A Small World
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- Joined
- Feb 22, 2007
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Part 3 Sunday - Paris, bicycles and the best hot chocolate in the World.
Cast:
Me (21 + lot more)
DH (21 + lot more)
DD - Charys (7)
Gladys Invaluable Sat Nav to keep us on the right track
We had decided to go into Paris today but had made the decision not to rush up but just get up when we woke. As we had spent a few days in Paris itself in February we didnt feel the need to try and see everything but felt we could have a more leisurely day- that was until we realised that today was the day the Tour de France ended in Paris so the place would be very busy. However we decided to still go and brave the crowds.
As DD and I were getting ready DH decided to go down to reception to try and sort the problem with the hotel room (having to book out on Monday and book back in again) as we werent sure what time we would get back that evening and didnt want to be messing round tomorrow morning trying to sort it- we had EMH to head for tomorrow. He came back obviously very angry. He had been told by reception that we didnt have a booking for the following 2 nights. Fortunately we had the confirmation Email which he showed them. They looked into it and got the Manager who looked into it further. He then told us that we had had a booking for June for 2 nights not July and that we didnt turn up. Of course we hadnt turned up as we had booked for July and the confirmation letter said July. He said it didnt matter as they could accommodate us for those 2 nights and we didnt have to check out and in again. DH checked that the room key would not be deactivated tomorrow morning and they reassured us that it would be fine. We were a bit confused as we had been told the previous day that we had a double room booked and not a triple and now we were being told we hadnt had a room booked at all- aagh!!!!!
However we thought as long as its now sorted its OK. Then it struck us . Had we been charged for the room we had supposedly had booked in June and didnt show for? We didnt think we had but without checking bank accounts we couldnt be sure so DH went back to reception again to ask them to check this for us. They couldnt do it there and then but said theyd look into it for us.
By this time it was later than wed planned so we headed for the RER to get into Paris. We bought 2 Mobilis tickets and a childs Mobilis ticket. I hadnt been able to find any info about there being a childs price for Mobilis but I asked and was told there was so that was useful to know.
We settled down for our journey and started to plan what we were going to do/see.
We decided to get off at Charles de Gaulle and then go on the metro to Trocadero where I think you get the best view of the Eiffel Tower. We were then going to walk down towards the ET and get on a batobus down the river, wander into the left bank for a cheap but cheerful restaurant then explore round Notre Dame/Louvre and Tuilerie gardens area and then take it from there.
However as weve already discovered this holiday plans change.
As wed set off later than we hoped we decided if we did it that way by the time we got to a restaurant wed be starving as we hadnt had breakfast. We rejigged our plans and got off the train at Chatelet and then onto a metro to St Germain to explore the left bank. We had found some really nice restaurants in February and wanted to try and find them again, however when we came out of the metro station we were totally disorientated and it had started raining heavily. We were trying to walk as quickly as possibly, not really knowing if we were heading in the right direction and unable to look at a map properly because of the rain. It soon became apparent we were probably going the wrong way so we decided to head towards the river to get our bearings. Just as we reached the banks of the Seine we saw a nice restaurant (more expensive than the ones we were looking for) and decided to dive in there as it least it was dry. We had a wonderful meal and took in the atmosphere. Right outside was a bridge across the river which was all cordoned off in preparation for the Tour de France.
After lunch the rain had stopped and the sun had decided to make an appearance. We wandered down the left bank browsing at the bouquinists small book stalls. We realised that we had previously walked in the totally opposite direction to what we had wanted. When we reached the area near Notre Dame we went down onto the side of the river and decided to get a Batobus. We like the Batobus as opposed to the other boat trips as you can get on and off. We had a long trip passed Notre Dame to Jardin des Plants then back round the other side of Notre Dame, towards the Louvre. We then went down towards the Eiffel Tower. We had thought of getting off there but decided it would be so busy and it was so hot now that as we didnt want to go up it there was no point it can be seen from a distance and you often get a better view so we stayed on the boat and got off at Musee DOrsay just near the restaurant where we had had lunch. By now people were lining the streets for the race. We wanted to go to Angelinas for hot chocolate so decided to wander across the river through Tuilerie gardens towards the Louvre, look at it from outside and then walk down Rue de Rivoli to Angelinas. It was obvious that the race was going along that area it was getting busier so we thought wed take a short cut and not bother going into Louvre area but getting across Rue de Rivoli proved a challenge. Streets were cordoned off and crowds were 3 or 4 deep. We ended up having to walk up towards the Louvre where there were official crossing places fighting our way through the crowds (Is this sounding more and more like DLP???)
Eventually we reached Angelinas.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=79722744&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="426" height="319" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=SS&d=13B43&c=1&id=79722744&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=79722744"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_logo.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=79722744&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=79722744"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_view.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
Angelinas serves what is meant to be the best hot chocolate in Paris (and some would claim in the world!!!) It is an old fashioned Salon de The very like Bettys in York and Harrogate for those who may have been there. We were shown to a table right at the back with a brilliant view out of the door of the crowds. We ordered a cake each (we had to didnt we) and hot chocolate for 2. DD didnt want any as she had found it too rich last time. It is like a jug of melted chocolate served with a bowl of cream- heaven for chocoholics but very sickly. Whilst we were in there DD and I went to find the toilets which are upstairs at the front near the door. Just as we were going up the stairs a massive cheer came from outside and the first lot of riders went passed. We got a brilliant view as we were on the stairs so could see above everyones heads we then went upstairs and were able to watch out of the window which again gave a brilliant view - much better than all those crowded in the streets.
Whilst enjoying our chocolate and cakes we made the decision to abandon any further plans and get out of Paris ASAP before all the crowds descended onto the trains.
As the metro stations were all difficult to access and find due to the crowds the easiest way seemed to be to walk. We had planned to walk up the Champs Elysee to Charles de Gaulle but this would have been mad so instead decided to head for Auber away from the crowds. We wandered in that direction through Places des Vosges window shopping on route. Shame all the shops were closed as we werent able to spend a Euro (or a few thousand) in all the posh shops(!!!!!!)
We soon reached the station and settled onto a train glad to escape the crowds of Paris but pleased to have been there for the experience.
As we were back at DLP sooner than we had planned we decided we might as well go into the park later on and either watch Fantillusion and Wishes or do some rides whilst they were on. We made our way towards New York where we had parked the car again to drive back to the hotel. As we were going through the New York Mickey was there dancing and entertaining children (and big children). All the children were sitting round in a circle watching then Mickey encouraged them to get up and dance. DD was delighted when Mickey went up to her and took her hand to dance.
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img226.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_45ac7cbf1186517381.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=theme-valentines1.swf&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=14141796&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2007%20%2707&username=" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "/><br><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=13B43&c=1&id=14141796&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14141796"><img alt="RockYou PhotoFX" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/logo-mini.gif" border="0"></a> - <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?refid=14141796">Get Your Own</a><br>
We then went back to Holiday Inn and flopped for a while then got changed and headed back to the park.
We made our way first to Market House Deli to grab a snack. I was desperate for something savoury after the hot choc and cake so got a Croque Monsieur. DH had the same and DD had a cheese and ham sandwich. We sat outside to eat it and were finishing just as it was almost time for the parade to start. There was a space near by just behind a pushchair where we would be able to get a good view. It was the first time we had seen Fantillusion and really enjoyed it.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=79722981&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="426" height="320" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=SS&d=13B43&c=1&id=79722981&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=79722981"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_logo.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=79722981&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=79722981"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_view.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
As we didnt want to be right at the bottom of main street and spend ages getting out of the park after Wishes we thought it would be a good idea to walk back up mainstreet and stand near the band stand to watch. Unfortunately everyone else seemed to have had the same idea. I was glad we had seen Wishes (again a first for us) but I didnt feel it was something I particularly needed to stay up to see again maybe it was just because we didnt have a very good view but I was a bit disappointed.
We headed back to the park and flopped into bed after midnight intending to be up in a few hours for EMH (and what was meant to be our first day in the park)
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="359" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img270.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_67c2d9a81186517276.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=glitter6.swf&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=359&imageWidth=452&instanceid=14141733&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2007%20%2707&username=" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "/><br><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=13B43&c=1&id=14141733&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14141733"><img alt="RockYou PhotoFX" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/logo-mini.gif" border="0"></a> - <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?refid=14141733">Get Your Own</a><br>
Coming next- EMH, loads of rides and Cars!!!!
Cast:
Me (21 + lot more)
DH (21 + lot more)
DD - Charys (7)
Gladys Invaluable Sat Nav to keep us on the right track
We had decided to go into Paris today but had made the decision not to rush up but just get up when we woke. As we had spent a few days in Paris itself in February we didnt feel the need to try and see everything but felt we could have a more leisurely day- that was until we realised that today was the day the Tour de France ended in Paris so the place would be very busy. However we decided to still go and brave the crowds.
As DD and I were getting ready DH decided to go down to reception to try and sort the problem with the hotel room (having to book out on Monday and book back in again) as we werent sure what time we would get back that evening and didnt want to be messing round tomorrow morning trying to sort it- we had EMH to head for tomorrow. He came back obviously very angry. He had been told by reception that we didnt have a booking for the following 2 nights. Fortunately we had the confirmation Email which he showed them. They looked into it and got the Manager who looked into it further. He then told us that we had had a booking for June for 2 nights not July and that we didnt turn up. Of course we hadnt turned up as we had booked for July and the confirmation letter said July. He said it didnt matter as they could accommodate us for those 2 nights and we didnt have to check out and in again. DH checked that the room key would not be deactivated tomorrow morning and they reassured us that it would be fine. We were a bit confused as we had been told the previous day that we had a double room booked and not a triple and now we were being told we hadnt had a room booked at all- aagh!!!!!
However we thought as long as its now sorted its OK. Then it struck us . Had we been charged for the room we had supposedly had booked in June and didnt show for? We didnt think we had but without checking bank accounts we couldnt be sure so DH went back to reception again to ask them to check this for us. They couldnt do it there and then but said theyd look into it for us.
By this time it was later than wed planned so we headed for the RER to get into Paris. We bought 2 Mobilis tickets and a childs Mobilis ticket. I hadnt been able to find any info about there being a childs price for Mobilis but I asked and was told there was so that was useful to know.
We settled down for our journey and started to plan what we were going to do/see.
We decided to get off at Charles de Gaulle and then go on the metro to Trocadero where I think you get the best view of the Eiffel Tower. We were then going to walk down towards the ET and get on a batobus down the river, wander into the left bank for a cheap but cheerful restaurant then explore round Notre Dame/Louvre and Tuilerie gardens area and then take it from there.
However as weve already discovered this holiday plans change.
As wed set off later than we hoped we decided if we did it that way by the time we got to a restaurant wed be starving as we hadnt had breakfast. We rejigged our plans and got off the train at Chatelet and then onto a metro to St Germain to explore the left bank. We had found some really nice restaurants in February and wanted to try and find them again, however when we came out of the metro station we were totally disorientated and it had started raining heavily. We were trying to walk as quickly as possibly, not really knowing if we were heading in the right direction and unable to look at a map properly because of the rain. It soon became apparent we were probably going the wrong way so we decided to head towards the river to get our bearings. Just as we reached the banks of the Seine we saw a nice restaurant (more expensive than the ones we were looking for) and decided to dive in there as it least it was dry. We had a wonderful meal and took in the atmosphere. Right outside was a bridge across the river which was all cordoned off in preparation for the Tour de France.
After lunch the rain had stopped and the sun had decided to make an appearance. We wandered down the left bank browsing at the bouquinists small book stalls. We realised that we had previously walked in the totally opposite direction to what we had wanted. When we reached the area near Notre Dame we went down onto the side of the river and decided to get a Batobus. We like the Batobus as opposed to the other boat trips as you can get on and off. We had a long trip passed Notre Dame to Jardin des Plants then back round the other side of Notre Dame, towards the Louvre. We then went down towards the Eiffel Tower. We had thought of getting off there but decided it would be so busy and it was so hot now that as we didnt want to go up it there was no point it can be seen from a distance and you often get a better view so we stayed on the boat and got off at Musee DOrsay just near the restaurant where we had had lunch. By now people were lining the streets for the race. We wanted to go to Angelinas for hot chocolate so decided to wander across the river through Tuilerie gardens towards the Louvre, look at it from outside and then walk down Rue de Rivoli to Angelinas. It was obvious that the race was going along that area it was getting busier so we thought wed take a short cut and not bother going into Louvre area but getting across Rue de Rivoli proved a challenge. Streets were cordoned off and crowds were 3 or 4 deep. We ended up having to walk up towards the Louvre where there were official crossing places fighting our way through the crowds (Is this sounding more and more like DLP???)
Eventually we reached Angelinas.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=79722744&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="426" height="319" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=SS&d=13B43&c=1&id=79722744&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=79722744"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_logo.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=79722744&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=79722744"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_view.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
Angelinas serves what is meant to be the best hot chocolate in Paris (and some would claim in the world!!!) It is an old fashioned Salon de The very like Bettys in York and Harrogate for those who may have been there. We were shown to a table right at the back with a brilliant view out of the door of the crowds. We ordered a cake each (we had to didnt we) and hot chocolate for 2. DD didnt want any as she had found it too rich last time. It is like a jug of melted chocolate served with a bowl of cream- heaven for chocoholics but very sickly. Whilst we were in there DD and I went to find the toilets which are upstairs at the front near the door. Just as we were going up the stairs a massive cheer came from outside and the first lot of riders went passed. We got a brilliant view as we were on the stairs so could see above everyones heads we then went upstairs and were able to watch out of the window which again gave a brilliant view - much better than all those crowded in the streets.
Whilst enjoying our chocolate and cakes we made the decision to abandon any further plans and get out of Paris ASAP before all the crowds descended onto the trains.
As the metro stations were all difficult to access and find due to the crowds the easiest way seemed to be to walk. We had planned to walk up the Champs Elysee to Charles de Gaulle but this would have been mad so instead decided to head for Auber away from the crowds. We wandered in that direction through Places des Vosges window shopping on route. Shame all the shops were closed as we werent able to spend a Euro (or a few thousand) in all the posh shops(!!!!!!)
We soon reached the station and settled onto a train glad to escape the crowds of Paris but pleased to have been there for the experience.
As we were back at DLP sooner than we had planned we decided we might as well go into the park later on and either watch Fantillusion and Wishes or do some rides whilst they were on. We made our way towards New York where we had parked the car again to drive back to the hotel. As we were going through the New York Mickey was there dancing and entertaining children (and big children). All the children were sitting round in a circle watching then Mickey encouraged them to get up and dance. DD was delighted when Mickey went up to her and took her hand to dance.
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="628" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img226.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_45ac7cbf1186517381.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=theme-valentines1.swf&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=628&imageWidth=452&instanceid=14141796&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2007%20%2707&username=" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "/><br><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=13B43&c=1&id=14141796&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14141796"><img alt="RockYou PhotoFX" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/logo-mini.gif" border="0"></a> - <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?refid=14141796">Get Your Own</a><br>
We then went back to Holiday Inn and flopped for a while then got changed and headed back to the park.
We made our way first to Market House Deli to grab a snack. I was desperate for something savoury after the hot choc and cake so got a Croque Monsieur. DH had the same and DD had a cheese and ham sandwich. We sat outside to eat it and were finishing just as it was almost time for the parade to start. There was a space near by just behind a pushchair where we would be able to get a good view. It was the first time we had seen Fantillusion and really enjoyed it.
<table style="border-collapse:collapse;"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=79722981&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="426" height="320" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></td></tr><tr><td style="font-size:0px;background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="left"><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=SS&d=13B43&c=1&id=79722981&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=79722981"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_logo.gif"></a></td><td style="background-color:#fff; padding:1px;font-size:0px; filter:alpha(opacity=60);-moz-opacity:.60;opacity:.60;" align="right"><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=79722981&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_create.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:0px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=79722981"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/tail_view.gif"></a></td></tr></table>
As we didnt want to be right at the bottom of main street and spend ages getting out of the park after Wishes we thought it would be a good idea to walk back up mainstreet and stand near the band stand to watch. Unfortunately everyone else seemed to have had the same idea. I was glad we had seen Wishes (again a first for us) but I didnt feel it was something I particularly needed to stay up to see again maybe it was just because we didnt have a very good view but I was a bit disappointed.
We headed back to the park and flopped into bed after midnight intending to be up in a few hours for EMH (and what was meant to be our first day in the park)
<embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/photofx.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="lt" width="452" height="359" wmode="transparent" flashvars="imgpath=http%3A//img270.rockyou.com/photofx/2/2329/2329887/2329887_67c2d9a81186517276.jpg&glitterp=false&roundp=true&sepiap=false&theme=glitter6.swf&shadowp=true&bevelp=true&width=452&height=359&imageWidth=452&instanceid=14141733&userid=9422703&createDateString=Aug%2007%20%2707&username=" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer "/><br><img src="http://apps.rockyou.com/dot.gif?w=PF&d=13B43&c=1&id=14141733&=.gif"><a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com?type=photofx&refid=14141733"><img alt="RockYou PhotoFX" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/images/logo-mini.gif" border="0"></a> - <a target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/photofx/create.php?refid=14141733">Get Your Own</a><br>
Coming next- EMH, loads of rides and Cars!!!!
and your photos of Fantillusion are so clear! 
