Nearing the End

We spent most of Thursday in Nice. The kids swam at a pebble beach. Then it was on to Cannes. It is hot, but the kids are enjoying the sandy beach. Today (friday - our last day) we went to Monaco. I need to get a bag to carry gifts back in so I will sign off with what may be my final entry from the field! (I did upload more photos to flickr.)

Medieval Day

We left Nimes on our bus for day trips to two medieval towns. The first I will have to fill in later, for the day's are long and my memory is weak. The second was Les Baux, quite charming and pictueresque. In between we swam in the Mediterranean, rode horses, and picniced at a charming farm/ranch.

The south of France is affecting all of us in wonderful ways. The photo stream continues to grow.

We took a fast train.

Somebody said the train went over 200 mph. It whisked us out of Paris after a 5:00 am wakeup call, taking us south. We arrived in the medieval city of Avignon. (click here to see the growing flickr stream.) That was truly amazing. In France, everywhere you turn there is a postcard scene in real life in front of your eyes.

We then headed for the city of Nimes, first stopping to swim near the ruins of a Roman aquaduct. (Pont du Gard.)

In Nimes we checked the Roman era arena, or amphitheater, and are now ensconced in our hotel awaiting a good meal and hopefully not too much walking before bed!

Sacre Coeur

We went to the Montmartre today. Simply amazing. Also the Louvre. Wow. All the kids did very well. (All the adults did well too.) Tomorrow morning we hop on the TGV train out of Paris and head south.

I managed to post a video from last night.



More to come...

Monday Morning

We're off to the Louvre today. As promised, here are some pictures. Again I am rushed, but our jam-packed schedule has been very good so far! (Click a pic to see more.)

Sunday - A Full Day

Wow. We did a lot! We walked a lot. We rode the Metro. We saw Versailles. We saw a lot of Paris. I am too tired to pst more now but I will catch up (and with pictures!) in the morning!! Bon Soir.

We're here! Day 1.8

Our flights really came off well. No logistical problems and few, if any, logistical challenges. Everyone arrived atthe Buffalo airport with plenty of time. We made it to JFK fine and hardly had to move from our entrance gate to ensconce ourselves by our exit gate. Half way decent food was available within reach of the gate.

The overseas flight went quite well. We left one hour late due to 40 planes in front of us on the runway at JFK, but we arrived about 45 minutes early. Not bad! Magdalena Sidell caught up to us with apparent ease, as she flew in from Philadelphia. No one really slept all that much, but despite the fatigue, Paris met us with a sunny day so we launched into some sight seeing. We went to an open air market selling all sorts of crazy tourist stuff. We ate near Notre Dame in the Latin district. (Fred and I at at a great little cafe which seemed to be Italien. The gentleman out front periodically yelled, "Get Pizza!" so we took his advice and (Fred at least) got pizza. My pasta was excellent.

The day was warm as we headed to Notre Dame. Wow. Has to be seen, inside and out. Then onto Paris' best ice cream (depsite some tired cries of lactose intolerance) which I must say (through sampling only) was quite amazing. (I recomment the pear, the rhubarb, the vanilla or the cherry.)

Another metro ride took us home by about 4:00. Dirty, exhausted, but having really seem some of Paris and ready for more as it comes.

We've taken a ton of photos. Everyone seems to be clicking pictures. I know there will be some great ones. Once I figure out my card reader problem I hope to post some up here - so check back!