Paris: Day 1 - 30 April 2015

We had the great pleasure of leaving at a comfortable time in the afternoon and enjoying an overnight flight to Paris. (Here we are all smiley and happy.  Later we are all jet lagged and cranky.  So just imagine us happy.)

And, we're off...to Paris.

Our First Night's Stay - 9th Arrondissement

We arrived without incident and were able to make it to our hotel. Americans tend to enjoy staying in the 6th Arrondissement, while Europeans tend to favor the 9th and 10th Arrondissement. We decided we'd try both on this trip because (a) it was our first visit and (b) we couldn't get our apartment in the 6th arr. for the entire duration. We weren't sorry we broke things up.

A Note about Paris' Neighborhoods - Where to stay? As mentioned above, Paris is divided into a number (20 to be exact) of what we'd simply refer to as "neighborhoods" or "districts" which define its culture and vibe. You can stay in nearly any of them, but there are some preferred locations due to proximity and verve. This guide gave us some good fodder for this trip and you might enjoy reading it as well.

A map of Paris' Districts - Arrondissements

Something Truly French: Hotel du Temps

11 Rue de Montholon, 75009 Paris  •  Google  •  Trip Advisor

We opted to stay at the Hotel du Temps because we liked the way it looked online, offered an easy booking process and felt different that the other hotels we'd seen. As it turns out, almost all the hotels that Chad reviewed online were within walking distance to this location and we were able to see many on foot. Several in this area looked more than acceptable for a lovely stay in Paris and we feel certain others would be pleased to be here.

Here's a peek inside the Hotel du Temps lobby courtesy of Google Business View. (This made picking out the hotel super easy when we arrived because I'd already seen the outside thanks to the Interwebs.)

Chad also took a few of his own photos of the lobby and our room which I have also included.

Hotel du Temps Lobby - Paris, France - 9th Arrondissement Hotel

Feeling chaud, chaud, chaud... - Hotel du Temps, Paris, France - Vintage Water Faucets

Our cozy room at Hotel du Temps, Paris, France

Try to Avoid the Jet Lag Siesta

I did all I could, but my body couldn't cut the seven-hour plane flight which basically has you arriving in Paris in the middle of what normally would be your night. (However, since Paris is ahead of the United States by anywhere from 6 - 9 hours, it's already the next morning.) I begged the hotel attendant to perhaps entertain allowing us to have an early check in and he obliged. I then promptly crashed for about three (3) hours. It couldn't be avoided. Body and Sleep Cycle 1. Crystal 0.

Lunch at La Rimaudière

2 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris  •  Google  •  Yelp

Nothing particularly special here other than a corner location, an English-speaking waitress and an award for best runner-up to the place we were intending to go that only took Euros. (By the way, before you leave the country, go ahead and tuck about €100 in your pocket for travel requested directly from your bank. You'll be happy you did. I was too rushed to do that this time, but did when we traveled to Germany a few years ago and am sorry I missed the chance this time. Oh well. Live and learn.)

Macarons from Gastel Paris

102 Rue la Fayette, 75010 Paris  •  Google  •  Yelp

It only seemed fitting to start our first day off with some sweets. Here we sample a six-pack of macarons from Gastels.

Macarons from Gastel Paris, France

Dinner at Hugo

11 Rue de Montholon,75009 Paris  •  Google  •  Yelp

Super yummy and right around the corner from the hotel. Great servings, service and seemingly enjoyed by Parisians, other Europeans and two goofy Americans alike while we were there.

Dinner at Hugo, Paris, France

An Evening stroll in Montmartre

We felt the area of Paris made most famous in our lifetimes courtesy Baz Luhrrmann's Moulin Rouge deserved a visit at night. After all, if you're going to go to one of the "seediest parts of Paris," you might as well see it in its best light. (Not terribly dissimilar to some of its long-standing patrons.)

The area doesn't disappoint if you're into window shopping for the latest in S&M gear or pornography. Basking in the neon glow of overhead lighting, the area draws tourists from afar to bumble around much like we did gawking at all the options. The highlight for us was certainly Moulin Rouge and its famous windmill. (Obviously long-since restored and refitted to look something like its wooden ancestor.)

Moulin Rouge at Night, Paris, France 2015

Rain, Rain Go Away...Come Again (after I return home)

We spent a large part of our evening in the rain (sigh) and hope it doesn't stick around until the Tuesday forecast they predicted. Added to our list of lessons learned:

1. Bring more layers than you think you should need no matter what every single weather app told you the weather would be.
2. Don't forget your umbrella. (Or, maybe even two umbrellas.)

Here are a few closing shots in the rainy eve. We also enjoyed seeing Montmarte's spooky cemetery (more on that tomorrow) and their funicular. (But we opted for the stairs.)

Checking out the menu at one of the local restaurants. That's me with umbrella #1.

 You'll be stunned at how these quiet streets turn into bustling tourist meccas by morning.

The streets of Montmarte in the wee hours of the morn.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and often simply Sacré-Cœur

Until we meet again friends...

Jamaica: 27 November 2010

Oh, Jamaica.  Here we are trying desperately to get as much adventure out of you as we can on the last day of fun.  Ready, set, go!

We start the day off with an aggressive morning hike.  Now, while the brochure for available activities mentioned that we could enjoy a simple 2.5-hour hike up the local Bluefields Mountain and that a staff member would take us, it did not imply that we’d all be sucking wind and sweating our rear ends off while doing so.  We snagged a few shots along the way.  That’s David behind us.  He trotted up this mountain like it was a stroll in a grassy park.  We stopped about eight (8) times along the way, drained our water bottles and kept asking, “Are we there yet?”

After we finished the morning hike, it was time for some breakfast and pool adventures.  And you can only imagine what pool adventures lead to – pool bets.  Here’s the successful outcome of J-Rob’s wager to dive into the pool while holding a full drink and to not only keep the drink above water, but to not spill any either.  (Daren and Mike paid dearly for betting our little swimmer on that one.)

We spent the remainder of the day lounging around the pool and enjoying the sunset.  We each got to say a toast at dinner, and our last toast was conducted by Mr. Chad Starns himself.  I’ll share that toast here with you:

May the sound of happy music
And the lilt of Jamaican laughter
Fill your heart with gladness
That stays forever after.

Like any good party, things do have to come to an end and it’s time to say goodbye.  Here we bid farewell to our new found friends Percy and Steve.  Until our next adventure!

  

 

Jamaica: 26 November 2010

We had the most exciting day today. We started at the Roaring River and ended in Negril. Here are a few shots from the Roaring River. We got a private tour with three private guides. We saw much of the native ways of live and vegetation. Here are a few shots from our trip.

These first shots are of the river itself. The river has two parts - one the locals use for drinking water (no swimming) and the second that they use for bathing and swimming. We were able to see both.

Here is a series of photos from our coconut experience. We were able to get fresh coconuts out of the tree, and then got to enjoy the fruits of that labor - coconut juice!

Here is a shot of the troupe hanging out in the Roaring River. This area had a natural spring, a rapid and a lot of bubbles! (The laughter is all natural!)

After we saw the Roaring River, we went on to Negril. We went to the Negril Craft Market and then on to Ricks. Our friend (J-Rob) showed everyone who was boss by doing this 50-foot cliff dive like it was nothing. Go J-Rob!

Jamaica: 24-25 November 2010

Happy Thanksgiving from Jamaica! We are hoping you are having the most excellent holiday while we are here. We are thinking of you all and thankful for each and every one of you.

We started off Wednesday with a snorkeling trip out to the reef. We didn't take shots while we were under the water, but we did want to give you an idea of the types of things we saw while we were here. Here is a sampling.

After we went snorkeling in the morning we pretty much lounged around the house the rest of the day. Even the guard dogs needed a nap. Doesn't this look like the epitome of protection to you? (We love the guard dogs by the way, they are super friendly and loving and help remind us of our own furry friends at home.) Here is the sunset from Wednesday night off the back of the house. Pretty wonderful stuff.
On Thursday we did two main activities. We went to the Black River and then to the Appleton Rum Estate. These first shots are from the river, the second from the rum tour. The crocodiles enjoy the treats that the boat drivers pass out frequently.

Here is our driver Devon telling us about the shrimp traps that the locals use in the water.

Here is a shot of the boat dock loading area where we started our tour.

Here are some shots from the Appleton Rum Estate. This was a good time and we enjoyed tasting several varieties of rum.

Here are some local girls we passed on the way home. Aren't they cute? They wanted to have their picture taken so much.

They had prepared a full Thanksgiving dinner for us and spelled out "Happy Thanksgiving" in flower petals for us on the table. I'm telling you, this place is awesome. Until tomorrow!

Jamaica: 23 November 2010

Today was filled with quite a bit of excitement again. Half of the crew set out at an early 5:30 a.m. to hit the ocean for some deep sea fishing. And, boy, did they score. The troupe came back with an amazing 13 fish! Along the way, they saw these pelicans. While they were busy catching fish, we were busy enjoying a leisurely breakfast with our attentive Jamaican staff. While I won't give you an exact play-by-play account of every meal (French toast and Jamaican eggs, fresh fruit, hot tea, coffee, etc.) I did want to share the beautiful silver and British colonial undertones that adorn the house. Here is the breakfast service area just off the main dining hall. (You know, the one that overlooks the ocean while we eat all our meals as the breeze comes in?)
Here's the first shot upon their return. Look at how happy they are about their bountiful catch! And, a quick photo of a small crab that made an appearance for us. Overall they caught 13 tuna, 2 barracuda and 1 rather large (~25 lbs.) king fish. This is me giving you some perspective on the size of the king fish. No, I'm not eating the fish. (That comes later.) And, to make sure we continue to share every ounce of this trip with you, here are a few shots from the beverage prep station. (Again, in British colonial style.) Thank you fine silver trays, ice buckets and stir sticks. You have made this little adventure all the better.

Here is an assortment of mixers available in Jamaica. The ginger beer (like root beer but a little different) and Ting are great!We spent the afternoon napping and lounging out on the ocean on the aqua float. Later in the day a few of us enjoyed a deep tissue massage (heaven) and then we all dined on sushi, fish kabobs and fresh veggies assembled from the day's catch. (Your fish doesn't get much fresher than this.)Later for dinner, we enjoyed "fish tea" soup, fresh fish fillets, fish rice and seasonal vegetables. It was heaven. Best of all we know we played a part in making dinner and providing some fish for the boatman and the staff.

We finished the night with the "Pool Olympics". Cindy was a gold medalist. More to come tomorrow!

Jamaica: 22 November 2010

We're here and still loving Jamaica.

We started this morning with a lovely breakfast of toast, cereal, fresh fruit salad, bacon and a special Jamaican egg scramble. (yum) We continue to love the special attention and care provided by our villa team. We are all getting to spoiled too come home and will miss the attention.

After we enjoyed breakfast we headed out to sea on kayaks and explored the southern coast of the island. We saw many native birds and the area is surrounded with beautiful flowers.

After time on the kayaks we came back inland for a moment and then headed over to our private aqua raft (a nice large floatation device they've left for us in the middle of the ocean to use for laying out). After this we enjoyed lunch and took a variety of naps, enjoyed the pool and took a stroll up along the street to see the nearby park.

Here is a shot from our window with one of the beautiful hummingbirds (Red-billed Streamertail) that was hanging out to enjoy the many flowers around.
After we finished our time at the park and headed back, it was time to prepare to head to the manager's reception in another nearby villa. We met many of the guests who were staying in nearby homes and the owners of all the homes. We have also enjoyed meeting the owners' son and learning more about the island.

Once we returned from the manager's reception we came home to find dinner (and the dinner table complete with new fresh flowers) had been prepared for us and our team was ready to help us enjoy another fine evening of Jamaican dining including pork chops (Jamaican style), seasonal vegetables, potatoes, sea lime pie and rum ice cream. (yum, again)
Later in the evening we enjoyed a special late-night snack in Jamaican grilled cheese. Stay tuned as we prepare for the next day of deep sea fishing and massage!

Jamaica: 21 November 2010

Jamaica, sweet Jamaica, oh how I heart you!

Greetings friends and loved ones. We made our way to Jamaica this morning and are so happy we did. We started in Indy, did a quick (but enjoyable) layover in Philadelphia, and then swung straight into Montego Bay. We were greeted at the airport by "Dougie." Dougie is the resident contact for the Island Hoppers helicopter transfer we secured. He helped us make our way from the airport, to the helipad and finally over to the south side of the island to our beautiful and stunning resort.

Okay, so I try my best not to speak in superlatives about vacations, and to temper what I write here to be a combination of fun information, and not come sounding like a braggart. I have to throw all that out the window though today and I apologize for that. What you are about to read next may just make you hate me. I'm sorry. That's not my intention, but there are simply not words to capture the amazing experience that we have had so far. So, if you are up for it, dig in!

As we landed from our helicopter ride, we were met by the Bluefields Bay staff and their kind offering of fresh orange juice on silver trays in champagne glasses. Not a bad way to start a trip, right? They carefully whisk us away to the villa and our mouths drop wide open as we step out of the car and see our oasis.

We are staying at the beautiful and amazing Bluefields Bay Villas at the Hermitage. Here are a few shots. (And yes, it is just as spectacular as it looks here.) To help you try to understand the amazingness that is this experience - just imagine an entire open-air home, a private staff and anything you could desire at your fingertips. To top it off, imagine a home that is beautifully decorated, has a private pool and looks straight out onto the ocean. As a matter of fact, as I type this, I do so with the gentle roar of the tide at my side. (I know, I warned you once already.)

We enjoyed carefully crafted appetizers while our dinner was being prepared, and drinks to our liking all the while. We made our way down to the beach, enjoyed the hammock for a few moments and watched the locals swim on a nearby beach. We kept cool by dipping our feet in the pool. Dinner included cabbage soup, stuffed lobster, scalloped potatoes, seasonal vegetables, fried plantains and homemade fruit sorbet. (Not to mention a great toast by Ms. Cindy Zoellner.)

After dinner we enjoyed a quick dip in the pool and are settling in for the night. The windows are open wide, the breeze carries in the sounds and sweet smell of this island paradise lazily and we fight to keep our eyes open wide to take in every moment of this heaven. Until tomorrow.