Berlin 2010

My visit to Berlin almost was delayed due to striking French workers on the Thalys line. This was averted thankfully! I remember waiting at Gare du Nord and noticing the delays of 1 hour of trains coming from the north due to striking workers blocking the tracks. I had heard about the issue regarding the age of retirement and the govts stance on raising that to 62... politics follows me everywhere I go.

The train ride was brilliant because it was the only ride that had wifi and I could use my itouch to check in with my facebook and twitter friends. Eight hours later, I arrived in Berlin to meet my friend (who I was totally in love with once upon a time) and he was brilliant. I returned to Berlin at least 20lbs heavier and he was greyer and losing some of his hair. We are both aging, who am I kidding? I met him back in 1998 ala AOL chat and message boards and we are still friends. I adore him but I don't think I could ever have a relationship with him. He's content with doing what he's doing, while I want to do much more! I thought at one time we would marry and have children (his parent's seemed to think this would happen as well) but he didn't give off any signs that this is what he wanted - so I've backed away. I don't want to settle for the next best thing even though I love Berlin and I love his family and I think (from a German perspective) I think they are open to me becoming one of their family, I don't think he's over China or doesn't want to let China go. (China is some girl he met and moved in with, who scammed him some money and then her visa ran out and had to return to China, now she is thinking of returning, and I think he wants her back). I mean, in the scope of things, wouldn't you want a girl from Canada who has her own place, vehicle, job and could support herself than someone who wants to sponge off of you?

Anyhow, it was great to be back in Berlin. I was able to pick up some contacts for a report I was doing on tourism and attacting tours to Canada. I was doing a research project on behalf of a company that will be looking to attract German tourists. I haven't been paid for this project but am compiling a report and hopefully will get some payment. I am trying to start my own business and its very hard due to the other jokers who are being paid to consult to this Aboriginal community. I'm learning the language with a desire to work in Berlin.. but I don't think much will come of this unless I can get someone on the inside to help.

Paris 2010

So I've already mentioned what I had planned to do... yes, I did visit Jim...

Its been my fifth visit, and I think my 2nd visit offered the best photo, but its always an experience of awe when I visit this cemetery.

Paris has become such a dirty and unwelcoming place. As I mentioned, I've been five times already and this time, I didn't visit all the usual tourist traps (Champs Elysée, Louvre) and stuck to the 5e and 6e districts. I'm probably one of those people that are not accustomed to change. I love the French, and I don't like to see it mixed up with other cultures. Sorry, there, I said it. When I visit a country I don't want to see other cultures mixed in. I will get used to it, but I'm starting to see what other Europeans are expressing and where they are coming from. I believe they have the right to go where they want, but they should adapt not change the existing way of doing things. This was a recurring theme where ever I went in Europe and I have decided that I don't want to visit for some time.

Vacation's Over but I want another one!

It's been a few months since my vacation came to an end - I returned home via my Air Canada Executive Class flight - and all I have to show for this flight is a cheap little satchel with socks, eye patch, and lip balm stuff. Well the one I received travelling to Europe was much nicer then the one received returning home. My trip was partly work and pleasure. I am in the middle of trying to start my own business and needed to make some contacts for a report I am writing on travel and tourism in Germany (with respect to Aboriginal tourism and coming to Canada). It was just some initial research about future prospects for an Aboriginal art/tourist business and their ability to attract German visitors.  I am back at work and have made a few inquiries about getting some work, but it doesn't look good (from one source). There is already a consultant working with the company, and quite honestly I don't think they would give up any work to me. I know they won't.

Anyhow, so as November rolls out, I am starting to think about my xmas vacation and my trip to New York (and New Jersey - outlet malls!!!). I always travel with the dogs and they are both looking forward (I think) to this trip.

I am considering starting a new blog... I need to start writing about what I want other people to read and learn from... this will always be my personal thoughts, but I need to start writing more professionally and about relevant topics.

ciao,

Jennifer

Paris 2010

This time around, of course I am visiting Jim, but I am also visiting the catacombs, some shops and a few other galleries. One gallery I plan on visiting is the Karl Lagerfeld Gallerie, which is located not far from my accommodations. Also, I plan on taking a bike tour to Van Gogh's Museum (house) while in Paris. Its about 26 km trip but it will be good...

Prior Itinerary from 2002

Colour Coded Legend for this Itinerary..

Metro Lines   Attractions   Hostels   Currency: FF - CAD   Important Notes   Streets

Draft Itinerary for June Vacation Abroad

Thursday, June 7

4:25 PM            Depart Toronto Pearson  Flight # XI2217 (Canada 3000)

5:35 PM            Arrive Montreal, PQ - Mirabel - (45 min. stopover!!!)

6:20 PM            Depart Montreal, PQ - Mirabel

Friday, June 8

7:25 AM            Arrive Paris, Fr. - Charles De Gaulle

After collecting luggage (knapsack), find Train Station area and take the following:

§  RER - B(line) in the direction of  Luxembourg Stn.

§  After departing subway, walk to the left, you will see a big garden, it’s the 2^nd street on your left.

These directions will take me to the following hotel:

Hotel Stella, 41 rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris. {00-33-1-40-51-00-25}

or {00-33-6-07-03-19-71} Fax: {00-33-1-43-54-97-28} St.Germain Arrondisement.

Reservation already made, received. Anne - Manager. Cash Only. Arrive before 11AM.

Tariffs:  $ 250 FF or [$53.17CAD] per night. Total: $ 750 FF or [$159.52CAD] three nights.

Nearest Metro: Odeon

Other Hostels: ( in order of preference)

1.     Young and Happy. 80, rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris {+33-01-43-57-42-55-60}

Notes: Advance registration is required via fax/email with credit card info.

Tariffs: $157 FF (Dbl/twin); $137 FF (share)[ $34CAD; $30CAD] *check pricing info.

Nearest Metro: Commerce

Email: smile@youngandhappy.fr

2.     Aloha Hostel. 1, rue Borromee 75015 Paris {+33-01-42-73-03-03}

Notes: Advance registration is required via faxed/email with credit card info.

Tariffs:  $117 FF (share); $137 FF Dbl(B&B) [$ 25CAD; $30CAD per night.]

Nearest Metro: Volontaires

Email: friends@aloha.fr

Expect to check in hotel by 10:00 A.M. (arrive in Paris at 7:30, after going through customs, picking up luggage, and finding RER trains, the ride to city centre takes 35 minutes). I estimate at least 2 hours to do that, plus 1 extra half hour to account for delays or time spent getting lost.

Other Notes:    

Option to purchase ( $ 135 FF / $ 29 CAD) bus tour with hop-on/off privileges.

Purchase ( $175 FF / $ 38 CAD) Paris Visite for 1-5 Zones Metro pass / 2 Days.

Tuesday, June 19^th, purchase a EuroDisney pass for around $48 CAD. Directions under this date.

Option to purchase ($80 FF- 1D; $160 FF - 3D / $17 - $34 CAD) Museum Pass, unlimited use.

Friday, June 8 cont.

12:00                Familiarize myself with Metro, get my bearings with compass, and begin walking around neighborhood. At some point, I should visit the Paris Main Tourist Centre.

Address: 127, avenue de Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris {0-8-36-68-31-12} 2,21 FF/min.}

            Metro: George V   RER: Charles-De-Gaulle-Etoile

Saturday, June 9

7:30 AM            Get up, dressed, breakfast.

9:00 AM            Hit the road, for my first site-seeing excursion: JIM MORRISON'S GRAVE SITE.

                        Père-Lachaise, 16 rue du Repos, 20e. {01-43-70-70-33} M-F:8-6/Sat:830-600/Sun:9-6

                        Note: A free map is available across the street at a newsstand.

Take the METRO to Père-Lachaise. Exit the station using the BLVD DE MENILMONTANT exit. You will be at the corner of Blvd. De Menilmontant and Avenue Gambetta. You will see cemetery wall directly across the street. Walk across the street and follow the wall along until you come to the large main gates of cemetery. Continue PAST the gates until you come to a small side street called RUE DU REPOS. (Across the street you should see La Renaissance Café). Turn LEFT onto Rue Du Repos and follow it a short way until you see directly at the end of it a doorway with the NUMBER 16 above it. When you pass through this doorway, you will be inside the cemetery.

Follow the little COBBLESTONE street as it curves around to the RIGHT and you will be on AVENUE CASIMIR PERIER. Follow this path (slightly up hill) until you come to CHEMIN SERRE and turn RIGHT. Go about 50 FT. and turn LEFT onto CHEMIN MAISON. It will be steep uphill walk now. At the end of the street where it DIVIDES, turn LEFT onto CHEMIN LAURISTON. Go about 20 PACES and look to your RIGHT.

You will see a tall grave stone that says FAMILLE DU THOREL. Jim's grave is directly behind this one.

12:00 PM          Visit that Renaissance Café. Take some pictures, and head back to the Metro. Head towards the hotel area. South of there visit Les Catacombs for 2:00 PM.

2:00 PM            Les Catacombs. 1 place Denfert-Rochereau, 14e {01-43-22-47-63} [$27 F / $5.75CAD] T-F:2-4/S-S:9-11,2-4. Metro: Denfert-Rochereau

2:30 PM            Walk around this area, or head towards the 'touristy' areas in the Ile de la Cite.

5:00 PM            Hit local grocery for some food essentials, and prepare for tommorow. Inquire and reserve train ticket to Berlin. Call Andreas and let him know what time I will be arriving.

                        See a movie? Bar? Something.

Possible Night Spots:

Le Balajo, 9, rue de Lappe, Paris 11e;                Metro: Bastille 

La Scala, 188 bis, rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er;          Metro: Palais-Royale/ Tuilierers

Les Bains, 7, rue du Bourg l'Abbé, Paris 3e;       Metro: Etienne Marcel

Bus Palladium, 6, rue Fontaine, Paris 9e;            Metro: Blanche

Sunday, June 10

8:00 AM            Breakfast at local café; visit Princess Diana monument.

                        Place de l'Alma

                        Metro: Alma-Marceau

                        Also: Memorial Garden, 21 rue des Blancs-Manteaux (Marais district)

11:00 A.M.        Louvre Museum/ Musée D'Orsay

2:00 PM            Shops: Chanel, Champs-Elysées…Tour the rest of Paris at leisure. Daily spending limit is $50 CAD or $235 FF. including extra's for train travel. Try not to exceed this.

Monday, June 11

7:00 AM            Check out of hotel. Take TGV to Belgium - need to pay extra for zone, and reservation. Transfer to an ICE train to Berlin, extra for reservation.

5:30 PM            Arrive in Berlin.

Berlin Itinerary depends on what Andreas has planned. Arrive late Monday evening, get acquainted (eek!) and sleep. Next four days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday spend with him.

Friday, June 15

Late in the evening, catch 10:00 PM train (sleeper) out of Berlin.

Make reservation on Wednesday, June 13 for a couchette/sleeper. Expect to pay anywhere around $35 CD and up for couchette, and $40-100 for sleeper. Reservations may cost $3-10/$5 to reserve. (ICE,TGV, Thalys - through Brussels. Without this option in Europass, need to pre-purchase that section of route before boarding train, could be anywhere from $29 and up. There is a fine if purchasing on train.)

§  Milan, Italy for the day, then catch a sleeper/couchette to Nice, France.

Saturday, June 16 -

Monday, June 18           Travel from Milan to Nice. Travel during day PtoP train tickets (less than $20) Make reservations from Nice to Paris for the next day.

Tuesday, June 19                    Should be on train to Paris. Total time= 9 hours.

Arrive later in afternoon. Make arrangements somewhere before I leave Paris.

Wednesday, June 20     More sightseeing.

Thursday, June 21         Check out of where ever it is I'm staying, and head to Charles De Gauille airport, for around 11:00AM.

Depart: 2:00 PM.           Head back to Toronto, arriving at 6:00 PM.EST

Local Rates as of June 1, 2001

Percent	CDN	Exchange	Currency
0.20560	100	486.38	FF
0.68961	100	145.01	DM
0.00070	100	143,678.16	LIRA

Planning Another EuroTrip

A few months ago, I booked a flight to Frankfurt, with the goal of recreating my earlier days of backpacking around Europe for a few weeks. I had planned on visiting my freund in Berlin, doing some shopping in Paris, with a must-visit to Cimetière du Père-Lachaise (and Jim!). I would then decide on where to go in-between. This part of the planning is extremely difficult because there are so many options! 


Now, that I am less than a month away from the trip, I am very close to completing my itinerary. I will post again when it is complete, along with links I used to plan this trip. 

It has been a few weeks since our trip to Las Vegas, and already, I'm anxious to go on another trip. Not necessarily Vegas, but a trip none the less. Pictured is Joe in front of this massive slot machine, hilarious! Vicky, Karine, Joe and I spent 3 days in Vegas, and naturally, it wasn't long enough to properly see everything. Unfortunately, I and Karine, spent the afternoon out by the pool, and the funniest thing happened... both of us were wheelchaired up to our rooms because we were so wasted - NEVER again! Haha, oh well, its something I won't forget too soon.