years since I had last rode a bike, so I was wobbly and not confident in the beginning.  Being cheap, we found a way to cheat the system, and managed to only pay £2 each, as long as we checked in the bikes every half hour.  Although this was the third or fourth time I had visited Hyde Park, it was a very different experience.  The first couple times I had walked through almost in a rush.  Today was sunny, crowded, and a lot more ground was covered. 

Dinner brought us to Indiatown in East London.  Most everything was closed except the restaurant, Tayaabs.  Such a busy and popular place!  Big lines, and apparently every night is like this. Five types of curry, with nan, meats,  mango lassi.  Yum.

Excellent dinner at Tayyabs!

Feeling stuffed, we started our drive home, but not before stopping by the O2 dome and Greenwich Park.  You could see the sunset behind Canary Wharf.  It was beautiful.  And Greenwich Park was so clean, grassy, big.  I wish I had spent some time here when it was sunny!

Sunset view at Greenwich Park.  WOW!

Lots done today..tomorrow should be more relaxed at Leeds Castle and Rochester.

Europe 2013 Day 7 - York to Kent

What a great night of sleep.  And what a warm, sunny day to wake up to.  Perfect for Castle Howard! 

Took the 8:30am Stephenson's bus, and got to the estate a little before 10.  The estate did not open until 11, so I walked all over the grounds.  Amazing!  The gardens, fields, fountains, lakes.  Everything was so peaceful.  There were a handful of people who had arrived at the same time as me, but it felt like I had the entire outdoors to myself.  Walked through a trail area in a forest full of plants, and gazed over a never-ending stretch of green pastures with flocks of sheep.

Beautiful peacock in entrance area

Across the lake..so peaceful

Castle Howard's main fountain

I spent around three hours just walking around outside.  Touring the estate was last.  All the original furniture and paintings were displayed.  Unfortunately,  I didn't end up learning the significance of the mansion and why the Howard family was important.  

After a good half of the day here, I bussed back to York,  and my train troubles began.  My first train to London was at 3:55, but was delayed until 4:46.  I did not act fast enough to take the 3:29, but managed to take the 4:01 instead.   Unfortunately, the 4:01 was not an express train, and it ended up being delayed during the route.  I missed the 6:55 from London to Kent.  Finally caught the 7:28.  Ugh!

Uncle Andy picked me up from the train station.  It was a very short drive to his home in Wigmore.  The area is cute and small.  After trying my first fish and chips while in England, I met my cousin Toby for the first time, then visited Aunt Sue and her mother.  They have the cutest bearded collie!

Tomorrow we head to Canterbury!