update from Paris

[tigger]

Hey there

Well its been awhile since the last update but it has been a hectic time here in Europe. To boot every time we are using the Internet it initially starts as a hostel booking, turns into an hour long fiasco and we lose the momentum.

So where were we? I think we were in Italy, possibly Venice. Well, lots has happened since then, including moving to a country with a completely different keyboard! Oh, those French!

After Venic, we went to Rome which was an incredible experience. Everything is colossal in Rome: the size of the buildings, the detail, the history. For example, the columns in front of the Pantheon (I believe there are sixteen), each weigh between 50-80 tonnes and was completed in the first century. And the beauty of both the surroundings and its inhabitants can not be overlooked, either. We did the smart thing and took walking tours with a couple of very well educated and totally laid back guys - totally worth the few dollars that it cost. Checked out the Vatican Musuem that houses the likes of Raphael, Boticelli and of course Michelangelos Sistine Chapel.

So from Rome to Firenze\Florence for two nights; We slept in a tent with a wooden floor and two proper beds/cots and overlooked the city from the hills. Quite spectacular. Visited the Uffizzi and saw Michelangelo; Goya, Boticelli, DaVinci, Raphael and several other famous artists work. Unfortunately we came to realize that we were just too tired to appreciate any more!

Next to La Spezia (also in Italy) to use as a jumping board for the much anticipated Cinque Terre we had heard mentioned over and over again. Somehowm fate dropped us into a hostel just outside of La Spezia city centre (about a ten minute crazy drive!). It was up in the hills and wow! The sight was spectacular and we were forced to slow down the pace. For three nights we stayed at the most beautiful hostel we have been in, huge spacious rooms, more showers and toilets (hey, its important) then you could shake a stick at. Directly beneath our terrace (upon which we spent several hours sipping wine and reading) was the local pub where neighbourhood friends gathered and we were welcomed with open arms; Cinque Terre was a full days hike along the coastline, countless breathtaking scenes: water so blue, villages chiseled into the sides of cliffs, vineyards in stepped plateaux - words betray the strength of the entire, authentic Italian experience. And our last meal there was stellar _ started with a litre of red and white wine, antipasto of carpaccio; proscuttio; genoa, three types of olives, pickled vegetables, torte verde, brie puff pastry, a type of quiche with rice... and that was the first course. Handmade ravioli in bolognaise sauce for Deb and gnocchi with a brilliant green pesto for Scot (obviously carefully prepared with soul ) and finally a striploin and fresh greens. Of coursem an espresso to complete. A huge hearty thanks to Ilaria, Gary and Patricia for their outstanding hospitality.

Next we went to Lyons for two nights for the sole purpose of visiting Scots friend Cyrille with whom he learned to be an exquisite French chef. They have not spoken for ten years and the visit was to be a complete surprise... which it was! The restaurant was only five minutes away from our hostel. Cyrille invited us back for a French lunch that surpasses all description... but heres the general detail:

Started with a glass of champagne and then a bottle of white; Starter was vegetable terrine and then fresh goose liver that melted like butter in your mouth. So rich; The next course was a grain-fed chicken only available just outside Lyon and a quenelle which is a poached fresh fish mousse; both in a cream sauce to die for. (school is out, got my participles dangling everywhere!) Our dessert was homemade ice cream full of cherries and nuts served with a casisse compote (black currant from the mountains). Espresso with raw sugar, of course.

We finished our stint in Lyon with a couple of pints with Cyrille and a few of his friends at a local English pub and then to his flat for some mad lounge and punk tunes.

Now we are in Paris and have a hotel just a five minute walk from the Eiffel tower; Life is good!

Thanks for the messages and good wishes,

Take care,

Scot and Deb

[paisley]

right on Scotty! fantastic! can't wait to make it over there some day (totally jealous)

keep enjoying the travels (we've got things looked after here for now), play safe, and have an unforgetable time meeting folks and seeing sights

while in Paris have a look for the apartment Jim Morrison was living in for his final half year or so!

cheers bro!

Cid

[bouche]

Holy MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!! I think ms.hux and I are both drooling.

"with a litre of red and white wine, antipasto of carpaccio; proscuttio; genoa, three types of olives, pickled vegetables, torte verde, brie puff pastry, a type of quiche with rice... and that was the first course. Handmade ravioli in bolognaise sauce for Deb and gnocchi with a brilliant green pesto for Scot (obviously carefully prepared with soul ) and finally a striploin and fresh greens. Of coursem an espresso to complete."

AHHHH French cuisine....a mystery of creams, butters, spiced mashed meats(?) and crazy super-sweet desserts!

"Started with a glass of champagne and then a bottle of white; Starter was vegetable terrine and then fresh goose liver that melted like butter in your mouth. So rich; The next course was a grain-fed chicken only available just outside Lyon and a quenelle which is a poached fresh fish mousse; both in a cream sauce to die for. (school is out, got my participles dangling everywhere!) Our dessert was homemade ice cream full of cherries and nuts served with a casisse compote (black currant from the mountains). Espresso with raw sugar, of course."

[mr_pinchy]

sounds like the trip of a lifetime, I'm sure there will be some tales......see you guys in in August!

[Guest Low Roller]

I'm moving to Paris in October. The anticipation is even greater for me now! Have fun for the remainder of your journey, or as the French say "amusez vous bien"!

[Thorgnor]

Yowsa! Sounds great kids! Have enough fun for the rest of us too!!