Laurel and Hardy Do Italy and Paris
Nov 25th, 2021, 01:16 PM
#42
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Breakfast then to plane. Never saw a cab and glad we ordered a private car. It was about an hour drive. Driver left us at wrong terminal. Found door, turned away - half mile walk to correct one. Sat next to man who said he owned health food stores in Houston. He was getting married in a few weeks. Fiance has worked for him for ten years. He was Muslin and for whatever reason Muslin men love me. Many years ago I was with my two beautiful daughters and handsome son in a market in Paris and a Muslin man came up to me and said, I love big women, can I sleep with you? I laughed hysterically and my older daughter told him in no uncertain terms to go away. I digress ,sorry, he was very nice and helped us with our bags. As we were in an exit row we couldn't store our bags under the seat. The plane was full and there was no extra space but he found a spot 11 rows behind us and even after we were deplaning he went back and got 69's luggage. It was very nice of him. When we left we asked him for his business card. He said he didn't have any since he was on vacation. Hmmmmm-wonder if he was real or fake????
When 69 pulled her bag out from under the seat she broke something on the exit door. Stewardess called the Captain and he came and was crawling on the floor to try and fix it. I guess it was not too serious since we took off.
Made arrangements to be picked up at CDG-hour trip to Hotel--Hotel Jeanne d;Arc in the Marais. We were told they only have two Family Rooms and the nicer one was not available. We would have to stay on the room on the first floor for two nights and on Friday we could move upstairs on the sixth floor. Got in the room - decorated in a wanna be Art Deco. King bed with another room with twins. Very little lights. 69 turned the light on on her phone so I could see the numbers to unlock my suitcase. We were going to share the king and put our luggage on twins but decided to do that the other way around since the twins were more comfortable. It was so GD dark and went to front desk and told him I was very dissatisfied with our room. I said we had just stayed in two hotels in Italy and this was the worst. I told him it was too dark. He came down to room with me and said it was ambiance lighting-horse shit-ambiance lighting! It has these wall sconces everywhere. He even walked over to the light to see if it had a bulb. Of course it did since there was a little light coming from it. It was extremely difficult to have a room like this after the two hotels we had in Italy. We have windows that open to the street so keep those drapes closed, did open for a little bit of fresh air this am.
Changed our clothes and went to Opera. Stopped and had a salad and wine in restaurant next to Bastille. Since 69 did not get a Pass Sanitaire we used our CDC cards. No problem. Rigoleto was wonderful. We saw some fabulous shoes, evening dresses, fur coats, puffy coats, jeans and lots of sneakers. We were in the 9th row on the floor center. 69 said when we sat dow, no wonder they were so expensive. I told her only the best.
Had a good nights sleep, didn't get out until 11:30 a.m. Went to Paul's for a croissant and coffee. They asked for our CDC cards. The croissants were so light and absolutely wonderful and flaky. Have never understood why we can't make them like the French do.
Back to our room. The part we are sleeping in, has chevron stripped gold and beige wallpaper. A sconce near the beds. A small Art Deco mirror on the wall, another larger mirror with black and gold frame and an oval print of some flowers from 1200's that is placed behind the door to bathroom. Looks like they went to flea market and bought whatever was left over. We do have a Nepresso machine but no pods, No slippers, didn't make trip to Monoprix today. One good thing, walk in shower, not great pressure but hose. Tonight when we came back I turned on light and the little switch came off in my hand. 69 took a picture of it. She screwed it back into wall for me.
Took cab to Bon Marche. Lovely store and even better grocery store. 69 and I never made it to either last time we were here. At the grocery store we tried to buy sandwiches, but they were only to go. We wanted to sit at tall tables that were five feet from sandwich department. We were told we could not eat there. F French.
Walked across street - had lovely lunch-ham and cheese sandwich and salad and I had French fries. Delicious. And of course, wine. We seems to drink wine at every lunch and dinner. And I don't normally drink. Will have to attend meetings when I get home. 69's daughter wanted an Saint Laurent t-shirt. 69 took me on one of her infamous death marches. She read her favorite map on Google and took us to the museum. Caught cab to main store on other side of river. Then cab back to the dungeon. We were full from our lunch which was eaten at 4 p.m.
May actually try to use a Laundromat tomorrow.
We are hoping our next room will be much nicer. Time will tell. When we asked for our key at the desk tonight, the lady knew who we were (we had never seen her before) and she said we were moving tomorrow and the desk clerk on duty would tell us when the room would be ready. I guess the word is out about that tall bitch.
We were so spoiled in Italy.
Oh, the same daughter that wanted the ESL just broke her key case and wants another. So we are going back to LV. We actually thought we would not go. Lots of items are completely sold out. I bought something at the LV store in Florence and it was the last one available in all of Italy and I just checked and it is sold out in France. When I get home I may put mine on eBay for more money than I paid. Greater fool theory and it's Christmas.
When 69 pulled her bag out from under the seat she broke something on the exit door. Stewardess called the Captain and he came and was crawling on the floor to try and fix it. I guess it was not too serious since we took off.
Made arrangements to be picked up at CDG-hour trip to Hotel--Hotel Jeanne d;Arc in the Marais. We were told they only have two Family Rooms and the nicer one was not available. We would have to stay on the room on the first floor for two nights and on Friday we could move upstairs on the sixth floor. Got in the room - decorated in a wanna be Art Deco. King bed with another room with twins. Very little lights. 69 turned the light on on her phone so I could see the numbers to unlock my suitcase. We were going to share the king and put our luggage on twins but decided to do that the other way around since the twins were more comfortable. It was so GD dark and went to front desk and told him I was very dissatisfied with our room. I said we had just stayed in two hotels in Italy and this was the worst. I told him it was too dark. He came down to room with me and said it was ambiance lighting-horse shit-ambiance lighting! It has these wall sconces everywhere. He even walked over to the light to see if it had a bulb. Of course it did since there was a little light coming from it. It was extremely difficult to have a room like this after the two hotels we had in Italy. We have windows that open to the street so keep those drapes closed, did open for a little bit of fresh air this am.
Changed our clothes and went to Opera. Stopped and had a salad and wine in restaurant next to Bastille. Since 69 did not get a Pass Sanitaire we used our CDC cards. No problem. Rigoleto was wonderful. We saw some fabulous shoes, evening dresses, fur coats, puffy coats, jeans and lots of sneakers. We were in the 9th row on the floor center. 69 said when we sat dow, no wonder they were so expensive. I told her only the best.
Had a good nights sleep, didn't get out until 11:30 a.m. Went to Paul's for a croissant and coffee. They asked for our CDC cards. The croissants were so light and absolutely wonderful and flaky. Have never understood why we can't make them like the French do.
Back to our room. The part we are sleeping in, has chevron stripped gold and beige wallpaper. A sconce near the beds. A small Art Deco mirror on the wall, another larger mirror with black and gold frame and an oval print of some flowers from 1200's that is placed behind the door to bathroom. Looks like they went to flea market and bought whatever was left over. We do have a Nepresso machine but no pods, No slippers, didn't make trip to Monoprix today. One good thing, walk in shower, not great pressure but hose. Tonight when we came back I turned on light and the little switch came off in my hand. 69 took a picture of it. She screwed it back into wall for me.
Took cab to Bon Marche. Lovely store and even better grocery store. 69 and I never made it to either last time we were here. At the grocery store we tried to buy sandwiches, but they were only to go. We wanted to sit at tall tables that were five feet from sandwich department. We were told we could not eat there. F French.
Walked across street - had lovely lunch-ham and cheese sandwich and salad and I had French fries. Delicious. And of course, wine. We seems to drink wine at every lunch and dinner. And I don't normally drink. Will have to attend meetings when I get home. 69's daughter wanted an Saint Laurent t-shirt. 69 took me on one of her infamous death marches. She read her favorite map on Google and took us to the museum. Caught cab to main store on other side of river. Then cab back to the dungeon. We were full from our lunch which was eaten at 4 p.m.
May actually try to use a Laundromat tomorrow.
We are hoping our next room will be much nicer. Time will tell. When we asked for our key at the desk tonight, the lady knew who we were (we had never seen her before) and she said we were moving tomorrow and the desk clerk on duty would tell us when the room would be ready. I guess the word is out about that tall bitch.
We were so spoiled in Italy.
Oh, the same daughter that wanted the ESL just broke her key case and wants another. So we are going back to LV. We actually thought we would not go. Lots of items are completely sold out. I bought something at the LV store in Florence and it was the last one available in all of Italy and I just checked and it is sold out in France. When I get home I may put mine on eBay for more money than I paid. Greater fool theory and it's Christmas.
Nov 25th, 2021, 01:31 PM
#45
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I am sorry but two more things. There is a 4 foot round shag rug at bottom of our beds. Now I am not the germaphobe 69 is but this is horrible. 69 asked me today what if the beds are not as comfortable on the 6th floor, I told her we would come down here and carry the mattresses up the stairs. Good night.
Nov 26th, 2021, 09:20 AM
#48
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We are in our new room more light and white painted rafters. View of top of buildings. So much better. Quoted price at desk is $550E per night. We have a much lower price, thank heavens. Took all our dirty laundry to laundromat. Was fairly close to hotel and very clean.- there was a lady doing laundry who helped Paulette work the machines. Probably paid about 20E or less to do a lot of clothes - here at hotel prices were 12.50E for a pair of pants.
Breakfast here was some pastry (croissants) coffee from a machine that made 10 different kinds, butter, jelly, boil your own eggs, toast and cereal. Girl delivers OJ and water to table. The croissants could have come from the frozen section of Sam's Club after cooking and waiting a day. Even though our breakfast is included in our rate, think we will forgo and pop over to Paul's for our breakfast. Even though it will cost more, only here for such a short time want to stuff ourselves with the best we can get. You can get a croissant and expresso to go for 2.50E - such a steal.
Stopped by Pharmacy for Ibuprofen and Therma Care pads for my back. They made today much better for my walking. Got settled in our new abode and we are happy campers. Did some shopping in The Marais. I found a long open coat I have been looking for for years for 100E. We will go back and pick it up. Also picked up lots of Caudalie lip balm. My family loves it and cost here was 4.50E each with a buy two, get one free. At Sephora in the States they are $12.00 each.
The receptionist here at the hotel made dinner reservations at a restaurant across the street for us. Again we didn't eat lunch until 4:00 pm. Found a cafe had, of course, wine with great Onion soup. So many wonderful little shops to visit.
Tomorrow we are meeting Michael and I think we are going to flea market.
Went into a Millinery shop. Tried on a great felt hat. Thinking about it. Still looking. Found Post Office and will buy those boxes you fill up and ship home. Trying to find a G20 close by to purchase skip, etc. Also found a lovely large Cashmere scarf. I wanted something colorful. This was grey but oh so soft. 199E. Will keep you posted on final purchases.
Breakfast here was some pastry (croissants) coffee from a machine that made 10 different kinds, butter, jelly, boil your own eggs, toast and cereal. Girl delivers OJ and water to table. The croissants could have come from the frozen section of Sam's Club after cooking and waiting a day. Even though our breakfast is included in our rate, think we will forgo and pop over to Paul's for our breakfast. Even though it will cost more, only here for such a short time want to stuff ourselves with the best we can get. You can get a croissant and expresso to go for 2.50E - such a steal.
Stopped by Pharmacy for Ibuprofen and Therma Care pads for my back. They made today much better for my walking. Got settled in our new abode and we are happy campers. Did some shopping in The Marais. I found a long open coat I have been looking for for years for 100E. We will go back and pick it up. Also picked up lots of Caudalie lip balm. My family loves it and cost here was 4.50E each with a buy two, get one free. At Sephora in the States they are $12.00 each.
The receptionist here at the hotel made dinner reservations at a restaurant across the street for us. Again we didn't eat lunch until 4:00 pm. Found a cafe had, of course, wine with great Onion soup. So many wonderful little shops to visit.
Tomorrow we are meeting Michael and I think we are going to flea market.
Went into a Millinery shop. Tried on a great felt hat. Thinking about it. Still looking. Found Post Office and will buy those boxes you fill up and ship home. Trying to find a G20 close by to purchase skip, etc. Also found a lovely large Cashmere scarf. I wanted something colorful. This was grey but oh so soft. 199E. Will keep you posted on final purchases.
Nov 26th, 2021, 09:30 AM
#49
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When we went into the cafe for soup today, they asked to see our Pass Sanitaire and we showed our CDC cards and they were accepted. 69 is not going to get the Pass just as long as CDC card seems to be accepted everywhere. You cannot go inside anywhere without a mask on. If I forget to put it back on, someone will immediately come over and remind me. Masks are taken very seriously here.
Nov 26th, 2021, 09:45 PM
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Dinner: went across the street for lovely dinner Les Bougresses. Very small, serves approx 36-38 people, two gentlemen serving, running around like chickens with their heads cut off, and noisy. People chatting up a storm. Stone walls with beamed ceilings. It was the type of place that makes you feel like you are in Paris. When we walked in we were asked for our Pass Sanitaire, 69 pulled out her CDC card and he said said ok, I was still fumbling to find mine when he asked is yours the same, I said yes and he said ok and we were seated.
Very small menu hand written on paper and on a clip board. Of course we needed a translation. 29E for prefix menu -I had an enormous bowl of mussels with delicious sauce, three duck pieces on mashed potatoes with a delicious sauce. Creme brûlée for dessert with the obligatory bottle of wine and bottle of water. Bill was 90E. Again delicious.
Waddled and swayed back to hotel for bed.
It is supposed to rain every day for the rest of our trip. But we are in Paris.
Very small menu hand written on paper and on a clip board. Of course we needed a translation. 29E for prefix menu -I had an enormous bowl of mussels with delicious sauce, three duck pieces on mashed potatoes with a delicious sauce. Creme brûlée for dessert with the obligatory bottle of wine and bottle of water. Bill was 90E. Again delicious.
Waddled and swayed back to hotel for bed.
It is supposed to rain every day for the rest of our trip. But we are in Paris.
Nov 27th, 2021, 05:10 AM
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Yes, benitakaren, hotel laundry service is very expensive. We often met English-speaking folks who had traveled more in the U.S. than we had. How horrible to find such croissants in France. Keep on shopping and staying safe.
Nov 27th, 2021, 11:00 PM
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Michael met us at our hotel. Was fun to see him again. Such a great person and so much fun to be with. Found out that our croissants from Paul's is like our American McDonald's. Oh well, they are ok for us.
Michael took us to the flea market. Had to take two busses which was fun because he told us about where we were along the way. The market is not quite what I expected. Enormous-stalls with glass doors so you can see what is for sale inside and you can walk in if you want. Saw everything from Greek statues, modern furniture, Louis IV furniture, ornate chairs, over the top furniture, art work, 80's couture clothing from major designers and everything in between. Any sized mirrors, Samari clothing down to hair clips and buttons. Walked for hours, some rain on and off. Don't really know how much we saw, certainly not over 1/10th maybe less. Michael took us into some stores he was familiar with. One with stuffed animals and birds. When we walked in there was a lioness laying on the bed.
He also took us to his favorite booth. There is a woman who sells couture Chanel jewelry from the 70's and 80's. We visited with her for about an hour. She is a former model, dancer, actress -originally from England. The Chanel management has been to see her collection. She has been written up in magazines and done shows on CBS, NBC and CNN. She has met Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin when she was a dancer and been on Ed Sullivan show. Nat King Cole wanted to date her but she was too young! In the booth next to her she had a little museum of jewelry, not for sale. An incredible bee pin collection with a picture of an older movie star wearing them. The jewelry that Elizabeth Taylor wore in Cleopatra with a picture. All this jewelry is not for sale. I asked her if she would sell one of her bees. She said some days I might but not today. We loved her anyway.
Stopped for lunch, again around 4 p.m. Of course, bottle of wine, squash soup with hazelnuts and whitefish with a wonderful sauce with rice and vegetables. Shared a rice pudding for dessert.
Then Bathroom time. Of course it was down stairs. Why are the toilettes downstairs always. Michael told us to go to the end and there used to be a red lipped open mouth urinal for men. We took a picture. Hallway had pipes with lots and valves and gauges. Looked like we were in a submarine.
Took first bus back into town, second bus didn't arrive. Michael called it a "manifestation" (protest, march, large gathering for either good or bad). We waited in the cold wind for about a half, couldn't even find taxi. Walked a couple of blocks to another major street and finally found taxi back to hotel about 8 p.m.
Since we were not really hungry, drank some tea, ate some potato chips, split a croissant with butter and a chocolate bar. Exhausted and bed.
Michael took us to the flea market. Had to take two busses which was fun because he told us about where we were along the way. The market is not quite what I expected. Enormous-stalls with glass doors so you can see what is for sale inside and you can walk in if you want. Saw everything from Greek statues, modern furniture, Louis IV furniture, ornate chairs, over the top furniture, art work, 80's couture clothing from major designers and everything in between. Any sized mirrors, Samari clothing down to hair clips and buttons. Walked for hours, some rain on and off. Don't really know how much we saw, certainly not over 1/10th maybe less. Michael took us into some stores he was familiar with. One with stuffed animals and birds. When we walked in there was a lioness laying on the bed.
He also took us to his favorite booth. There is a woman who sells couture Chanel jewelry from the 70's and 80's. We visited with her for about an hour. She is a former model, dancer, actress -originally from England. The Chanel management has been to see her collection. She has been written up in magazines and done shows on CBS, NBC and CNN. She has met Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin when she was a dancer and been on Ed Sullivan show. Nat King Cole wanted to date her but she was too young! In the booth next to her she had a little museum of jewelry, not for sale. An incredible bee pin collection with a picture of an older movie star wearing them. The jewelry that Elizabeth Taylor wore in Cleopatra with a picture. All this jewelry is not for sale. I asked her if she would sell one of her bees. She said some days I might but not today. We loved her anyway.
Stopped for lunch, again around 4 p.m. Of course, bottle of wine, squash soup with hazelnuts and whitefish with a wonderful sauce with rice and vegetables. Shared a rice pudding for dessert.
Then Bathroom time. Of course it was down stairs. Why are the toilettes downstairs always. Michael told us to go to the end and there used to be a red lipped open mouth urinal for men. We took a picture. Hallway had pipes with lots and valves and gauges. Looked like we were in a submarine.
Took first bus back into town, second bus didn't arrive. Michael called it a "manifestation" (protest, march, large gathering for either good or bad). We waited in the cold wind for about a half, couldn't even find taxi. Walked a couple of blocks to another major street and finally found taxi back to hotel about 8 p.m.
Since we were not really hungry, drank some tea, ate some potato chips, split a croissant with butter and a chocolate bar. Exhausted and bed.
Nov 29th, 2021, 08:23 AM
#53
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Got up early - plenty of croissants in breakfast room. Took Metro to Opera Garnier for self guided tour. We were early so walked to Galleries to see window displays. It was cute but not great. Walked thru store to see Christmas tree lovely.
The Garnier is lovely and beautiful. Taking a tour gives you a chance to really look at things rather than rushing in for a performance. Saw some costumes from Platee, an opera we saw six years ago. Had to carry an iPad with tour and headphones. One more thing around our neck. Shopped and then luncheon 5th floor of Galleries for Asian food. Lovely presentation in half of pineapple. Tasted quite good. Shopped some more. Went to home store and looked around. In the street windows they had these little Santas and we both wanted to buy them but could not find them anywhere. Took cab back to hotel. Dropped off purchases, back to perfume shop and post office for shipping boxes. We told the perfume employees we were shipping Skip and Genie home and she just about died laughing and asked if she could tell her friends.
Back to hotel, asked desk if they had any wine, he brought out a bottle. I said put it on our bill. So here we are eating some cheese sticks, macaroons from Pierre Hermes and the wine. We are planning on dinner out tonight if we make it.
The Garnier is lovely and beautiful. Taking a tour gives you a chance to really look at things rather than rushing in for a performance. Saw some costumes from Platee, an opera we saw six years ago. Had to carry an iPad with tour and headphones. One more thing around our neck. Shopped and then luncheon 5th floor of Galleries for Asian food. Lovely presentation in half of pineapple. Tasted quite good. Shopped some more. Went to home store and looked around. In the street windows they had these little Santas and we both wanted to buy them but could not find them anywhere. Took cab back to hotel. Dropped off purchases, back to perfume shop and post office for shipping boxes. We told the perfume employees we were shipping Skip and Genie home and she just about died laughing and asked if she could tell her friends.
Back to hotel, asked desk if they had any wine, he brought out a bottle. I said put it on our bill. So here we are eating some cheese sticks, macaroons from Pierre Hermes and the wine. We are planning on dinner out tonight if we make it.
Nov 29th, 2021, 08:33 AM
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On the way back with our boxes and perfume, there was a guy behind us who went into a corner to pee. I was so jealous. Why can't women just scooch in a corner and let it rip!
Lots of people with cats and dogs sitting on the sidewalk begging, and we even saw a woman on her cellphone. Probably talking to her broker.
Almost everyone dressed in black. Even while shopping in stores, with winter hat, gloves, heavy coat and thick scarf around neck with mask. Can barely see their eyes. And I have an open coat and sweating like mad.
Lots of people with cats and dogs sitting on the sidewalk begging, and we even saw a woman on her cellphone. Probably talking to her broker.
Almost everyone dressed in black. Even while shopping in stores, with winter hat, gloves, heavy coat and thick scarf around neck with mask. Can barely see their eyes. And I have an open coat and sweating like mad.
Nov 29th, 2021, 10:42 PM
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Haven't made it to Printemps yet. It is on our list. Thanks
Ate dinner last night at a small restaurant we had lunch at yesterday. I had delicious fish with vegetables with some great spices. Of course our obligatory wine and tiramisu. That is not my favorite dessert but this was special, more like a mousse.
Going out for breakfast, then for two more boxes of soap and I think I have found a store where we can buy salted butter to take home. We have tickets for Arc de Triumphe today. Another day in Paris. I am so lucky to be here.
BTW, everywhere takes CDC card.
Ate dinner last night at a small restaurant we had lunch at yesterday. I had delicious fish with vegetables with some great spices. Of course our obligatory wine and tiramisu. That is not my favorite dessert but this was special, more like a mousse.
Going out for breakfast, then for two more boxes of soap and I think I have found a store where we can buy salted butter to take home. We have tickets for Arc de Triumphe today. Another day in Paris. I am so lucky to be here.
BTW, everywhere takes CDC card.
Nov 30th, 2021, 01:24 AM
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Every store in Paris has advertised a sale for Black Friday -20%. We find that interesting. Found a street down street for breakfast. Fresh oj, croissant, and cafe creme. We loved it. Then found salted butter, pharmacy, boxes of soap, Pylons (just looking) and bank for 69. Back at hotel for yogurt and machine coffee. Now planning rest of day.
Nov 30th, 2021, 08:13 AM
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Forget to tell that the restaurant we have been to twice has blankets over the back of chairs if you are eating under the heat lamps and get cold, Our daughters would have a fit if they had to use a community blanket! We have not used them.
As we were leaving Printemps and 69 was carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, the Chanel perfume lady saw 69 and dragged her right into the counter for a spiel on a new Chanel l'Eau. 69 thinks I am a sap but today she was the prima supremer. 69 loves everything Chanel and so do I.
As we were leaving Printemps and 69 was carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, the Chanel perfume lady saw 69 and dragged her right into the counter for a spiel on a new Chanel l'Eau. 69 thinks I am a sap but today she was the prima supremer. 69 loves everything Chanel and so do I.
