Schnauzer reporting live from Paris May09
May 14th, 2009, 11:46 AM
#82
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Hi Leely, it is mostly warm and rainy. Quite humid, the shops are boiling inside. Thin layers are good. Bring a silk scarf for around your neck for when it gets cool.
Kerouac, I am glad you liked the photos, yes that is a special Fodors album, I thought people would tune out if I posted too many. I need to start taking some more though.
I am posting todays news next.
Schnauzer
Kerouac, I am glad you liked the photos, yes that is a special Fodors album, I thought people would tune out if I posted too many. I need to start taking some more though.
I am posting todays news next.
Schnauzer
May 14th, 2009, 11:49 AM
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Thursday 14th May
Well I was saved my power walk because a big thunderstorm came through last night, really heavy rain. I had even changed into my walking gear but by the time I had done that the heavens had opened. No walk, no cake!!
We did however go out for dinner as the rain had stopped by then. We had had a little confusion with arrangements, DH was meant to be buying something for dinner as I was buying the train tickets. However, he had forgotten the critical detail – buy dinner. As there was nothing to eat we had to go out. We chose a local bistro, Bistro Lorette which was very small and friendly. It was a two man operation, one chef, one waiter. They were both extremely warm and welcoming. We had a bit of difficulty reading the menu as the chef had used an internet translater which hadn’t worked so well in some cases. I chose the Goose of Guinea Fowl. This turned out to be whole thigh of Guinea Fowl! DH chose a lamb herb crusted dish with peppered polenta. My Guinea Fowl came with Potatoes Dauphinoise which were very yummy. The Guinea Fowl was cooked beautifully but the sauce let it down a bit, it tasted rather like packet gravy, which I hope it wasn’t. We both had the house pistachio cake special with cherries in Kirsh and home made Pain d’apice (a sort of gingerbread) ice cream. This was very good.
Today we decided it was too wet for Giverny and we made the right decision. We did head off though for Chateau de Vincennes which is at the end of the metro line. We had only used our Navigo passes just in case the weather turned horrible, which it did very quickly. It started pouring and as we had wanted particularly to see the gardens it seemed a bit pointless hanging around. We turned around and caught the metro back up to La Muette to go and see the Musee de Marmotten – Monet’s museum. When we were here four years ago we went to the Musee d’Orsay expecting to see lots of Monet’s work, we were very disappointed and couldn’t quite work out where they all were. Well we now know where – at this museum. It was chockers full of Monet’s work, early, middle and late. Just fabulous, every picture as fantastic as the next. We sat and took it all in. There was a fellow giving some students a talk (in English) so we eaves dropped a bit and learnt some stuff. There are lots of other impressionist paintings throughout the whole museum as well as some furniture and object d’arts. The main Monet exhibition is on the lower ground floor. This museum is an absolute must for any Monet fans. I managed to do a bit of damage in the “shop” as well. I have been trying so hard to find presents for people, it is really hard. Either you can buy the same stuff back home, it is too heavy, made in China, costs the earth or is a load of tourist tat.
Forgot to mention that before we reached the museum we went to have lunch at a great little street called rue de l’Annonciation. This little street is full of great cafes and food shops a bit like rue des Martyrs. We chose the lunch formule for 13E, which included a salad of choice, a drink and a pastry – anyone you wanted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a croque monsieur with salad, DH had Croque Madame, two hot chocolates and the most divine cakes. I was in seventh heaven, I could choose anyone – after having to get the poor girl to describe in detail what was in each one, it became a choice between a raspberry and chocolate cake or a chocolate meringue and mousse and huge amounts of chocolate pieces on top. Salivating beyond control I chose the raspberry and chocolate number. DH had raspberry tart. My cake was photographed and will appear in the next set of photos as well as photos of all the other cakes. It was delicious, chocolate squidgy cake with raspberries in the middle and a raspberry jelly type coating with raspberries on top and a cherry and a little bit of gold leaf. Sheer artistry, I had to choose it for artistic purposes only you realise nothing to do with gluttony at all. Afterwards we waddled to the museum.
After the museum DH headed home and I headed back to the shops for more present research. I “did” the seven floors of Printemps without much luck either. I thought about buying some chocolates as presents, but didn’t want to risk the box of 10 chocolates for $45 to melt!!! They again are works of art but…….
I finally dragged myself back home by 6.30pm. I feel exhausted, I am not as young as I used to be obviously.
We had our meats and cheeses and salad with some fresh bread and strawberries for dinner. The new duck terrine we bought was a big success.
Typing this up and then off to bed, I think a slow day is due tomorrow. But I can’t help myself there is still so much to see and the only way is by foot. The weather looks like it might clear by Saturday for Giverny. I am even more inspired after the museum today. If you have never been there make sure you put it on your next “must do” list. (the museum
and Giverny of course)
Until tomorrow,
Please tell me if you are enjoying the report.
Schnazuer
Well I was saved my power walk because a big thunderstorm came through last night, really heavy rain. I had even changed into my walking gear but by the time I had done that the heavens had opened. No walk, no cake!!
We did however go out for dinner as the rain had stopped by then. We had had a little confusion with arrangements, DH was meant to be buying something for dinner as I was buying the train tickets. However, he had forgotten the critical detail – buy dinner. As there was nothing to eat we had to go out. We chose a local bistro, Bistro Lorette which was very small and friendly. It was a two man operation, one chef, one waiter. They were both extremely warm and welcoming. We had a bit of difficulty reading the menu as the chef had used an internet translater which hadn’t worked so well in some cases. I chose the Goose of Guinea Fowl. This turned out to be whole thigh of Guinea Fowl! DH chose a lamb herb crusted dish with peppered polenta. My Guinea Fowl came with Potatoes Dauphinoise which were very yummy. The Guinea Fowl was cooked beautifully but the sauce let it down a bit, it tasted rather like packet gravy, which I hope it wasn’t. We both had the house pistachio cake special with cherries in Kirsh and home made Pain d’apice (a sort of gingerbread) ice cream. This was very good.
Today we decided it was too wet for Giverny and we made the right decision. We did head off though for Chateau de Vincennes which is at the end of the metro line. We had only used our Navigo passes just in case the weather turned horrible, which it did very quickly. It started pouring and as we had wanted particularly to see the gardens it seemed a bit pointless hanging around. We turned around and caught the metro back up to La Muette to go and see the Musee de Marmotten – Monet’s museum. When we were here four years ago we went to the Musee d’Orsay expecting to see lots of Monet’s work, we were very disappointed and couldn’t quite work out where they all were. Well we now know where – at this museum. It was chockers full of Monet’s work, early, middle and late. Just fabulous, every picture as fantastic as the next. We sat and took it all in. There was a fellow giving some students a talk (in English) so we eaves dropped a bit and learnt some stuff. There are lots of other impressionist paintings throughout the whole museum as well as some furniture and object d’arts. The main Monet exhibition is on the lower ground floor. This museum is an absolute must for any Monet fans. I managed to do a bit of damage in the “shop” as well. I have been trying so hard to find presents for people, it is really hard. Either you can buy the same stuff back home, it is too heavy, made in China, costs the earth or is a load of tourist tat.
Forgot to mention that before we reached the museum we went to have lunch at a great little street called rue de l’Annonciation. This little street is full of great cafes and food shops a bit like rue des Martyrs. We chose the lunch formule for 13E, which included a salad of choice, a drink and a pastry – anyone you wanted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a croque monsieur with salad, DH had Croque Madame, two hot chocolates and the most divine cakes. I was in seventh heaven, I could choose anyone – after having to get the poor girl to describe in detail what was in each one, it became a choice between a raspberry and chocolate cake or a chocolate meringue and mousse and huge amounts of chocolate pieces on top. Salivating beyond control I chose the raspberry and chocolate number. DH had raspberry tart. My cake was photographed and will appear in the next set of photos as well as photos of all the other cakes. It was delicious, chocolate squidgy cake with raspberries in the middle and a raspberry jelly type coating with raspberries on top and a cherry and a little bit of gold leaf. Sheer artistry, I had to choose it for artistic purposes only you realise nothing to do with gluttony at all. Afterwards we waddled to the museum.
After the museum DH headed home and I headed back to the shops for more present research. I “did” the seven floors of Printemps without much luck either. I thought about buying some chocolates as presents, but didn’t want to risk the box of 10 chocolates for $45 to melt!!! They again are works of art but…….
I finally dragged myself back home by 6.30pm. I feel exhausted, I am not as young as I used to be obviously.
We had our meats and cheeses and salad with some fresh bread and strawberries for dinner. The new duck terrine we bought was a big success.
Typing this up and then off to bed, I think a slow day is due tomorrow. But I can’t help myself there is still so much to see and the only way is by foot. The weather looks like it might clear by Saturday for Giverny. I am even more inspired after the museum today. If you have never been there make sure you put it on your next “must do” list. (the museum
and Giverny of course)
Until tomorrow,
Please tell me if you are enjoying the report.
Schnazuer
May 14th, 2009, 01:26 PM
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We returned from France last weekend and I'm just now getting around to checking in on Fodors. Enjoying your thread very much Schnauzer, and looking forward to more photos and the next day's events.
May 14th, 2009, 01:29 PM
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Fantastic report Schnauzer, Isn't it great to run off on your own and have little adventures, even if it is getting lost. What a luxury to have a whole month in Paris, just a dream. We will be in Paris on 14th July for a week at the end of our 6 week trip (us Sydneysiders have to make the most of it!). I take French classes as well but am still tres mauvaise, but it is fun to trot it out. I also concur, Sydney coffee is amazing, a very serious business here, as it should be. I am keenly following the report. Thanks
May 15th, 2009, 12:47 AM
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Hi Toni and celticmoon and ggnga I am really glad you are enjoying the report. Where do you do lessons Toni? I do mine in St. Ives/Pymble.
A very slow morning this morning, I slept till 10.00am!!! But I am not going to waste the whole day even if I am tired. I will work on downloading some more photos, mind you I haven't been taking too many the past few days I need to crank it up a bit.
I thought I would visit the Romantic Museum today as it is just around the corner from us. Something slow and sedate for today. We are still hoping for Giverny tomorrow.
Schnauzer
A very slow morning this morning, I slept till 10.00am!!! But I am not going to waste the whole day even if I am tired. I will work on downloading some more photos, mind you I haven't been taking too many the past few days I need to crank it up a bit.
I thought I would visit the Romantic Museum today as it is just around the corner from us. Something slow and sedate for today. We are still hoping for Giverny tomorrow.
Schnauzer
May 15th, 2009, 09:56 AM
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Hi Everyone some more pictures. Sorry they are mainly of food. I think I do have a problem!!!
Will try and take some scenery tomorrow. Todays report coming in a tick.
http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/ShareL...localeid=en_GB
Schnauzer
Will try and take some scenery tomorrow. Todays report coming in a tick.
http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/ShareL...localeid=en_GB
Schnauzer
May 15th, 2009, 10:22 AM
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Friday 15th May
This is titled I can’t believe I didn’t tell you about the bag!!!!!!!! Yesterday whilst we were near the Musee de Marmottan I walked past a shop advertising 70% off Longchamps bags. Screeeeeeched to a halt and had to wait to enter the shop as there were so many others looking inside, eventually I elbowed my way into the frenzy. Well I think there must have been one handbag at 70% however the rest were about 10% - 20%. I had been thinking of buying just a little tote Longchamps bag and they did have these at 20% off so that was good. I bought a pale pink one as the colours this year are not very exciting, bright baby blue, baby poop brown, green, pink and the usual black and brown. On the counter left in temptations way was the new range black patent bags, now I just love anything patent so of course I had to feel and touch. To cut a long story short the sales lady was very good, I came away with the bag. It is new seasons and I got 10% which is better than nothing and after detax another 12% so not bad, think of all the money I saved!!!! Okay I am happy now – no more talk of bags, thank god I hear you all say.
Today I woke up really late, I was so tired from all the walking. It was raining so I didn’t feel guilty. Slow morning uploading photos etc, it does take quite a bit of time but I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am enjoying taking them!
The ones of the statue and me are about Jean de la Fontaine who was a famous French author, he wrote lots and lots of fables. One of his most famous was about the fox and the crow and a camembert cheese. It is my cheese, no it is mine etc etc the story goes. I have grabbed the cheese and told them “It is mine”.
After lunch I went up to the Romantic Museum as you can tell by the amount of photos I took. It was really lovely and I received my first proposition from a French man. Okay so it was the guard in the first room of the museum – but it was a start!!! He wanted to know if I was single, would I be his girlfriend and take him to Australia as he wants to live there. Je suis desolee!! I am sorry!! I loved the museum and the house and the fact that there was no entry fee made it even more attractive. If you are in the 9th it is worth a visit but I wouldn’t trek half way across town to see it.
We then went up to Anver’s market which was very small. We bought some veges and laughed at the fishmonger lady trying to get these little kids to touch the live langoustines. They were hopping all over the place and one even hopped out of the bucket and on to the floor. Poor things.
Now I know you will think me mad but I thought since I was in situ it would make sense to have a look at some other apartments around the area for another time. We really like our apartment for the light and size but it is in a very quiet area, not that really matters but I thought I would take a look. I do spend hours and hours and hours on the net looking but this was just wonderful to actually go inside and look myself. Yay what fun. I saw three other apartments but to be honest I didn’t really like any of them, so that was good to eliminate those. I am seeing a couple more next week, the agent said there is no such thing as the perfect apartment in Paris it doesn’t exist, there is always a trade off. It just depends what you want to trade.
Back home to finish off more photos and typing and researching a hotel for our last night as we have nothing booked and don’t want to forget and be homeless for our last night when we return from Italy. Yeah, more research and looking. I could be a professional researcher.
It rained quite heavily on and off today, it is now sunny but cool. Crazy weather, I am either baked or cold.
Okay I promised to cut this short so I will finish here.
Till later,
Schnauzer - I hope you can get to the photos. I couldn't get the link to work when I tried, maybe cut and paste. Let me know if you don't have any luck.
This is titled I can’t believe I didn’t tell you about the bag!!!!!!!! Yesterday whilst we were near the Musee de Marmottan I walked past a shop advertising 70% off Longchamps bags. Screeeeeeched to a halt and had to wait to enter the shop as there were so many others looking inside, eventually I elbowed my way into the frenzy. Well I think there must have been one handbag at 70% however the rest were about 10% - 20%. I had been thinking of buying just a little tote Longchamps bag and they did have these at 20% off so that was good. I bought a pale pink one as the colours this year are not very exciting, bright baby blue, baby poop brown, green, pink and the usual black and brown. On the counter left in temptations way was the new range black patent bags, now I just love anything patent so of course I had to feel and touch. To cut a long story short the sales lady was very good, I came away with the bag. It is new seasons and I got 10% which is better than nothing and after detax another 12% so not bad, think of all the money I saved!!!! Okay I am happy now – no more talk of bags, thank god I hear you all say.
Today I woke up really late, I was so tired from all the walking. It was raining so I didn’t feel guilty. Slow morning uploading photos etc, it does take quite a bit of time but I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am enjoying taking them!
The ones of the statue and me are about Jean de la Fontaine who was a famous French author, he wrote lots and lots of fables. One of his most famous was about the fox and the crow and a camembert cheese. It is my cheese, no it is mine etc etc the story goes. I have grabbed the cheese and told them “It is mine”.
After lunch I went up to the Romantic Museum as you can tell by the amount of photos I took. It was really lovely and I received my first proposition from a French man. Okay so it was the guard in the first room of the museum – but it was a start!!! He wanted to know if I was single, would I be his girlfriend and take him to Australia as he wants to live there. Je suis desolee!! I am sorry!! I loved the museum and the house and the fact that there was no entry fee made it even more attractive. If you are in the 9th it is worth a visit but I wouldn’t trek half way across town to see it.
We then went up to Anver’s market which was very small. We bought some veges and laughed at the fishmonger lady trying to get these little kids to touch the live langoustines. They were hopping all over the place and one even hopped out of the bucket and on to the floor. Poor things.
Now I know you will think me mad but I thought since I was in situ it would make sense to have a look at some other apartments around the area for another time. We really like our apartment for the light and size but it is in a very quiet area, not that really matters but I thought I would take a look. I do spend hours and hours and hours on the net looking but this was just wonderful to actually go inside and look myself. Yay what fun. I saw three other apartments but to be honest I didn’t really like any of them, so that was good to eliminate those. I am seeing a couple more next week, the agent said there is no such thing as the perfect apartment in Paris it doesn’t exist, there is always a trade off. It just depends what you want to trade.
Back home to finish off more photos and typing and researching a hotel for our last night as we have nothing booked and don’t want to forget and be homeless for our last night when we return from Italy. Yeah, more research and looking. I could be a professional researcher.
It rained quite heavily on and off today, it is now sunny but cool. Crazy weather, I am either baked or cold.
Okay I promised to cut this short so I will finish here.
Till later,
Schnauzer - I hope you can get to the photos. I couldn't get the link to work when I tried, maybe cut and paste. Let me know if you don't have any luck.
May 15th, 2009, 11:57 AM
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Schnauzer, We met you last Saturday at the GTG. We're home now and I'm loving your report--almost as good as being there! I'm definitely having a hard time weaning off of all those luscious raspberry tarts, so please eat another one for me. Trish and John
May 15th, 2009, 12:53 PM
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Sorry for the late response about our apartment. It is not from our friends at Perfectly Paris but from a friend of theirs, Paula, at www.frenchyrentals.com, who has also been great to deal with. We like the size and location, as there is a great rotisserie across the street, a presse, 2 cafés, an ATM and 2 bakeries all within a few steps of our front door, not to mention the metro about one minute away at Notre Dame de Lorette. It is about the same size and comparably equipped as yours.
May 15th, 2009, 02:54 PM
#97
Your report is such fun. The Marmotten (sp?) was the favorite on our last trip to Paris. As for the food photos..... I'm just about to cook dinner. It will certainly be a let down after what I've seen.
Now..... I'M a senior. And you are young enough to be my daughter! Cherylgirl must be young enough to be my great great grandaughter -
(Yeah.. I'm one of those people who used to think 70 was old. Just got off the phone with my 98 y.o. friend. We both saw our cardiologists yesterday. She got a better report than I did.)
Now..... I'M a senior. And you are young enough to be my daughter! Cherylgirl must be young enough to be my great great grandaughter -
(Yeah.. I'm one of those people who used to think 70 was old. Just got off the phone with my 98 y.o. friend. We both saw our cardiologists yesterday. She got a better report than I did.)
May 15th, 2009, 03:22 PM
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I love it! What an appropriate place to be propositioned, the Romantic Museum. Congrats on the bag, you can't go wrong with patent leather. I do my course at Carlingford and live in Gladesville, we should try for a Sydney GTG. I know there are a few others lurking on the boards.
