Monday June 7, 2010 Our final Post for this Adventure!

This morning started with bright blue skies which remained with us the entire day. As we left the hotel we met our Paris City Guide Valerie. She proved to be a very knowledgeable guide who gave us a complete and informative tour of the city and its most remarkable landmarks. We drove around the Place de La Bastille marking the democratization of Francewith the destruction of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. We also drove by the city hall, and the building where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before being executed.

Our first major stop was at the Notre Dame Cathedral. The purpose of many of the windows and sculptures was to provide an educational tool for the people in the Middle ages to teach them the biblical stories. To us – the windows not only told a story, but were beautiful to observe. This is a magnificent gothic structure with many more features that can be appreciated in an hour visit.

We then drove through the Left Bank which houses the Sourborne and many other educational institutions. We drove around the square in front of the Louvre which was visited by most of our guests later in the afternoon. We then took a drive down the Champs Elyseesto and around the Arc De Triomphe marveling at both the traffic and the architecture of the structures on either side of the road. The circle that contains the Arc De Triomphe has twelve roads leading into it, and Manfred told us that if anyone has an accident in the circle – that both drivers are charged 50%. From here we drove to the Museum of Man and the Palace of Chaillot where we looked across the river towards the Eiffel tower. From there we drove to the Military Ministry and tomb of Napolean which was built by the Sun King Louis XIV.

Then we went directly to the Eiffel tower where we all went to either the second level or all the way to the top. We were told that the wait for the top was an hour, so only about half the group went, the rest of us choosing to stay on the second level to take pictures and have a lunch. In fact the group went up and down in less than an hour, but all had a great time and wouldn’t have missed the trip.

After visiting the tower, we split up with a large group choosing to visit the Louvre, a smaller group deciding to go shopping and the rest returned for an early afternoon back at the hotel. The two groups were picked up on time and taken back to the hotel. Unfortunately a crazy Paris driver decided to make a dent and take some paint of our bus before rushing off into traffic.

Back at the hotel we all got ready for our final dinner together, and a chance to reveal our secret pals and to give thanks to everyone who has contributed to a fabulous trip. We also selebrated Elsie's birthday -with a specially decorated dessert. Our special thanks to Lidia Brun our wonderful Tour Manager, and to Manfred Helbig our fabulous driver who kept things on track and helped to provide for a very memorable time. And now as we head back to our homes we say good bye to Europe and the wonderful time we had here, and delight in the new friends we have made along the way.

Sunday June 6, 2010 - Versailles

We were on the bus by 8:45 headed for Versailles, and the Palace of Versailles. The sky was a little threatening as we got on the bus, but by the time we had driven only a short distance we were in a heavy downpour. During the rainstorm we had a brief worship service – as it was Sunday – complete with choir music presented by those on the bus – we really sounded pretty good. Unfortunately some had forgotten their umbrellas, but that was quickly remedied as we arrived at Versailles. There we were met by the Umbrella Salesmen who sold anyone who needed one, a Palace of Versailles Umbrella for a mere 5 Euros. Anyway, by the time we unloaded from the bus and gathered just inside the grounds it stopped raining long enough to get a group picture (a gift from Rostad). Lidia was shocked at the number of busses already at the Palace, but we were able to get in at our allocated time. The crowds inside the Palace were incredible, but we managed to go from room to room and get some pictures along the way. The whole palace is one ornately decorated room after another. We even got to view the bedroom of the King, and that of the Queen, and all agreed that it was he who visited her not the reverse as she had – by far the nicer room.

From the actual palace we proceeded into the gardens. We had seen them from the windows of the Palace, but being out in the gardens was an amazing experience. There were fountains and statues (including one contributed to by our travelers), and many plants arranged in stunning gardens surrounded by grass areas. The whole extent of the gardens was bigger than what we had time to explore, though some did find a maze hidden in the side gardens well down the garden path. These pictures help to give a visual representation of our experience.

Back in the bus by 12:15, we headed to Mont Martre which is the bohemian or artistic centre of Paris. This area radiates out from the Sacred Coeur Churchand is accessed by a funicular or many stairs. The Church overlooks the city of Paris, and the views from the top were fantastic. Here we stopped and had a lunch – some with wine – of course, and spent a bit of time exploring the area and appreciating the many artists who are present to sell and commission their art. You could get your portrait drawn while you pose if you like.

We almost all walked down the stairs from the top, and made our way to the bus for our return to the hotel. On the way we spotted the famos Moulin Rouge. Some took the time to catch up on communication with family, or to go shopping at a local flea market while others had a drink or spent relaxing time in their rooms. This evening we left the hotel at 9 PM for a twilight cruise on the Seine River – to view the ‘City of Lights’. Then took the Metro back to our hotel.

Saturday, June 05, 2010 - flanders and Vimy Monument

We awoke to a very clear morning – a great start to a day that would touch each of us emotionally as Canadians. We remember our Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Lidia started the morning by reading a ‘In Flanders’s Fields” by McRae.

Molly’s great uncle fought in the town of Loos, so we set out to find the Canadian monument in the town. What we found was a poor town, and a monument to the French who lost their lives in both world wars. Then we asked a friendly police man, who directed us to the town of Fromelles. Here we discovered a monument in the making to the Australians who lost their lives in the town. The bodies of some 250 soldiers are being reburied this year in a new and carefully constructed monument. We were fortunate – thanks to Elsie’ exploring – to make contact with the caretaker of the facility and the nearby church. He showed us both the monument from a better angle, and also the German ammunitions bunker that is in his yard, along with a very old turtle..

After a quick coffee and a break for Manfred – we were ready to get back into the bus, but not before we watched the bride arrive for the wedding that was taking place in the church. The bride very graciously acknowledged the gaggle of Canadians that were poised with our cameras.

Then we were off to visit the monument at Vimy Ridge, a mere 45 minutes away. This was an experience of intense Canadian Pride. We left the monument with not only an appreciation of its beauty of the monument – but more important a sense of appreciation for those who fought and died for our freedom so many years ago. We gained a sense of pride, awe and humility. We also gained an appreciation of how fortunate we are to live in Canada in this time in history. Our life may not be perfect, but it is blessed.

The monument is absolutely magnificent as the next few pictures will depict.

After spending time at both the monument, the museum and the trenches we were headed into our hotel in Paris, a beautiful Crowne Plaza in the middle of gay Paris. We look forward to exploring Versailles tomorrow morning.