USVI-On-Line

Just got back from a trip to London and Paris.

The 8hr flight back and 6 hr time jet lag is a killer, but the trip was wonderful. The museums and sights were amazing.

We had good weather – it was hot in Paris, and the buses and subway are not air conditioned. Great beer in London, great cheap wine in Paris and melt in your mouth croissants.

Our hotel choices were very good in terms of quality and location, and we only lost our way once in each city for less than 5 minutes each time. The London Underground (subway) is very cool and easy to use with the “Oyster” smart card. The Paris maps were freaking me out before we left so I got a small D ring compass from Magellan that I attached to my camera bag. That really helped me get my bearings when we come up from the Metro (Paris subway) into a different part of the city.

Just started uploading some of the photos. Here are a few of the iconic sights. I could do a more detailed write up with more photos if any are interested.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SH ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TDzWu ... 1.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/om ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TDzXi ... 0.JPG"></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PX ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TDzSe ... 2.JPG"></a>

Two words: Butter!! and Yes!

Great shots! I love both cities and would love to see more! We just went to London a few weeks ago as well. Weather was sort of cold and rainy though. I may try to post a pic later.

Paris is a great place to just pick a neighborhood and just meander around in.
This was down an alley in the St. Germaine or Latin Quarter and I got the idea to switch the camera over to the sepia setting for a few street shots.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kb ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TD2Kw ... 1.JPG"></a>


<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P7 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TD2K0 ... 1.JPG"></a>

I LOVE the sepia shots! Very cool! Haven't been to London, but when I think of France, all I think of is how many pastries I consumed in a three day time span!!

Would love to hear more about your trip! This is me begging for a trip report!

My son is going to study in the Netherlands for the fall semester and we are hoping to visit him at some point, probably in November. We may just stay and explore Amsterdam and the surrounding area but I've always dreamed of seeing Paris. You can fly to Paris from Amsterdam for around 50 euros. What if we never get the chance again. It will be cold but it would be cool to see it off season. I've just about talked myself into it.

Can't wait to see more photos and to see a trip report!!

OK thats good motivation to write one up - DD took notes - plus I can put the print out into any photo book that I make.

Agent99 wrote:My son is going to study in the Netherlands for the fall semester and we are hoping to visit him at some point, probably in November. We may just stay and explore Amsterdam and the surrounding area but I've always dreamed of seeing Paris. You can fly to Paris from Amsterdam for around 50 euros. What if we never get the chance again. It will be cold but it would be cool to see it off season. I've just about talked myself into it.

99 - you should consider flying into Amsterdam then high speed rail to Paris (maybe even with a stopover in Brussels?) then fly back from Paris.

http://www.thalys.com/nl/en/destinations/France/Paris

Looks pretty cheap too and when you add up the time (only have to get there :30 - :45 prior to departure), comfort, see the countryside slide by, and total cost (CDG airport into Paris about 20e pp shuttle/taxi or 8.50e pp via RER train) vs. right into Paris train station on north side of city where you can get on Metro (subway) to any part of the city for about 1.20e pp.

The cafes have those stand up heaters so you can still sit outside. If the weather is really bad, that’s just more time for the awesome museums. The other good news about traveling then is that airfare (from major east coast airport) should be in the $400-600 range vs. the $900-1100 it is now.

That's a good idea jmq. Already noted that airfare is not bad that time of year.
Thanks!

Panoramic shot of the gardens at Versailles.
May be able to start the Off Topic Trip Report next week…

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QV ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8poT_jdtsYw/TEBv2 ... 1.jpg"></a>

Stunning picture!

Great shots, jmq. Looking forward to your trip report!

Amazing pictures. I love the sepia ones, too. Can't wait to see more!

Beautiful pictures, especially the Eiffel Tower and Versailles. Our daughter took a trip to Paris and Spain earlier this summer with her French class. Now I really, really want to go, too. Looking forward to seeing more.

I too would like to see a TR and some more of your excellent photoes.

Have been in Paris twice but it's many years ago.
Never forget Versailles and the museum there. Just the best.

Linne