Location: Paris France
Mission: Explore the city and meet our second couch surfing host.
Transportation: Walking.
New Years Day, 2010. How crazy? We slept in quite late this morning, Sylvain was to show us a little more of the city before we made it to our next couch surfer's place. We had originally spoke to Xavier (our second couch surfer) first, but he was unable to accompany us the first two days.
After a quick lunch at Sylvain's, we made our way to Notre Dame. Magnificent, all I can say to describe Notre Dame. There was quite a long line to enter the building, we did not, but standing outside was breath taking. The two days with Sylvain gave us such great insights to the city. We saw the area where people were hung in public, the oldest clock in Paris, Shakespearean Bookstore and so much more.
Sylvain led us to Xavier's place. Xavier's place had a more modern feel. Sleek and simple is what I would use. He was more vocal than Sylvain, but also very generous. After feeding us a Tortilla (Spanish omelet), he offered to take us to a club.
The club was named "Tango." With a mixture of all ages, the first portion of the night consisted of couples dancing the Tango. Chris and I did not want to Tango, although Xavier and his friend Emmanuel, wanted us to. We did, however, dance to transition the music. The dance (the name escapes me) was similar to the electric slide (or that country line dance) and was quite enjoyable.
After the Dance, the music changed to more club-like material. Lady Gaga, Britney, Madonna and many others. Even music from the 80's played all night. It was quite interesting to see French men lip syncing to songs in which they probably had no clue what they were saying!
I forgot to mention that we rode bikes to this club. The ride was amazing, we felt like Parisians and rode down small streets, next to traffic. Quite an experience!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 3/Day 4 (Dec. 30-Dec. 31)
Location: Paris, France
Mission: Meet up with our couch surfer, explore the city, enjoy New Years in Paris.
Transportation: Metro and our feet.
We got into Paris quite late, had no idea where to meet our couch surfer. Earlier in our trip, Chris locked himself out of the phone. We had no means of communication. We decided to walk across the street towards a mall area, that moment, we ran into Sylvain.
We took the metro back to Sylvain's place. The place was a two room flat (just one bedroom with a living room). The atmosphere was very comfortable and Sylvain made us a Brazilian drink and we munched on cheese. We chatted for a while, but were exhausted. The sofa bed was pulled out and it was time to sleep.
Day 4:
The next morning, after a long sleep, Sylvain offered to show us around. We walked along the river, saw things we probably would not have seen had we not been with Sylvain. We ate crepes at a restaurant and made our way to the Louvre area. Here, we walked around the mall area and chatted a bit more. Sylvain left us, he had a New Year's party to attend.
Chris and I went back to the apartment, napped and it was time to catch the New Year's festivities.
New Year's in Paris, who would ever think it would actually happen. The streets were filled with crazy Parisians, booze had started to run through everyone's veins, but ours. After a quick purchase (6 Euros for 2 Heinikens), we walked towards the Eiffel Tower. Imagine being next to the tower at midnight, fireworks and lights! Well, that's at least what I envisioned.
The Eiffel Tower was lit up, alternating colors flashed down the sides. When midnight came, one could hardly tell. The lights counted down from the top of the tower to the bottom, but there were no fireworks. No grand display, just store bought fireworks and people screaming. The experience was great, just not what I hoped for.
Mission: Meet up with our couch surfer, explore the city, enjoy New Years in Paris.
Transportation: Metro and our feet.
We got into Paris quite late, had no idea where to meet our couch surfer. Earlier in our trip, Chris locked himself out of the phone. We had no means of communication. We decided to walk across the street towards a mall area, that moment, we ran into Sylvain.
We took the metro back to Sylvain's place. The place was a two room flat (just one bedroom with a living room). The atmosphere was very comfortable and Sylvain made us a Brazilian drink and we munched on cheese. We chatted for a while, but were exhausted. The sofa bed was pulled out and it was time to sleep.
Day 4:
The next morning, after a long sleep, Sylvain offered to show us around. We walked along the river, saw things we probably would not have seen had we not been with Sylvain. We ate crepes at a restaurant and made our way to the Louvre area. Here, we walked around the mall area and chatted a bit more. Sylvain left us, he had a New Year's party to attend.
Chris and I went back to the apartment, napped and it was time to catch the New Year's festivities.
New Year's in Paris, who would ever think it would actually happen. The streets were filled with crazy Parisians, booze had started to run through everyone's veins, but ours. After a quick purchase (6 Euros for 2 Heinikens), we walked towards the Eiffel Tower. Imagine being next to the tower at midnight, fireworks and lights! Well, that's at least what I envisioned.
The Eiffel Tower was lit up, alternating colors flashed down the sides. When midnight came, one could hardly tell. The lights counted down from the top of the tower to the bottom, but there were no fireworks. No grand display, just store bought fireworks and people screaming. The experience was great, just not what I hoped for.
Day Three (Dec. 30th)
Location: Dublin, Ireland/Paris, France
Mission: Find Fish n' Chips, get to the airport to catch our flight to Paris, France. / Find our couch surfer.
Transportation: Feet and public bus.
Time to checkout. We leave the Abbey Hotel and make our way back into the cold, windy city of Dublin. We passed a few pubs the other night and wanted to check them out again. After a few short minutes, we arrived at "Madigans."
A cute, alley-way pub was just what we wanted. We were greeted and seated, what to eat? After a few moments, "Bangers and Mash" along with "Fish n' Chips" sounded delightful. The food, paired with Carlsberg beer, was AMAZING. The sausage was delicious, as were the chips!
After lunch, we did just a little more walking. Our flight to Paris was later in the evening, but we have a habit of getting to the airport quite early. This time was no exception.
We made it to Dublin Airport, and were soon off to Paris France. Here, we took my scariest plane ride ever. Upon our departure out of Dublin, the rain was constant. As we lifted off the ground, we were being pelted by the rain and flying into the thick of it. After a few short minutes, we were above the storm!
Paris: We landed at a smaller airport about an hour from the city. A shuttle bus, at the rate of 14 Euros a person, was our only transportation into the city. The bus was full and the ride made us quite sleepy.
Sylvain our couch surfer would be waiting for us...or would he?
Mission: Find Fish n' Chips, get to the airport to catch our flight to Paris, France. / Find our couch surfer.
Transportation: Feet and public bus.
Time to checkout. We leave the Abbey Hotel and make our way back into the cold, windy city of Dublin. We passed a few pubs the other night and wanted to check them out again. After a few short minutes, we arrived at "Madigans."
A cute, alley-way pub was just what we wanted. We were greeted and seated, what to eat? After a few moments, "Bangers and Mash" along with "Fish n' Chips" sounded delightful. The food, paired with Carlsberg beer, was AMAZING. The sausage was delicious, as were the chips!
After lunch, we did just a little more walking. Our flight to Paris was later in the evening, but we have a habit of getting to the airport quite early. This time was no exception.
We made it to Dublin Airport, and were soon off to Paris France. Here, we took my scariest plane ride ever. Upon our departure out of Dublin, the rain was constant. As we lifted off the ground, we were being pelted by the rain and flying into the thick of it. After a few short minutes, we were above the storm!
Paris: We landed at a smaller airport about an hour from the city. A shuttle bus, at the rate of 14 Euros a person, was our only transportation into the city. The bus was full and the ride made us quite sleepy.
Sylvain our couch surfer would be waiting for us...or would he?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day Two (December 29th) - After Guinness.
After the factory, we were back out in the cold. All that walking and drinking made us hungry. Chris remembered reading about this pastry shop (yes, pastry) in our online guide. The place was appropriately named "The Queen of Tarts." Clever, right?
We enjoyed a "Queen's Chocolate Cake." Topped with Gooseberries and whipped creme, this was a perfect choice for a "Before dinner" snack. Now for dinner, we ate at a local burger shop on O'Connell Street. Although not as good as McDonald's, the meal was adequate.
We were beat and needed the comfort of our hotel room. Luckily for us, our hotel was adjoined with a bar. We sipped another pint of Guinness by the fire and ended our long day with some warmth.
Next Mission: Get some Fish and Chips, more beer and get to the airport on time.
We enjoyed a "Queen's Chocolate Cake." Topped with Gooseberries and whipped creme, this was a perfect choice for a "Before dinner" snack. Now for dinner, we ate at a local burger shop on O'Connell Street. Although not as good as McDonald's, the meal was adequate.
We were beat and needed the comfort of our hotel room. Luckily for us, our hotel was adjoined with a bar. We sipped another pint of Guinness by the fire and ended our long day with some warmth.
Next Mission: Get some Fish and Chips, more beer and get to the airport on time.
Guinness Storehouse - Day Two (December 29th)
The Guinness Storehouse was worth the walk. Brick walls and enclosed gates, we were walking into a palace. Seven stories high, we would see everything from how the beer is made, to the marketing campaigns of Guinness. The seventh floor is where we wanted to be.
On the seventh floor is the bar area, which gives everyone a 360 degree view of Dublin. Along with the 360 view, comes a free pint of Guinness. Of course, we were going up for the view.
It was interesting to see how the process of beer making works. From barley to hops, the method is quite complex. Washing, roasting and so many other aspects, we learned, make great beer.
The storehouse had a museum atmosphere that slowly climbed each floor. Seventh floor, here we come! Finally, we reached the seventh floor. I imagined it to be somewhat like that Empire State Building. A landmark anywhere you looked, and I was not disappointed. From the top, we could see St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Spire and many other landmarks. With beer in hand, we sat and just gazed off into the distance.
I was very pleased with the experience. Guinness is a great beer and worth the climb!
On the seventh floor is the bar area, which gives everyone a 360 degree view of Dublin. Along with the 360 view, comes a free pint of Guinness. Of course, we were going up for the view.
It was interesting to see how the process of beer making works. From barley to hops, the method is quite complex. Washing, roasting and so many other aspects, we learned, make great beer.
The storehouse had a museum atmosphere that slowly climbed each floor. Seventh floor, here we come! Finally, we reached the seventh floor. I imagined it to be somewhat like that Empire State Building. A landmark anywhere you looked, and I was not disappointed. From the top, we could see St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Spire and many other landmarks. With beer in hand, we sat and just gazed off into the distance.
I was very pleased with the experience. Guinness is a great beer and worth the climb!
Day Two (December 29th)
Location: Dublin, Ireland.
Mission: Explore the city, trying too hard not to look like tourists.
Transportation: Good ol' "pat and bend" (Our feet).
We always say we should wake up early and get our day started, never happens. After a good night's sleep, it was time to start our adventures. We decided that a visit to the Guinness storehouse was a must, everything would fall into place on the way there.
Just our luck, Dublin was windy and rainy. Good thing we brought our umbrella with us, right? Turns out that the umbrella was smaller than expected, half our bodies fit together underneath. Great start to a great day!
Our first stop was McDonald's, we are in Dublin HELLO, why not McDonald's? :D Euro menu, have to be cheap! Stomachs full, we headed towards our destinations.
O'Connell street would be considered the main street, pedestrians and cars working together in unison. Tall buildings make up the city scape, along the way, we encountered Trinity College.
The grounds were green and buildings were gray and old. The feeling was very rustic and vintage. Aside from the cold settling into my feet, we were enjoying the view. Next stop, Guinness Storehouse:
As stated earlier, everything was in close proximity of each other, wrong again. The trek to the storehouse seemed endless. Rainy streets and winds that would not cease created a, not so pleasant, atmosphere. Churches and statues distracted us from the reality of the walk, finally we saw the Guinness gates!
Mission: Explore the city, trying too hard not to look like tourists.
Transportation: Good ol' "pat and bend" (Our feet).
We always say we should wake up early and get our day started, never happens. After a good night's sleep, it was time to start our adventures. We decided that a visit to the Guinness storehouse was a must, everything would fall into place on the way there.
Just our luck, Dublin was windy and rainy. Good thing we brought our umbrella with us, right? Turns out that the umbrella was smaller than expected, half our bodies fit together underneath. Great start to a great day!
Our first stop was McDonald's, we are in Dublin HELLO, why not McDonald's? :D Euro menu, have to be cheap! Stomachs full, we headed towards our destinations.
O'Connell street would be considered the main street, pedestrians and cars working together in unison. Tall buildings make up the city scape, along the way, we encountered Trinity College.
The grounds were green and buildings were gray and old. The feeling was very rustic and vintage. Aside from the cold settling into my feet, we were enjoying the view. Next stop, Guinness Storehouse:
As stated earlier, everything was in close proximity of each other, wrong again. The trek to the storehouse seemed endless. Rainy streets and winds that would not cease created a, not so pleasant, atmosphere. Churches and statues distracted us from the reality of the walk, finally we saw the Guinness gates!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day One (December 28th)
Monday, our departure date, are we ready?
Packing seemed more difficult than it should have been. How could we possibly fit 13 days worth of clothes in two carry-on bags, when everything else (camera bag and laptop), must fit as well?
The solution: Three pairs of pants (to be rotated), roughly six shirts, two sweaters, a handful of socks and underwear, two coats and only the shoes on our feet. Good idea? Maybe not…
Three hours until departure, disaster strikes the team. As we leave the apartment, to go to the store, Chris realized he did not have the keys to the apartment. What?
Do not panic, DO not panic, we could just ring the bell. Someone has to be home. No one is home, PANIC!!! After a short brainstorming session, we must find RAFA (Chris’ roommate). He is at work, SCORE! GO FIGHT WIN, WORK!
Time to depart! The airport always makes me so grumpy. Security and all that jazz, so not necessary ;). Ryanair, known for having the most on time flights, was late. How late? A good hour or so, of course, I was cranky!
We finally got to head through the departure gate, we were led down a dark corridor (Seriously, no light!) After our trek through the haunted hallway, we were shuttled onto a bus that took us to our airplane...
We were set to arrive in Dublin with just enough time to catch the public bus to our hotel (no couch surfers were available). With the delay, we had to take a taxi. Of course, we got a grumpy cab driver and he quickly took us to our destination. 25 Euros later, we were in the heart of Dublin.
Our next mission: Find the Abbey Hotel and get some sleep!
Packing seemed more difficult than it should have been. How could we possibly fit 13 days worth of clothes in two carry-on bags, when everything else (camera bag and laptop), must fit as well?
The solution: Three pairs of pants (to be rotated), roughly six shirts, two sweaters, a handful of socks and underwear, two coats and only the shoes on our feet. Good idea? Maybe not…
Three hours until departure, disaster strikes the team. As we leave the apartment, to go to the store, Chris realized he did not have the keys to the apartment. What?
Do not panic, DO not panic, we could just ring the bell. Someone has to be home. No one is home, PANIC!!! After a short brainstorming session, we must find RAFA (Chris’ roommate). He is at work, SCORE! GO FIGHT WIN, WORK!
Time to depart! The airport always makes me so grumpy. Security and all that jazz, so not necessary ;). Ryanair, known for having the most on time flights, was late. How late? A good hour or so, of course, I was cranky!
We finally got to head through the departure gate, we were led down a dark corridor (Seriously, no light!) After our trek through the haunted hallway, we were shuttled onto a bus that took us to our airplane...
We were set to arrive in Dublin with just enough time to catch the public bus to our hotel (no couch surfers were available). With the delay, we had to take a taxi. Of course, we got a grumpy cab driver and he quickly took us to our destination. 25 Euros later, we were in the heart of Dublin.
Our next mission: Find the Abbey Hotel and get some sleep!
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