Vimy Ridge

An early start to the day was called for to make sure we reached the train station to catch our train to Arras- so off we were at 7:00. Since that meant we missed getting our hotel breakfast, Ainsley got to try a French donut. We were at Gare du Nord with time to spare, and had no problems with the tickets, trip or arriving in Arras. As we walked out to the main station, we were promptly met by Claude V., our guide for the day. We started out directly headed for Vimy Ridge.

The monument is impressive, along with the symbolism. Then, we took a quick stop back up the road where Claude explained the ways and meaning behind the varying cemeteries, before we went to the newly opened museum at the trench site. The museum was also well done- and helps show the impact of the overall war.

We next stopped at a number of the local different hill points, getting an overview of the trench sites and the distance (and lack of distance) between trenches. We stopped for lunch a an English tea shoppe located close to the shared French/British memorial to the unlocated dead, which had a very interesting display [right now I'm tired and can't remember all the place names] which depicted one day in the battle of the Somme, at the start, in the style of the Bayoun Tapestry. We were surprised at the end to see a French airplane from the era.

Each of the above squares is an individual photo from the era. The last large stop of the day was the Memorial to the Newfoundlanders, again interesting the scope and distance, along with the remnants of barbed wire stanchions still in the fields. I was impressed by both of the Canadian Museums, which depicted the stories in vey interesting ways. Claude answered all my questions all day long, and even the few that Ainsley had- he was very knowledgeable about every aspect of the war.we ended the day with some time in Arras. We spent it getting stamps, and a sweet for Ainsley- Grammie, do you recognize it?

Tomorrow-Versailles.

Louvre

Started day with intentions of visiting Notre Dame Cathedral and then heading to the Louvre....then saw that the line into Notre Dame was longer, and more crowded with tour groups (as evidenced by the number of sticks with flags, toys and banners attached), so made the on-the-spot decision to head directly to Louvre. Arrived, line went quickly to check bags, then into ticket hall for tickets, where I was promptly mistaken for an Australian as I had my Tilley on my head - I quickly corrected the cashier and explained that Tilley's were Canadian.

First entrance we saw, we took, and ended up headed straight for the Mona Lisa....and I bet 3/4 of the other people were too. The crush of people who just wanted to take their own photo to prove they were there, and not just appreciate the art for itself was amazing. Ainsley an I stood back at the edge of the crush so we could just look, yet more people kept pushing forward - and I swear one lady has my ear in half her photos as she held an iPad essentially on my shoulder.

We headed off to see other paintings, and it was amazing how the crowd thinned the further you got from the Mona Lisa.

For as much of the day we were in the Louvre, you forget the museum is as big as it is - we still ended up doing 21759 steps! The only big disappointment was that the French Painters section was closed - but Ainsley said it just gives her the excuse to come visit again.

After, we headed back towards the Notre Dame, I had previously looked up the mobile store to get SIM from and knew we would be passing right by- while some folks had complained about service and waits, we were in and out in 15 minutes- but best part is that since I waited until today, the plan conforms to new EU rules regarding roaming, it will work in Germany too.

At Notre Dame, line still long, but moving fast and no groups. We entered, and Ainsley stopped to light a candle - well, apparently they missed us in the side section, where they had cleared to start mass - and we got chased after as we had no clue. Guy was nice, asked if we wanted to go to mass, but Ainsley declined, so we cleared the area. And decided we will try a third time.

Crossed the bridge, and found a bistro - I had a beef with wine sauce button mushrooms and linguine, while Ainsley had the Croque Monsieur. She gave it a 9/10. The best part was the drinks - I had a mint tea, while Ainsley had a limonaide....she was not expecting the neon green!

Headed home to the hotel to get ready for Vimy tomorrow. 

22629 Steps

We both got sleep, though not the night through. Up around 8:30, we had a nice breakfast. Ainsley was thrilled with the petit chocolate croissants and that they had Nutella. We decided that today would be a walking orientation to some of the sights. After deciding to start at the Arc d'Triumph, then work our way back to the hotel, we headed off to the metro. 

We got a little turned around at the switch to the second line due to construction, but off at the Champs Elysee stop, to walk up the hill. We climbed up the Arc, with Ainsley wondering why we had decided on climbing something for the second day in a row. Then, again, we saw the view.

Down the other leg of the Arc, viewed the Tomb of the unknown soldier, and started back down the hill, headed towards the Tower. Decided upon arrival that we would save going up for another day, when we would come at the time we could see it at night. Walked back up the river, all the way to the corner of the Louve, and lunch called. Ainsley had frankfurters while I had a croque monsieur. Ainsley gave it a 7/10. 

On to Notre Dame, where we had planned on going in, but the line snaked across the courtyard. While the line moved quickly, we decided to go back in the morning, when the interior wouldn't be so crowded. This allowed us to head back to the hotel via the street we had walked yesterday, so stopped and picked up some fruit, more water, and a raspberry-lemonade-tea. We both like the tea. Upon reaching the hotel (6:30!) Ainsley says it was 11.5 miles on her Fitbit, and 22629 steps.

This is a reminder of her challenge with her mom...we think she is currently winning!

Paris

 

We left with plenty of time, and all smiles along the way. Ainsley got her first taste of the lounge, and a comfy seat to Toronto. We had plenty of time there, and we were very glad after seeing many people running down the skyway trying to make flights. Had ok seats (Ainsley wished the window was better placed, or a second one), and I got a bit of sleep....Ainsley apparently not so much.

Had no issues going through passport control - Ainsley has first stamp in new passport, as apparently Canada didn't stamp it. Hopped on the train to town, and a pleasant, 15 min walk later we arrived at hotel. Dropped the bags off, and were able to pick up key, but needed to wait until after 2 before we could get into the room, so went for a walk. We ended up headed through a pedestrian street, and the backside of the Pantheon right before noon - so in we went. They aked if we wanted to climb to the dome, and having done no research, said sure.....

And we're totally surprised by the view....we went higher, but the people shots ended up all backlit.

After finishing the climb, and wandering the crypt, it was time to eat, so we wandered down towards the gardens as that was where there were a bunch of cafes. Ainsley chose a smaller one that was clearly not as touristy, but ended up choosing a....cheeseburger. However, she said it was one of the best cheeseburgers she had had. She was at the end of it before she said, I should have taken a photo! I had a daily special - and chose a warm pickled leek appetizer and then a fish on mashed potatoes and cheese - the fish was excellent. 

Then, fatigue hit, so we headed back to hotel - I napped for about 3 hrs, and am writing. Ainsley is sacked out, and hopefully will be out until tomorrow 

 

Last day in Dublin

Last day in Dublin opened with clear skies, but cloudy and cooler. We stared off the day moving the car from the street to the minuscule parking area - I folded the mirrors in to fit through the entrance way. We then joined the Dublin Bus hop-on-hop-off bus. Started with a visit to the Dublin Castle - not the most impressive of the locations we visited on the trip, but definitely more recent historical events occurred here.

Next, the bus over to St. Patrick's Cathedral...that has some impressive glass, including a window to the patron saint

Then back on the bus, out to the Guinness storehouse....

After, we stayed on the bus for a loop out to the Phoenix Park, by the Duke of Wellington monument, the US ambassador's residence as well as the Irish President's residence - almost across the street from one another. We departed the bus back by the Ha'penny Bridge, which is celebrating it's 200th birthday this week, wandering back to the central district (and a little more shopping) before our last pub dinner (Guinness beef stew for me, fish & chips for mom)...

After, it was back to the B&B to pack all the bags.

Wicklow

Today we drove down to Glendalough then Powerscourt

Then the Powerscourt gardens were magnificent 

A drive home along the coast via Wexford, before dinner at another resturant up the street.

Dublin

Met LL's friend/colleague Ann-Marie and headed to the botanical gardens. She is a horticulturist so great to visit with. 

LL had decided this is the type of garden she wants.

Then off to Trinity College, and look at the Book of Kells- couldn't take photos there, but did take photos of the Long Library.

Then dinner at a resturant mentioned by a fellow guest earlier in the trip, which just happened to be up the street.