On the road again . . .

July 6, 2010
This was our last full day in Europe. We choose to hang out in Maisons-Lafette which is on the banks of the Seine on the NW edge of Paris. There is a hippodrome in the town. This is a horse race track. The community is like a relaxed Saratoga Springs, NY. There are old houses, stables, lots of shopping and good restaurants . . . oh yeah – and a chateau.

Town and the roads are laid out around a series of round parks (Place Napoleon, Place Marine, Place Colbert to name a few). Many streets radiate outward from each park. Small triangularly shaped pieces of land are found where these many streets cross. Intermingled in all of these streets is a network of groomed sand and fine-gravel paths for horses and their riders. We were glad that we had a map. It was lovely weather and a nice way to wrap up our trip.

In the evening, we had a nice dinner at the Le Avenue restaurant. We have enjoyed eating at various cafes under umbrellas on the street – except for the smoking. We were actually shocked to experience the number of smokers in Europe! We experienced first hand chain smokers of all ages. It’s an obnoxious habit.

We met a retired couple from Vancouver who have been camping their way around Europe for three months! What an inspiration. They are returning to Canada tomorrow.

Upon returning to our caravan we finished packing as much as we could before the morning – and then went up to the camp ground restaurant/bar to have a beer and watch the Uruguay vs. the Netherlands World Cup Soccer Match. The Netherlands won. Tomorrow Spain and Germany play to determine the final two teams.


July 7, 2010
Today was one of the toughest days of our holiday! We had experienced horrific traffic on our way to Maisons-Lafette several days ago. We were afraid that we would experience a repeat performance on the way to the airport. We purchased a good map just incase we had to get off of the highway and make our way through back roads to the airport. Thankfully, we didn’t experience many difficulties – except those which might be expected during Parisian rush hour traffic. Three lane highways become four lanes when motorcycles “split” the traffic – often going at speeds twice that of the other traffic! I’m really glad that Phil did all of the driving!

Our difficulties really started as we approached the airport. We had no clue as to where to return the rental car – and the lack of signs (English or French) complicated matters. After stopping several times to ask directions – we finally found a place to return our car. We were, however, not in the correct terminal. We figured it out – eventually. It is all a part of travel. I’m just very thankful that we padded our schedule with lots of extra time.

I am writing this final entry in the Newark, NJ airport. Our flight from Paris was long (8 hours) – but on time. We have a five hour layover in NJ – and then off to Cleveland.

There will be a lifetime to reflect on our holiday – but the short of it is that we have had a wonderful time – a life changing experience. We did a lot of comparing and contrasting what we experienced in Europe with life in the US. Not all good – not all bad – many differences – some similarities. We would like to make some conscious changes in the way we do some things – but overall, we have recommitted ourselves to travel and life long learning – including increasing our language skills! 

This trip was meant to recognize and celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. For 28 days Phil and I were in each other’s company almost 24/7. . . It was great! We really like hanging out together and still have lots to share and talk about after all these years. This trip put our relationship in perspective – we love each other very much and are tremendously happy and lucky we found each other. Cheers! Happy Anniversary!