Epilogue

25 days spent in Europe can be a lovely thing and it was.  Being back home is also a lovely thing.  We thank those who were so kind to us while we were away.  It's a long time to be gone but we had help from friends all along the way.  Mike and Jill were so kind to us, picking us up, taking us all over Paris and Normandy and then back to the airport.  Friends chauffeured us to and from the airport in Arizona, took care of our Chloe and checked on our home.  It takes so much more effort than we alone could get done to go on this great trip.  

Now we're back in Arizona, enjoying the wide open spaces.  We dearly loved the experiences and the people wherever we went.  Things are never universal, like weather, food, roads, sights, sounds or smells. That's why we go traveling - to see the differences.  Its also great to come home feeling healthy and weighing about the same as when we left.  Food was everywhere, it was GOOD and would go to waste without us.   But we walked every day, climbed stairs, packed our stuff and were generally on the move all the time. 

The images we captured will be treasures for the rest of our lives.  I have a link to all of them if you really want to see.   This blog captures about 15% of the volume of pictures taken.  I'm also happy to share files of any of them if you want copies.  Especially the scenery ones. 

Finally, we thank each of you for sharing your thoughts in the blog or by email.  The beautiful things of the earth are even more lovely when shared.  These visual images are but a portion of the collection we have stored in our heads.  Each day brought something new to see or experience. 

Here are some of the really great pictures not yet posted.   

So, until next time, Ciao, le bon soir - Va a de l'amusement vous. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Lightning....We'll see ya'll next time......

Out and About in Paris

We've spent the past few days with the grand children as their parents traveled.  Mike went to Italy and Jill got a few days away with a friend all to our great enjoyment.  We love all of our grand kids. Being with them, learning who they are and how they think is fulfilling.  This year has been ours to spend time with each one.  Trips to the countryside to see a wild animal park, or to the duck pond to roll in the leaves, into Paris for fun in a park with rides and animals were all great.  Time out for a market where the best selection of french cheese ever was found then apples, bananas and berries filled our bags in the fun.  In the midst of the market was a big section of candy.  Guess who noticed.    Did I yet mention the chocolate.  I should do a whole series on it  ...  really good chocolate.  Most of all, we had an endless supply of fun things to do with children.  Everything is new for them.  They don't always like new, but we did introduce them to some wonderful crepes for dinner one evening. 

Nothing like a trip to the candy market

The market is the largest in Versailles and operates Tues, Fri and Sunday.  Shopping runs the gamete of farm produce to shoes and mattresses.  Specials every market day. Parking is the trick.  Our parking was found on a uniquely named street.  Austin showed his teeth. 

After the market and some lunch we drove out to a little town east of Versailles and Paris.  No fences and plenty of open space.  Perfect territory for scenes with the Sopwith Camel or Red Barron airplanes.  

 Happy travelers.  Developing a sense of humor was evident from Lizzy.  She is almost 8 now and in the 2nd grade.  Parker is her constant sidekick an in kindergarten. 

  Approaching the wild animal park and chateau we traveled through beautiful forests of hardwoods.  Colours are vibrant and alive with fall. 

In honor of LeRoy Delger who was not able to travel this time.  Get well dear friend.  

Not long after we returned home, we joined up at the Creperie just up the street.  Wonderful little place. 

More satisfied customers Mike and Max

Our walk each morning included passing this grand old cathedral near the flat.   Even had flying buttresses.  

Hooded Claudia

The spitting Lyon was a mystery.  Just kept it up most daylight hours, rain or shine.  Non-potable however. 

The outer door to the flat in Versailles that Mike and Jill lease with their kids. Inner court area is a great idea.  Claudia is the hooded one.    

  Fun at the park.  We'll call them all Stretch. 

Or lively and compact

  Leisurely canal ride

  Austin was too short to ride alone.  This was a fun ride for each of the kids.  Parker laughed the entire ride. 

Lizzy loves to climb, clear to the top.  The rain held off so we could see and do whatever we wanted.  Fun place for kids to play and parents to relax with them. 

Life in Breadville is GOOD

We're just about finished eating our way through Europe. Upon arrival, our driver is instructed to take us directly to the gym to begin our reducing routine.   Here is a sample of some of the sights.

Bread fuels the intense energy in this country.  No matter your task in a day, a baguette or two is needed.  To be on your way home without them is a sin.  

One more satisfied customer celebrates a day with great French bread. Parker is giving you all a sense of the length of the typical baguette.  

  We even found a nice little woody in which to carry our supply.  There seems to be just enough room in the back to carry our days purchases.

When all is said and done this is the symbol we love the most.  Each time back home is celebrated with that familiar sight, familiar language spoken and the land of the free - home of the brave.  Sunday about 10:40am we lift off non-stop to SLC. 

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a holiday and recreation resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. The complex is located 32 kilometers (20 mi) from the centre of Paris and lies for the most part on the territory of the commune of Chessy, Seine-et-Marne.

Disneyland Paris comprises two theme parks, a retail, dining and entertainment district, and seven Disney-owned hotels. Operating since April 12, 1992, it was the second Disney resort to open outside the United States (following Tokyo Disney Resort) and the first to be owned and operated by Disney. With 15.3 million visitors in the fiscal year of 2008, it is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations.

Disneyland Paris is owned and operated by French company Euro Disney S.C.A., a public company of which 39.78 percent of its stock is held by The Walt Disney Company, 10 percent by the Saudi Prince Alwaleed and 50.22 percent by other shareholders. The senior leader at the resort is chairman and CEO Philippe Gas.

The complex was a subject of controversy during the periods of negotiation and construction in the late 1980s and early '90s, when a number of prominent French figures voiced their opposition and protests were held by French labour unions and others. A further setback followed the opening of the resort as park attendance, hotel occupancy and revenues fell below projections. Partly as a result of this, the complex was renamed from Euro Disney Resort to Disneyland Paris in 1995. In July of that year, the company saw its first quarterly profit.

A second theme park, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened to the public March 16, 2002.  In August 2008, Disneyland Paris was the most visited attraction in Europe.

 Pluto is a favorite with all us dog lovers. 

 

 For us speed buffs, like Austin and Max, Tom Mater or Sally were our choices

 

 Tigger seemed to love Lizzy.  He even got after Jill for fun.

 

Main street has everything for children, older or younger. 

 

Action showed when Austin exited the Autotopia.

 Last thing before we left, Christmas lites !!