We're getting ready for the trip and going through the usual anxiety. Itinerary includes Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Jasper, Banff, and Calgary. We've decided to post this trip on a new blog. http://stephandrafadventures.blogspot.com/
Stay tuned!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, July 06, 2007
Paris
Last stop on this whirlwind vacation and it is fitting we should end in Paris, my second home. It's always so good to come back to visit the old familiar places, discover some new ones and catch up with the family. This time, our favorite Moroccan restaurant was closed and we ended up discovering a great little spot called Le Souk. Delicious lamb tagine and a wonderful atmosphere.
Le Relais de l’Entrecote was another good find. Steak Frites is all they serve and since reservations are not accepted there were lines going around the corner. The standard greeting is “How would you like your steak prepared?” Servers come around with a silver tray to serve sliced steak (4 pieces) and fries. I saw the look of disappointment on Raf’s face as he thought, "Is that all?" To our surprise when we finished what was on our plates, the server reappeared with a second round serving. With that smile reemerging Raf ended up eating my portion as well. So simple and so good.
Luckily, we arrived in Paris just in time for Les Soldes. Since the government regulates sales, there are just two times of year when you can get hot deals and we were there on the first day to experience the mayhem. We also managed to sneak into a fashion show at the Galeries Lafayette.
Le Relais de l’Entrecote was another good find. Steak Frites is all they serve and since reservations are not accepted there were lines going around the corner. The standard greeting is “How would you like your steak prepared?” Servers come around with a silver tray to serve sliced steak (4 pieces) and fries. I saw the look of disappointment on Raf’s face as he thought, "Is that all?" To our surprise when we finished what was on our plates, the server reappeared with a second round serving. With that smile reemerging Raf ended up eating my portion as well. So simple and so good.
Luckily, we arrived in Paris just in time for Les Soldes. Since the government regulates sales, there are just two times of year when you can get hot deals and we were there on the first day to experience the mayhem. We also managed to sneak into a fashion show at the Galeries Lafayette.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Barcelona
It’s strange having to pack our bags. We’ve been on the ship for 12 days and it has been very relaxing. No more feeling like roaches though. The crew stood at the entrance and exit of the ship and all dining areas with spray bottles that contained anti-bacterial liquid and we are expected to put out our hands and get sprayed everywhere. Yuck.
First impression of Barcelona… the dirtiest city I’ve ever seen in my life. After a little inquiry we were told that last night was a festival; today is Sunday, Monday morning cleaning crews out in full force. Some party.
What a beautiful city!!!! Didn’t really expect to like it so much from what I’d heard and our first day experiences…dirty and bad food on La Rambla; that tourist trap we knew to avoid.
But then…Barri Gotic and Gaudi. I truly LOVE it. Feels like I’m in a Dr. Seuss story about Dali. Our hotel is in a great area within walking distance of the pier (which we did at 11:30 PM and it was packed) , Barri Gotic where we spent lots of time (eating, drinking Sangria, and taking pics), and La Rambla. We have so many pics I’ve divided them up by sights along La Rambla, architecture, Dali, graffiti, and markets.
First impression of Barcelona… the dirtiest city I’ve ever seen in my life. After a little inquiry we were told that last night was a festival; today is Sunday, Monday morning cleaning crews out in full force. Some party.
What a beautiful city!!!! Didn’t really expect to like it so much from what I’d heard and our first day experiences…dirty and bad food on La Rambla; that tourist trap we knew to avoid.
But then…Barri Gotic and Gaudi. I truly LOVE it. Feels like I’m in a Dr. Seuss story about Dali. Our hotel is in a great area within walking distance of the pier (which we did at 11:30 PM and it was packed) , Barri Gotic where we spent lots of time (eating, drinking Sangria, and taking pics), and La Rambla. We have so many pics I’ve divided them up by sights along La Rambla, architecture, Dali, graffiti, and markets.
