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December 30, 2004
Paris: A Wonderful Dream
Well, it is our last night in Paris, France. We made it back today from London for only a few hours of exploration and decided to head one last time to the Eiffel Tower to see if we could get to the top. However, as luck has it, the lines for the Eiffel Tower was over 1 hour long and with only 3 - 4 hours of Paris, we decided to head over to Trocadero area for a lovely french dinner.
Cafe Kleber
This cafe is more like a 'tourist' area since it is located within a few blocks of the Eiffel Tower. The menu was in French and English. Tabitha ordered from the Formule Menu with a Poulet et Frites (Chicken and Fries!) and Mousse du chocolat (Chocolate Mousse) while Chhimi being his daring self ordered the restaurants Noir Menu with a starter of smoked salmon slices served with lemon and thyme. His main course was 2 different kinds of fishes including salmon and a white fish (cod?) in a creamy sauced surrounded by various vegetables including brocoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mushrooms. Mmmmm! For dessert, Chhimi finished his night off with a Crepe Sucre (Sugar Crepe). Of course, no French dinner is complete without wine. Chhimi even had 2 glasses of their house red wine while Tabitha had 0.5 glass. Mmmm...Voila! A wonderful dinner.
Romantic Stroll on Champ-Elysees
After gorging our bellies full, we decided to go and take a stroll in our favorite area of Paris, the Champ-Elysees. It is a very lively place no matter what time you go yet you don't feel over-crowded or any frustrations from all the tourists and Parisiens. Instead, you just stroll at your leisure and enjoying your sight seeing whether it be people watching, window shopping, or just taking a walk, it is a lovely place to be. The beautiful lights shimmering in the decorated trees, all the stores staying open past 9:00pm, the restaurantswere just beginning to bustle with customers, and the cafes were just crowded with people sipping on their expressos. Ahhh, c'est magnifique! We walked from the Arc de Triomphe to the Rue de Roosevelt (Roosevelt Road) and bid Paris a very sad Au Revoir as we head down to take the Metro towardes our hotel at the airport since we have an early flight to go home.
Posted by chhimi at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)
Heading back across the English Channel
Yahoo!!!! I am escaping this crazy island. For a £100 million or a shag with Queen of England I hope to never step back into this god forsaken island. But hey on the up side I am not at work - I came saw and conquered. Back to Paris (I really LOVE PARIS!!) For all those asses who say that Parisisans are rude must have never met a pissy BRIT.
Cheerio Fools.
Posted by chhimi at 05:17 AM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2004
Freezing Temperatures!
Paris did nothing to prepare us for this freezing weather in London. For our 1st day, we toured Big Ben (House of Parliament), London Eye, and Trafalgar Square; however, the weather was also at its coldest day, -1 degree C, below freezing temperatures! Our clothing did little to keep us warm and fuzzy. Our ears were red and Tabitha was afraid they would fall off! Thank goodness there were some cafes that remained open so we could drink some nice american style coffee (aka watered down expresso to the europeans) and have some yummy tomato soup! Mmmm good!
Posted by chhimi at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
December 26, 2004
Reached London (cheerio)
After a 2.5 hour train ride on the eurostar, we have reached LONDON. Our metro or underground tube ride was not as well as we would like as today is Boxing Day so our metro stop was closed! bah! we had to walk over 10 min to our hotel with 4 bags. Eek!
Posted by chhimi at 09:36 AM | Comments (0)
December 25, 2004
Joyeux Noël de Paris
Merry Christmas from Paris. (Sorry about the lack of post-been enjoying ourselves and the lack of Internet connection). Well we are done with Paris and we are heading to London tomorrow. From Versailles - to the awesome art collection at the Louvre - Notre Dame - the Moulin Rouge and my favorite strolling along Champ Elyses Paris has been wonderful and beautiful. (More about the trip later) I think the only con has been the weather - freezing out here - today we had a pleasant day only 0 degrees and clear skies.
Posted by chhimi at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)
December 21, 2004
Eiffel Tower
The eagle has landed. After a very long and tiring flight we reached Paris and many hours later (being stuck in traffic) we reached out hotel. (Weather.com - lied to us it's freezing out here) After a quick change of clothes and a shower we went to see the Eiffel Tower. We walked across the Seine to the Palais de Chaillot and saw a breathtaking view of the Tower. Well we didn’t go atop the tower too many dang tourists. And we never got to see the ice skating rink on the tower. We tried to stick around till the sunset and watch the tower light up. After this magical experience – I decided to head back to hotel because I barely feel certain body parts that were pretty frozen at this point. A power nap or a couple hours of sleep and we headed off to dinner. Dinner was at a little restaurant called “Bec Rouge” – I had an awesome meal till I had to eat Tabitha’s beef tartare and found out it was raw beef –aka “Mad Cow Disease.” All kidding aside I had a set menu (Appetizer + Main Dish and a desert).
"Oh so schweeet!"
"Leaning Tower of Eiffel."
"Ooh Lala!"
"Bec Rouge."
Read more of Tabitha’s thought coming soon.
Prelude
I have always wanted to visit Paris with Chhimi. Europe was a trip that we’ve dreamed about ever since we were on college. Why? It is the dreamy notion that all the movies have planted in our heads.
Whiny Start
So we started out with Chhimi whining about almost everything on this trip. He whined about American airlines not having individual TV console in each seat. He complained about no eye-mask given on the plane. Well, I also whined too, as I was at least expecting some sort of meals for our local flight to Dallas. However, we didn’t. I think we both have been spoiled by Singapore Airlines with their excellence quality of service, food, and amenities when you’re flying with them. So next time we fly, we will definitely prefer a Singapore Airlines or similar.
Weird Meal
Each time we fly international, Chhimi complains that he doesn’t get his food early enough because his stomach growls. Well, so this time, I requested that Chhimi and I be served earlier than the rest through Expedia.com. However, I had no idea that in order to be “served” first or prior to the rest, we’d get vegetarian-like meals. When I told Chhimi this little special request, he was shocked and said, “oh my goodness, I can’t believe I’m going to be eating leafy vegetables while others will be eating chicken or steak!”. He did well though, didn’t complain too much when his meal was “low sodium”. The meal was so BLAH that we didn’t even bother taking a photo of it, like our other flights from Singapore Airlines. I think on our return fly, I’ll tell them not to give us such nice partial treatment. :-) hahahah.
Culture Shock
We got off the plane a little early and I was immediately thrown off guard with the airport being so crowded in early morning. I must have heard at least 5 different languages, not including English. It was hard for me to read the signs too and find the directions at the same time. We managed though so it wasn’t too bad. We even got some currency exchange ($200 = 132 Euros: It stinks, I feel broke and cheated!!)
Long Ride Into The City
Chhimi and I waited at the terminal for our Air France shuttle ride. I saw a shuttle bus and immediately tried to outside but actually hit part of the glass pane on my right side. In Paris, those automatic sliding doors are not so automatic. You actually have to initiate it by pressing the green panel to open the doors. Caught me off-guard and it was most embarrassing since that shuttle wasn’t even the one I wanted. We finally caught the right shuttle and it took us a good 45 minutes to get into town.
This Does Not Only Happen In India
Some years back, when I arrived in Calcutta with Chhimi, as we rode back to his family’s flat; I saw men and young boys peeing into the open fields for all traffic to see. Today, it happened in Paris, France. This man “hid” behind a tall tree and manipulated his shopping bag to cover ..eh..certain parts of his lower waist and began to urinate in front of Gare Montparnasse into the ground for all traffic and pedestrians to see. Chhimi and I couldn’t believe it but oh well, this is Paris after all ; -) hahaha.
Eiffel Tower (Wonder To the Eyes)
Chhimi and I purchased 2 Carte Orange (it’s a metro riding pass for Zones 1 and 2 for the entire week – up until 12/26 for us, which is perfect). So we rode for the very first time on the Paris metro and arrived safely at the Eiffel Tower. As we turned the corner, we saw for the very first time the Eiffle Tower. It dawned on me that this was very much surreal. One minute I was home in good ole’ USA and the next, I am standing in front of the tower in Paris, France with all of French culture around me. It was wonderful! We spent hours here to just capture almost every angle of the tower. Chhimi and I may need to go back. It was just a very beautiful sight.
Bec Rouge Restaurant
After awaking from our late evening nap, Chhimi and I decided to scour for some dinner around 9:00pm. Apparently, in Paris, 8:30 – 10:00pm was the peak time for dinner as many restaurants were open filled with patrons. We walked past at least 3 – 4 restaurants around our hotel (Timhotel) and saw Bec Rouge and their delightful menu in French. Two patrons walked out and said to us “C’est Manifique”. We looked at each other, well, guess this was the place for us to dine tonight. We were greeted by warm staff and were asked if we’d like smoking or non-smoking. In reality it was “smoking” or “not as much smoke” but that didn’t really bother us, we expected that. We were sat right by the window in a cozy little room with a heat lamp to give us some warmth.
We took at least 10 minutes struggling with the menu trying to decipher the French words and what it means. Finally, the owner came and he saw my “Rick Steves” French book and I asked him “parlez vous Anglais?” and he said “Yes, let me get you an carte de Anglais” and disappears. When he reappeared, he presented us with English menus and Chhimi and I both sighed with relief and thanked him. I guess I didn’t realize how difficult it was NOT to be able to communicate effectively when there’s a language barrier.
Wrong Thing To Order
Chhimi decided for me that I should order the Tartare du veil avec Alsacion pasta. I said “ok” as I really am not picky on food, except on my desserts. Then, after the waiter brought me my plate, I saw the round looking red beef mixed with cucumber, mayonnaise, and other types of spices, I took a look at Chhimi and whispered, “I think this is raw, honey”. My eyes were filled with terror at this point. Chhimi said, “well, give it a try and if you don’t like it, no worries, I’ll eat it.”. I took one bite, and I knew it was raw beef for sure. No matter how much you tried to disguise the taste, raw meat is raw meat. Yuck! I tried my “pasta” and it was bland as ever. I guess you’re supposed to mix the two together and consume it. Either way, needless to say, Chhimi ate 2/3 of my meal instead and I ate some of his. I just hope neither of us will have “mad cow disease”.
However, despite the wrong ordering, Bec Rouge Restaurant had great service. My waiter did not speak too much English but still made an attempt to convey his suggestions to us. He didn’t force us to purchase mineral bottled water as Rick Steve’s site has mentioned; however, he brought over a carafe of regular water (which is the same quality of United States). When Chhimi and I were way too full to eat additional desserts that we ordered, he didn’t force it by bringing the items instead he bid us a good evening and glad that we enjoyed our time. All in all, I’d recommend the Bec Rouge (aka Red Beak) Restaurant.
Posted by chhimi at 03:25 PM | Comments (1)
December 20, 2004
Off to Paris and London for our Christmas vacation.
Next post from Paris! Leaving from Sacramento - Dallas and CDG, Paris. Later people Happy Holidays. Stay Tuned!
Posted by chhimi at 07:36 AM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2004
Love Me If You Dare
Tonight Tabitha and I wanted to kick start our vacation to Paris by watching a nice French movie. We picked up "Love Me If You Dare," a part ultra-modern cartoon fairy-tale, part bold psychological probe into the games we play in life and love. Very entertaining adult fairy tale. Just go Watch it - Chhimi said so. Tired of watching the usual hollywood and bollywood crap then go and pick up this movie.
Posted by chhimi at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2004
T-Minus and counting down
Well so long, au revoir -- we are out of here. Both Tabitha and I are off to spend Christmas in Paris and some after Christmas shopping in London - Harrods. See Ya Fools.
Posted by chhimi at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2004
Awesome Christmas Tree.
This has got to be one of my favorite Christmas tree (prettiest) of all time. All thanks to awesome tree design coordinator Brenda, tree structural engineer and expert Jean, tree venture capitalist Tabitha and big fat elf – yours truly.
Click here to see all our tree triming pictures.
Click here to read more about our Christmas Tree-Trimming event from Tabitha's blog.Posted by chhimi at 11:00 PM | Comments (1)
December 03, 2004
26 Things : christmas hunt 2004
Well my brother wanted to start another photography challenge - so thankful
26 things photography challenge has posted their Christmas themed list. (26 Things refers to a photographic scavenger hunt) Here's the list:
| 1.
Tree 2. Gift 3. Family 4. Thankful 5. Season 6. Music 7. Tradition 8. Meal 9. Day 10. Night 11. Vacation 12. Light 13. Generosity |
14.
Always 15. Spirit 16. Errand 17. Arms 18. Stranger 19. Welcome 20. Reach 21. Bad For You 22. Heap 23. Protection 24. Fluffy 25. Heat 26. Picture Perfect |
Posted by chhimi at 12:35 AM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2004
Love Actually .... is....
I thought I'd get a jump start for the Christmas spirit and to all those people (friends & family)who think I'm "special." Without futher ado.. I give to you my wishlist.
My favorite all time movie (as cheesey as this may sound) is Love Actually. So here's a song from the soundtrack of Love Actually that will lead to my "wishlist."
----Musical Notes *Happiness in the air-------
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about presents*
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true...
All I want for Christmas .....
Is you...
***For complete lyrics****
Posted by chhimi at 12:15 PM | Comments (2)
December 01, 2004
Testing out the bad boy (75-300mm no IS)
Note: All these pictures were taken hand held (no Tripod were molested) and during a span of 40 minutes (Lunch Break). Just wanted to see if I wanted to keep this faulty lens or get a new one that had IS (Image Stablizer) on it.
Caught this lovely birdy hitch a ride near the railway tracks.
Getting some lunch.
Bad Hair/Feather Day.
Whatchya looking at?
Looking Good.
Flight - leaving in a hurry - Creepy Chinese dood keeps starring at me.
Got this one in flight - not a great shot - but was equally amazed.
Odd fellow.
Freeeedom.
Barbed Wire.
Posted by chhimi at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
Over the moon
Testing out the 75-300mm no IS.
Posted by chhimi at 01:14 AM | Comments (0)