Paris Day 6: The Final Wander pt. 2

I was not excited about this walk down the Champs-Elysees until we started it. It was getting late after all our earlier wanderings but, we were confident we could dash into a few more shops before closing. The Mister hit the Disney Store with a thud looking for any cool "Toy Story 3" stuff. He found a great crane game (for the little Aliens) but, it was so massive we opted not to pick it up. Of course, when we got home, he couldn't find it anywhere! His poor heart was broken! Thankfully, it FINALLY crept into stores, and we got one (whew!). Now back to Paris;



A friend of mine always buys a new scent whenever she's on vacation. That way whenever she wears it again, it INSTANTLY reminds her of this wonderful time. I thought this was a capital idea and headed for the premier perfumier in Paris (IMHO). I found a GORGEOUS perfume, only available at that location. I fell in LOVE with this scent (Do I remember the name? No). It was perfect and summery. I did not buy it as I had JUST purchased some perfume at "H" before the trip. I am kicking myself for not doing it. That scent haunts me. I stuck the little scent stick in my guidebook and I keep sticking my nose in said guidebook hoping for a little whiff. I really should have picked up a bottle (but, in my defense, it was EXPENSIVE!)

Limp with hunger, we walked across the street (stopping for a pic) and made our way toward our dinner restaurant of choice; Les Saveurs de Flora - which my guidebook assured me would be the height of romance for our last dinner in Paris. I can attest this fact as I didn't snap a single picture of the meal. I was too busy making eyes at my husband.





On our way to the restaurant, we walked right past Le Fouquet's - it's 'the Ivy' of Paris - all the movers and shakers go to see and be seen there. Also on the way to our restaurant? Something that made the Mister bust out laughing:



ANOTHER "H"! How beautiful to see TWO! Of course, it was closed. That would be me in the picture, peering into the windows and hoping someone is inside to take pity on me. No such luck.







The windows were full of shadow puppets AND "H"! Two of my favorite things! We snapped pics of them all, I assure you!




(Still hoping someone will let me in!)

After dinner we staggered to our hotel replete with good food (and wine). The very next morning, we snagged a shuttle to the airport (where we found ANOTHER "H"! I LOVE Paris!), where we caught a flight home.


Sorry that last one was so blurry. I blame this:


That's it for Paris! Up next? COMIC-CON!

Paris: Day 6 - The Final Wander

Day 6 dawned cold and grey. As if Paris new it was our last day and wanted it to a sad one. We bundled up as best we could. Jeff actually went exploring without me. Off to buy himself some presents (cool French comics and art books) while I packed in our small hotel room.

We decided to meet up on the Rue Royale so we could have some tea, I could pick up some gifts, and he could check out one more store.



We split a lovely omelette with a salad and then treated ourselves to a eclair (heaven) and a light and airy pastry with rum, chocolate, crispy thin wafers of cookie, and yummy. Top all that with Marie Antoinette tea (really floral but, so perfect with desserts) and you've got my perfect afternoon!






(That smile is the smile of the sugar crazed.)

Once we were full and hopped up on sugar, I used the little list they gave us and ordered a plethora of goodies for friends back home. Boxes of tasty macaroons, chocolates, teas, all sorts of decadent delights were bagged and purchased. I got to 'cut' the line that stretched out the door (it pays to dine inside) and when I went to pick up my bag, I ordered extra stuff at the last moment! The poor woman was standing next to me, a small receipt clutched in her hand. She just wanted to pay for her order and LEAVE but, NO! Crazy American has to tack on more sugar (like I need it). I turned to her and in very, very bad French said "Desole, tout est ma faute" (Sorry, it's all my fault) and she laughed and laughed. Shook her head 'no' and patted my arm.

All was forgiven.

Packages bundled under our arms, we stopped off at the Place De Concorde for some photos. I've always wanted to see the Obelisk there.


(see the bag? Full of goodies!)



After trundling over to take pics and drool. The Mister decided he wanted to walk down the Champs-Elysees. How could I say no!

Paris: Day 5 - Versailles pt.5

After we'd seen all the Chateau we could stand, we decided to brave the outdoors.



We'd had plenty of peeks at the beautiful grounds from some of the Chateau windows. The sun would tease us by popping out to say "Hi!" before being overtaken by the rains again. Jeff and I just hoped we could time our outdoor excursions to a sunny interlude.







As we reached the grounds, our luck held. We snapped some GORGEOUS pictures and 'ooh'd' and 'aaah'd' over the entrance and the fountains.


(click on the pic for a larger view)



As we made our way toward the center, stopping for pics, of course. We saw the clouds come rolling back in. Big, dark, angry looking clouds.



Right after I snapped this one, the rains came back. This time they meant business as they brought their good friends; Thunder and Lightning! Time to go!

We walked back to the RER station (stopping for a hot chocolate to give the rains a chance to stop or slow a little). As soon as I got on the train, I fell asleep. Exhausted but, happy!

Paris: Day 5 - Versailles pt.4

Finishing up at Louie's place we headed over to see the Queen's apartments.



I think they ran out of gold after they finished this room!



This pattern was all over this place! It was on the blankets, on the walls, the curtains, the carpets, the stools!! The pattern seemed to crawl into my eyes and wouldn't leave! I liked it - just not EVERYWHERE!




This wall has the doorway that the Queen escaped through when Versailles was stormed during the Revolution. On the Left of the doorway? It's the Queen's jewelry box! Proving once again, that I am a rank amateur when it comes to accessories!

When we felt like our eyes were going to explode, we escaped to the Dauphin's apartments. These were inhabited by Louis XIV's son. He never became King. He lived in these rooms for many, many years but, died before his father. His son, Louis XIV's grandson inherited.

On the way, we wandered in and out of a few rooms used by the Royal family. We kept finding benches and chairs that you couldn't sit on! And believe me, I wanted a seat!! It's a marathon walking all over the Chateau! They are such teases...



On to the rooms!


I was obsessed with this carpet. It's original to the room.



Up Next: The Grounds of Versailles.

Paris: Day 5 - Versailles pt.3

Jeff and I clutched our audio tour thingies close and made our way through the many salons and rooms. At last we reached the doorway to the hall I'd longed to see since I was fourteen years old...



I love the disdainful look on the statue. Like he's thinking "Moo" as we all herd past him, cattle style.

The tour groups swept in and of this room like the tide. Jeff and hovered on the outskirts to avoid being dragged along with them. I could have spent ages in this room! I loved the moments between groups when the Hall felt empty. I can't imagine the crush in the peak season!





I swear I had this exact grin on my face for the entire day! This would be one of the few pictures to prove it! When I get back to France, and I will someday, I'm going to spend another day at Versailles!




We walked all the way down the Hall of Mirrors to what was Louis XIV's throne room (no throne now). We walked back into the Hall and entered the Kings Bedchamber.


(There's that grin again!)



There were two fireplaces in this room and it had a beautiful view of the grounds. This was the King's state bedroom. Louie had a more private room on the 1st floor.


Here's the King's bed! Notice that fence? The Courtiers would stand on the outside of the fence while the King and his Body men - crazy! Would dress him and undress him as needed. All part of the rituals of the court.

Up Next: The Queen's chamber & the Dauphin's room.