Category Archives: Europe

One year ago this week I was in Paris with Sergio celebrating my 40th birthday. So I thought I would post a handful of photographs from the trip. I know that many people think the French and Parisians in particular are rude, but that has never been my experience. I love the food, the architecture, the downtown neighborhoods (and yes – the people too).

We had a wonderful time and splurged mightily staying at a beautiful hotel and enjoying all Paris had to offer. Some of the highlights included drinking champagne at a little bar in the Marais and people watching, having dinner near the opera house with Alicia, the views from atop the Eiffel Tower, and dinner at the oldest run brasserie in the city of Paris located in another favorite neighborhood, the Bastille.

I arrived home to Boston and I want to share some of my memories while they remain fresh. However, before I start I’d like to thank everyone for their nice comments, e-mails and to my friends and family who left such nice messages wishing me a happy birthday.

The quick trip to Paris was wondeful. I spent most of my time strolling the streets, eating and drinking far more than one person should ever consume in a day and enjoying time relaxing with Sergio.  I was also able to connect with our friend Alicia and even meet her handsome, new boyfriend.

I will write more about the trip, but since pictures tell a story so well – I thought I would start by including some photographs from my long weekend in Paris.  The picture show takes approximately 3 minutes and will change automatically.  I hope you enjoy.

Despite a cold and rainy forecast, the weather so far has been mostly agreeable. I just hope by typing this I don’t jinx the rest of our trip and condemn us to rain and cold.  The hotel, Prince de Galles, has lived up to its hype. It is beautiful and the service thus far has been excellent.  Shortly after arriving at the hotel (9:30am) local time, we were shown our room.  Since I didn’t sleep at all on the flight, Sergio and I promptly took a nap and did not leave until 2:00pm.  We were both a bit tired all day but it did not prevent us from a quick promenade down the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triumphe nor spending a few hours ascending the Eiffel Tower (pictures will follow upon my return).

In the evening we went to one of my favorite sections of Paris, ile Ste. Louis, which is a tiny island in the Seine River next to ile de la Cite.  This smaller island always seems a lot less crowded and charming.  Dinner at a tiny, but delicious Italian restaurant named Sorza was excellent.  Perhaps this is one of my favorite things about Paris.  No matter where I go and what I try – the food does not disapoint.  I’m sure there are bad restaurants and places I’d rather not eat, but either due to luck or a good eye nothing I’ve eaten has left me wanting. I’m off now to try some ice cream at Berthillon Ice Cream on ile Ste. Louis.

On Christmas day my partner surprised me with news that he had purchased airline tickets to take me to Paris for my birthday this spring.  Since then, I’ve been perusing websites and looking into possible hotels to book our stay.  Initially, I wanted to return to Le Marais, but I was unsuccessful in finding a property that I wanted to spend my birthday so I started looking into other neighborhoods.

Earlier today a friend suggested the Hotel Prince De Galles.  He had stayed there a few years ago and was very complimentary.  When I visited the site, I found a special – stay two nights get the third free. Have I mentioned that I love it when I feel like I’m getting a deal?  Armed with the knowledge that friends really enjoyed the property and the opportunity to stay in Paris for three nights but only having to pay for two nights proved to be all the incentive I needed. 

After I booked the hotel, I stumbled across the blog, The Best Luxury Hotels in the World. Check out the link to the blog for some more photographs of the hotel.

Until then I think I’ll just have to rent out Baz Lurmann’s Moulin Rouge a few more times… 

As a self-proclaimed travel nut, my journeys have taken me to Europe many times, but I’ve always travelled by plane or train. However, the Millau Viaduct, which is located in southern France and is part of the new E11 expressway that connects Paris and Barcelona might just tempt me into renting a car to enjoy driving over the tallest vehicular bridge in the world.

Interestingly, the Millau Viaduct is built with a slight curve because a straight road could induce a floating sensation as you drive across it. The curve adds a sense of elegance in the picture and really does look as if it is floating in the sky. Would you drive across this 8,000′ long bridge? I would not want to be stuck on the bridge if there were high winds or inclement weather but on a beautiful day it must be absolutely spectacular.