Laurel and Hardy in Drag Go To Paris
Sep 20th, 2015, 02:47 AM
#165
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Benita: I seem to have lost a day, and it was the wrong day!! We were so close and yet so far!
Yesterday, my DH had a problem with his legs suddenly weakening, so we weere concentrating on him most of the day. We started out doing too much, as in going to the Saturday Market at Ave. President Wilson, and we walked from ave de la bourdonnais.
I took him home in a cab, (losing track of time, and then after resting, he seemed OK, but really wasn't.
We went out to Le Verre Vole for dinner and that turned out to be great food, but in the middle of the dregs of the Techno Parade kids, along with tons of police, and fire trucks, and rescue trucks, etc., It was a Playhouse 90 of complications for DH.
We should have gone to Au Petit Sud Oeust, where I would have run in to YOU!
So we never got together, and I think you are flying home today, right?
YOur report has been a real gem, all the way. I want to go with you wherever you go! I guess we'll have to meet up in Maine, where we may go back in the fall. I'll email you privately, but thanks for the wonderful report, LOL all the way!
Yesterday, my DH had a problem with his legs suddenly weakening, so we weere concentrating on him most of the day. We started out doing too much, as in going to the Saturday Market at Ave. President Wilson, and we walked from ave de la bourdonnais.
I took him home in a cab, (losing track of time, and then after resting, he seemed OK, but really wasn't.
We went out to Le Verre Vole for dinner and that turned out to be great food, but in the middle of the dregs of the Techno Parade kids, along with tons of police, and fire trucks, and rescue trucks, etc., It was a Playhouse 90 of complications for DH.
We should have gone to Au Petit Sud Oeust, where I would have run in to YOU!
So we never got together, and I think you are flying home today, right?
YOur report has been a real gem, all the way. I want to go with you wherever you go! I guess we'll have to meet up in Maine, where we may go back in the fall. I'll email you privately, but thanks for the wonderful report, LOL all the way!
Sep 21st, 2015, 12:18 PM
#166
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I am determined to finish this report and am home now for almost 24 hours and am somewhat coherent. Really having a hard time re-adjusting, probably shopping withdrawal. 63 said yesterday that we need to go directly to Betty Ford. I wonder if there is shopping there?
Back to the pouring rain in London. We dried off at Harrods for a couple of hours. Sandwiches and pint in one of their cafes. I was so wet that I Iconsidered buying a new shirt for trip back to Paris We spent some time in the toy department. they were even demonstrating a product that felt like snow. we enjoyed playing with the snow although i think the salesperson was a little disappointed when we told him we live in snow country. Took a cab back to train station. Still raining like mad and traffic was unbelievable. It cost us 30 euros for the short trip (over $45).
Ok this is what happened and 63 and I are still howling about this. We got to the station and 63 got out, I leaned forward to give the driver the money. The floor was very very wet and, I guess, slippery, and I started to slip off the seat. I said to 63 I am going down. And like a slow motion movie, I went splat down on the floor of the cab sitting with my legs straight out. The cab driver didn't notice me as he was counting his money. When he did notice me on the back seat floor of his cab he did ask if I was ok. I was laughing so hard I could hardly talk. I started to inch my butt over to the door until my legs were hanging out so 63 could help me stand up. I had to stop before we got into the train station to catch my breath because I couldn't believe what I had just done. So in one day, I fell into and on to a cab.
We immediately got a drink to compose ourselves. The train was full of tired businessmen on the way back home. We tried to keep quiet but giggled and laughed like teenagers all the way. There was a woman sitting kitty corner from us. We named her Star Lady since she had a blue dress on with white stars. She did not appreciate the fun we were having. When the food came she got a small bottle of wine. She immediately opened it and started swigging it down. About half way thru the bottle she poured it into the glass. We figured she must have had a very tough day. At this point we were so tired and sleep deprived that anything and everything made us howl.
Cab back to apartment and fell into bed.
Thursday I have already told you about.
Back to the pouring rain in London. We dried off at Harrods for a couple of hours. Sandwiches and pint in one of their cafes. I was so wet that I Iconsidered buying a new shirt for trip back to Paris We spent some time in the toy department. they were even demonstrating a product that felt like snow. we enjoyed playing with the snow although i think the salesperson was a little disappointed when we told him we live in snow country. Took a cab back to train station. Still raining like mad and traffic was unbelievable. It cost us 30 euros for the short trip (over $45).
Ok this is what happened and 63 and I are still howling about this. We got to the station and 63 got out, I leaned forward to give the driver the money. The floor was very very wet and, I guess, slippery, and I started to slip off the seat. I said to 63 I am going down. And like a slow motion movie, I went splat down on the floor of the cab sitting with my legs straight out. The cab driver didn't notice me as he was counting his money. When he did notice me on the back seat floor of his cab he did ask if I was ok. I was laughing so hard I could hardly talk. I started to inch my butt over to the door until my legs were hanging out so 63 could help me stand up. I had to stop before we got into the train station to catch my breath because I couldn't believe what I had just done. So in one day, I fell into and on to a cab.
We immediately got a drink to compose ourselves. The train was full of tired businessmen on the way back home. We tried to keep quiet but giggled and laughed like teenagers all the way. There was a woman sitting kitty corner from us. We named her Star Lady since she had a blue dress on with white stars. She did not appreciate the fun we were having. When the food came she got a small bottle of wine. She immediately opened it and started swigging it down. About half way thru the bottle she poured it into the glass. We figured she must have had a very tough day. At this point we were so tired and sleep deprived that anything and everything made us howl.
Cab back to apartment and fell into bed.
Thursday I have already told you about.
Sep 21st, 2015, 12:45 PM
#167
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Friday. This was haircut day. I have had my hair cut several times in the 7th by the same man. His cuts are great and are very reasonable. It was just several doors down from the apartment. Of course, I love my new do. Quite short and easy peasy to take care of. I just tell him I want Paris chic. He never talks. He probably speaks English but just sits on a stool and starts cutting.
63 and I took our purchased boxes to post office. Of course, we were over weight. Bought more boxes, back to apt. to repack and took back to post office. We looked like UPS delivery men at Christmas. They took all the boxes even if they were overweight. They were happy to get rid go us, since we carried two boxes in Clifford which was opened on the floor of the PO and 63 put the others in the little food cart they had in the apartment.
63 wanted to go back to LV to look at something. Can you believe it, it wasn't even my idea. But I went along happily. That's where we got another glass of champagne. Rather than leaving my heart in San Francisco I left my money in Paris.
Our huge splurge for dinner was at David Toutain. What an incredible experience. It was raining and since it was in the 7th we walked there. They took us upstairs and I don't know what came over me but there was a waiter at the top of the stairs. And I took a look at him and I must have had stars in my eyes but I said, "OMG you are handsome". He probably thought i was just a horny old broad and maybe there was some truth to that. I think they hire their servers based on their looks!
Dinner was 17 or 18 separate items and we had the wine pairing with five different wines. Food was outstanding and the presentation was beautiful. Left the restaurant over three hours later. Highly recommended. Stumbled back to apartment.
63 and I took our purchased boxes to post office. Of course, we were over weight. Bought more boxes, back to apt. to repack and took back to post office. We looked like UPS delivery men at Christmas. They took all the boxes even if they were overweight. They were happy to get rid go us, since we carried two boxes in Clifford which was opened on the floor of the PO and 63 put the others in the little food cart they had in the apartment.
63 wanted to go back to LV to look at something. Can you believe it, it wasn't even my idea. But I went along happily. That's where we got another glass of champagne. Rather than leaving my heart in San Francisco I left my money in Paris.
Our huge splurge for dinner was at David Toutain. What an incredible experience. It was raining and since it was in the 7th we walked there. They took us upstairs and I don't know what came over me but there was a waiter at the top of the stairs. And I took a look at him and I must have had stars in my eyes but I said, "OMG you are handsome". He probably thought i was just a horny old broad and maybe there was some truth to that. I think they hire their servers based on their looks!
Dinner was 17 or 18 separate items and we had the wine pairing with five different wines. Food was outstanding and the presentation was beautiful. Left the restaurant over three hours later. Highly recommended. Stumbled back to apartment.
Sep 21st, 2015, 01:15 PM
#168
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Saturday Our last day in Paris. This morning we went to Hotel DeVille since it was open on Saturday and Sunday. I had read about City Hall from MaiTai Tom's report and did not want to miss it. We waited in line for awhile but it was not too long. Absolutely beautiful building. I didn't eat before we left and I was not feeling too well. At one point I sat down in a comfortable chair and fell asleep for a few minutes. It helped me a little but I was glad to see the building.
Went to a cafe for some food. Felt much better. 63 insisted I needed another suitcase. She needed one and said I needed one also and was she right. We went to BHV and found large Lipaults.
Stopped again at a cafe for another Cafe Creme. Paris coffee is so very good. I have now recovered and am back to normal.
Took cab and our new luggage to Henri LaRoux in the 7th to buy some salted caramels. I love those caramels. Then walked to Michel Chaudon for his paves. Those little paves are the best and they were the one thing my family wanted me to bring home.
Back to apartment to pack. We made sure our bags were not overweight or so we thought. 63 had Big Bird, new blue one and carry on. I had Clifford, large duffle bag, new one and carry on.
We were almost done packing and it was about 7 p.m. and went to Bateaux Mouches for a river cruise. Was a beautiful evening, actually the best we had during our two weeks.
63 loved Cafe Constant so went there for dinner. Another very good meal.
Finished packing and were finally ready for home.
Went to a cafe for some food. Felt much better. 63 insisted I needed another suitcase. She needed one and said I needed one also and was she right. We went to BHV and found large Lipaults.
Stopped again at a cafe for another Cafe Creme. Paris coffee is so very good. I have now recovered and am back to normal.
Took cab and our new luggage to Henri LaRoux in the 7th to buy some salted caramels. I love those caramels. Then walked to Michel Chaudon for his paves. Those little paves are the best and they were the one thing my family wanted me to bring home.
Back to apartment to pack. We made sure our bags were not overweight or so we thought. 63 had Big Bird, new blue one and carry on. I had Clifford, large duffle bag, new one and carry on.
We were almost done packing and it was about 7 p.m. and went to Bateaux Mouches for a river cruise. Was a beautiful evening, actually the best we had during our two weeks.
63 loved Cafe Constant so went there for dinner. Another very good meal.
Finished packing and were finally ready for home.
Sep 21st, 2015, 01:30 PM
#169
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Sunday Our last few hours in Paris. Threw the last few items in the bags and took them down to the Paris Perfect office. Took us two trips.
We had made arrangements for Victor pick up at noon so we had two free hours. Walked to Tower for last look, then pedicab to Laudree on Champs to pick up Macarons Had a wonderful breakfast in their cafe in the back of the restaurant. Sort of looks like a spider web. Very strange but charming. Took cab back to PP office to get picked up for CDG.
Did the machine detax for our purchases, except for Chanel. Waited in line for an agent and took care of that. Mailed all the envelopes. Hope we get our money. Time will tell.
We were quite proud of ourselves. All our luggage was properly weighed and check in would be a breeze. Oh how wrong we were.
]We had forgotten to weigh our hand luggage. We were fortunate enough to have the most wonderful ticket agent.
We had made arrangements for Victor pick up at noon so we had two free hours. Walked to Tower for last look, then pedicab to Laudree on Champs to pick up Macarons Had a wonderful breakfast in their cafe in the back of the restaurant. Sort of looks like a spider web. Very strange but charming. Took cab back to PP office to get picked up for CDG.
Did the machine detax for our purchases, except for Chanel. Waited in line for an agent and took care of that. Mailed all the envelopes. Hope we get our money. Time will tell.
We were quite proud of ourselves. All our luggage was properly weighed and check in would be a breeze. Oh how wrong we were.
]We had forgotten to weigh our hand luggage. We were fortunate enough to have the most wonderful ticket agent.
Sep 21st, 2015, 01:34 PM
#170
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I have to ask why you didn't just use the agent for all of your detaxe? I've occasionally not gotten the refund but don't keep good enough receipts to know who stiffed me.
Sounds like an awesome trip!
Sounds like an awesome trip!
Sep 21st, 2015, 03:30 PM
#171
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Judy I did not want to open all my luggage to find the items if asked. The Chanel bag I had in my carry on. The agent saw the chain and asked if that was the bag, said yes. That was enough.
Sep 21st, 2015, 04:31 PM
#172
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The ticket agent said our bags were fine but the carry ons were too heavy. She repacked all our luggage. We opened the bags and she repacked everything to make room. We were with her for one and one half hours. It was unbelievable. Finally she said I think you are all set. You are a little over but not by much so she thought we would be ok. Finally we are on our way. Take our carry on to the weigh area.
We figured we are all set. Nothing can happen now. I always say, never say never. We had the opportunity to find the weight Nazi. The weight Nazi said, No plane for you. We are both over, me by two kilos. I think that is what he said.
We were sent back into the terminal to find the Air France personnel in charge of heavy bags. We are standing at the counter and 63 is starting to throw away her toothbrush, toothpaste, etc to get her weight down. The agent said we could consolidate into 62's carry on so we had to pay for only one bag. So there we are with carry on's opened on the floor trying to take on the plane what was absolutely necessary and send all the unnecessary stuff. I have learned a very important lesson. I can travel on a 7 hour flight with cc's, passport, phone and iPad. No kleenex, nose spray, pills, lip balm, etc. and I survived. Who knew!
For any of you traveling Air France, I suggest you weigh all pièces of luggage. They were very strict the day we travelled. Lesson learned.
After a 200 plus euro charge to send the 5th bag we finally made it to the gate. Now, there is every conceivable, trinket, cookie, bag and perfume line available to buy before boarding They do not care how much weight you take on the plane after you have gone thru security. I do not get it.
We waited in line for about 45 minutes. You never know exactly what is happening but the word on the street was that there was a security issue. There were security people all over the plane. Not what you want to hear when boarding a seven hour flight.
Finally we boarded. Now we had the same seats we did on coming back as we did going over. My seat was narrow but doable. On the way back it was terrible. My rear end barely fit. I was sitting sort of side saddle for most of the flight. When sitting back down after a bathroom run- ouch! I like to think that they reconfigured the plane seat and it had nothing to do with the fact that I ate more bread and butter than I should have.
I love that French butter and brought two pounds home as well as cheeses and salami. Everything was vacuum packed.
63 and I have been friends for six years but have never traveled together. We found that we are great traveling companions. 63 is very easy going (cannot say the same about me) and we both enjoyed spending two weeks together in Paris. Au Revoir Paris. Hope to see you again.
We figured we are all set. Nothing can happen now. I always say, never say never. We had the opportunity to find the weight Nazi. The weight Nazi said, No plane for you. We are both over, me by two kilos. I think that is what he said.
We were sent back into the terminal to find the Air France personnel in charge of heavy bags. We are standing at the counter and 63 is starting to throw away her toothbrush, toothpaste, etc to get her weight down. The agent said we could consolidate into 62's carry on so we had to pay for only one bag. So there we are with carry on's opened on the floor trying to take on the plane what was absolutely necessary and send all the unnecessary stuff. I have learned a very important lesson. I can travel on a 7 hour flight with cc's, passport, phone and iPad. No kleenex, nose spray, pills, lip balm, etc. and I survived. Who knew!
For any of you traveling Air France, I suggest you weigh all pièces of luggage. They were very strict the day we travelled. Lesson learned.
After a 200 plus euro charge to send the 5th bag we finally made it to the gate. Now, there is every conceivable, trinket, cookie, bag and perfume line available to buy before boarding They do not care how much weight you take on the plane after you have gone thru security. I do not get it.
We waited in line for about 45 minutes. You never know exactly what is happening but the word on the street was that there was a security issue. There were security people all over the plane. Not what you want to hear when boarding a seven hour flight.
Finally we boarded. Now we had the same seats we did on coming back as we did going over. My seat was narrow but doable. On the way back it was terrible. My rear end barely fit. I was sitting sort of side saddle for most of the flight. When sitting back down after a bathroom run- ouch! I like to think that they reconfigured the plane seat and it had nothing to do with the fact that I ate more bread and butter than I should have.
I love that French butter and brought two pounds home as well as cheeses and salami. Everything was vacuum packed.
63 and I have been friends for six years but have never traveled together. We found that we are great traveling companions. 63 is very easy going (cannot say the same about me) and we both enjoyed spending two weeks together in Paris. Au Revoir Paris. Hope to see you again.
Sep 22nd, 2015, 08:36 AM
#177
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Well, I kept looking for you but never had a sighting. And, it seems we were both at the Hotel de Ville on Saturday! I've really enjoyed reading about all your adventures. What fun! Now, we will have to hold on to all our wonderful Paris memories through another Maine winter.
Sep 22nd, 2015, 10:00 AM
#178
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Maitaitom-thank you for liking my report. Considering yours are always fabulous I take it as a real compliment.
MaineGG-Thank you and what town do you live in? We were in line on the back side for the opening on Saturday.
Bokhara2, Joannyc, flpab-Thank you for taking the time to read about our daily adventures. I really appreciate it. I was not sure if anyone would want to read it except my family.
MaineGG-Thank you and what town do you live in? We were in line on the back side for the opening on Saturday.
Bokhara2, Joannyc, flpab-Thank you for taking the time to read about our daily adventures. I really appreciate it. I was not sure if anyone would want to read it except my family.
Sep 22nd, 2015, 10:13 AM
#179
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I'm in Kennebunkport. We got to the Hotel de Ville around 8:45 and were probably around 70th in line. It was certainly worth waiting in line for. Were you approached by those people (wearing shirts that said Lineberty) who were offering some kind of deal to get in early if you put some kind of app on your phone? Two people who were just behind us in line did it and were told to go to those white tents that were set up in front of the entrance. We saw them go in about 15 minutes before us. Interesting.
Sep 22nd, 2015, 10:27 AM
#180
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You can be sure I wanted to read it! I looked forward to each and every addition to your crazy story! You do have a way with words, Benita! I loved your report, as did my husband! Thanks for the laughs!
