Paris & Bastille Day; July, 14

Sam, our kick-ass tour guide

Marisa in front of the Eiffel Tower

Newleyweds- Nick & Val and Denton

Tomas, Muriel, Marisa, and Denton on Bastille Day, waiting for the fireworks

2 things are great about this picture:
1) My new camera takes awesome pictures
2) The fireworks themselves were amazing and awe-inspiring

The Louvre and it's 'invisible pyramids'

Newlyweds, Nick & Val- aren't they the cutest? They've mastered the 'goofy picture' poses.

Egyptian artifacts at the Louvre

Moulin Rouge in the Montmartre District

Sacre Couer, at night with Nick & Val

Paris was especially amazing for us, not only because it's Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but because we were able to meet up with some old friends and family and meet new friends as well. Our dear friends from Sacramento, Nick & Val came to Paris for their honeymoon. We were so glad we were able to catch up on all the recent Sacramento gossip, hear about their wedding, and piggy-back on their Museum pass. We had a great time eating, drinking, chatting, and exploring with them.
On Bastille Day, we were able to meet with my cousin Muriel and her boyfriend, Tomas, in Paris. They rented a small apartment in Paris from her company that was RIGHT-NEXT TO (like, literally 100 meters) from the Arc de Triomph. We spent the evening drinking, encouraging them to visit us in California, and seeing the fireworks of Bastille Day. Denton and I agreed that these were the best fireworks we've ever seen. Apparently they were chereographed with American disco songs, but we couldn't hear them from where we were standing.
Finally, our new friends were the gracious couple we Couchsurfed with, Emilie and Cedric. We stayed on their couch for 2 nights and had a very nice time getting to know them and chat about their future travel plans. They plan to go to New Zealand next year, so the picked my brain about where to go, the weather, what to do, and where to stay.  I enjoyed reminiscing, but it's already 6 years since I was there, so I'm sure a lot has changed. Emilie & Cendric were incredibly hospitable and generous. They made us an authentic french breakfast on Bastille Day, which was fantastic. We hope to see them again, if they ever come to California.
Also, we've become groupies of the New Europe Free Walking Tours. They're FREE- well almost- and they are SUPER informative and interesting. You tip the guide at the end of the tour (that's the catch), but it's still WAY cheaper than doing anything similar... or doing anything else, because stuff is expensive in Europe. We typically tip between 5-10Euros for each tour we take, for both of us. 5 if we think they did crap, and 10 when we want to tip more, but think we should save our money instead. Our guide in Paris, Sam, was AMAZING. He gave us tons of tips and pointers about the city and attraction. He even has his own website that lays out all of his suggestions. He also knew A TON about Paris and France. I always ask a lot of questions and some tour guides don't like it- I think they think I'm trying to stump them, but really I'm just trying to put it all together- and Sam enjoyed my questions, even though I did stump him once. I recommend all people who are going to France to attend his tours through New Europe, or hire him privately.

Medittarrean Cruise with Denise & Reuben

Norwegian Cruise Line, the Spirit

the entertainment/DJ booth in front of the pool on The Spirit

Denise & Reuben at dinner on the ship

Marisa & Denton

Amazing food!

Clock tower in Izmir, Turkey

Pantheon in Athens, Greece

Hagia Sofia, Istanbul Turkey

5 windmills, Mykonos, Greece

Toga night on the ship!

Denise & Reuben in front of Trevi Fountain, Rome

The boys with boy stuff

Denton & Marisa in front of Trevi Fountain, Rome

Reuben, Denise, Marisa, and Denton in Toulon, France at the outdoor Sunday market

Segrada Familia, Barcelona Spain

What a whirlwind! In mid-July, Marisa's parents; Denise and Reuben, took us on an amazing adventure aboard The Spirit, part of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The itinerary was quick, but a great way to get an overview of Mediterranean countries; Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, and Spain. Reuben wrote an update to family and friends while we were on the cruise and we thought it would be a nice change from our normal style. So, this post comes from Marisa's step-dad, Reuben, a true history buff of Greek and Roman times and frequent cruiser.
 

1^st Entry
Venice is one of those cities that weaves its spell on you with its red tile roofs, alley ways, and Palacios on the Grand Canal.  We met Marisa and Denton in front of St. Marks square.  Big smiles and hugs all around.  They are both looking well.  We spent the day catching up on their travels and then had dinner at Breks near the train station; they were spending the night at Padua (30 minutes outside of Venice).  Venice in a golden glow is magnificent!!!  The next day we met up with Marisa and Denton and decided on a leisurely stroll from St. Marks to the Rialto Bridge.  Rick Steve's is right; you really can't get lost in Venice.  We enjoyed weaving in and out of neighborhoods, sitting in small plazas, looking at the churches, enjoying the scenery, and eating gelato (so good).  What a place to be in!! 

The ship was easy to get to the next day. Did not realize we would be cruising two days first.  But hey, it's relaxing to sit back, look at the blue Mediterranean water, and snack.  First stop: Athens.  We took a taxi to the Acropolis and hiked around. A truly stunning structure that is still being renovated a piece at a time.  From down in the city, the Acropolis on the hill looks like the place the ancient Gods and Goddesses lived.  We then walked to the Acropolis Museum, walked the Plaka, and visited the ancient temple of Zeus. On the way back to the ship, we strolled through the National Garden and went by the tomb of the unknown Greek soldiers in front on their legislature building.  We enjoyed it all.  Today we stopped in Izmir Turkey for a short visit.  A beautiful sea port.  We strolled along the wharf and went to the old bazaar, mosque, and the old clock tower.  Thankfully, it's Sunday and not many shops were open, otherwise every shop keeper would be asking us to buy a leather item or a rug.  Can't blame them for trying to make a living but you need a recorder to keep saying, "No, Thank You."

It's been great traveling with Marisa and Denton; we've enjoyed discussing the history of these places.  Never ceases to amaze me (us) the ancient engineering of these buildings and monuments.  They could easily fit in our modern world erecting skyscrapers and bridges.  Very smart folks.

2^nd Entry:
When last we left, we were headed toward Istanbul.  What a beautiful day to enter the Turkish harbor and see the large red flag waving with yellow crescent moon and star.  Looked Grand!!  We took a taxi to the central city area to see the highlights of the area; second time around and we knew exactly where we were going which was unfortunate for the taxi driver.  He kept trying to sell us a tour for 100 Euro, then 90, then 80 (you get the picture).  We saw Hagia Sofia (largest church until St. Peter's was built - I think), the Blue Mosque (built later but of equal size, the Ottoman's Place from the outside, the area that comprised the Hippodrome that rivaled the Circus Maximus in Rome for chariot races), the underground water Cistern built by the byzantine Emperor Justinanus to supply water to the city (quite impressive; you could put a small lake down there), finally we walked to the largest Bazaar in the world (makes Walmart Superstore look small) - this place is blocks long and enclosed - lots of arches.  We enjoy this city very much and looking at the bridge connecting the last of Europe to Asia. We spent an afternoon on Mykonos, sightseeing the 5 Windmills and hills of the town center and neighborhoods.

Onward to Naples.  Lots of warnings on the ship and in travel books to secure your items while walking the streets; suppose to be the pickpocket capital of the world.  I was apprehensive at first but we had no problems at all.  We visited the National Archeology Museum; this place contained some of the premium pieces excavated in Ancient Pompeii - magnificent.  Marisa and Denton took the train to Pompeii and enjoyed touring this ancient city; we did it before.  It is so well preserved; all one needs is a toga to really look authentic.

Rome; capital of the Empire.  It's a 90 minute train ride from the port city.  We decided to do a quick walking tour to get back to the ship early.  Folks have missed the ship and then they need to catch up on their own to the next port.  We left a family in Mykonos and this port too.  Like a train or airplane with a schedule; this Captain doesn't wait. 

We took a taxi to the Trevii Fountain.  Yes, coins were tossed in.  I decided to save my money since I "have returned."  We walked to Plaza Navorno and the Pantheon.  What a magnificent structure!  The architect Brunelleschi studied this structure extensively before building the Duomo in Florence.  Imagine it took 1000 years after the Romans for someone to match this size dome.  We walked from the Victor Emanuel monument to Trajan's market and column, passed the ancient Roman forum, to the Colosseum and Constantine's Arch.  Then a quick taxi to the Circus Maximus and a ride past Caracalla Baths.  A quick tour since Marisa and Denton will return with a friend. 

At the Livorno port we decided to see the town of Lucca where Denise's grandfather was born and our nephew is named after.  What a charming and laid back town; we could easily live here.  The wall fortifications that protected the town are fairly intact and surround a large part of the town; on the top part of the wall folks ride their bikes, jog, eat gelato, and enjoy a stroll. The town continually invested in the latest technology to defend themselves and to secure the walls; lots of persistence.  We strolled the streets and ate at a side walk café, while Marisa & Denton rented bikes and road the outer wall.  Just an enjoyable experience for all of us. 

Toulon France and Barcelona were our last two ports on the cruise.  Toulon is a beautiful seaside town that reminded us of Monte Carlo without the big yacht harbor and Casino.  We took a short stroll up the main street / Sunday Market that featured delicious food and produce.  The French truly excel in the food department; from presentation to taste.  Cool seaside breezes and a beautiful blue sky made our day.   Onward to Barcelona.  We walked through Las Rambles (a main wide street from the towns early history), a stroll in the huge indoor Mercado (market) filled with the most variety of food and produce we have ever seen in one place (move over Safeway), a visit to the Cathedral, Marisa gave us a nice tour of the Gothic area near the Cathedral (she and Denton were already here before), and yours truly visited the Maritime Museum (alone - no takers) to see exhibits on the evolution of shipping from the 1400s to the present. Barcelona is a beautiful and busy place.  Great to visit, but I love our quieter home in Glen Ellen.  We left Marisa and Denton at the airport.  They were going to Paris and we to Granada.  Yes, some tears were shed.



Thanks again to Reuben & Denise for taking us on this amazing trip. We will never forget it and it has inspired us to future cruise travels!

Pau, France with Nathalie & Lacampagne Family

Marisa's family; Eloise, Arthur, Bruno, and Nathalie

Arthur on a play car in the mall

Sausage and bread- perfect for drinking beers

Denton and Nathalie

Le Petit Tren!

The Pyrenees from Le Petit Tren

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Audio guides for the tourists

Nathalie on Le Petit Tren

Picnic spot in the middle of the Pyrenees

Drinks with Muriel, Marisa's other cousin, and her boyfriend, Tomas

Bike riding along the Pau River

Arthur LOVED Denton aka 'Tinton'

Family dinner with the Lacampagne's

After Denton's parents left Madrid on June 16th, we headed north into southern France. Marisa's grandfather was born in France and came to California when he was a young man. He and three of his brothers came to California, but they left behind 6 brothers and sisters in France. This means Marisa has an extensive network of second and third cousins still living in France. We stayed with Nathalie Lacampagne, one of Marisa's third cousins who is close to our age, for one week. Nathalie was an incredible, gracious, and generous hostess. She made us a homemade dinner every day and planned a new and different activity for us. We went for bike rides, had picnics, enjoyed the local beer garden, spent time with the family, explored Nathalie's store, went wine tasting, explored an old cave, and spent a day in the Pyrenees Mountains. She also busted our chops for our American habits (including hugging, instead of giving air kisses), and taught us to pronounce French R's. 

Nathalie's apartment faces the Pyrenees mountain range and on clear days you could see it. On Nathalie's day off, she took us into the mountains on Le Petit Tren (the small train). The views were incredible and gorgeous! We had an English audio guide that had corny characters and storyline about Napoleon’s wife going to the Pyrenees for vacations. The train ride ended at a small lake at the top of the mountain and we enjoyed a wonderful picnic there. 

We were able to spend time with Marisa’s 4^th and youngest cousin, Arthur. He is Nathalie’s nephew and 2 years old. He fell in love with Denton and referred to him as “Tinton.” He babbled to Nathalie in French and was completely puzzled by our English. We played with him at the playground in the mall and again, at a family dinner. Nathalie’s parents generously took us to dinner at a new Chinese buffet in town. It was great to spend time with them, despite the language barrier.

Nathalie also organized for us to rendez-vous with another cousin, Muriel (and her boyfriend, Tomas). Muriel spent time in Australia to learn English and was Marisa’s French pen-pal when they were girls growing up. It was great seeing her again, and we made plans to meet up with them again in Paris. We day-dreamed about the things we’d show them if they visited us in California; wine tastings, basketball games, and reggae concerts.

The week with Nathalie (and family) flew by. We had a great time and feel incredibly grateful of Nathalie’s warm, welcoming hospitality. We hope she and the other family members take a holiday in California, so we can return the favor!