paris_at_night.jpgWow, I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve posted. I have so much I want to share but keep forgetting to come here and actually write it.

Anyway, plans are falling into place for Paris. I have to tell you though, I’ve been summarily informed by Sammi, that “Paris is the fashion capital of the world” and well, she’s going there to shop and that’s it. Yikes! Sounds like my worst nightmare.

Well, she understands now that Jake is with us and his wishes need to be honored too and I’m hopeful she understands that there will be plenty of time for shopping, as a natural occurrence as we visit street markets and walk along the grand and not so grand avenues of gay Paris.

Anyway, I have a bunch more details to fill in but this is what we have on tap so far.

Saturday – mid-morning arrival. Ooh, must remember to schedule our airport pickup. We can drop our bags at the apartment at 10:00am but do not have access until 1:00pm. For a refresher, this is the apartment we rented. I’m figuring we’ll drop our bags (probably will be about 11:30 by the time we arrive), and go grab an early lunch somewhere.

After lunch, a return to the apartment to unpack, and perhaps a shower before we set out exploring. I may quash Sammi’s urges right away with a stroll down Rivoli or a stop at Les Halles or perhaps, a walk to the Tuilleries (sp).

I’m expecting an early dinner and bed early.

Sunday
I want to visit the Richard Lenoir (aka Bastille) market early (thinking 10:00am), lunch and if we time it right, we’ll get to see the Tour ride into Paris for this, their last day. Basically, a pretty low key day. Maybe tonight, we’ll head over to the Eiffel Tower and finally go to the top.

Monday
So far nothing planned.

Tuesday
We have a catacomb tour scheduled at 11:00am with Paris Walks. I believe it’s a two-hour tour and I’m hoping the guide can recommend a cafe for lunch nearby afterward.

Wednesday
No plan yet.

Thursday
I’m in the process of booking a private chocolate walk, also with Paris Walks. They were the least expensive of all the outfits for this private walk (no one had any scheduled which is why we must go private), so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it is good. The tour will be at 10:30am.

Friday
The only thing on tap today is a 3:00pm, fashion show at Galleries Lafayette. This was high on Sammi’s list of things to do. The show is free but you do need a reservation, which we have. I’m thinking shopping in the Galleries before or after the show (probably after).

Saturday
Home 🙁

Other Things to Fit In

  • Climb Notre Dame (a Jake and Kim request)
  • Climb the Arch de Triomphe (a Jake request)
  • Eiffel Tower (both teens have requested)
  • Louvre (seriously, I promised Sammi no more than 60 or 90 minutes in a museum but how can you not? I’m hoping the oppulence of the rooms wins hers over – that and the shopping in the mall underneath. Just to see some of the ultra-famous things.
  • Orsay (see above – again, a quick hit to see some of the impressionists)
  • Jewish Museum (okay – it is a b’nai mitzvah trip after all and I really enjoyed this museum)
  • Versailles (Jake is all about the bling – I’m hoping this amazes them and I’ve never been too).

One other thing I thought about doing for Sammi is a Teen Shopping Tour but I just can’t decide a) is it worth that price b) who goes because at that price, there’s really no reason all four of us need to go.

So that’s it for now, I have to nail down details like opening hours, and restaurant possibilities, and as usual, I’ll be cramming over the next 10 days to get it all done.