The view from our hotel balcony.
The conceirge gave the kids welcome toys and books. They, of course, turned them into swords.
Waiting on the train in London. We have 1 suitcase (2 for C) and 1 backpack each. It's worked really well. The kids have been troopers hauling their stuff around.
Friday we chunneled to Paris. The station in London was PACKED because of the flight cancellations due to the volcanic ash. I overheard one lady on her cell phone. She said, "Here is my journey: All by train I go to Paris, then Switzerland, then (I missed two) then Singapore, then (missed the final), all in 3 days with a broken suitcase and a 3 year old." At that moment the 3 year old was lying flat on the floor with his feet on my suitcase grinning at me from behind a pop-pop. Bless her heart. I'm still praying for her!
On the train Ellie and I made friends with a little guy named Freddy. He was about 9 months old and yelled every time we went through a tunnel because it made his ears pop. Ellie and I made faces at him to make him feel better and he grinned at us a lot.
I totally missed the tunnel under the channel. I had fallen asleep but C woke me up to ask what kind of drink I wanted and then E had to go to the ladies room. When we returned to our seats we had fun looking at all the "English" villages and sheep. A little while later I asked Craig when we were going under and he said, "We're almost in Paris!" It happened so quick and we went through so many tunnels we just didn't notice. You'd think they'd have a big announcement.
After arriving at our GORGEOUS Victoria Palace Hotel (The wallcoverings are made of the same fabric as the curtains) we went out to get a croissant (mmmmmmmmmm) and then to take a taxi to see her. "Her" is the Eiffel Tower. Looks like a lady to me and Ellie. It's SO tall. Sorry Ashley, I didn't go up that either! Tucker (who doesn't thrill to high things either) and I sat on the grass in a park (avoiding all the smoochers-they're everywhere!) while the others went up. Then we walked over to a cute little gazebo and ordered beingets with chocolate. OOOO LA LA were they good. We then camped out under Eiffel to wait for the others. A little growl here: it was COLD! The wind was blowing, we didn't bring enough clothes and I almost (but didn't!!!) bought a 44Euro (about 75 dollars) sweatshirt with I love Paris on it just to keep warm.
Meanwhile Craig, Sully, Drew Preston and Ellie went to the top. To get there, tho, (take note, future travellers) you pay one fee to get to level 1. On level one you have to pay another fee to get to level 2. On level 2 you pay one more fee (this one more expensive) to get to the top.
Since the beingets had filled me and Tucker up, once we got back to the hotel Craig took the others out to get some supper. Guess where he went. In PARIS, FRANCE he went to McDonalds. I won't tell you what I said to him.
Praying for Beverly!
Praying for Ivy and Co.!
On the train Ellie and I made friends with a little guy named Freddy. He was about 9 months old and yelled every time we went through a tunnel because it made his ears pop. Ellie and I made faces at him to make him feel better and he grinned at us a lot.
I totally missed the tunnel under the channel. I had fallen asleep but C woke me up to ask what kind of drink I wanted and then E had to go to the ladies room. When we returned to our seats we had fun looking at all the "English" villages and sheep. A little while later I asked Craig when we were going under and he said, "We're almost in Paris!" It happened so quick and we went through so many tunnels we just didn't notice. You'd think they'd have a big announcement.
After arriving at our GORGEOUS Victoria Palace Hotel (The wallcoverings are made of the same fabric as the curtains) we went out to get a croissant (mmmmmmmmmm) and then to take a taxi to see her. "Her" is the Eiffel Tower. Looks like a lady to me and Ellie. It's SO tall. Sorry Ashley, I didn't go up that either! Tucker (who doesn't thrill to high things either) and I sat on the grass in a park (avoiding all the smoochers-they're everywhere!) while the others went up. Then we walked over to a cute little gazebo and ordered beingets with chocolate. OOOO LA LA were they good. We then camped out under Eiffel to wait for the others. A little growl here: it was COLD! The wind was blowing, we didn't bring enough clothes and I almost (but didn't!!!) bought a 44Euro (about 75 dollars) sweatshirt with I love Paris on it just to keep warm.
Meanwhile Craig, Sully, Drew Preston and Ellie went to the top. To get there, tho, (take note, future travellers) you pay one fee to get to level 1. On level one you have to pay another fee to get to level 2. On level 2 you pay one more fee (this one more expensive) to get to the top.
Since the beingets had filled me and Tucker up, once we got back to the hotel Craig took the others out to get some supper. Guess where he went. In PARIS, FRANCE he went to McDonalds. I won't tell you what I said to him.
Praying for Beverly!
Praying for Ivy and Co.!
Well Ooh la la back to ya! Can't stop laughing at the McDonald's story. Craigery will never live that one down. Too funny! I'm gonna pray for that poor woman with the 3 year old too! Yikes! BTW, you've said you were cold twice now, would you buy yourself a sweater please?! :)
ReplyDeleteDo they have a French Foreign Legion Thrift Shop there that sells warm clothes :>)
ReplyDeleteSo they really are kissy in Paris like we've heard. The boys must be gagging! I'm praying for you, B & I. Best love, Mom
TOO FUNNY with the McDonald's story!!! Thanks for all the updates - we have LOVED living this trip right alongside you guys! :)
ReplyDeleteWe use the one backpack/one suitcase per person system too. Works great getting through airports, taxis, and hotels.
ReplyDeleteSure looks like fun. You've now got me reading up so we can do the same trip. Been thinking about it, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
John in Alaska
We are loving this blog. Best ever! I realized that I couldn't comment because we were logged in as Julia. We are learning so much and can't get enough. Prayer team in Florida on the job for creative travel and being one step from backpacking through Europe with 4 cool kids!
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I haven't talked to you in years but I have so enjoyed this journey! It's 4:50 am and I just laughed out loud (really loud) at the McDonald's story! Too cute!
ReplyDelete