Saturday October 3, 2009 Washington, DC to Fort Lauderdale, FL

Day 36 of 36


Washington, DC to Fort Lauderdale, FL
Flight 18 of 18
Final 899 miles out of 22,121 total miles travelled over the last 5 weeks


Headed home at last!


36 days
18 flights
22,121 total miles travelled
12 countries - 9 of which I stayed overnight (the other 3 - Japan, North Korea (viewed) and Thailand) were just to pass through or see!)
All of the way around the world for a third year in a row. Now I'm headed home.

It's true - there is no place like home.

Travelling makes me appreciate so many things:

- What a great country we live in; But our way of life isn't the only way!
- We live so comfortably but others are comfortable despite a far different standard of living;
- We complain about so many things, but we have the right to do so - others don't or won't;
- We are fortunate to live in an advanced, developed country with a robust economy; But our way isn't the only way business is done;
- Our economy has prospered over time, but that time is so short compared to these other countries;
- We are free; At least we are led to believe we are free;
- We have a very high standard of living compared to the rest of the world; But ours isn't the only way; Others don't have that - and some don't want it. It is what they know;
- We live a civilized and peaceful way of life;
- and we can freely express our opinions - many others cannot.

And finally, the power of a smile - a smile at someone will sometimes generate a smile back or a way. It is a universal expression of friendship. It is a great way to show friendship, peace, goodwill, hope, and a willingness to coexist. If more people could just smile!

Home at last. I love it. And feel so fortunate that I could have such a wonderful adventure.

Now to plan next year's trip! Always another adventure in me!

Friday October 2, 2009 Richmond, VA

Day 35 of 36

Fredericksburg and Richmond, VA

I woke up at 2 am (8 am in Paris) and went back to sleep. The awake at 3 am (9 am in Paris) and back to sleep. I finally woke up at 6:30 but stayed in bed until 7. Showered, dressed, and packed to head out to Richmond for the day. Chris was up about 7:30 and left for work a little after 8. I headed out a little before 9 and stopped at Starbucks for my coffee and something to eat. Gee - I haven't had a Starbucks in over a month!

And it was so good. Savored my first cup of Starbucks in a long time. Headed down I-95 to Richmond. First went to Jane Wright's house next to where I grew up. Jane's husband Lew died last December and I didn't know. So I visited with her for a while and we reminisced for a while sitting in her den. She was headed to the river house to get it ready to sell.

Then went to the bank to see if I could close Mom and Dad's safety deposit box. Sun Trust is less than helpful. Long story, short: Pam has to do it with yet another copy of the power of attorney and be there in person with her id. Then to the hotel to see if they had Pam's glasses that she left there in July - No. Couldn't find them.

Then to Our Lady of Hope to see Mom and Dad. I fed Mom her lunch and encouraged Dad to wake up and eat his. He ate most of his and she ate only about half. We then called people so Mom could hear their voice - that cheered her up. Mid afternoon they had an Octoberfest party in the activities room so I took Mom - she really enjoyed the accordian music and singing of old favorites. We called Russell and Joyce when we got back to the room. Mom "talked" to me for over an hour. Then I took her to dinner and said my farewells for yet another visit. I headed up I-95 to Fredericksburg to have dinner with Chris.

Traffic out of Richmond was heavy but once I got up to Kings Dominion the traffic thinned out and we moved along. I got to Fredericksburg in a little less than an hour and even beat Chris home. We drove in his car to Outback for dinner and caught up on conversation. After dinner, he took me home and I headed up I-95 north to Washington, DC. I'm glad that I decided to come up tonight since they were planning to work on the roads on Saturday morning. I checked into the Marriott Courtyard Crystal City, caught up on email, repacked for tomorrow, watched TV, and went to bed to rest.

A good visit with family and friends in Virginia.

Thursday October 1, 2009 Paris, France to Washington, DC

Day 34 of 36


Paris, France to Washington, DC - Fredericksburg, VA
Flight 17 of 18
3,861 miles of 22,121 total miles to be travelled

I woke up about 7:30 surprised that I had slept that long after the night with the mosquito chasing me. Showered, dressed, checked the room thoroughly and then lugged my luggage to the front desk to check out. After checking out, I set out the 3 blocks to the Hotel de Ville Metro stop. I checked my Paris Visite ticket and as I had suspected, it was expired. So I stood in line to get a new ticket. One guy took forever to get his ticket so it was slow going.

I quickly got my new ticket for 8.5 euros, went through the turnstile and headed to the train for the one stop to Chatelet where I'll pick up the RER train to le aeroporte Charles de Gaulle. There was a lot of pedestrian traffic but I made it painlessly. Waited at Chatelet a short time and the next train was a nonstop train to CDG - perfect. Got on with my luggage and got a seat with my luggage beside me. A 30 minute ride to CDG, then off the train, back through the turnstile using my new ticket to get out, to the CDGVAL train, and off to Terminal 1. On arrival at Terminal 1, I went to the United business class check in desk and was able to check right in and check my large red roller bag.

I then went to the Duty Free Cash Refund desk to get my receipt stamped by the customs agent for the Czech glass vase I bought - that will give me about $60 back. I'll mail it in and get a credit on my credit card instead of cash. Went up "the tube" to french immigration. The lines were long as usual and slow. Just as I got to the front of the line, the agent closed my line - so the other agent alternated between her line and my line. They have a way in France.

Went through immigration and to the United Red Carpet Lounge - not too many people there. Had my coffee and a croissant there and read a USA Today. Left the lounge a little before time to board since I still have to go through security. That was interesting. The guy in front of me pulls out 2 bottles of beer and a pint of scotch that he wants to take on the plane and he doesn't understand that he can't take it. He decides to leave the scotch and take the 2 bottles of beer back out of security and drink them - hot. Stupid. Then he has to come back through security. They pulled me aside to check my carryon bag but then they got distracted with the beer/scotch guy so they forgot about me. I took my bag and headed to board the plane. I got on and took my business class seat in row 9 next to a woman from Indianapolis who had been in Paris on business.

Got all settled, and we actually left Paris early. I watched "The Hangover" movie - it was hilarious and I was laughing out loud during a lot of it. I then watched the ending of "Imagine That" that I had missed on a previous flight. The rest of the 7 1/2 hours was eating lunch (filet) sleeping for about 1 1/2 hours, and reading. I watched the map showing the progress of the flight. We arrived at Dulles about 30 minutes early. Note to self: I hate Dulles. We had to walk forever only to get on one of those remote busses to take us to immigration. Then the lines were slow at immigration. But it didn't matter because when I got to baggage, none of the bags had come up and they didn't for yet another 20 minutes - over an hour to get through this. Ridiculous.

I retrieved my bag, when through customs and to the National Car Shuttle. Got my car, checked voice mail on my phone, and then headed to Virginia. I somehow missed the turnoff on the loop and ended up at the Pentagon! Oh boy. I finally got to 495 and the traffic headed out of DC was heavy and slow. Long story, short - it took me 2 1/2 hours to get from Dulles to Fredericksburg. Unbelievable.

It was good to see Chris. We talked for a while, then I showered, shaved and dressed for dinner. I started a load of clothes since all of my clothes are dirty, dirty, dirty. We went to an Italian restaurant in Fredericksburg and it was really good. Chris treated which was sweet. We headed home and watched some TV, I dried and folded my clothes, caught up on email. I headed to bed about 10 pm - it has been a long day.

It is so good to be back in the U.S. Almost home.

Wednesday September 30, 2009 Paris, France

Day 33 of 36

Paris, France

My quiet room at Hotel de la Brettonerie worked - I slept until almost 9 am. Needed that. A deep sleep that was very restful. I woke up, got dressed and called Al to see if he wanted to meet for coffee. He had an errand to run so we agree to meet at 9:50 at the cafe he had told me about - L'etoile Manquente on rue Vielle du Temple. I got a front row seat for us and waiting for Al to arrive. I had 2 cafe au lait and a croissant. We enjoyed sitting there and people watching. Also got to watch the street cleaners as the water back-wash started on the street while we were there. It is good that they clean the streets each day in Paris - they get really dirty.

Al went off to do his errands and I headed to The Tuileries to go to the Jeux de Paume. I decided to walk and take in the sites. Everything is so beautiful here. The architecture, the people, the food, everything. The streets get so dirty during the day and the Parisians have a unique way of backwashing water into the gutters to wash them all down daily. They do this throughout the city. It works.

I arrived at the Jeux de Paume only to find out that it was closed yet again - third year in a row. The exhibition that had been there was finished and it wouldn't reopen until late October. Oh well. So I headed off to Hotel le Crillon just across the street at La Concorde. Went in and looked all around - beautiful and luxurious. Beautiful polished marble floors - immaculate.

Then I took the metro to the Left Bank and went to rue de l'Universitie - this is where Julia Child lived at number 81. Beautiful quaint street. I can see why Julia loved it. Walked through St. Germain and looked around and then took the Metro back to the Right Bank to the Bourse area and walked all around. There was some special event going on at the Bourse and they had the red carpet rolled out. Not sure what that was about but you needed tickets to get in.

I roamed all around and ended up on rue Montmartre. Headed back toward Les Halles. Stopped for a crepe with almonds - or it was supposed to be almonds. He put a paste on it with sugar. But it actually wasn't very good! Surprisingly. Ate some and threw the rest away.

Went through the wholesale jewelry district - every kind of jewelry you can imagine - but only wholesale. Stopped at Open Bar for a beer with "the boys" and enjoyed the scenery for a while. We are all the same it seems - just a different languag'e. Headed back to the hotel and called Al - it was after 6 pm and he had invited me to go to a reception where they had 5 euro cosmos tonight - but I'm just not up for that. Will rest my feet, pack my luggage, and then head out to dinner at a brassiere not too far.

Went to the Metro to check out my ticket to Charles de Gaulle. I believe my Paris Visite pass won't work and a new pass is 8.5 euros. I checked to make sure I had enough change and reserved that and then headed to dinner. I went to Le Restaurant Au Pied de Couchon which has been in Paris for a long time. I had to wait a short time for a table so had a beer at the bar. I gave them M. Laurent as my name. When they called me I couldn't understand that and just kept sitting there for a while until the maitre d' came to me. I was shown to a table for one. I had a french menu and read it over thoroughly. (I should have asked for an English menu!). I decided to get "le speciality de maison" - Le Fameux au pied de couchon. I decided to be adventuresome and try it.

The waiter brought me a plate and announced "Pour les bones". I then started to wonder what I was getting. He mentioned to another person - "It's the cheeks". Oh boy, what am I getting. So after my wine was delivered, they brought a plate that had a pigs leg and foot complete with the toes and toenails. Oh boy - can I do this? Everyone around me looked on with delight that someone was getting the specialty. But none of them were, of course.

So I took a big gulp of wine, and set in with my knife and fork. I peeled the thick skin back and inside were bones, bones, bones. In between the bones were sweet, small pieces of pork. It was good, but most of this dish was bones and fat. I couldn't bear to go into the "toes" so covered that with the skin and announced that I was "terminee". Thank goodness for the french fries and wine. I got "la couple" for dessert that was good - ice cream, fruit, chantilly, etc. What an experience.

I headed back to the hotel, finished packing and went to bed. It was a nice cool night so I opened the window so the cool air could come in. About 2 am a stupid mosquito decided to attack me. I slept under the sheet for a while and finally about 3 closed the window, madly thrashed around the room to "shoo" the mosquito and then went back to sleep. I woke up at 7:30 with a couple of mosquito bites that I was scratching!

A fun last day in my favorite city - Paris!

Tuesday September 29, 2009 Paris, France

Day 32 of 26

Paris, France and Vaux-le-Vicomte

The Hotel de la Bretonnerie is very quiet. My room is on the back of the hotel away from the busy street with a courtyard - very quiet. I slept so well. Woke up about 8, got dressed. Checked email - Al won't be ready for coffee - and I need to go to catch my train to Vaux le Vicomte anyway. Never done this via train so I am hoping the day goes okay.

I walked to Hotel de Ville and took the Metro to Gare de Lyon, only about 3 stops away. Then it became very confusing. It was not clear how to get to Melun. So I went into an information counter and she told me to go to another platform - Quay 17 - and that train went to Melun. I walked there (to the yellow platforms) and the train was getting ready to leave - but I didn't have a ticket. So I found a machine to buy a ticket and - AARRGH - the stupid thing won't take US credit cards - you have to have a card with "a chip" in it. Which I don't have. So I checked my "coins" and had just enough to get the ticket - 14.5 euros for a roundtrip ticket.

But by then the train had gone. So now to find another train to Melun. I asked a conductor and he told me to go back to the blue platforms. I realized when I got there that the conductor was reading the "arrivee" charts rather than the "depart" charts. So I need to start over. I studied the charts and finally figured it out. But I had missed the 9:05 am train and the next one was at 12:35. Geez - I don't want to wait that long. So I kept studying the chart and figured out that there was another train that stopped in Melun that left at 10:35. Just to make sure I stopped a lady information person and confirmed this with her. I took a seat and people-watched for an hour.

They posted the quay on the departure board and I went to the train, but then didn't know how to "validate" my ticket. There was a yellow box but that was for "big" tickets and I had a little one. I found the information person again and in french she explained to me that I needed to find the 'gris' box (gray). OK - I can do this. And lo and behold I found it, validated my ticket and got on the train and took my seat. While we were waiting to leave a couple came on asking another lady how to validate her tickets. The woman told her - do nothing and speak german if you are questioned! I offered my help to the couple, they were appreciative, they left the train, validated their tickets and returned. She appreciated my help.

We left Paris Gare de Lyon right on time and the 25 minute ride to Melun was smooth. Countryside, outskirts of Paris, trees, small villages. Beautiful countryside. It's France! Got off in Melun, the first stop, and went to find the Cafe de la Gare, where the ChateauxBus leaves. Unfornately, the bus only operates on Saturday and Sunday. I waited a while to make sure it wasn't coming, but it didn't. So I got a taxi - it cost 20 euros to get there (about $30). The driver was a Portugese man who had moved to France in the mid '60's. He spoke good English. He offered to come back to pick me up at the end of my tour since transportation from the chateau is an issue.

Vaux le Vicomte needs to advertise more and become tourist friendly. It is a difficult place to get to. But it is the most beautiful and peaceful place. I was so excited when we turned down the small lane leading to the chateau. It is lined with tall french maple trees (they look like sycamore with the colorful bark). The taxi pulled up in front of the chateau and I had arrived. I paid the driver and set a time to meet for the return to the train in Melun. I walked to the middle of the chateau entrance and took it all in - and took pictures. Also got pictures of the tree lined lane that is so beautiful.

I went in and got a "Tour Simple" ticket for the house and gardens. I snapped pictures all along the way. I first went through the stables, where I had never been before. The moat was filled surrounding the chateau. I went in through the front door and bought a book on the chateau and an audio tour. The tour was informative and I learned things I didn't know. Such a magnificent chateau. I got to go for a visit to the dome where I had never been. The superstructure holding it up is incredible. The view breathtaking from the top. The chateau had a lot of displays and commentary about Nicolas Fouquet and how he had been betrayed and lost everything.

Then to the gardens - magnificent. Words don't describe the beauty. Plots and containers of flowers, topiary boxwood. Beautifully sculptured boxwood in intrique designs. Fountains, pools - round, square, and rectangular. You want to the far end of the gardens and then you realize there is a long "water feature" that you didn't even know existed. I walked around the end of it and a group of young French schoolgirls approached me wanting to speak English. We talked - they in broken English, me in broken French. I took their picture. To the far side of the water and the structures were beautiful. I walked up the hill to the Herculese statue and took it all in.

I then started back so I could meet my driver. Such a beautiful peaceful place. Not many tourists as many people don't know about Vaux le Vicomte. A special place.

My taxi driver was about 10 minutes late but I had plenty of time to get the train back to Paris. It was 22 euros for the taxi ride (an expensive proposition!). I had to wait about 20 minutes for the train, but it arrived right on time and we were off to Paris Gare de Lyon. I slept most of the way - that was a lot of walking today.

On arrival I stopped in a small cafe and had a light lunch and a large beer. Too much but I was hungry. I decided to walk back to the hotel - went by the Bastille monument and enjoyed the people watching along the way. The french men are now wearing these tight jeans that seem to be in fashion. It was warm so I was in short sleeves. I wove my way through the Marais and went by the big synagogue. It is Yom Kippur and they were selling these yellow fruit looking things (looked like lemons) in white boxes and also reeds. I later asked Al what these were but he didn't know. There were tables and tables of these fruits and they were carefully inspecting them to get just the perfect ones.

I went back to the hotel to freshen up for my evening with Al Stewart. I went to his flat at pm and we had champagne and hors d'oeuvres and interesting chat. We caught up on is adventures in Egypt. A little before 9 we left and took the metro to Le Vagabond for dinner. I had melon and proscuitto, gigot d'agneau, and ile flottante. It was so good but I was stuffed. We decided to walk back to the Marais to walk off dinner and that was good. Al showed me where to go for coffee in the morning and then I went off to the hotel. I was pooped - a busy day in Paris. We agreed to touch base in the morning and maybe have coffee, but I was planning to "sleep in".

A great visit to Vaux le Vicomte. Fabulous.

Monday September 28, 2009 Prague, Czech Republic to Paris, France

Day 31 of 36

Prague, Czech Republic to Frankfurt, Germany to Paris, France

Flights 15 and 16 of 18

533 miles out of 22,121 miles to be travelled

I woke up about 6 am and forced myself to go back to sleep at least until the sun comes up. Finally got up about 7, dressed, and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It wasn't as crowded as during the weekend and I was the only one there for a while. Had my breakfast and then returned to the room to finish packing.

The hotel was not at all cooperative in helping me to arrange my transportation back to the Prague Airport. I asked the front desk to call the shuttle company and basically he refused! I was taken back. He tried to "sell" me on using the hotel car (at twice the price) instead of the shuttle. I don't think so! Nevertheless, I tried to call 3 times, all unsuccessful, and then noticed that you can order the shuttle online. So I did that. The order form took me 2 attempts but I made it and got a confirmation email shortly. Mission accomplished - where there is a will, there is a way!

Went to the lobby about 9:45 am to wait for the shuttle. They came shortly and we were off to the airport. The traffice was not as heavy and we were at the airport in about 20 minutes. I tried to get my customs form stamped for the Czech glass I bought but they told me I have to get it stamped at my departure point from the EU - that would be Paris. Oh well. So I checked in my big bag, went through security and to the Business Class Lounge at the Prague airport. Not too many people in there. No wi-fi so I worked on the book, had some coffee, and read.

The Lufthansa flight was right on time. We even left 15 minutes early - when they are ready to go, we go! They served us a meal in first class and I had 3 glasses of red wine (that later conked me out!). We arrived in Paris early. No customs since it was from an EU country, retrieved my bag, took the CDGTram to the RER station. Bought a 3 day pass that will get me into Paris, around Paris during my stay, and back to the airport on Thursday. Went downstairs and caught the train which happened to be a "semi-non-stop" train. We picked up people at a couple of stops and then went direct to Gare du Nord - then to Chatelet, my stop. I got off at Chatelet and had to change to the #1 line to Hotel de Ville - a short walk and onto the next train and I only had to go one stop.

I got off of the Metro at Hotel de Ville and left via the Rue Logue exit which was only 3 blocks from my hotel. A short walk and voila, I was at the Hotel de la Brettonerie, a small hotel right in the middle of the Marais. Checked in, and unpacked and laid down to rest my feet and that's when all of the wine kicked in - I zonked out for a while. I guess I was tired.

Got up and went out for a walk around the Marais. On a Monday night not too many people out and about. I stopped for a beer and a bite to eat - and later for a gelato treat, but I wasn't realy hungry since I'd had the meal on the Lufthansa flight and it was somewhat substantial. Enjoyed my walk - ended up at the Church of St. Eustause, a beautiful structure right by Les Halles. Walked back by the Pompidou Centre, to the hotel, and to bed about 11:30.

Ah Paris. I feel like I'm at home!

Sunday September 27, 2009 Prague, Czech Republic

Day 30 of 36

Prague, Czech Republic

I woke up a little before 8 am and went to breakfast in the hotel restaurant. A big breakfast to begin my day with lots of coffee to wake up.

The day is another beautiful one in Prague. I headed out a little after 9 am and headed back to one of the street bazaars that was just closing when I got there yesterday. The very first booth had these small witch puppets. When you clapped (the owner banged a piece of wood on a block) all of the puppets started jumping up and down and loudly cackling. It was a riot. I stood there and watched for a while and laughed. Really funny.

I roamed around for a while, took a rest on the wall by the astronomical clock and then headed to the Jewish Ghetto. There were an old synagogue and a new synagogue. Lots of tourists here, but I decided to forego the tour. I walked around the block that contained the Jewish cemetary - a large one. Took pictures of it through a small window from the street. Headed over to the river and paused to take in the scenery.

Walked down to a performance hall - beautiful building - and headed across the Vltava River. Went to the Senate where they have a beautiful garden with the "drippy" sculpture. It looks like eerie faces in the structure. Took a break there. A young gay couple was having an argument - they were very young.

Left the Senate and walked up the hill again to see if I could get into Prague Castle - and yes, the Pope was gone and the grounds were open. There was a HUGE line to get into the cathedral so I decided not to wait. The line was wrapped around the front and all of the way down one side. Too many people. Oh well, "A B C", I guess.

I walked down from the Castle a different way and then back to the Charles Bridge. Not quite as many people around today. I headed back to the Old Town Square and had a sausage on brochette with mustard and ketchup - it was good - a large beer - and another trdelnik. Yum. I took a seat on one of the benches and watched the crowds for a while. There have been a lot of lesbians visiting Prague - all holding hands. Why can't guys do that?

Headed back up one of the streets with shops and did some more window shopping. Then headed back to the hotel as my feet were killing me at this point - it was after 3 pm. Took a short nap and updated email, blog, and FaceBook. Made plans for my departure from Prague tomorrow morning and did some preliminary packing. Off to Paris tomorrow.