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Hello to everyone:
We returned Friday from 15 days in Paris and Normandy. Trip over and back
uneventful, but both planes were not full. I counted roughly 40 empty
seats each way. Security at our airport was not unusual. In Paris everything
was searched and stickers were applied as you went from one line to another.
Everyone's spirits were good and altho the line was long no one complained.
Paris was as beautiful as ever, but the museum workers were on strike
for three days so we never did get to see Sainte Chappell. Managed the
Louvre and two small museums in the Marais. Stayed at the Timhotel de
Louvre and you can't beat the location. Otherwise is is a clean but not
glamorous spot. Bayeaux was wonderful and we stayed twice as long as we
planned. I wasn't prepared for the tapestry altho I had done my homework.
Conned my husband into a second visit. The landing beaches and cemetaries
were moving and interesting. Then the train workers went on strike, but
we did get back to Paris in time to catch our plane. By the way, if you
ever have to stay at the airport--do not stay at the Ibis in Roissy, it
was very worn, I think not as clean as it should have been, the elevator
stopped in mid flight, I could go on, but what I think almost caused a
riot, was the non functioning coffee machine at 8 a.m.. On the other hand,
do try to find a wonderful restaurant in Roissy - L'Epicure. There is
a cluster of hotels in that area and the restaurant is less than a five
minute walk. They have two fixed price menues with abundant choices and
very good.
Security was more obvious in Paris after the bombing began. Both gendarmes
and army. We saw them in metro stations, train stations and the airport.
We consider ourselves lucky as this is the first out of four visits to
Paris where we experienced any strikes.
Oh, by the way, we took in the street art fair at the Edgar Quinot metro
stop on sunday and it was loads of fun. There were a lot of dealers and
as you would expect a wide variety of talent exhibited. We did find a
treasure to bring back with us and it was a fun experience. Thanks to
whomever mentioned it.
Barb in Grand Rapids, Michigan
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