July 31, 2007 by tgill1.

After yesterday’s event I was rather tired to say the least.  However, I did manage to make it into town to check out the Opera Quarter and the Paris Opera House.  It is a very impressive building fitting of impressive operas.  The area also has quite a bit of shopping, and I managed to find what is the closest thing I’ve found to a department store, although it was really a collection of many stores in one building without the walls of a mall.  Very posh stuff: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Tiffany’s, etc.

Normal stuff as well, but they certainly like to promote the fancy stuff up front.  I also checked out a church dedicated to Madeleine, or Mary Magdalene.  It really looked more like a government building than a church.

Tonight we went to dinner with Blake and Andrea to an adorable restaurant in neighboring Serris.  We all enjoyed our dinners.  All, that is, except for Jason.  He ordered what he thought was andouille sausage, but it turned out to be andouillette, which is a bit different.  The main ingredients are colon and pig stomach, and it is known for its feces aroma.  Faaaaaantastic.  I was getting ill just looking at it.  If you’d like to know more about this mouth-watering dish, check out this link.  After, Jason and Blake had a karaoke jam with Jason’s portable karaoke machine, while we all enjoyed some delicious mint chip ice cream.

No plans yet for tomorrow.  Perhaps the Rodin Museum?

Posted in Ramblings | 1 Comment »

July 30, 2007 by tgill1.

Andrea and I had a great time in Brussels today seeing the sights, eating, seeing more sights, eating some more, walking around, then eating again.  We took the TGV train, which is one of the high speed trains in France that truly hauls.  It cuts the travel time to Brussels in half when compared to a car, and that’s including a stop at the airport.

When we first arrived at the train station we had a bit of trouble getting our bearings and figuring out which metro train we had to take in order to get to the locations Andrea had found on the internet.  When we finally figured it all out we first saw this cathedral, (yes, it has a striking resemblance to the two Notre-Dame cathedrals I’ve already posted.  The design is apparently a common one among the monster cathedrals in these parts).

Eventually we made it to the main plaza, which we would end up walking through 50 more times before we left.  If the city was initially designed to have this plaza as a main hub, they succeeded immensely.

We would end up running back into the plaza time and time again without even trying.  We took a huge walk around the perimeter of Brussels to visit the Royal Palace, but it turns out that it is closed on Mondays.

Apparently, several things are closed on Mondays.  Bummer for us, but we still had more to see.  Namely: chocolate shops!

I bought some delicious chocolates, and we also visited the Cocoa and Chocolate Museum, which boasted facts and artifacts related to the cultivation and harvesting of cocoa beans in Africa and South America.  It also had an artisan present who did demonstrations on how he makes truffles, and examples of clothes made of chocolate.

Show-offs. 

Part way through the day, Andrea and I couldn’t help but notice pictures and references to a fountain of a little boy peeing.  Souvenirs shops are filled with this stuff: magnets, keychains, pictures, post cards, t-shirts, bottle openers, etc.  We could not for the life of us find this little dude, but after a while it became apparent that if we didn’t find him before the end of the day, we clearly would have sorely missed out on a ridiculous tourist monument and neither one of us would have been able to live with ourselves had that happened.  Anyway, after some trial and error we found the little fountain, and I mean little.  His name is Mannekin Pis, and I’ve already read a couple of different legends on why he’s famous, although I suspect he’s mostly famous because, you know, he’s peeing.

If you’re interested in one of the legends, check out this link.  Of course, we enjoyed Belgian Waffles, or gaufres, as they are called, and I couldn’t resist a genuine Belgian beer whilst in Belgium.

All were delicious.  Had a great time, walked a lot, ate even more, and will be sleeping well tonight.

Posted in Travel | No Comments »

July 29, 2007 by tgill1.

Just a quick blog tonight since I was gone all day I will need to wake up in less than six hours at this point.  Today we did indeed have Movie-Thon in the Bercy section of Paris with Blake and Andrea.  We watched both Die Hard and Transformers.  I certainly have my share of large explosions and gratuitous gun violence for probably a year or more, but I must say that I enjoyed each movie more than I thought I would.  Last night, however, Jason and I went to a really great restaurant that was so different than anything I have ever experienced before.  When you first walk in, two baskets await you: one filled with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce and hard-boiled eggs.  The second basket has several types of salamis.

These are accompanied by a large knife, a cutting board and a wine bottle full of dressing.  You’re free to cut as many or whichever vegetables/meats you’d like.  Then, they bring out fresh bread, a bottle of wine, and a crock of soup.  You pick your main entree: Jason had the grilled beef and I had the burgundy beef stew, which was delicious.

After them main course we were served a cheese plate with five or six different cheeses for us to try as we desired.  Finally, you have a choice of desserts.  By the way, this whole process took about three hours.

One thing I’ve noticed about the French is that the meal is not the precursor to the whatever else you may be doing that night: it IS what you are doing that night.  Anyway, I thought it was such a unique and delicious experience.  Tomorrow Andrea and I are taking the train to Brussels, Belgium for the day.  Lots of pictures coming up tomorrow!

Posted in Ramblings | No Comments »

July 28, 2007 by tgill1.

Today Jason and I took a day trip to go champagne tasting in Reims.

First, we took a bit of time to check out the Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims, which has an incredible history and was where the kings of France were crowned.

Afterwards, we walked through the town and saw the monument to the French resistance during World War II.

Also in the near vicinity were these Roman arches from waaaaay back in the second century when Reims was still a Roman town. Look close and you’ll see me in the center.

We experimented with some Latin cuisine again for lunch with some better results.  Afterwards, we visited the Piper-Heidsieck Winery and the limestone cave tour where they store the champagne until it is ready.

Apparently the champagne from this particular winery was presented to, and chosen by Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, and was later the official champagne of 14 French monarchies.

The best part was afterwards when we were able to taste three different types of champagne, all of which were quite good.

Jason bought a bottle for a later date.  Tonight we’re planning to have dinner in Paris.  Tomorrow we’ll have a movie-thon with Blake and Andrea to catch up on movies that Jason and Blake have been wanting to see, including Transformers and Die Hard 4.  Note that I said JASON and BLAKE.  Wish me luck.

Posted in Travel | No Comments »

July 27, 2007 by tgill1.

Other than delicious crepes for lunch and some shopping at the outlets at Val d’Europe, I didn’t accomplish too much today.

However, today was Andrea’s birthday, so to celebrate we went to The Steakhouse at Disney Village, which is very good, although pricey.  I enjoyed a sirloin steak and afterwards some Bailey’s creme brulee.

It was all very delicious.  Up tomorrow: a day trip to Reims in order to tour the Piper-Heidsieck champagne cellar and other miscellaneous activities.

Posted in Ramblings | No Comments »

July 26, 2007 by tgill1.

I saw just about all of Paris today… not up close mind you, but from far above the city.  Today I went to Montmartre to see the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre-Coeur basilica, which offers probably the most impressive views of Paris.  First the Moulin Rouge.

I really had high hopes for this place.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool and everything, but the neighborhood is chock full of sex shops and strip clubs.

Not really the kind of place I felt secure alone.  Needless to say, I took my souvenir pictures and high-tailed it out of there.  At one point last week Andrea and I ran into some Canadian tourists who mentioned the look-out view from the top of Sacre-Coeur.  They were saying it wasn’t nearly as touristy or expensive as the top of the Eiffel Tower and offered similar, if not superior views of Paris.  My first impression upon arriving in the area was that the girls must have been completely mistaken.  The area couldn’t be more touristy.

Identical shops left and right selling crap like Eiffel Tower replicas and bags that say “Paris,” along with the assorted cafes charging too much for the lunch specials in English.  The basilica itself sits atop a hill, one of the only, if not THE only hill in Paris.

If willing, one can climb the stairs up the hill to the basilica.  Most people make it to this point, and again, there were throngs of people, street performers and vendors trying to push their wares on unsuspecting tourists.  I noticed, however, another sign pointing to the side of the church that said “Dome/Crypt.”  Hmm, okay.  I went to the side and for 5 Euros I had access to the staircase to the top of the basilica.  What the girls said now made sense.  True, the whole area was packed, but hardly ANYONE was willing to climb to the top, unlike the Eiffel Tower with its slick elevators.  The climb is arduous, I may add.  The stairs are steep and narrow, and the higher you climb, the more intense the sound of the wind that howls through the staircase.  Much like the catacombs, I was physically freaked out.  I HATE heights so the higher I climbed and the louder the wind became, the sweatier my palms were.  When I finally reached the top the wind was INTENSE.  Scary actually.  But the view was absolutely worth it.

I’d say it’s a must do if you visit.  I stayed probably a half an hour, mostly because it was so cool, but also partly because I was completely terrified of getting down, which seemed as bad if not worse than climbing up.  I’m happy to say I survived, and here are some pictures to prove it.

Posted in Ramblings | 1 Comment »

July 25, 2007 by tgill1.

Andrea and I made our way back to Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios today to hit the rides we didn’t catch the last time we were there last week.  We weren’t able to get on everything we wanted, but fortunately we did enter the Studios park before all of the shows were closed, unlike last time.  This highlight was definitely the French version of the Haunted Mansion, Phantom Manor.

It’s a completely different ride with a theme around a jilted bride who never recovers from being stood up at the altar.  It’s creepier than the US version with more scary skeletons and dead things about.

Our next goal was to ride Thunder Mountain Railroad.  It looks essentially like the same ride but it’s on an island in the middle of the water.  The riders load on the “land” side, the train travels under the water and then the ride as we know it (I suppose), is on the island.  We were excited to ride it, but after about 25 minutes in line, they announced that the ride was experiencing some mechanical difficulties, so that was a bust.  At Studios, we watched a couple of shows and then called it a day.

I was excited to see that they have loaded, although not installed, the letters for the sign “The Hollywood Tower Hotel.”  Pretty cool!

Posted in Ramblings | No Comments »

July 24, 2007 by tgill1.

Today was a bit of a bust, but I still was able to discover some new areas.  My original intention was to visit the Musee d’Orsay, but upon arrival I was quickly reminded of the visit to Versailles when I saw several lines jam packed with people queued to simply to purchase tickets.  No thanks!  Been there, done that.  I looked over and noticed another, MUCH shorter line for pre-purchased tickets.  From now on, that will be my plan of action.  I’ll likely do the same with the Louvre if I have that option.  So, having crossed the museum off my list for the time being, I set out for lunch and enjoyed a delicious quiche and my first real French eclair.  Yum!

I also would like to share my experience in my first French public toilet, which I had pretty much decided I would avoid at all costs unless absolutely necessary.  That absolutely necessary moment came today, and I must say it wasn’t horrible.  Well, yes, it was, but not when compared to other public restroom experiences I’ve had in my life.

For the record, these are the public toilets that supposedly completely sanitize themselves after each use.  No matter, I still would rather die than actually touch anything in there, but I can now say from experience that they do work.  I also came across this Shell station that was so bizarre because the cars actually pull into the belly of the building.  From the exterior, you can hardly tell there’s even a gas station, save the sign.

On the inside there are not only pumps but a car wash as well!  The things people think of when there’s virtually no space and the community was built long before the advent of cars or the need for gasoline.

I also came across a mall called the Forums des Halles.  To my surprise, the mall is almost entirely underground.  Three of its four levels are underground!  Strange place.  I wasn’t a big fan.  Tonight: frenchiladas once again!

Posted in Ramblings | No Comments »

July 23, 2007 by tgill1.

The rain didn’t stop me today from traveling into Paris to see the Hotel des Invalides, which is a hospital/home for disabled French war veterans, houses the Musee de l’Armee (Army Museum), and the Dome Church.

To be honest, I chose this place today because it was raining and I figured I could be inside most of the time, but I actually found the Army Museum fascinating and spent much more time there than I thought I would.  The first part of the museum shows weapons and armor from the Stone Age through the end of World War II.  My travel guide mentioned that this is one of the most comprehensive military museums in the world, and I dare not doubt that claim.  They have armor from around the world, infant armor, (I kid you not), horse armor, canons, swords, daggers, bayonets, guns,  you name it.

Here is one of my personal favorites.  Nothing speaks the love of Jesus Christ like a dagger housed inside a crucifix.

Even better however, was the section dedicated to the two World Wars.  Anyone who has even the slightest interest in either war should visit this exhibit given the chance.

It is informative and thorough with films, photographs, weapons, uniforms and maps.  I was there for probably two hours but easily could have spent another.

Finally, I visited the Dome Church, also at the Hotel des Invalides.  The church houses the tomb of Napolean Bonaparte, as well as other French military leaders of note.

It’s definitely the most elaborate tomb I’ve ever seen, but really lives up to the extravagance and pomp the man was known to represent.  You know what they say… huge tomb, small ???  Ha ha.  Only kidding.

Surprisingly, even though the hospital was opened in 1675, it holds the same purpose today, and elderly disabled French veterans still live there and wander about the property.  Talk about some history.

Posted in Travel | No Comments »

July 22, 2007 by tgill1.

Last night Jason and I had the Mexican food I mentioned in yesterday’s blog.  Let’s just say that there’s a reason France is not known for its Mexican cuisine.  I’ve been more satisfied by Taco Bell and that’s not saying a whole lot.

Even better was that it cost ninety dollars to have some less than mediocre food.  Jason ordered the “super nachos” and they came with a whopping six tortilla chips, carefully arranged in a star with various sauces and meats in the center. The place had ambiance for days, but food?  Not so much.

The area of Saint Michel on a Saturday night really is something to take in, however, with tons of restaurants and people milling about.  After dinner, we found a small bar with an excellent table outside and imbibed with a couple of sangrias each.  Good times indeed.

Today was a lazy Sunday for sure, but we did see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at the Disney Village and later cooked some gnocchi with pesto sauce.  Not sure about tomorrow.  I may check out the Montmartre section of Paris, where the Moulin Rouge is, but only tomorrow will tell.

Posted in Ramblings | No Comments »