Dix, Neuf, Huit...The Countdown To France
In and around Paris, France
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I read somewhere that your worst trip is the one you don't take.
I've had a few of those. The evening exhilaration of planning my great adventures often pales by the light of day. Not enough money. Not enough time. Irresposible. But on September 11th I leave for a month in France. By the way, I didn't pick September 11th on purpose. I was just looking for cheaper midweek airfares, and didn't really focus on the particular date. But once I realised what I had done (you know, chosen to fly on one of the most infamous days in our US history....the day the terrorists flew the planes into the Trade Center Towers in New York), well, I thought, it's just another fear for me to face. After all, I'm going to France all by myself, but with this blog you can come too.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler travelqueen
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1
Why Is It So Hard To Get Out Of Town?
Well, I'm still in Colorado Springs, trying to prepare for my departure next week. This happens to me before every trip; the days leading up t... Continue reading »
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2
Driving in France-Vroom Vroom
Still in Colrado Springs!
Just got my AAA International Drivers License, so I can drive in France. The picture is not so great ( the tripod f... Continue reading »
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3
Buttons on the Wall, Slots for Lights, and No Signs Anywhere
I arrived at Charles Degaulle Airport, Paris, late afternoon on September the 12th. I had already planned just to spend the night at a Marrio... Continue reading »
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4
Leaving, London, the sound of money and Giving Things Away
11-Sept-07
Yesterday a taste of fall weather sent me into a panic while I packed my bags. What if it’s only 60 degrees (or less!) in France?... Continue reading »
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5
More miscommunique, fantastic groceries, and the key inside the lockbox
Today is Wednesday, September 13th. I decide to check out of the Marriott and leave my luggage there while I ride the shuttle back to Charles De Ga... Continue reading »
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6
Licking windows, troglydytes, and doo-ta-doo
Friday, September14:
I wake up around 10am. I make my own coffee and drink it while sitting on my balcony overlooking the square. I have... Continue reading »
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7
Leonardo, street fairs, and men in tights.
Saturday, September 15:
The square is crowded today. I have scrambled eggs, and pack my new backpack for a day out. The sun is still shining.... Continue reading »
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8
Pffftt, Hills on a bicyclette, and a "cadeaux"
Sunday, September 16.
Today I rented a bike for the rest of the week. Lo Ca Cycle is on Rue Jean-Jaques-Rousseau (02-47-57-00-28). The 21 spe... Continue reading »
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9
Castles, Wine and Closed Roads
Monday, September 17.
I'm still having trouble getting up early, and the fact that the sun isn't out today doesn't help. There is a light rai... Continue reading »
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10
The Three C's...Cheverney, Chaumont, and Chambord
Tuesday, September 18.
Wow, today was a serious castle day. I found a great map that sectioned off areas to see the most in one trip. Go to <... Continue reading »
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11
Making the cut off at Cheverney, Druids in Montrichard, and Lots of Clothes for Dinner
Saturday, September 21.
So many days have passed since I last wrote. I feel like I'm behind in my homework!
I left off on my jaunt thro... Continue reading »
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12
A 47 Point K Turn, Cathar Tunnels, Fruit at the Market and a La La La
Saturday, September 22.
So, I'm almost back on track! Right now I'm sitting at an internet cafe called "Alerte Rouge" (red alert), in Carcass... Continue reading »
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13
A barge with a hot tub, a big bell day and Lastour's castles in the sky
Sunday, September 23.
I have a ton of pictures but they are taking too long to upload. I'll add them later if I can.
I rented my bike n... Continue reading »
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14
A Big Fat Party Pig, A Full Moon Over Castle Walls, and Man Purses
Monday, September 24.
I awaken to a beautiful sunny day. Perfect for Carcassonne, France's oldest walled city. I enter the Porte Narbonnaise... Continue reading »
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15
Frilly Panties, Baked Goods and Grapevines Undulating Across the Valley
Thursday, September 27.
Just in case you think all I’m doing is whooping it up here…wrong. I am getting very close to actually having to do l... Continue reading »
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16
Pay No Attention To The Voice In The Box
Thursday, September 27.
The rain has stopped. The sky is still grey and angry looking, but I decide to drive to Chateau Peyrepertuse and Quer... Continue reading »
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17
driving Into A Fairy tale
Saturday, September 29.
*Sorry if I confused anybody this past week. Some of my pictures are out of order because they were taking too long t... Continue reading »
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18
To Market, To Market, Jiggity Jig
Sunday, September 30. Beynac-et-Cazernac.
I find it interesting that none of the little towns along the Dordogne River, including mine, are l... Continue reading »
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19
Beynac, Bateaus, and Bounding frenchmen
Monday, October 1.
Everything is slammed shut today! I guess they need a break after the weekend. Even the hotel lobby is locked, where I hav... Continue reading »
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20
A Medieval Pocket Rocket, Ancient Bic Lighter and Trebuchet
Tuesday, October 2.
Today I went to Castlenaud, across the river (so that would make it an English stronghold). I’m starting to be a little j... Continue reading »
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21
Sculptures of Boxwood and Coconut Ice cream
Wednesday, October 3.
Today I went to the nearby gardens of Marquyssac. A privately owned manor and estate. Originally a huge flat area way u... Continue reading »
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22
Looking for the "Essence" of Brittany and the Darkest Dark
Saturday, October 6.
Today is a travel day, a LONG travel day. I have an 8 hour drive from the Dordogne region to Brittany. I get on the supe... Continue reading »
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23
Lord of The Rings and The Call Of The Sea
Sunday, October 7.
I awake to the sounds of bike riders, hikers and dog walkers. The isolation of my mill is also a place for recreation, and... Continue reading »
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24
Dead Boats, "Cousin" Mary, and Spiders In my Hair
Monday, October 8.
Just in case you are thinking I don’t like Brittany, you are wrong. I love it. It is just as ancient and picturesque as th... Continue reading »
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25
Naming My Fear, Finding the Ocean and Grilled cheese
Tuesday, October 9.
Today I awake with a resolve to go straight to the ocean. I pack my bags. This is off season, and I have seen plenty of r... Continue reading »
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26
Delicate Pancake Packages, A Stony Throne, and Poubelle
Thursday, October 11.
Today is my last day in Roscoff. Tomorrow I drive back to check out of the mill, and then to Paris to return my car. It... Continue reading »
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27
Life Skills, Paris rush Hour Traffic and Gay "Gay Paree"
Friday, October 12.
Today is just a driving day, a long driving day. It is a little over an hour to get back to the mill and meet Ian to chec... Continue reading »
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28
The Marais, Trains, Boats and The 7 Moons of Paris
Saturday, October 13.
Paris is like a gay man on testosterone. It is big, flamboyant and in your face, but with feminine undercurrents; it ha... Continue reading »
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