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-   -   April in Paris...with a Side of Bordeaux (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/april-in-paris-with-a-side-of-bordeaux-1096742/)

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 08:38 AM

That's just what is was, StCirq! If chef made AND folded it, I have to make grade higher than an A. What about the tsummer truffles?

Baghdad? Did you rob an Arab of his or her robes?! LOL

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 08:46 AM

Addenda:

I hope I got a 'from a distance' and 'up close' of the Pointilist work by Charles Angrand's "Couple dans le Rue".

d'Orsay resto has the best paper napkins ever!

Dinner tonight is going to be the appropriated croissants and vin noix.

Bon soir and thanks for kind words and understanding!

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 08:52 AM

Addenda:

I hope I got a 'from a distance' and 'up close' of the Pointilist work by Charles Angrand's "Couple dans le Rue".

d'Orsay resto has the best paper napkins ever!

Dinner tonight is going to be the appropriated croissants and vin noix.

Bon soir and thanks for kind words and understanding!

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 08:57 AM

Hah, so now it posts twice. It was very warm on the fifth floor.

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 09:39 AM

And a clarification or 3:

So far, my chip and signature Visa has worked in the little credit card machines AND the ticket machines.

The free Word software onthe Kindle is called Office Suite. Ads to upgrade for a price pop up. The good bus map can we read without wifi--a huge thing for me.

Also, when I said there was no place to put stuff inlast hotel, I meant in the bathroom. There is a nice closet/shelf/drawer combo behind sliding mirrored doors

There is no business center or resto and the computer signal has not been consistent.

Really, bon soir.

annhig May 4th, 2016 12:09 PM

amazing that you are persisting with posting TD - and in so much terrific detail. I'm not sure that I'll be able to manage it with my ancient model; I'm conflicted at the moment about whether to take my laptop on hols with me next week or just use the iPhone.

Leely2 May 4th, 2016 06:58 PM

I am caught up too but somehow confused. You're not back at Hotel Clement? I missed the name if you moved to a different hotel upon your return from Bordeaux.

In any case, have a beautiful day, TDudette!

jubilada May 4th, 2016 07:05 PM

Leely see the OP

StCirq May 4th, 2016 07:43 PM

I have only had a few summer truffles, TDude. They are delicious, but far less pungent and mysterious (and far cheaper) than the Black Diamonds of winter.

By "Baghdad" I just meant that our house/veranda wall looks like a war zone. Honestly, if you pulled up and looked at that side of our house, you'd think a missile had landed there and destroyed it. It's the same sort of rubble you see in NY Times photos of Syria and Afghanistan and Baghdad and other war-torn places. Rocks strewn all over the place. Dust. Rubble. Chaos.

Nice that you are becoming familiar with the bus system in Paris. Loving your trip notes about traipsing around the city.

Looking forward to the rest of your trip...

2010 May 4th, 2016 10:42 PM

Still reading and enjoying, TDudette! It's delightful to follow your trip as it unfolds in 'real time'. I applaud your dedication to post as often as you do. Anxious to read more!

TDuTwo May 4th, 2016 11:57 PM

Thanks to all! Being solo and with less stamina than in the past, I have more time to post and relax. Also, this is not my first trip here so none of thar first trip pressure to see it.

annhig, perhaps others will weigh in about bringing computer. It is larger and one more thing to charge. I see 3 available electric sockets in this room.

Oh good, StCirq! It is easier to relate to upheaval than a naked Arab....

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 12:29 AM

A quick request, please don't delete the post about fake passports yet. I want to print it out when I get home and show it to my spy friend.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 12:37 AM

LOL, Coquelicot...I should have had my white leather sneaks tattooed!

Coquelicot May 5th, 2016 03:35 AM

Tdu, just think, if you had a few fake passports, you'd never have to leave the Schengen zone.

jubilada May 5th, 2016 04:01 AM

Clever of the fake documents guy to post their email!

TDu, just email the post to yourself now in case it gets deleted

Belinda May 5th, 2016 05:04 AM

T, If you like truffles, check out Truffes Foiles on rue Malar in the 7 arr. Reserve on thefork.com for a 40% dicount. Tiny place. When you walk in you feel like you've arrived in heaven.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 07:27 AM

Too late, post was awfed.

Thanks for truffle resto name, Belinda. I looked at maps and that looks like a great street/area. I don't think I'll get back there. Did you stay in area?

What I have had, upon being sliced paper-thin, looked like a large aged brown-skinned radish. Summer truffles?

I am back for a wee rest after an excellent visit to the newly (?) renovated Rodin Museum, a good walk, and a couple of stops for sweets.

Will post after dinner.

Belinda May 5th, 2016 07:44 AM

I stay in an apartment in the 18th. But it's an easy bus ride to anywhere.

Enjoy your sunshine! I get there on Saturday and next week looks like rain.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 07:57 AM

Care to share apartment info? I leave Sunday and will be in Bayeux Saturday. Hope weather is better than forecast.

AGM_Cape_Cod May 5th, 2016 10:44 AM

Glad that you enjoyed La Cerisaie as much as we did. We also booked a second night before we stopped chewing our first night's meal. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:07 AM

Hi AGM! I hope this finds you (and DH!) OK. Please pass along same thoughts to all on WFD folks.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:34 AM

Day 11, 5 May 2016, Sunny high 60s

Short:

Breakfast: SSDD

Lunch: Musee Caffee (across from Rodin); Salad with chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, greens. St. Emilion. Chicken great, meh toms. A-

Dinner: La Liberte: Steak and frites with bearnaise; small pichet Bordeaux. If I'd know how thin this would be, I would have ordered medium. Still, tasty. Liberty fries (LOL) more than I could eat. B.

Long:

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:52 AM

Breakfast server still slinging dishes so I guess it's just his way.

Checked email and studied bus map to strategize spending a long afternoon on the right bank tomorrow to be there at 8 (20:00). Not sure.

Remembering how much DH and I enjoyed Rodin museum in 1999 on first trip here and see the #28 goes near. So, 10:30ish, it's a new day.

I pass an optician shop and there are those glasses I saw on the train. Yippee! Grr, they are readers only and cost €99! Desole, Madam.

"Hello, my name is Doris" looking woman is at the stop. She says today is Ascension Day and busses are running intermittently. Grrrr. But along comes 28 and all is good until someone gets off at the wrong stop...

What I heard announced and what it was...well, I kinda knew where we are so I head to a good landmark...the Eiffel Tower!

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:03 PM

The sky is clear and the temp is nice for strolling. At the next cross street, 82 & 92 bus stop is going in the correct direction AND return to Montparnasse gare.

Get off at Ecole Militaire and stroll a bit. Make that I couldn't remember where Rodin is so floundered until I came upon 2 like women...but they have a map!

The Rodin renovation was huge. According to intro movie, over 500 pieces were packed up and moved so ceilings, mouldings, walls and floors (which were so pretty but shabby in 1999) could be repaired/replaced as needed.

An entry and gift shop...shocking...were added. I didn't remember the cafe in the back yard. Oh, and elevator I didn't locate until the trip down.

The rooms were filled with works of Rodin and a few others. Timeline boards.

Back out and I see an older distinguished couple holding hands. She has the best looking skirt--printed with dark book spines. Muted though. I will run into them later and get a chance to tell her. She was pleased.

Across the street to the tourist-filled cafe. Salad was good but toms didn't please.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:13 PM

Decide to walk back until I hit another bus stop. See Artisan Boulanger Secco. Bought 2 choc macs and a water for emergency. Turned the corner and there is an Angelinas with an amazingly tempting window. Clerk says OK for photo and dit fromage.

Pretty pocket park and suddenly I am standing at Bon Marcher next to a G7 cab. €7 get me and my bladder back to familiar territory.

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:33 PM

I pass another boulanger/sandwich shop and see a dessert so pretty that it must be purchased and photographed...and eaten which I did.

Quick email check, nap and then of to Montparnasse tower. The resto is mobbed. Not even a seat at the bar. Rats, I join the tourists on the roof.

Stair alert! After elevator to 56th floor, there are 3 more flights of steps and then a semi-permanent set to the very top. The top floor is surrounded by plexi with open slots every so often for clear viewing. There was a litle bar and seating area also.

Back to 56th floor, I get more shots. They put a snack bar at the Eiffel end!

Back down and walk up Quinet. Covered market stalls in the middle. Oh, I forgot to write how huge and cool this market is. It continues through Saturday. Cafes line the street and I sit at one at the corner of Gaite where DH and I stayed one time. Sigh.

The fries were so good and so was steak except it was less than 1/2" thick. Knowing I had eaten dessert, I just went back to the room.

Bon soir!

TDuTwo May 5th, 2016 11:43 PM

Back to room and find the alarm has been ringing for 2 hours. Glad the battery zwas new but wonder if I should buy another as I have a very early flight Sunday.

Friday, 6 Mai 2016, 70s with wispy clouds.

I am finally caught up with TR. Taking a long a.m. to do so, organize clothing, get a good shower and figure out my game plan. Arcades, palais royal and Luxemburg gardens. Finally, Bach at Ste. Chapelle.

Bonne journee, Madam.

Vttraveler May 6th, 2016 03:46 AM

I hope you have a wonderful end of your trip, TDudette. Bach at Ste Chappelle sounds great.

2010 May 6th, 2016 05:58 AM

Yearning for Paris and a return visit to the Rodin Museum. I recall being fascinated by a sculpture of hands. I hope it made its way back out after the renovations.

And the Medici Fountain, my favourite spot in Luxembourg Garden. Wonder if you walked by there.

Bach at Ste Chappelle - a departure from Vivaldi. Such a beautiful venue. Hope you enjoyed the concert. On my last Paris visit, I went to hear a solo cellist play Bach's unaccompanied cello suites at a small neighbourhood church. Not as grand as Ste. Chappelle but intimate & memorable for sure!

Sigh!

TDuTwo May 6th, 2016 07:22 AM

Thanks Vt and yes 2010, the hands are still there. Many studies. I had hoped to get to Lux gardens todaybut got too pooped. I was happy it is the Bach.

Anyone know Cafe Louise? Across street and a little kitty corner from mobbed Deux Magots. Had a good formule lunch there today and made res for 7 tomorrow.

TR later.

annhig May 6th, 2016 09:50 AM

Bach at the St Chappelle? how lovely.

don't know the Cafe louise - looking forward to learning more about it.

TDuTwo May 6th, 2016 12:48 PM

Hi annhig! I listened to a 1955 You tube version played by a young Glen Gould. Tonight's version performed by violin, viola, and viola de gamba so much different.

Magical room anyhow. Going to fall asleep so TR will wait. Train to Bayeux 9:00 a.m.

StCirq, you and S must get to the market on Edgar Quinet. Two.small console tables with inlays. Robot also.

annhig May 6th, 2016 01:33 PM

Tonight's version performed by violin, viola, and viola de gamba so much different.>>

it sounds very interesting, TD. hope the trip to Bayeux goes well tomorrow.

StCirq May 7th, 2016 04:58 AM

Hi, TDudette:

I know the Café Louise...sweet!

Haven't taken S to the Marché Edgar Quinet yet - will put on the list for the next trip to Paris.

Enjoy Bayeux! Have lunch/dinner at Le Petit Normand if you can.

santamonica May 7th, 2016 05:20 AM

What an adventure! Such a bon vivant. I think I know what that means. That eeze not my dog. Wonderful. DW and I look forward to seeing you and some pictures soon. Cantlers?

yestravel May 7th, 2016 07:43 AM

Sounds like a great trip!

Cantlers is always good.

TDuTwo May 7th, 2016 07:58 AM

Hi to all. A long trip just to see one thing, but worth it and I saw a gite just up the hill. Need to double-check the accuracy of my notes then will send the details.

Imagine an almost 230-foot embroidery on linen!

If packing doesn't kill me, will TR tonight after dinner.

TDuTwo May 7th, 2016 08:07 AM

It happened again. StCirq, santa and yestravel's posts appeared after I posted at 5:58! Argh.

Cantlers woould make a good summer gtg! Please pick some dates.

LOL StCirq, I almost got a hot dog at a wonderful tourist cafe.

Thanks mes amies!

TDuTwo May 7th, 2016 12:19 PM

Friday, Day 12, 6Mai, contd

Breakfast: Macarons from yesterday and water.

Lunch: Cafe Louise: Demi melon with jambon de pays; Noisette d'Agneau poele et son jus au thyme, haricots verts; Creme de mascarpone sur eclats d'oreos. Eclat sounds some much classier than just crumbled Oreos! Solid A for taste but surely there is something crunchy that is French.

Dinner: Ham and cheese on ciabatta, water, and end of StCirq's vin noix. B for sandwich.

Long:

Plan to go to Palais Royal gardens and nearby Passage.

As mentioned above, I took the a.m. to organize and catch up on emails/TR. Had TV going. 3 English speakers are CNBC, BBC, and Bloomburg. 30-some others. Mostly French but not all. M6 has a house buying show like HGTV. Also seen some Jimmy Fallons.

Guy on BBC says he has just learned the word 'Chunnel'. Truth? It looks like the 95 bus is something to put in your notes.

TDuTwo May 7th, 2016 12:31 PM

The 95 goes from Gare Montparnasse all the way up to Clichy-Caulaincourt in Montmartre. €1,40 not a bad investment. It stops at Louvre. 94 also goes north but via Place de Concorde.

The problem for me in France and Italy has been signage. But thank goodness for electronic signs in busses.


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