"From Paris to Berlin"

Okay - it was London, Paris and back to London, but there is no song with those lyrics.

We arrived in London in the midst of 30-35 degree (Celsius) weather. (85-95 F).

Our first night we got to attend Les Miserables. Tim and I joined Wade and his group of students. From those who had seen it and my own (first time) opinion, the set was great and songs were good, but perhaps fell a little flat, especially the girl playing Corset (sp?). In addition, it was a touch on the long side, but the story was powerful and it was worth seeing.

The next night were were able to hook up with some friends that Tim and Wade had made when there were at a trade conference in London last May.

Michael (Wade's Asst), Tim, Ashley (Wade's intern), Tim (friend), me and David.
Barry, Tim's b-friend, is taking the photo.

On our way to Paris - we travelled through the Chunnel.

I've never drank wine in the chunnel before!

Our first meal in Paris at a restaurant called Chez Antoinette - Tim and I ordered the Artichoke salad. Yeah, tell me how your supposed to eat that! Okay - so some French friends gave me instructions and it all worked out just fine - but is was a lot of darn work!

The next day - the louvre! Wow - HUGE place. Tim, as always, was a great tour guide. That Art History major in college has served him (and I!) well.

July 14 is Bastille Day. Marking the end of the French Revolution, it was the site of the first major battle. We joined the entire city of Paris in celebrating, watching fireworks that were shot off from the base of the Eiffel tower.

The Musee d'Orsey is a train station remodelled into a museum. It holds primarily pre-immpressionist, immpressionist, and post-immpressionist art along with some sculture. Tim's knowledge led the way again - I got to see originals of his favorite artist (post-immpressionist) Paul Cezane.

Tim and I on the balcony of Musee d'Orsey (overlooking the River Seine)

The queue for Norte Dame was TOO long and heat was unbearable, but this picture respects the commanding presence the structure holds.

This trip will probably be our last 'hurrah' before I move home. We do plan on going to Alnwick one more time to visit some friends, and we've been invited to Join Tim and Barry at their place in Brighton for Gay Pride, but that is the August 5-7 weekend, and that may be cutting it close.