I am tired...and my stomach is...a mess

Well, we have finally gotten the train thing down. We took a taxi from our hotel in Bordeaux to the train station without issue. Dad realized yesterday that it was too far to walk…and when the gentleman at the hotel described traveling by local train, Dad got dizzy and decided that this was not the time to experiment with the local rail system. We took our bags downstairs and headed out for a nice walk after breakfast. I didn’t eat much…just don’t like the food that Dad has been buying and my stomach issues continue…a few days on a diet wont be bad.

The train ride to Paris was uneventful, unlike the last time we travelled these tracks…and, in France, there is no issue with me riding on the trains. We pulled into Gare de Montparasse on time. Dad loaded up the backpack and out we went to find a cab. Again, we have learned our lesson about walking 45 minutes to a hotel…which usually turns into an hour and a half. We had a bit of a hard time finding the cab stand…and the driver was not thrilled with me going along…but a wonderful bystander helped translate to the driver where we were going and, after initial objection, we climbed in. I rode in the back with the luggage which was ok…but I didn’t really understand it. It’s not like the cab was a pristine Mercedes…just a local junker. Whatever. We pulled up to the hotel, the Hotel Westminster, and were met by…a bellman! That’s unusual for us. Beautiful marble entry way and kind people behind the counter who upgraded our room to a newly renovated one…if they had known my stomach ailments, they would have put us in the basement. We went upstairs to a beautiful carpeted room with a huge bathtub shower and marble bathroom floor. Ah!!! Paris. After settling in, Dad and I headed out into the late afternoon to check out the sites. It was cold, rainy and windy in Paris…but we were undeterred. We passed the Louve, crossed the Seine and headed along the trail following this beautiful, historic river. Dad had asked the Consierge to make dinner reservations at 8 so we were on a bit of a timetable. We made it most of the way to the Eiffel Tower, passing the famous bridge with bronze golden statues and the palace. All beautiful. Paris, despite the weather, had a positive energy and I enjoyed my stroll along this peaceful river. We walked back to the hotel, passing through several plazas with statues, obelisks and fountains. Dad did walk me into the “People’s Park” until the guards chased us out…no dogs in the peoples park. I had to wonder about the “People” who had dogs…but I still had the runs and found numerous places to empty my bowels…it was messy particularly when I stopped and squatted in the middle of the sidewalk. Dad never got upset and did his best to pick up what I left. Oh…by the way…the French don’t believe in cleaning up after their dogs so you must be careful where you walk…Dad has had to clean his shoes more than once on this trip.

We arrived back at the hotel…Dad could have taken me with him to dinner…but I was tired and I think Dad was ready for a quiet, uneventful meal…worried that I might need to go in the restaurant. The Concierge made reservations at D’Ormant. Ours friends from Amsterdam had recommended a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower that looked ok…but the Concierge reassured Dad that there were no “Great, Innovative” restaurants near the Eiffel Tower. Dad cant speak to the quality of Eiffel Tower Restaurants, but D’Ormant was just magnificent. What a meal…this is why people come to Paris. Pumpkin Soup with Hazelnuts, Sea Bass with a green sauce and caviar…and this amazing pastry for dessert that the waiter insisted that Dad order…see photos! Also Rose Champagne and a beautiful French White Wine to accompany the fish. And coffee. Dad was much sated and very happy. The staff was magnificient…and Dad extolled their talents to the hotel staff…which made the Concierge very happy. Dad highly recommends this place to any of you who find yourself in Paris. OF course, he didn’t bother to bring leftovers…

The next morning was not my best. During the night, my stomach was really upset and I did my runny business all over the marble bathroom floor during the night. Dad just cleans it up with understanding…grateful that I didn’t go all over the carpets instead…I have learned! Dad purchased online entrance to the Musee D’Orsay to see the impressionists and post impressionists. We headed downstairs around 7 for me to do my business…but alas…I didn’t quite make the door when I had to go. So there, in the marble lobby of this beautiful hotel, I let it all go. I felt horrible and Dad was mortified…as the staff looked on, Dad tied me up and proceeded to clean up the mess. A janitor joined him…and they spruced things up quickly…Dad apologizing the entire time. So upset. And we still headed out…and I continued to have my problems. Dad took me back into the hotel and back to the room. Dad cleaned up and headed downstairs for breakfast and art. Dad wasn’t feeling particularly well either…he was quite chilled walking to the museum and, although he thoroughly enjoyed walking amidst the beautiful Monet’s, Degas’, Serrat’s among so many other familiar artists…he had enough after a couple of hours…so much beauty can be overwhelming. He ate a large breakfast so he wasn’t really hungry for lunch…or it turns out dinner…so we walked again..this time we made it all the way to the Eiffel Tower…and took pictures…and then headed back to the room. It was cold, windy and wet the entire time…but Dad wanted a picture of me in front of this landmark..We made it back to the hotel around 5 and, no surprise, Dad crashed mentally and physically. Traveling does take its toll on a man like it does a dog. I think Dad may have had a bit of a fever and he was concerned about summoning the energy to pack and move in the morning…but that is tomorrow.

Fortunately, Dad’s fever broke during the night and he awoke feeling much refreshed. We packed our bags in anticipation of a 215 train to Amsterdam, the last leg of this European adventure. We are learning. We took our bags downstairs and took a cab to Gare du Nord, the place of our initial arrival in France, where we found locker storage, locked up our bags and headed out to the Arc d’Triomphe and the Champs d’Elysses. This time, we braved the Paris Metro…and arrived at the Arc without incident. We walked around this historic monument, built in the early 1800’s to honor the service of those lives lost defending France. The Champs d’Elysses is a well know a Avenue that is home for many high-end fashion stores…a real tourist Mecca. We spent 15 minutes strolling around…and then headed back to the Metro Station for our uneventful ride back to the Train Station. Dad grabbed a quick lunch, grabbed our bags and we were ready to move when the Train Platform was announced 20 minutes before departure. No problems…no worries. We boarded the train…and headed to Amsterdam, the last leg of our journey. We look forward to seeing our friend Pieter when we arrive…and to enjoying several days in the Netherlands before our return to the States…

And so…Adieu France…at least for this trip…I do look forward to returning…as always, thanks for joining us on our journey.

Maggie (and Doug)