Paris...I Love you!

Adam & Christine riding the Metro

Today we headed off on the Metro to go on a Bus Trip around various points of interest. Can I say that whoever designed the Metro system can they design all transport systems in the world? It is very easy as a tourist to follow being colour coded and number so making getting to your destination easy. Anyway we arrived a little early for our tour so we walked round the streets and looked at various shops including souvenir and perfume shops. We all came away with a few packages. We then joined our double decker coach and made our way around the streets of Paris. I would not like to drive the streets of Paris; just walking them is dangerous enough! Paris is so full of history, one thing stands out to me is every corner has historic buildings, churches, palaces. It must have been a very rich country from about 1600 to 1900 given all the buildings, monuments etc. Our Bus tour took in such a minute part of Paris and I certainly want to come back and explore more areas. It looks to me a photographer’s paradise and it is hard to do it justice in one and a bit days especially in the winter. Today went to 7 degrees but later in the day was back down to minus 3. The short dark days don’t help either. One thing I could not help notice is Paris is packed with tourists despite the weather. The crowds at the Notre Dame, The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower still amaze me. What is it like in true tourist season? When is the best time to visit? All things I will research before we return to this City. I have twisted Su’s arm she will return for my sake although today being warmer and brighter did thaw her heart towards Paris. At the end of our tour which was at the Eiffel Tower, we decided to return to our hotel being in close proximity. I wanted to go up the Eiffel Tower. I soon found out I should have booked a ticket weeks ago, but could not get the rest of the family motivated. Decision time…Do I wait in line in hope I don’t wait too long? Christine and Adam wanted to go up the Tower too. So at 5.30 we set off for the Tower and joined the line at 5.50 to go to the top. After 30 minutes we noticed the Top had been closed due to bad weather. Oh well Level two it is. After just over one hour we purchased our tickets to level two. We travelled up by the lift. The temperature had dropped but the view was sensational….quite happy to get to this level in fact the very top may not have been any better. We took photos galore and walked around the second level. Christine could not resist the gift shop she must have every postcard and icon of the Eiffel tower. We slowly made our way down and headed back to the Hotel. Su and I were going out for dinner to a little café we saw earlier in the day. Christine and Adam were going to Pizza Hut giving McDonalds a rest today. As you can tell they are adventurous in their food eating. We had a beautiful dinner at Le Petite Ferme for 65 Euros, three courses with wine and coffee for two. I have taken many photos and am hopefully of having a few mounted on Canvas I attach a few here but see the full gallery of shots here Paris Photos



Tomorrow we head back to Leeds Bradford International Airport then to Retford. Apparently someone is having a Birthday and we are going out in Wath to celebrate with Su’s Sister and Brother in law.

Paris...City of Love?

So we got up early Tuesday morning (well Christine & Adam were moaning) so we could head off to Paris from Leeds Bradford International Airport. We arrived after questioning whether the GPS would get us there as we seemed to go down some strange roads and through some pretty villages (well pretty if it had of been light). The Airport was shrouded in fog and mist...will we still fly in this? asks Adam. I reply that 60% of the time this is their weather so don't worry. We boarded the plane and whilst scheduled take off was 10am we had to wait until the plane was de-Iced. We were soon in the air and about an hour later landing at Paris Charles De Guille Terminal 3. Su quickly found out that a taxi was anywhere from 65 Euros...I suggested we catch the train having studied the transit map on the plane..so off we trudged to find the train station. First mistake...a zebra crossing is not a zebra crossing..it is in fact controlled by traffic lights...and like Noumea pedestrians are fair game when on the road!

We were able to work out what train to catch and where we would need to change to make our way to Cambronne where our hotel was. The train set out and we became a bit concerned when it sped through ten stations not stopping...a local reassured us it would stop at every city station. We changed at Denfert Rocherau for Cambronne. In no time we were there now where is our hotel? A quick scan around and we were able to sight the Ibis sign and made our way to Ibis Paris Tour Eiffel. We checked in and went to our rooms. Now in America you get big wide expansive rooms two or three tv's a telephone in the toilet..here in Paris the smaller your room the better. The bathroom/ensuite..is a cross between a caravan and train facilities..not too sure which one inspired the design but certainly no room to swing cats, however everything is clean and functional. We decide to set off for the Eiffel Tower. So the Ibis boasted 800 metres from the Eiffel Tower....as the crow flies?? Okay it was raining, it was misty but surely we can see it? Hmm 20 minutes later we stumble across it shrouded in mist. At the base is a clay? pathway turned to mush from recent snow and rain. We get accosted by the many peddlers selling souvenirs. We have to rescue Christine and Adam and sternly warn them to ignore them. Okay I have been to Vegas, gone up the Eiffel Tower there, they reckon it is half the size of the real one. I think they lied. Even in the rain the queues are unbelievable..hmm how can I convince Su I want to go up this sucker....more on this later. Christine and Su head to the official souvenir store and soon have Eiffel Tower everything! We then make our way to the Seine. It is very muddy but what takes me by surprise is the fast current. We then wonder to a Noel market at Palais de Challot. We had snack from one of the market stalls by this time dusk had come and the Eiffel Tower was lit up and slowly the mist was clearing. I took what I considered some great shots. We wondered back to our hotel where the kids were off to McDonalds for their meal we decided to try one of the cafes across from the hotel. Has Paris met my expectations? I was told people are rude, it is dirty, it is expensive and hotel rooms are small. Well I expected all this so was not surprised. In contrast it is not expensive to eat or drink. Su hates the place, me I want to explore more....my only mistake cutting down on my camera gear and leaving the battery charger behind...URGH Stupid,Stupid mistake! Today we will do a bus tour...and hopefully the mist will clear and I will go up the tower.

No one is using those darn bikes!

Crazy Sales......

Okay.Okay I said no more shopping but today I relented. We went off to Meadowhall or Meadowhell as some call it. A large shopping centre on outskirts of Sheffield near Rotherham. There was a bit of self interest however as I had ordered a bit of camera gear from Jessops online and elected to pick it up instore. This seems a popular option for a lot of UK stores even with their sales, shop online reserve it and pick it up instore. So I had ordered a2x  teleconvertor and a Carbon Fibre Jessops tripod. Both retail for Seventy-nine pounds so was relatively happy with my purchases. The shopping centre was absolutely manic. I parked in a field across from the centre and trudged my way into the centre after dropping the others at the door. The line up at ATM's had to be seen to be believed. I was astounded at the line up for the Pandora store...not sure if it was returns or new purchases I later spotted a second store on  another level and it too had a line up. The food court was a no go zone and we ended up eating in M&S's instore cafe. I sensibly gave Su a  M&S voucher for Christmas...even though we were not doing Christmas..Right! Christine and Adam went off to shop on their own. I made a couple of trips to the car to drop off parcels as Shopping trolleys are not a feature of this shopping centre. Surprisingly Su has come to the realisation that there is nothing for her to buy, in fact she says she is over shopping in the UK. The  stores are far too hot, the clothes in many cases are still too dear after the sale, are for winter and the large crowds put you off wanting to pick through items even less to try something on. Some stores started their sale with doors opening at 5 am and were open until 10 pm. Some stores shelves already looked well picked over at 11.30 when we were there. Boots had Perfume etc at 50% and the shelves were bare when I cruised through on my way to the car to drop off packages. One thing that stumps me is they drive on the left side of the road however why is it in a shopping centres people walk like browns cows and when they do. they walk on the right side, hence pushing a wheel chair with Su's mum in is even more difficult. Must admit I have noticed this trend in Australia also..what happened to keep left? Su commented that many of the stores gave the appearance of looking like charity shops. I think some of this was to do with the shear volume of people and stores staff not being able to tidy up. I was astounded at how many times the electronic stock alarms went off at the entrances of stores but no one seem to take notice or care. So we survived the post Christmas sales and tomorrow we are off to Paris...not sure if I will have Internet whilst in Paris...

Line up outside Pandora

Christmas, Boxing Day....Gone!



Flaming Birthday Cake

 We celebrated Christmas in a quiet style. Firstly we Skyped my Sister and Brother in law back home in Oz, my parents were with them also. I then set to the task of cooking,Turkey, Gammon and Roast Beef along with Veggies and of course Yorkshire puddings. Most of the supplies came from M&S supplement with stuff from Morrisons. We had Pam's husband, George's relatives Gwen, Malcolm and Adelle join us who live in Retford. Despite being in a different kitchen with an unfamiliar stove I think things turned out okay.(No photos sorry as I promised not to touch a camera for a day.) 
Today we went to Wath upon Dearne to see Su's  half sister, Wendy. Su's Nephew, Isaac was celebrating his 14th birthday. A very lucky boy as the cards rolled in with plenty of folding stuff. Su's half brother Francis and his wife Emma and Children Jacob & Mason were there as well as Mark's parents. Wendy and Francis mother Alma was there as also, unfortunately Alma has not been in the best of health lately but was great to catch up with her. A marvellous spread of food, a flaming birthday cake and a few drinks it was a fabulous afternoon. Adam ,Christine and Abby went to the local pubs of Wath for a drink or three as obviously it was not cool to hang out with us. Happy Birthday Isaac....now the countdown to my birthday..gulp

Mason

Jacob

Jacob..he loves the Camera

Mason & Jacob

Birthday Boy Isaac

Christine & Adam

Su & Wendy..contemplating

Francis

Alma

Grandad Peter & Isaac

Emma

Abby

Mark...trying not to laugh

Grandad Peter & Grandma Maureen

London calling.... off to Harrods

No visit to London is without an obligatory visit to Harrods.We had to drive down to London to pick Adam up early Christmas eve morning so we went down the day before and decided to take Christine to Harrods. We drove to Barnett and parked there, taking the undergound. We did consider going to Hemel but knew London Midland that serviced Hemel were suppose to go on strike, they didn't, but were still running reduced services due to the adverse weather conditions. Our decision to go to Barnett was quickly vindacated when we were in at Harrods in next to no time. Su had not been to Harrods since the 80's. Christine and I had never been. The food hall was overwhelming not to mention the numerous well known label bags and clothes. Harrods even sell Lexus although not sure I would want everyone watching me in the front window as I got into the drivers seat, and how do you take a test drive?  Su soon dragged me up to the fourth floor to Pet Kingdom where you can buy dogs, cats, rabbits, weasels, gerbils you name it and it's price you could have it. There was a pet spa that was very much fitted out along human lines. The clothes for pets were unbelievable...three and four hundred pound outfits and they were not one offs!

 

I managed to find my way to the photographic section however they had limited stock but what they did have the prices were competitive. Su and I stopped for coffee whilst I used the Luxury Restroom. My one comment was the store's central heating was far too hot! You dress up for the cold go into the stores and almost boil, no wonder the shop assistants were only in shirts with no jumpers or coats. We met up with Christine after letting her loose in the store than headed to the Princess Diana and Dodi monument within the store. We then decided to catch a bus through London to Green Street Underground before travelling to Barnett and then getting into the car to go onto Hemel Hempstead. Tomorrow we would rise early to make our way on the M25 to Heathrow Terminal 4 to get Su's little baby...Adam. Our only hope was we would not see snow that earlier in the week left Heathrow paralysed.

Latest UK Fashion for Males

Ok I have not worn Gumboots since I was a kid, but trudging through the snow in London made me decide I needed to invest in a new set of footwear. Gumboots at ten pound (Nine pounds ninety nine pence to be exact) UK still keep their pennies. So thicker socks are in order to keep my feet warm but for trudging through the snow ideal! Back in Retford today a quiet day catching up on the washing from our London stay. With  last minute Christmas shopping in Retford then called into Morrisons ( a UK Supermarket) to get our last supplies for Christmas day. Well talk about busy. All checkouts were open and there were queues up the ailses. UK Supermarkets sell everything from groceries to Magazines, Alcohol and Pharmacy as well as the mandatory in-store cafe. I like shopping Morrisons Clare's father, Terry works for them and I like to think I am helping pay his wages. I love browsing the ailses much to Su's disgust. Certain things seem cheap and the temptation of chocolates and cream cakes and dougnuts are are too much for me. I enjoy comparing what thye have in the UK to us in Oz. Today my Gumboots became rather handy. After waking to  a cool morning with a heavy frost we ended up getting a light dusting of snow about 25mm or an inch. Su is not happy to see the snow as she is worried about Adam arriving Friday morning from Australia. She does not want a repeat of earlier in the week when Heathrow was shut for two days. Interestingly the CEO of Heathrow has stated he will not be taking a bonus this year...bless him. BAA who operate Heathrow have taken a beating in the press from not being prepared for such snowfall. it appears the owners of BAA are Spanish and the Governemnt sold off such a vital asset when they needed to raise cash. Many are questioning the wisdom of selling off such a prize asset and into foreign hands as well. It appears investment in Snow equipment was not a priority, especially as Spain rarely sees snow. Makes you wonder about the sell off of assets in Oz.

Five Cousins Gather ....

Pam. Frank and Eddy

Yesterday we picked up Pam from her friend Joan in Dagenham and went and visited Pam's Cousins in Hendon. We then made our way back to Retford. Pam's friend Joan had served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the war, She gave Pam  a short write up of her experiences during the war which I will share in a later post. She used to work with Pam in London Transport. My  only regret is I did not photograph Joan especially after reading her War Story. We made our way to Hendon where Pam's cousins had assembled for an afternoon tea. Eddie is the eldest he is 85 the other brothers, Frank 81, George 78 and young Reg 75  and of course Pam turns 80 in January. There was a bit of reminiscing of their life in York Road, West Hendon after George produced a photo of the houses in York Road. George had organised a marvellous spread ( maybe his wife Ruth helped him) and I had to try Eddies baked Cheesecake. Eddie still works overseeing gardeners and makes pewter jewellery. Unfortunately old age has caught up with Frank and his wife Rita has to oversee him but he had a distinguished career writing and performing music for the BBC used in many television shows. She said he still plays beautifully and will send us some of his music on cd. George was a camera technician with BBC TV and you will find his name on many BBC programs of yesteryear (a quick google search confirmed this). George today is a keen golfer and noticed he had a captain's plate on the wall. I did not have a chance to speak with Reg as our two hours went too soon. I took a few snaps of the gathering and regret that had the weather not been so foul, I would have been prepared to stay longer

Pam & Eddy deep in conversation

George(unfortunately Photographer did not focus)

Rita and Frank



Frank




Christine bored!



Reg & Pam



Reg




Eddy