Guess who got to drive through Paris? I have to say that I managed beautifully, despite the nervous passenger sitting to my right. I took a wrong turn and ended up just along from the Arc de Triomphe...about 8 lanes of cars, no lines on the road, so no lane discipline, just point in, hopefully, the right direction and go for it! It worked for me...thrilling!
Made it to the campsite on the outskirts of Paris at a place called Maisons Lafitte. Parked beside the Seine, lots of barges up and down the river full of freight, and a main rail link closeby. Chilled out for the rest of the day and planned our trip to town.
Got up early, went to the train station. Really simple journey to Charles de Gaulle etoile, then swapped trains to Trocadero. Came out of the station, turned a corner and were dazzld by the awesome beauty of the Tour Eiffel...wow! Went and queued with the rest of the tourists who didnt buy their tickets online, dodged the touts selling eiffel tower replicas and finally got to the lifts. The first stages were fine, but the last lift was seriously scary. Once at the top the views are incredible, although looking down is bloody awful!
Took lots of pics, got the lift down to the second level, then had a picnic. Walked down the last levels onto terra firma and into the rain. Didnt care, had a thoroughly lovely morning. We then headed for the Musee d'Orsay (one for me). Again, the queues were horrendous, but if you have kids you get to jump the queue with the smarty pants who bought their tickets online!
The museum is fabulous. An old disused rail station which contains a wonderful selection of paintings and sculptures as well as rooms of art nouveau furniture and glass. Heaven. Boys bored...revenge for all the cars!
Now recovering from all the walking and having an easy day.
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I feel nervous just thinking about driving through Paris, perhaps having a large vehicle is a help, people more inclined to move over. Don't much fancy the journey up the Eifel tower either. I was scared just standing on the Forth Bridge watching the Ferry the day you all left, lots of vibration and noise. Despite the scary sounding bits, it all sounds very interesting as your blog always is. As you said in your most recent text message, has'nt it gone by very fast, it seems no time at all since you left. Perhaps that is one of the messages to take out of this trip, just how quickly time does go by. I can vouch for that, I was busy telling everyone you were two years younger than you actually are, it was only when I did the calculation that I realised I was a little out. Well winter has decided to return, not bad in Fife although the strong winds and high tides have done some coastal damage at Kinghorn, a caravan nearly became a boat. Very cold winds and snowfalls in some places not too far from here and all the havoc that brings to the roads. Hope all is well and you continue to enjoy your journey. Lots of love and hugs to you and all of the boys, large and small. Mum. xx
ReplyDeleteAs promised, more blog from me. Following a recent evening out at an Italian restaurant with friends, I had this overwhelming urge to try my hand again at some genuine Italian fare. First of all I pulled out my cookery books of which you know I have many, some of them courtesy of you. Remember giving me the "Dear Francesca", book written by one of the Valvona, Crolla family who have a wonderful deli in Edinburgh. Quite appropriate it was a mother writing a cookery book/family history to her daughter Francesca. My first problem was that I was unable to find 00 flour anywhere closeby, including Sainsbury's which was a bit of a surprise. Eventually decided that it would be cheaper to buy on line, pay the postage rather than trail to Edinburgh and pay a furtune for parking, that is if you can find any. Items duly arrived including some Semolina flour. After about three hours of kneading, waiting, proving and baking, finally had two wonderful smelling loaves, one for me and one for Caroline. On to the pizza's, not a new project for me as you know I have always made my own. however, this time I made an authentic pizza dough, which is more bread like. This is where the 00 flour and Semolina flour came in, result was as light as a feather with three kinds of cheese on top, finished with oregano. One for me, two for Caroline and the boys. The flat smelled wonderful. Fortunately I had a fresh Basil plant on the window sill so set about making a sort of pesto, with basil, olive oil and garlic (lots of), spread on my lovely toasted bread and then covered in chopped fresh Italian plum tomatoes.... better than the restaurants I would say due to the freshness of everything specially the loaf. Darren could'nt wait to eat the bread but insisted on having it with Chocolate spread.. oh well. Definately will make this bread again, very satisfying... do you know where I could get a dough hook.... only kidding. There is something very therapeutic about getting your hands on it.... just think of someone you don't like....mmmmmmm. I have also found a wonderful beef and guiness pie recipe, makes the most delicious pie ever. Are you drooling yet? Notice it is all savoury, I must find a good sweet to follow on. Having done all this I then made leek and potato soup, great with home made Italian bread. I know, Udny Arms recipe sticky toffe pudding. Unfortunately I do not have a travelogue to offer just my love of food and family, not in that order. I'm sure I would find many of your market experiences very inspirational, so much better than supermarket pre packed.... Must go and eat some of this food now, now what shall I have?
ReplyDeleteLots of love to everyone as always,
Mum. xxxx
Driving in Paris is my idea of hell but a trip to the Musee D'Orsay - heaven. I think I'll go on my own when we are in Paris so I can look to my heart's content without the others asking if we are not done yet ( mind you the kids sound useful for queue jumping.)
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