Paris!

 

Paris April trip is done and what a fabulous week it was. I went with Tiffany, Chris, Penny and Jules on their spring break. What a great trip and we jammed in a lot in those days. We rented an apartment in the Marais district which turned out to be a wonderful alternative to hotel rooms. We were in the heart of everything and explored nearby restaurants and patisseries. Each morning Chris ventured off to bring back croissants and coffee for us. Marvelous! The high quality is stunning and we are ruined for life I fear.

First day was a blur after flying all night but we persevered on and tromped all over until we couldn't walk anymore. Popped in and out of stores, cafe stops, and checked out the local grocery store around the corner from the apartment. Even that was fun.

Bo & Mie bakery - visited frequently

And it is Easter soon and the store windows showed it.

Next day the shopping intensity ramped up. Believe it or not we spent 5 hours total at Galerie Lafayette. It's enormous, gorgeous domed ceilings, with wonderful food with a Laduree inside it for special macaroons, coffee and hot chocolate service, and spectacular views from its roof top terrace.

Next day Louvre with a private guided tour. Our guide was excellent and maneuvered us through the madness of the crowds, showing us the most famous pieces of art along with lessor known. A lot of fascinating history while providing a scavenger hunt for the girls. Highly recommended.

Notre Dame was breathtaking. The first photo was a day before we decided to go in. We went early another morning and look, presto, no line. Still of course many people inside but it was easy to see everything.

Paris famous bookstore: Shakespeare and Company. It was an amazing place where you felt like you were time-traveling back to the 1920's and 30's. Many famous authors have visited this place and the lines are long to get in unless you go early when they open at 10am. No photos are allowed inside which was too bad - it's wonderfully eccentric. Someone has though - search online for interiors. 

Montmartre chocolate and pastry tour. Lots of fun and enormous quantities of chocolate, macaroons, crepes, and other sweet treats eaten. (or so it seemed to me). We wandered around the area, had lunch in a park, and generally enjoyed the day.

Moulin Rouge in the background

our food tour guide Olivia

The stragglers in a long line of preschool children out and about

Wall of love in every language

This is a homeless person's abode -I'm sure there's an astonishing backstory.

Hare Krishna who seemed to be everywhere we were

"Sh**t" in French - imagine, a whole store dedicated to it.

Last day - Eiffel Tower, Champs de Elysees, and last shopping. Window shopping only at the high end stores.

Escargot - the girls both loved it and had it multiple times. Amazing!

Last night dinner at Sacre Frenchy's
Sigh...bye bye Paris.

Visit to Maryland, Tai chi, and Spring

 

A lovely visit to Heather and family was had. Braden is 4 and Aubrey 6. Aren't they just darling!

They live just a short walkable distance to the Chesapeake Bay. The playground is at water's edge. Great location. A day with the promise of spring in the air.

Crafts and just general fun we got to enjoy. It was so good to see Heather, Brian, and the kids. They're growing up so fast!

My activity of many years (Tai chi) finally resulted in a couple of public performances with my group led by instructor Danli. If you're not familiar, Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is slow meditative controlled movement. None of us were sure we were ready for this but it turned out to be a lot of fun and we weren't half bad, if I do say so myself.

Spring is clearly on its way. We don't get as much change in seasons here in Florida but there are still extra bits of color here and there. We have just over six weeks and then it's back to Star Mt. Next up for me is Paris with Tiffany, Chris, and the girls. Getting super excited! I'll be back to share adventures.

Friends, beach, golf, and alligators

 I have been reminded I haven't posted at all since January. Oops...

It's been a very busy season here in Naples, as usual.  Lots of golf, mahjong, social gatherings ,tai chi practice, and restaurant happenings. It is the opposite of sit in a rocking chair and watch life go by. Abnormally cold January led to some whiny people who come to Florida for warm sunshine and swaying palm trees. Ah well, can't do anything about the weather as we all know. Everything good now.

We had good friends and Colorado neighbors Kim and Steve visit us in January and while some of that chilly weather appeared there were still some great days. (And they're used to -20 so this didn't feel like much).

Rosie spoonbill

big boy

the historical Rod & Gun club- visited by many presidents and famous celebrities

Visiting alligator country in the Everglades. Saw a lot, many tropical birds including a pair of flamingos flying overhead. That was amazing!

Dinner at Baleen's, a wonderful beachfront restaurant.

my good friend and guest Lee Ann 

Lee Ann, Gretchen, Roxanne, Michelle

We won the ladies member guest two day tournament! Quite exciting. I met Lee Ann and Roxanne on our South Africa trip almost 3 years ago and remained friends ever since. Michelle a lovely new friend and great team golf player.

Next trip up is Maryland to see Heather and family. I will post I promise, hopefully sooner than later.