I'm not sure where to start. I finally figured out my way around Paris and had to leave to the next day. It wasn't that bad, but I think after that I will be better equipped to navigate my way around most cities. It was a great start. Cute place in Paris where I stayed.
The month seemed to fly by and I had some great adventures. My friend Joan and her husband Dominic spent a few days in Paris before heading on a river cruise up to Prague. We had such a great time together and Joan turned me on to the best croissant in Paris. I don't think I've ever tasted anything so good. It's a good thing I couldn't find my way back, otherwise I would have been there daily.
I was invited to have dinner at Danielle's home whom I met during a visit she had made to San Francisco. I've read not to expect to be invited into someones home and was happily surprised that I did receive this invitation. We had a wonderful visit and she gave me great advice about ways to travel about Europe.
Shortly after Joan and her husband left I decided to take the train to Versailles. It's a lovely little estate that dates back to the mid 1700's. I walked the entire estate and then headed back to Paris. I had decided to just grab a quick bite at my local eatery since I was really tired. I sat down and asked the waiter for an English menu. The woman next to me said, "How wonderful you speak English. Where are you from.". I told her Northern California. She was from the same part of the world! We chatted for a while and she boldly said, "Do you want to hang out while I'm here in Paris?" I thought YES! GREAT! someone to explore the city with. Margaret Randall was a godsend since she speaks some french and was a wonderful companion to explore.
Margaret invited me to have dinner and drinks with some expat friends of hers. I ended up meeting a great couple Randy and Jack and spent some fun time with them after Margaret left.
Margaret was heading down to Provence, where she would be spending a week with friends. Part of her stay at the chateau was going to be having a french chef come in and give the group cooking lessons. I thought that sounded amazing. Well leave it to Margaret she mentioned me to her group of friends and gave me a call letting me know they would love for me to come down, spend the afternoon and evening and attend Phillipe's cooking class. I bought a train ticket, rented a car, got directions and was on my way. The house the rented was beautiful as was the countryside. An opportunity like that only comes once in a lifetime and I jumped on it.
After exploring Paris and seeing almost every museum and church it was time to leave. I was ready since it was cold and rainy most of the time.
So on May 31st I headed to the airport and departed for Madrid. I got here with the sun shining and the people's disposition matched the weather...warm and sunny.
I was greeted at apartment LOLA, by her wonderful daughter. She explained what I needed to know about the apartment. Light and sunny, newly remodeled and steps away from the Prado and Sofia Reina Museums. Here is Lola.
https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/571765
This time I decided the first thing to do was take the bus tour of the city to get my bearings. Lesson learned in Paris. Madrid was my Mother's favorite city and we had come here about 13 years ago, but only after a guided tour of Portugal, Morocco and Southern Spain. We only spent a few days here before heading back to the states.
My friend Dave Schintzius arrived about 5 days later. We had great walks, great food, and took in a couple museums. An all around great time! As Dave said to me last time we vacationed together..."We vacation well." I couldn't agree more.
I'm off this Saturday to Barcelona and then to Dublin Ireland at the end of the month. I think I'm ready for a few English speaking countries. After Ireland I plan on England and Scotland. I will be sending out this link in an email as well since I've been told by some that they didn't receive the initial posting. Pictures next.
