Post-Christmas in Paris

Friday, 26 December: Disneyland Paris (DLP).
The temperatures slid downward Christmas night, and by mid-morning, a blustery wind kicked up. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time at DLP. From Crush's Coaster (from Finding Nemo) to Star Tours (Star Wars simulation) to Indian Jones and the Temple of Peril, we enjoyed rides, shows, and exhibits. I really liked the Cinemagique, which pieced scenes of well-known movies together with a modern storyline featuring Martin Short. Very clever and funny. The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse was super; I wanted to watch the movie again (and I still have never read the novel!!!). 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Aladdin, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," and Buzz Lightyear were others. We arrived at 10:15 and left at 9:45. Needless to say, we slept well that night.

Saturday, 27 December: Right Bank Meanderings
A slow start to the day for us, but we eventually got some momentum and explored some familiar territory along Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre. Very cold day; Abbey and Emma bought some warmer gloves, and I found a headwrap to warm my ears. We walked to Place de la Concord and watched the Eiffel Tower's Christmas lights blink (and blink and blink . . .) and the found a wonderful restaurant just off Rue St. Honore (always look for the menus without English translations!). Tim indulged in more oysters on the half-shell; Emma chose duck (surprise, surprise!); and Abbey and I had succulant salmon with perfectly done vegetables. Another fire in the fireplace -- ahhhh! And some great conversation with Barb & Bill and with Kathy. Gotta love the Skype!

Sunday, 28 December: Left Bank Meanderings
Another slow start -- we must be wimping out! Actually, we spend much of the morning Skyping with our Paderno neighbors, Scott, Judy, Maddy, and Jo Jo, who are now in Lugano, Switzerland. It's cold there, too, unusual for this part of Switzerland which often has warmer temperatures than Rome. We packed a lot of our stuff, then decided to explore the Left Bank or Rive Gauche in the St. Germain-des-Pres quarter with the thoughts of visiting the D'Orsay Museum and its Impressionist collection. Alas, everyone in Paris evidently had the same thought -- that plus a special exhibit had lines winding out the entrance, even at 3 in the afternoon. Abbey will just have to see the collection another time (Tim, Emma, & I were there 2 years ago). Instead, we splurged with some tea, wine, and onion soup at the famous Le Flor.

Tomorrow we head to London to meet Katie (Abbey's friend)! Time is whizzing by.