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Post by jo on Mar 29, 2009 6:22:02 GMT -5
Katharine - Don't worry. I'm actually very O.K. with this age thing. My hubby is 3 years my senior, and he's still an energetic hunk IMO. In addition, there are some wonderful posters on this forum for whom 60 is a number in the past, and they are just as beautiful, full of life and eager to visit Paris as any of the "baby" posters who haven't even reached the age of 50. Let's face it..........today we're more youthful than our parents were at our age. Shoesy, it is so true that we are more youthful than our parents at the same age. I think our parents' generation just accepted that 40s was middle aged and they just started acting middle aged. Our generation is fighting it every step of the way and we all have so much more living to do and we are determined to live life to the fullest, whatever our age. So many of our posters here on OPF astound me with the trips they are taking in their 60s and 70s and I have every intention of following in their youthful footsteps! We are all truly as young as we feel...............Jo
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Post by Sandy M on Mar 29, 2009 8:03:54 GMT -5
Shoesy & Jo,
I couldn't agree with both of your statements more - I am a lot closer to 70 than I am 60 but mentally I feel much, much younger! ;D ;D ;D And, I think that makes a very big difference - especially if one is blessed enough to have good physical health!!
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Post by jo on Mar 29, 2009 9:24:36 GMT -5
Sandy, you are one of my many inspirations on this board. The joy that all your trips fill you with are contagious and come through so well in your reports. I still love the picture of you after you got caught "touching" the man in armour in London!! Only a truly young person would have the nerve!! Jo
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Post by denise on Mar 29, 2009 10:23:46 GMT -5
MONDAY 3RD MARCH 2009…DAY 3 I wake up looking forward to our breakfast OPF, GTG with Suzanne and Holger . We are a bit early so we have coffee overlooking Place des Vosges and sit in the lovely gardens watching the pompiers excercising. 1 We are amused to observe a man also “excercising” who starts to jog every time the pompiers come past, checking out the pompiers at the same time, when the pompiers have passed he reverts to walking! Unfortunately the rainbow tee shirt he is wearing rather gives things away! We are meeting Suzanne and Hoger at a lovely chocolate shop, Valetins, in passage Jouffrey, in the 9th near Grands Boulevards. This is such a charming place, full of lots of goodies. 2 3 We had a lovely and all too brief breakfast of croissants, toast, preserves (the black cherry is divine!) tea, coffee and hot chocolate. I am so glad we met here instead of Angelinas. It is very quiet and much more reasonably priced. 4 I have not yet obtained suzannes consent to post this picture so wil fill in laterleft to right. Denise,Suzanne,Holger,Holgers husband, Suzannes husband and Vicky. The tea comes in an interesting Chinese teapot. Properly brewed in the pot. 5 The lovely surprise for me is that Metromole from TA has also come. It’s great to meet this very kind and knowledgeable person. So we say our goodbyes and Vicky and I walk through passage des Panoramas, opposite passage Jouffrey through passage Vivienne to the Palais Royal gardens. The sun has come out and it is nice to stroll amongst the daffodils. 6 7 8 9 Girls cannot go to Paris without some shopping, and today is our shopping day. We walk up the ave de l’Opera towards the impressive Opera Garnier. We cannot go in as they are closed till 14.30 so I tell Vicky as much as I can remember from the guided tour we took last summer. We hit Galleries Lafayette and the surrounding area. The sales are on but we don’t purchase anything yet. We have seen some goodies in Camaiu on Ave de l’Opera We just admire the architecture inside Galleries Lafayette and window shop. 10 11 After about two hours we have had enough so we make our way to the Madeline and sit on the steps in the sunshine eating our delicious lunch of brioche with goatcheese and walnuts and two very sinful pastries. All this cost around 8euros 50c from a little patisserie on rue de Coumartin. 12 13 Later we walk along rue St Honore, window shopping in th designer shops. Vicky even boldly goes into Jimmy Choo and tries the shoes! We come to place Vendome and decide to have a look in the Ritz. We were both fans of Princess Diana and we want to see where she spent her last hours 14 We brazenly stroll inside, it is smaller than I imagined and of course very elegant. We walk through towards the back where there is a very long corridor filled with glass cases displaying lots of luxury goods that they sell in their boutiques. Diamond studded mobile phones and ipods, jewellery, furs, pottery etc. 15 There is a glimpse onto a lovely terrace where you can take tea. 16 Eventually we find the staircase and revolving door where our beloved Princess left on that fateful night. 17 Our legs and feet have given up by now so we get on the first bus that comes along on ave de l’Opera which is the number 21. It takes us on a tour of the 5th arr and out past parc Montsouris to the 13th arr and Stade de Charley. I love doing this in Paris. You get to see places that tourists never usually visit and it is interesting to see how ordinary Parisians live. We ride the bus back to the centre and make our way back to our apartment. We buy some feet rescue items from the Bodyshop next door to us and treat our feet to peppermint exfoliation, massage and spray. Then exhausted we both fall asleep on the bed. Around 20.30h we set off to walk through village St Paul over the pont Marie and through the Ile St Louis. Over the Pont St louis and the Ile de cite. The weather is getting colder and a wind is coming up. We reach our destination Aux Trois Mailletz at 56 rue Gallande in the 5th Just as a storm is breaking. Rain, wind, snow and hail for the next couple of hours. I am so relieved that Vicky enjoys our evening at Aux Trois Mailletz. Opera is not every ones cup of tea, but the excellent classical pianist entertains us all evening with classical pieces and occasional traditional French chansons. A soprano sings and baritone who was just passing by. The customers clap and sing along to the more lively tunes and a good time is had by all. 17a 18 We eat a plat d’olive, excellent fillet du thone avec pommes de terre (18 euros) and a mouth watering creme brulees (9 euros). With wine and soft drinks the bill is 80 euros. 19 20 One poignant part of the evening was observing a little old lady in Aux trios Mailletz . Who obviously had memory problems. When we arrived she was sat clapping an enjoying the music. Then she left by the side door. About half an hour later she returned, greeted by the proprietor kissed on both cheeks and presented with a menu, she had a coffee, clapped and enjoyed the music then left again. Shortly she arrived again and was greeted by the proprietor as if he had not just said au revoir 15 minutes before. At one point he gave her the music score to read, to keep her there a bit longer. This was repeated several times. We were touched by the patience of the proprietor, he came over to us and said “ma cher” referring to the lady…..........Only in Paris. Love denise
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Post by afds on Mar 29, 2009 11:36:33 GMT -5
That story about the little old lady with the very short memory is so touching. And the proprietor is a rare and wonderful human being. Age is definitely a state of mind. I agree that attitudes have changed, I remember my mother started 'acting old' in her mid-forties, by the time she was 50 she had *become* old Actually, looking at the many over-40's I know who dress like teenagers I'm increasingly convinced that 60 is the new 40 ;D
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Post by cybee on Mar 29, 2009 12:04:33 GMT -5
Denise, What fabulous reports you provide us "trip report hungry" OPFers! Love reading them and gazing at your great pix! I had to laugh at your observation of the rainbow shirted "runner"...ha! Those daffodils are new (at least since I was there and in their abundance) at the Palais Royale! How pretty they are! I was so excited to see any flowers when I was there as I was so fresh from the barren winter plains of the Dakotas! Interesting idea to check out the Ritz (?) at the Vendome where Princess Diana last stayed. I so recall hearing the news of her "accident" and being so shocked! I suppose you picked up quite a few baubbles at the luxury goods boutiques there? Aux Trois Mailletz...I will have to jot that name down. I think the story of the lady who kept repeating her visits there to be greeted , listen and clap to the music and enjoy a cup of coffee is delightful! That is the way to have memory problems (if one must)...keep enjoying delightful moments over and over! Yes, as to age....totally agree. My mother was seemingly an exception to her peers...she was always (so it seemed) at least 20 years younger than her calendar year...until she got sick in her 80s and then within two years she aged those 20 years (very dramatic). So I do say...enjoy one's "youthfulness of spirit" and health as long as possible!
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Post by Sandy M on Mar 29, 2009 12:25:47 GMT -5
Hi Denise, What a great day you and Vicki had - loved your report and all your pictures, especially of the gardens at Palais Royal - amazing how just a few short weeks can change the look of the landscape - here are a couple of pictures that I took on Feb. 18th of the men planting all the beautiful daffodils that you captured in your pictures - quite a contrast as to how it looked when you were there
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Post by jo on Mar 29, 2009 12:34:45 GMT -5
Denise, I LOVE the picture of your expression as the pompiers are running in the background. It is priceless!
Your pictures are wonderful as always, Galeries Lafayette keeps taking my breath away every time I see it.
Jo
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Post by Sandy M on Mar 29, 2009 12:40:22 GMT -5
Sandy, you are one of my many inspirations on this board. The joy that all your trips fill you with are contagious and come through so well in your reports. I still love the picture of you after you got caught "touching" the man in armour in London!! Only a truly young person would have the nerve!! Jo Thanks, Jo - my trips do fill me with joy and I hope I never lose the excitement I feel each time I travel - I love to do spontaneous things (as the picture demonstrates ;D) sometimes I think I should check myself and think before I act and then again I think - nah!!!!
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Post by Shoesy on Mar 29, 2009 13:56:28 GMT -5
Denise, I LOVE the picture of your expression as the pompiers are running in the background. It is priceless! Jo - Ditto. What a happy moment! BTW, Denise, the red you are wearing goes perfectly with those guys' red shirts. ;D Thanks so much for your report, Denise. Every time I read one, I get more and more excited for my trip. Sandy - Re your photos, what a difference a few weeks can make!
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Post by Megan on Mar 29, 2009 14:53:02 GMT -5
Denise, I LOVE the picture of your expression as the pompiers are running in the background. It is priceless! Jo - Ditto. What a happy moment! BTW, Denise, the red you are wearing goes perfectly with those guys' red shirts. ;D Thanks so much for your report, Denise. Every time I read one, I get more and more excited for my trip. Sandy - Re your photos, what a difference a few weeks can make! ditto for me too - looking forward to catching up now you are back . After May when is your next trip ?
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Post by Jody on Mar 29, 2009 15:10:36 GMT -5
Double ditto from me Denise! Your expression is so cool!! So Cool, now you all know I am one of the over 70's posters. How come my mind feels 29 but my feet feel 92??
I hope Suzanne okays the picture soon. I want to see everyone!
Please God the market will recover a bit more and I can convince he who takes care of finance that a Fall trip is necessary for my mental health!
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Post by joan1 on Mar 29, 2009 15:47:22 GMT -5
Denise, of course i am enjoying this trip report very much, ,and love the photos,,, but the story of the little old lady almost made me tear up.... The little human touches that make trip reports so special,, THANK YOU !
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Post by jo on Mar 29, 2009 16:31:12 GMT -5
Sandy, you are one of my many inspirations on this board. The joy that all your trips fill you with are contagious and come through so well in your reports. I still love the picture of you after you got caught "touching" the man in armour in London!! Only a truly young person would have the nerve!! Jo Thanks, Jo - my trips do fill me with joy and I hope I never lose the excitement I feel each time I travel - I love to do spontaneous things (as the picture demonstrates ;D) sometimes I think I should check myself and think before I act and then again I think - nah!!!! Don't you dare second guess yourself ~ stay true to your young-hearted self! Jo
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Post by jo on Mar 29, 2009 16:35:52 GMT -5
Please God the market will recover a bit more and I can convince he who takes care of finance that a Fall trip is necessary for my mental health! Our analysts think we are in a prolonged bear market rally which will last until late spring, probably May. Get your hubby to book your fall trip by then, so even if the markets fall back, it's too late to cancel !! ;D Jo
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Post by geordy on Mar 29, 2009 17:05:26 GMT -5
Yes Denise..your expression with the pompiers in the background is priceless! So glad you are having a wonderful time..as usual..jealous as Hell that you are there so often...you are obvious a woman of good taste and .....everything else!!!!
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Post by mez on Mar 30, 2009 4:53:51 GMT -5
What a fab report! I've finally had a chance to sit and read it in it's entirety and look at your pictures. I am glad you changed your forum name from 'Grandma' to 'Denise'...yes I know technically you are a grandmother, but any woman that can look so stylish while cycling should not be referred to by such a dowdy name. I must say one minute I am jealous that you are so close to Paris and then the next I can't wait for you to report back with your latest adventures! PS. Tell Vicky I love her wrap - so stylish. She wears it well.
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Post by denise on Mar 30, 2009 6:59:00 GMT -5
:)TUESDAY 24TH MARCH….LAST DAY. Sadly we pack our cases and say goodbye to our apartment. We have all day before we catch our 22.30 flight so we take our cases to the left luggage at Gare du Nord and return to place des Vosges to have breakfast overlooking the square. 7e 50c for coffee and croissants at Ma Bourgogne. We want to visit Maison de Victor Hugo, to see the inside of one of the 17th century luxury apartments we have seen every day. Admission is free and it is situated at the southeast corner of the square. The attendants are a bit snooty about photos so I only manage to get this one of the Chinese room. 1 photo removed because I cannot seem to resize. And some of place des Vosges from the window with the childrens playground, slides climbing frames etc. 2 W have a reservation at 13.00h at Laidbacks recommendation LES COTELETTES at 4 Impasse Guemenee just south of place des Vosges. Simple dishes but very good and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. For 15 euros for two courses, I thought the meal was excellent Onglet de boeuf a poivre 2 Fillet de-lieu jaume meuniere 3 Biscuit chocolat crème anglaise 4 Later we catch the 69 bus with the intention of visiting the Musee des arts decorative, however it as now such a lovely day we continue on the bus, through St Germain for a last look at the Eiffel tower. Our legs are now suffering badly from the effects of three days of continuous walking! 5 6 7 Unfortunately we get distracted by the lovely shops on rue St Dominique and never got to arts decorative. Grande cafe au lait at Le Recruteur (?sp) on the corner of rue St Dominique for a very reasonable 3euros 40c A final meal of Croque Monsieur at Pere Tranquille near les Halles for around 7 euros each and a stroll around St Eustache and Rue Montorguiel and we FINALLY have an ice cream at ?Delices at the bottom of rue Montorguiel . It is amazing that I never get bored in Paris, there is always something new to do. Of course the company is very important and Vicky was so enthusiastic about everything it made the trip very enjoyable, even when I was visiting places I have seen dozens of times before. I loved every minute and of course cannot wait until I am there again. Denise Love from England
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Post by sunshine817 on Mar 30, 2009 7:10:18 GMT -5
Sorry, Mez, I think Grandma is an honorable title, and Denise wears it well -- both for her own brood, as well as for all those who she's helped usher into the world!
But then, my perception is probably skewed a little -- my sister's kids and mine have a Grandma (my mum) who can rock a string bikini...because she can, and not because she has anything to prove to anyone (and won't hesitate to correct you rather vehemently if you say otherwise...)!
(*I*, however, haven't worn a string bikini in quite a few years...so I'll gladly give her the credit!)
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Post by Shoesy on Mar 30, 2009 7:27:26 GMT -5
15 euros for a yummy meal? I like the sound of that. ;D
Denise - I look forward to your next trip because you write such fun reports. As far as I'm concerned, you can go to Paris every month. ;D
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