Thursday, June 3, 2010

Europe 2010 Day 1 & 2



Three metal detectors in one day, fun. Scan in Raleigh, the wand in JFK (difficult people working there), and an enthusiastic fondling from a nice old gentleman in Dublin.


A.M. flight from Raleigh to JFK, 11 hour layover in NYC. Took the train into the city with our packs, fortunately our two suitcases were checked on to Paris, 45 and 35 lbs respectively. Still a good deal of weight to haul around without them. Airtran to the Howard Beach Station, A train to the L train to the D train to Astor Place. D-no was home. Had a fried egg sandwich with tomato and cheese on an English muffin at Moonstruck Diner. A had french toast with meat candy, P had silver dollar pancakes, G had a Belgian Waffle. He coveted my Lemonade, and so he should have.


Walked to Soho to Kid Robot, P got something. Found a hat for the sun elsewhere. Nice not to be at the airport. D-no was a good host. Grabbed more snacks, rice cakes with seaweed, P had pizza as usual.


The train back to the airport was slooooow. Some stress was generated. Made the Aer Lingus with 15 minutes to spare (see difficult people above). Short overseas flight, less then six hours. Isolated from the family though only three rows up. Did not get out of my seat once, too much hassle. Slept for a change though. Tarmac exit, beautiful morning at the Dublin airport.. Had an hour to go back through security, which was packed, but made the plane as they were boarding the last passengers. Back row.

Plenty of time to figure out where our hotel shuttle was at CDG. We needed it. Premeire Classe Hotel , don’t let the name fool you. Comfortable, but lacking towels, alarm clock, and access (no way in or out without taking the shuttle which was an adventure.


Late afternoon RER to Luxemburg. Paris walk: Luxemburg gardens (G watched the Carp, we lazed on the lawn furniture), Left Bank (sucre crepes). Notre Dame, Isle St. Louis, Marais district (falafels, mmm), death march to Gare De Nord via Republique (Café Crème, Chocolate Chaud, Noissette). Parks and playgrounds on the way, P played in everyone, I was glad for the rest. Long wait at CDG for the shuttle to the hotel. Lights out by 12:30, later than expected.

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