Bonsoir!

Well, here we are. Bonsoir!

Arrived safely in Paris, to a balmy 34 degrees. We rode the RER train from the CDG airport this afternoon. Which was anything but pleasant, unless you enjoy riding in a moving sauna, We endured stiflingly hot temperatures in the railcar, packed with passengers, and no A/C. Glad to soon reach our final stop, where we found our hotel quite easily, dropped our bags and set off to eat and explore.

The Royal Magda Etoile is true to European size, but perfectly located just a 3-minute walk to Arc d'Triomphe, the Metro and the Big Bus Tour stop. And with today's high temperatures, we quite welcomed the air-conditioning in this comfy little hotel.

Eating took place at a French restaurant close by, where some of us delved into fancy crepe entrees, and the rest of us settled for burgers and French fries. We sat outside while we ate, and watched the French go by. Lots of mopeds and skinny ladies in high heels. The local side streets are cobblestone - the high-heels ladies strut amazingly well over these uneven surfaces - and the buildings are four to five stories high with unique architecture, and these adorable little iron railing balconies.

Exploring began at the Arc, painted gold in the setting sun, and from there we jumped on the Metro to head to the Eiffel Tower.

It was pretty busy here by the Tower... tourists and crowds mulling around. And too many pushy street sellers and stinky trash. But we watched the Tower light up as dusk set in, and did several reality checks to take in its view again and again, reminding ourselves that, yes, yes!, we are really here!

Bonsoir!

Paris... Here We Come!

Yesterday we did everything from enjoy some beautiful scenery through the Glenshane Pass, to ride horses, catch up with distant relatives, picnic on Benone beach and body-board the waves in the freezing cold Irish Sea.

 

 

 

Today we are off to PA-REE! Wow. Check back for all our "aventures francais"!  

Sunday.

This couple.

 

 

One of the most kind, gracious and dignified couples I know. Growing up, they lived in the "house behind" us, so our families were quite close during those years. Mr W often piled all of us six kids into his Austin Morris, to drive us to school on rainy mornings. Mrs W was well known for entertaining, and the delicious food she always served to her guests, frequently us.

 

We were invited to their place to spend Sunday with them, and some of their family. 

 

 

The kids, of course, added some noise and liveliness to the day, with their quick wit and giggles.

Haha. They made us laugh too!

The Castlewellan Show.

Look at that fair and beautiful maiden showing off her heifer calf in the cattle ring. She's related to me, the fair and beautiful maiden, I mean, yet I don't know the first thing about exhibiting cows or calves or anything bovine. But she does... and loves it too!

This is Castlewellan Show. An annual gathering of farmers and more farmers with their livestock. Where we spent a family day on Saturday, hanging out with the cows and chickens, horses and sheep, goats and pigs. And dogs. We watched dogs perform on a circuit all day long, through tunnels, over jumps and weaving through sticks. The sun shone... our first hot summer day here. 

 

Aaah. This picture. I absolutely love it. My dad, walking with two of his granddaughters.    

Picnic lunch.

Then to Newcastle for fish and chips, and loaded ice cream sundaes.

And an evening walk on the Promenade.

With a couple of eejits, who insisted they walk on the beach. 

       

Recovery Day.

Friday saw us all sleeping late and lazing around for most of the day, recovering from post-London exhaustion. In the afternoon, I met up with a co-worker from almost thirty years ago, who recently contacted me through Facebook. Dear, sweet Gemma. Still the same, smiling inspiration from so long ago! We had a grand old time reminiscing, catching up on each other's lives. And I think I may have even convinced her to come visit me in Vancouver!

Goodbye London.

Today we left behind some amazing memories of our visit to this great city. We definitely crammed a lot of sight-seeing and food into our short stay. I'd say the highlight for me was the Big Bus city tour. By far the best way to get to all the local landmarks, and be educated at the same time. Awesome family time too, cousins from two continents having fun together... LOVE.  

 

 

London: Day 2.

Another full day of walking the streets, and seeing the sights.

The now pigeon-less Trafalgar Square with the Nelson Column.

Piccadilly Circus, where there are no clowns or lions. Because "circus" is merely Latin for "circle".

Tower of London, where we met the headless man, and had to pay to pee.

Westminster Abbey, where Kate wed Will, and the place definitely looked a lot more glam on TV.

Tower Bridge, looking triumphant under the foreboding skies of London. Yes, it rained here.

Buckingham Palace, where my brother intercepted pedestrian traffic so we could get a family photo in front of the royal balcony.

The Air Bomber Memorial, the construction of which my brother's company played a part.

Harrods. Where you can purchase an AMcQ hobo tote to the song of £1,000.

Then off to dinner at Piccadilly, watching some night life and street performers, before heading back to the hotel and falling into bed.