October 14, 2013 (Evening)

On Monday evening, we went to Piccadilly Circus...

John and Max - Piccadilly Circus

to see the "Phantom of the Opera" at Her Majesty's Theatre.  I have seen this play four times before (London, Denver, and New York), and this was the best production EVER. Max was thrilled.  He was impressed with the intimacy of the theatre and couldn't get over the fact that you could have drinks and snacks (potato chips) during the production. Not to mention the interval tradition of ice cream! For a kid who grew up with special  effects, hearing him gasp as the chandelier crashed to the stage was a thrill for me. We stopped at an Italian cafe on the way back to the flat for coffee and dessert. Ten years ago it was almost impossible to find a restaurant open after a performance.  Now, the options are much better.

October 14-16, 2013

London was rainy and cold but then, that's pretty much London. On Monday we visited the British Museum - specifically the Egyptian galleries - which is always a thrill. They have finished the area dedicated to Queen Elizabeth and it is truly magnificent.

Max and John at the British Museum

After luck we headed to the London Eye.

The London Eye Yi Yi!

Max on the London Eye

John looking on the map for the London Eye

London

October 14-16, 2013

Interesting aside:  After the pub on our first night, we stopped in at a little after-hours grocery for some breakfast items.  On the way out, John ran into a former partner at SDA and his family who were visiting London for their children's winter break.  What a coincidence! The next day - at the British Museum - we ran into the same family viewing the mummies in Gallery 67 (of a gazillion). Amazing! The end of the story? Not quite! The day John and I left for Heathrow from the Gloucester Road tube station, we ran into the same family on their way to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. What remarkable coincidences! The probability of this happening would give fits to the odds makers in London.  While this is remarkable on its' own, there is one other occurrence that makes it almost spooky.  While traveling via tube to the theatre district, John finds himself standing next to his grand-nephew Aaron who is living and studying in London! It's a small world after all (now I'll have that tune in my head FOREVER).

October 13, 2013 (CONTINUED...)

Max Before Dinner:

Max After Dinner:

Au Revoir Paris!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Up fairly early to finish packing and make our way to the Gare du Nord to catch the EuroStar to London.

John and Max in the Courtyard of our Appartement

The train to London was uneventful.  Pouring rain in Northern France, twenty minutes in the "Chunnel" and then more of the same to St. Pancras.  Beautiful train station. Very romantic!

Train Station at St. Pancras

Our Eurostar Train

Arrived very much on time and then onto South Kensington via taxi.  I miss the old fashioned taxis where the driver gives you a non-stop narrative on the sights along the way.  Nowadays the driver is isolated behind a glass barrier.

We arrive at the flat.  Very elegant and seems so large compared to our tiny flat in Paris.  We (OK - just me) unpack and get settled in and then off to find a pub for dinner and a bit of football for the boys.  Find just the spot and settle in for an evening of English food (yikes!) and some testosterone.

 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Happy 6th Birthday to Finn!

Our last day in Paris began with finishing up "Tom Sawyer" with Max and then heading over to Cafe Renoir for one last lunch of escargot.  So disappointed!  They are closed on Saturday.

Went to St. Etienne and then to Notre Dame. Lots of people on the street enjoying the beautiful day.  Each had a cappuccino at a cafe across from the Justice Center and then back to the apartment to pack up for our trip to London tomorrow.

Had a very special dinner at La Coupole.  Max and I had our last feast of escargot and then enjoyed Max's new favorite dessert - floating islands.

La Coupole on Montparnasse

Never know who'll you'll run into at this famous night spot.

LDC Sighting

"Jack,I'm flying!"

Friday, October 11, 2013

It is our second to the last day in Paris. We decided to catch up on a few things that Max had yet to see.  First we went via Metro to the Arc de Triomphe.  Max was eager to climb the 300+ steps to the top.  I was not.  In my defense, I did do this last year! While the boys did the climb I waited patiently in a beautiful little cafe off the Champs Elysee, sipping on wine and snacking on escargot.  Life is tough here in Paris.

Max enjoyed the trip up but lost count of the steps.  Beautiful views.

Arc de Triomphe

View From the Top

Later that afternoon we strolled down the Champs Elysee. The window display at Yves St Laurent was stunning.

We went in search of the Georges V - John's Mom and Dad stayed there in the 60's on their world tour.  Finally managed to locate it (very difficult - everything is called the Georges V something or other) and toured the beautiful lobby, courtyard, bar and restaurant.

Went back to the apartment and downloaded the Godfather I and II.  Max had never seen it believe it or not. Was so much fun!  Stayed up way too late but well worth it.  Sent John out for more wine and snacks.  French potato chips rock!