Night time in Paris

Our first night in Paris. We had a great meal overlooking the exterior of the Notre Dame. Amazing view, amazing food, and an amazing companion.

So what to do next? We decided to walk around Paris and check out the city at night. Shalie and I had a bunch of energy in us and so did the city.

 We stumbled upon the courtyard of the Louvre and a carnival next to the gardens of Champ Elysses.


 Paris also had a temporary beach set up on the river situated in the heart of the Latin Quarters. We strolled the beach and took in the local fare.

This even included watching a Parisian fishing in the Siene and catching a cocking gun. Ooh Paris such a beautiful city.

We walked around the city so much we built up another appetite. Where do you go for late night eats in Paris…McDonalds of course! I had a tasty Royal with Cheese. That is a Quarter Pounder for you folks back home who aren't using the metric system. If you are still confused please go watch Pulp Fiction.

I have been mandated to scrip two blogs tonight. One down. I will catch you in a couple of hours folks.

My ‘Rush-Hour French’ CD didn’t teach me enough…

Awe, Paris – the city of lights!
With no real plans and no true priorities – we boarded the train expecting to arrive in the City around 4pm.

Good thing our travel agent told us that our train passes weren't available on all trains – oh wait, she didn't. I thought we were going to be thrown off…. In the middle of nowhere… I guess they don't do that, but it did end up costing us.

Our hotel was lovely – right across from the Pantheon, a great staff (I call them the Hommes Hommies) and an exercise-ful walk to everywhere (ie. not close to anything, but not far enough to justify a taxi anywhere – I would like to thank my travel agent for my 3-day leg workout… they haven't looked this good since my address was 1433 Tennessee).

If you don't know what the Pantheon is – you aren't alone. I slept 100 ft from it, toured it and took several pictures…. And I still don't know what it is.

Favorite experience of the trip so far – probably Tuesday's dinner. Recommended by the Hommes Hommies – O fil de'l O is located on a small boat on the back side of Notre Dame. No, unfortunately, we did not see the back side of Quasimodo – I've heard the French are known for their (or maybe it's because they are) backsides.

What we did see (but not for long) was an AWESOME dinner! This is one of the only times that Jeremy has "won" the tasting battle…. And his dinner was cooked in a mason jar.

  

Swiss Roller Coasters and Pretzel Dogs Galore

After an evening of Jonker-style Eucher (see picture at right – it's charli at her best), it was time for another glorious night on le sofa-bed. I must say, IKEA has done a good job of making very minimally-invasive pieces semi-comfortable! But, we had a big day on Monday, and needed to rest up!

On Monday, we were 'bach'ing-it (in the wise words of Greg – referring to the lack of a mom/wife present) – so what do we do? We climb Mt. Utliberg! I don't know if you can see this in the picture, but I am wearing sandals, giving away the fact that this wasn't the most strenuous of climbs….

Regardless, Utliberg sits high about Zurich, allowing a beautiful view of the city and lake. Most of the climb is done by train, but there are some pretty awesome hiking/biking/running trails once you get to the top. There is also an observatory, Jeremy is estimating to have 100 stairs. I would like to think there was more like 1,000 – it was scary.

Post-climb, we found the "roller coasters" which aren't nearly as exciting as my face might suggest…. But something I would have tried to recreate in my backyard as a child.

 

After our adventure – we got to check out Jessica and Chris' new place. An awesome condo in the "bucktown" of Zurich. And then a gourmet lunch – PRETZELDOGS! Yes, my dog (on the left) is a much bigger dog…. The pretzel man knew I was famished.

Lucerne in the Sky with Diamonds

Nothing like traveling half way around the world to paddle your girlfriend and sister around one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. When your brother-in-law says "I have a great idea"...you should run the other direction.

We walked around the city and stopped to consume some Movenpicken...which is the local ice cream monopoly. Charli was a trooper and was for the most part a fun travel companion.

Two days down....13 more to go. I am having a great time.

2011 Zurich Street Parade

So, we called ahead - and they threw us a party. I guess, "When in Zurich... Party with one million friends."

And by friends, I mean weirdos.

2011 Zurich Street Parade

Taking the Zzzzz's out of Zurich

Zurich, 7 hours ahead and an 11 hour plane ride from Dallas, makes for a long day of travel. We flew out of Dallas at 10:30am destined for Newark. In Newark, we drank a sufficient amout - I thought atleast enough to help me sleep through the next leg of the trip.

Instead, I watched the sun go down...

I kept Jeremy awake long enough to play for a little while....

I watched the sun come up....

And I landed in Zurich, 8am, no sleep, no breakfast, ready to roll



The Worst Timing

How could it be? I'm heading back to a great school, about to quit my summer "internship" and here I find myself envying another job?

http://careers.hsmai.org/jobs/4368331/senior-forecasting-analyst?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I want it. An analyst position at WDW? How awesome would that be? Maybe they'll be looking for another one when I'm done.....