We take a few metro stops and end of line arrival at Disneyland Paris Park. Oh exciting times. Children, parents, couples. Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears, Disney T shirts and hoodies. People have been here before!! Haha.
So many stuffed animals from all the recent Disney movies. Little girls in long princess gowns. Parents in Mickey ear headbands. Backpacks with Disney logos.
We start our day in Frontierland park. I remember we had the Frontierland game when my brother and I were young. And I flashed back to the Disney books we had when young including stories from this theme. Such fond memories of family time. I also reflected on both my daughters loving Disney movies like Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid and The Lion King amoung others. How they could sing and play many of the parts of a full length movie. A few of my favourites are Jungle Book and the Sword in the Stone. When I was a child Mary Poppins captured my heart.
We take in a few rides and a walk around. Then Adventureland. We made our way to the 4 parks. Walking 20,000 and 13 Kms. We arrived just after 10 am and left after 8 pm. A full day of people watching and heightened stimulation of all the senses!!
The day was fun and we enjoyed the adventures. Rides included Peter Pan, Star Wars, Pirates of Caribbean, Carousel, Tea cup, Indiana Jones, the Phantom Manor, It’s a Small World (which we saw twice).
We saw live musical The Lion King in reserved seating. It was amazing. We toured the Princess Castle. We shopped in some of the many beautiful stores. We took in some musical events and saw some of the Disney characters signing autographs. We stopped to rest at a Cowboy Barbecue.
We left after the grand finale with music and fireworks and like billion people gathered.
Taking the metro to a few lines on our way home. I leave in the morning so this will be my final metro and walk up up up the hill for the night.
Late start. Sleep in and big breakfast of healthy veggies in lentils and curry on salad.
Time to write my blog and post from yesterday.
Metro to a large produce market, alas, it was closing up when we arrived. I got a glimpse of colourful olives, vegetables and cheeses. I stopped abruptly to admire the pink and pale peonies ready to burst into bloom. Photos and memories is what we get from this market.
We walk to a grocery market store and pick up picnic items for an outdoor snack with nibblies (Hagen Das salted caramel ice cream, fresh berries. We sit on a park bench to admire the iconic Eiffel Tower from up close. Also great people watching. Families and couples, individuals, shoppers, children squealing, laughing and playing, Saturday persons. Birds tweeting in the trees. A school band practicing playing classical music in the park. The sun came out! Ahhhhh, Paris. A rest and very enjoyable.
Then we walked to the Eiffel Tower and around the bridges over the river. Second snack stop for cheese and olives and gf crackers. So lovely and a change of perspective view of the tower. So many wedding photo shoots here today, maybe ten that we saw. There must have been lots more. So festive and happy, all the happy couples posing together.
Then to the metro to find IKEA. Interesting to find it in a mall that is conveniently located next to a metro stop. We shopped for bargains that are needed in the home. So much fun, a few laughs and lots of stuff to carry back at the end. Big IKEA bags through small metro styles. But we got seats and the walk up up up the hill from Pigalle metro station.
Now putting all the IKEA items together. And enjoying a dry red Bordeaux and a few more giggles.
Bonjour, another blue sky day in this beautiful city, Paris. Friday in Paris, a relaxed day. Slow start, looking out the window to the courtyard. Greenery mixed with the aging stone and brick. Grateful for the time to read books, do some writing. For exploration of this beautiful place. For having a place (home base) to hang out here, right in the city.
To have access to walking and Metro, small boutique shops, large Galleries Lafayette and quiet simple parks, artist lofts and fragrant tasty produce, wifi and Google maps, everything and nothing, all at my fingertips. The taste and scent of juicy red strawberries and tiny grape tomatoes. The subtle cooing sound of pigeons pecking between stones in the street.
I am seeing a lot of the culture and sights of Paris on this trip. Not necessarily only tourist places, but the residential and daily business areas also – the streets and sidewalks, storefronts and cafes, construction in the streets, the people eating and drinking in doorways or at small tables in the gathering areas. Shops selling fresh produce, ceramic and painting art, vintage and designer clothing, all varieties of spirits, tobacco and wine, exotic eye glass frames, hundreds of varieties of cheese in fromageries, breads and sweets in patisseries and Boulangeries, designer running and upscale dress shoes, hair and nail salons, fleuristes selling cut flower bouquets and large growing plants, ice cream and gelato offerings, boutique chocolate and macarons, woolen and linen hats and silk scarves, touristy stuff like postcards, linen towels, Tshirts, nick nacks overflowing into the street.
I like the feeling of the culture and the experience of being present to the ordinary in this extraordinary place. Hills, stairs and flat along the river and canal. Weather mostly sunny, one small few hours of drizzle – enough to see the variety of umbrellas protecting people as they traverse about the cobblestone streets. Red flower boxes hanging on small French balconies on iconic architecture. It’s an iconic and beautiful site, Paris in the drizzle.
And when the sun shines and sets, it is beautiful with all the bursting colours and joyful faces of children laughing and playing, people seated outside of cafes or along waterways lined up as if watching a movie in a theatre. Many in deep conversation or engaged with their phones and devices. Drinking cafe, red wine, golden beer in large draft glass or from a can. Flowers in front of shops exploding in deep reds, spring greens, royal purples, yellowy golds, soft pinks, vibrant oranges and pure white. The sky a solid baby blue with intermittent white silvery fluffy clouds moving through.
All the senses alive and peaked. Hear the many accents being spoken on the street, French accent speaking English and other accents trying to be understood. Passion and connection everywhere I look.
Today I took the metro to the river. Purchased some veggies, cheese, wine and enjoyed an outdoor picnic by the water. Bustling with activity the area is alive with music and sounds, colourful sights, artists displaying their wares out of the green boxes and pigeons searching and cooing. The sight of Notre Dame cathedral in the backdrop. Photos being taken.
After the snack took metro to the University of Paris area where students reside in “houses” of many different nationalities such as Sweden, Greece etc. A celebration happening with drinking, music and cultural exchange from each house. It’s a huge area, beautiful homes and lots of green space. What must it be like to attend University here? Such a mixture of culture all in connection and relationship to each other and the homeland of Paris France. Soccer, basketball and other sports being played in fields.
Riding the metro home, it’s almost dark and the sky is a mix of colour and dark. Ahhhhhh, Paris.
Tomorrow, Saturday, an easy day planned. Catch up with blog, head to the outdoor produce market, maybe go to IKEA and visit the Eiffel Tower for some up close pictures.
This afternoon we decided to book our Sunday excursion to Disneyland Paris including the feature Lion King. It’s my last day before my flight home Monday.
About 6 pm we ventured out to find gluten free Lebanese wraps. A totally dedicated celiac friendly restaurant with maybe 5 small tables or people can sit outside or take out. There were lots of choices and great flavours for a low price. Awesome.
Then I spied Grom gelato sign across the street. Sold in individual sized dishes with lids including my favourite limone(Rachel had creamy Pistache).
We walked to a covered market in search of bulk olives. Although we found some the price was not acceptable (to Rachel). I appreciate her thriftiness.
Then we walked to Canal St Martin. It seemed that every young person in Paris was there lining the sides of the waterway- many with drinks and smokes. Very festive. Maybe 5 blocks we walked in this new (to me) part of Paris. We joined up with Place de La Republique where there was music and more people, maybe a protest?
Precious experience with the free self cleaning (debatable) toilet. Then decided to end the adventure and took two Metros home. Well, to be accurate, two metro and two steep hills.
It was a beautiful outing and we had a few giggles. Played some cards when we got home and now Bonne soirée
Greetings folks. My travels in Paris continue. On my own today out in bright sunshine and blue sky. It is warm enough to not need a jacket and today, no umbrella!!
Paris in the spring is beautiful. Red flowers on window boxes, flower shops bursting with roses of May colours, greenery on trees and smell of grass in the parks, benches to sit on to listen to gentle cooing of pigeons and other sweet birds in the trees. People everywhere- couples holding hands, families with excited children and single people, just like me! Out enjoying the sensory splendour of Paris!
I ventured to take Metro from this area (Abesses stop on M12) and got off at Concorde station. Open up to large walking area, I wandered to the Jardin du Tuileries. https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/jardin-des-tuileries-p3545. Beautiful park with long walks beside green space and dotted with statues and water features. Relaxing and sensory filling. Scents, sights, sounds, textures. I didn’t today, but people stop at benches to picnic. I followed signs and paths to the river … one of my favourite places to be. Watching the movements of bateau mouches and people walking. The river itself always flowing. The bridges are beautiful and grab my attention. I traverse from one side to the other for different perspectives. I get many sightings of Eiffel Tower.
I find green parks and more interesting statues along my walk, a journey through history and creativity. I understand why many movies are made here. There is a backdrop everywhere. A story. A message. Listen, see, breathe, enjoy.
I navigate the metro return and feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishment. I stop at little food market for a cool bubbly drink. There are cute stores, cafes and bakeries and little artist type shops along the walk as I venture out again apres le petit dejourner. Just walking around the neighborhood. I thought about a guided walk but don’t make it in time.
Now to rest. No doubt more adventures this evening and tomorrow.
(Seems I can post photos on Facebook but experiencing challenges on the blog post with this portable wifi). https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel for photos of my trip here.
Greetings folks. My travels in Paris continue. On my own today out in bright sunshine and blue sky. It is warm enough to not need a jacket and today, no umbrella!!
Paris in the spring is beautiful. Red flowers on window boxes, flower shops bursting with roses of May colours, greenery on trees and smell of grass in the parks, benches to sit on to listen to gentle cooing of pigeons and other sweet birds in the trees. People everywhere- couples holding hands, families with excited children and single people, just like me! Out enjoying the sensory splendour of Paris!
I ventured to take Metro from this area (Abesses stop on M12) and got off at Concorde station. Open up to large walking area, I wandered to the Jardin du Tuileries. https://parisjetaime.com/eng/culture/jardin-des-tuileries-p3545. Beautiful park with long walks beside green space and dotted with statues and water features. Relaxing and sensory filling. Scents, sights, sounds, textures. I didn’t today, but people stop at benches to picnic. I followed signs and paths to the river … one of my favourite places to be. Watching the movements of bateau mouches and people walking. The river itself always flowing. The bridges are beautiful and grab my attention. I traverse from one side to the other for different perspectives. I get many sightings of Eiffel Tower.
I find green parks and more interesting statues along my walk, a journey through history and creativity. I understand why many movies are made here. There is a backdrop everywhere. A story. A message. Listen, see, breathe, enjoy.
I navigate the metro return and feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishment. I stop at little food market for a cool bubbly drink. There are cute stores, cafes and bakeries and little artist type shops along the walk as I venture out again apres le petit dejourner. Just walking around the neighborhood. I thought about a guided walk but don’t make it in time.
Now to rest. No doubt more adventures this evening and tomorrow.
(Seems I can post photos on Facebook but experiencing challenges on the blog post with this portable wifi). https://www.facebook.com/pmacdonaldtravel for photos of my trip here.
How exquisite to have a full few days in Paris to explore. Breakfast of fresh cut veggies cooked in a pan over tender rice noodles, a hint of sweet chili sauce. Yummm
I am reading a book about finding my voice in writing. It is encouraging and delightful as it states to become aware of the ordinary and express in my own voice, as a song. With rhythmic cadence and tone coming from my own experiences and emotions. Carrying a sense of my own vision of the world, my values, how it is to be (in my eyes). Let the words flow.
Embracing solo adventures in Paris today, I strolled up and down charming cobblestone streets. For the first time, I tapped into google maps. On my second walk, I broke free and navigated my way around and back. Yay!
Followed by an uplifting walk in early evening to and around Sacre Coeur, a historic and breathtaking landmark. With sights of the city from its heights.
Drizzly day mostly so I purchased a cheapish umbrella and mostly walked between drops. Down, down down from this hill top in Montmartre section of the city to the opera district of Paris. Up, up back again.
Walked 13.5 Kms and 21,000 steps mostly on steep uneven sidewalks and stairs. I think I broke my toe last night so the walking was painful. (Stubbed on a chair leg).
It was a pleasant day overall and a few more days open for exploration. I think our future holds Euro Disney on the weekend. I fly home Monday morning.
Last evening in Glasgow, walked to and through a park with lots of green space and then by the river as the sun was setting. It was lovely to see the natural light on the spring green grass and trees.
Waking this morning and thinking of how the day will go, trying to stay in the moment. It is quiet in my hotel room and I am getting ready to go search for what is happening today in the city.
In the meantime looking through recommended reading list from the Women’s Library in Glasgow. So grateful to have access to all this amazing information and the inspiration and suggestions of women who come before me.
I leave my bags at hotel, drop the room key and out for a morning walk in the sunshine under blue skies.
Walked in an old part of Glasgow to check out the old large and beautiful cathedral and cemetery. Then back to hotel and an uber to Glasgow airport to catch EasyJet flight to Paris at 245 pm local time.
Through security with no issues and to our gate on time. Blue skies reported for Paris also. It was a lovely flight.
Arrived on time in beautiful sunny weather in Paris. Took train and metro to Rachel’s place near Sacre Couer. It’s pretty steep walk up 🙂
Dropped our gear and headed to get a SIM card for my phone. No wifi at Rachel’s place. Got there at some underground mall in time before they closed. Yay. Grateful. Then we walked to the river. Thousands of people along the Seine. Sitting, walking, running …. Wow. Watched the sunset as we walked and then found grocery store Walked all the way from the river to her place. Up up up again.
24,000 steps, some 16 Kms today. My my my.
Exhausted and grateful for all is well in this beautiful city of lights. I have a bed to sleep in, food to eat and we have safely arrived.
Goodnight faithful readers. Till tomorrow. A demain.
Good day to the blog readers, from bonnie Scotland.
A day by myself to roam around this city … walking and walking and walking. Listening and being. No pressure, no destination.
I find and walk along the river Clyde . .Relax. Enjoy. Breathe. Gratitude for being in Glasgow Scotland for a few days to explore. There is a woman’s library but it is closed today. I googled some places of interest and opt to just see what is here around me in the George Square area of this city. I have some roots here, I am told, my paternal grandfather was born here and his father had a shop. As this is my first and who knows, maybe my only trip to this part of the world, can I just wander and wonder.
Maybe sit in a cafe and read some. People watching is fun. I spend a few hours in the Waterstones book shop. Huge. 3 stories. Lots of great suggestions for reading. I spent a long time pouring over the shelves and noting books to borrow from library when I get home. I read titles, covers and backs of books … it is a way of searching for meaning and fit, for finding interest and inspiration. It tells a lot about me to know what is in my library!
Beautiful old architecture lines the commercial streets. Many high end stores, lots of security. And some Poundland (like our dollar stores). Some buskers on the pedestrian street.
Music everywhere… from stores, in shops and on the streets. I walk and walk. Wandering in and out again. Taking in the culture. Just noticing and being with whatever shows up. Listening to accents.
Down to the river, looking up at the buildings, the reflection of old cathedral in the glass of the much newer building next door. The gentle cooing of the pigeons alighting on the cobblestones.
Walked about 9 kms today, although they use miles and feet here :). It still is a good walk. Will probably do one more walk tonight down to say good night to the river.
Last night settled in to our hotel, we went for a wee walk after dark to see the night sky and stars from our hotel. It was late and we did not venture far. It felt good to be outside in the clear night air. Aye, lassie, it was grande! Quiet peaceful with only night sounds and blackness above holding space for the twinkle of nightstars.
We had a decent sleep and were up and on our way before 930 am for today’s great adventure, aye. We have been practicing our Scottish accent, so try to read this using your best brogue. Use expression and a lyrical kind of sound … aye.
As we drive to the highlands I keep my eyes out for sheep and cows and am happy to say out loud … “ sheep” when there are those to see. Black sheep, white sheep, many with baby sheep and we even saw one white baby sheep jumping all four feet straight up in the air. We will remember her! Cows less often, so today we picked up a stuffed emotional support cow … or is that coo?
You have heard of FOMO – well, we are FOMC. Fear of missing coos!
Rachel has a few ideas for our big day of travel … some waterfalls for some dips in the cold mountain rivers in highlands, Glencoe so I can see my plot of land that made me a “Lady”. (My mom bought it for me a few years ago and I brought the coordinates with me so we could find it). And then to Cavers to a small town where Rachel’s family has some roots. We plan to end our day returning the rental car and staying at IBIS Styles hotel in downtown Glasgow. Aye, those were the plans. We still have fruit and crisps and veggies in the car from yesterday so we snack on the road. Another sunny warm day in the bonnie Scotland highlands.
Rachel finds a turn to Glen Etive Mor waterfall area she wants to try. We pull off the main road to a single lane roadway, no wider than the car except for the passing areas every so often … sometimes oncoming cars have to go in reverse so two vehicles can pass. Lots of folks camping over the weekend along here … we comment on how beautiful it all is. The river, the hills, the greenery. The road is narrow and driving a bit stressful. No shoulders on the road when large trucks and buses are heading our way. I comment on the one lane road. “Rachel, this is not a road!” We press on enjoying the view. Wow. Wow. We are in the highland hills close up. We probably travel a km or two and stop.
We traverse down the hill and get to the waters edge. We quickly change clothes and get into the river down a bit from the waterfall. We can see it and others are jumping and diving off the rocks. Such a freedom experience to be way out here and in the cool clear water.
We get our feet dried off and shoes back on, up up the path to the car. We get settled back in and turned around in one of the pullouts … a notification indicates we have a tire malfunction…. Rachel checks and can hear the air fast leaving the front left tire. We searched for a spare…. None.
No cell phone service so we need to drive a bit to get back out to the road to call for assistance, driving slowly, hazard lights flashing.
Rachel makes some calls, it is a Sunday and not much open for garages in nearby towns and none has the tire type we need for this upscale Mercedes. Ok … they will send someone in one and a half hours. Determined to enjoy our time in the Highlands while we wait … we walk and find a lovely river. Dropping clothes again we enjoy the double dip! The second one in two days … beautiful. The stress drops away.
Around 230 pm a large flat bed tow truck rescues us and loads us into his truck and off we head to the town where we stayed last night. There to be met and car to be transferred to another tow truck to take us into Glasgow where we can drop the car at the airport for repairs. The tow truck drivers were all very nice and Peter, the last one helpfully took us to our hotel reservation in downtown Glasgow.
We went out for a walk in search of warm food. And found gluten free fish n chips. Here we are … two days in Glasgow. I will be on my own as Rachel is at a conference.
Aye, not sure what the days ahead will present … stay tuned.
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