Paris, France

We are taking a coach to Dover then a ferry to Calais then on to Paris.

Thought the Myers daughters would get a kick out of knowing their dad has gotten into trouble already.

Apparently the British are quirky about having their grocery food photographed. We were all grocery shopping near our hotel and curt wanted to document the price of steak (which is quite high). Needless to say the Waitrose grocery guy was none to happy and came running up to curt to squash the food photo taking. Vicki mom and I all casually walked away and left him on his own. Fun times.

After our first evening exploring Paris, I've decided I love Paris in a different way than I love London. Paris is like a ornery old family member who you don't always understand but who you love so you just smile and nod at moments because they are such an important part of your history.

Today we are going around Paris with our tour group to see the sights. We will also go to the second level of the Eiffel tower and then Versailles

When you are at the Eiffel tower there are a lot of scams gypsies and pickpockets so we had to be on guard to them. For some reason the gypsies kept grabbing my arm which freaked me out - so mom and I started yelling "no touching"! And they would stay back. Sooo funny! I was doubled over laughing. Who knew my favorite line would be so useful.

Our day in Paris has just wrapped up and what a day!
I have never fully appreciated how much I love the English language until today. I missed being able to read, comprehend, & even eavesdrop. I know a couple of useful french phrases... Where is? Please. Thank you. Bathroom. Ham.
But that's no help when you ask where is the metro? And the French person responds in rapid French.... Haha great times trying to get to Versailles today. But we made it.
First we took a bus tour of Paris for all of the sights with a French guide who was so funny. She took us up the Eiffel tower and had us all laughing. The elevator ride up was so scary to me. Ugh (Vicki felt the same way). It was like a ride at six flags which I HATE!
But The views from the tower were breathtaking so it was worth it.
After we spent some time up in the air, we came back down for the rest of our tour. We ended at the Opera house. AMAZING. There are so many beautiful buildings in Paris.
After that we stopped by a cafe for lunch on the sidewalk, we had the sweetest waitress who tried so hard to help us with the language barrier. We ended up with some very yummy ham and mashed potatoes.
Then we headed for Versailles after a little fiasco with the local transportation we arrived.
I probably would have stood there and cried from joy but we were on a time crunch because of the transport issues so saved the tears for another time.
I can't even describe the palace itself. Its a must visit place.

I just finished reading a biography on Henry XIV which made everything so much more awe inspiring. And THANK GOODNESS for my good ole trusty Rick Steves. The audio commentary for the palace wasn't synced correctly so we were getting funky info. So I pulled out the iPhone, put on my RS walking tour of Versailles, clipped on earphones (sharing with mom of course) and off we went. Just a magical place.
Because of a water fountain show they shut down the gardens and wouldn't allow us access. (that almost brought on tears too... How do tears affect French men? Could have been a fun experiment)

I was able to get several good shots of the garden from inside the palace and through the gates but now I must come back and spend a whole day. (Rachel?!?)

After a Long crowded (little bit smelly) ride home on the RER, mom and I are both exhausted and glad tomorrow is a rest/driving day. It's only 8 but I may go on to bed now.

Good day overall. :)