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Tag Archives: France

Memories Lane or: Six Starts Part 10

12 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by TGBII in Beer, Food, Honeymoon, Life as We Know It, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beer, Belgium, Bruges, Europe, Food, France, Honeymoon, Paris, The BCPF, Travel

Salutations™!!

I know it’s Saturday but I need to get through this. Honestly, it gets hard to keep up when I’m skipping and chopping up the days. But, that being said, I’m really enjoying my own blog walking down this path. The BCPF and I talk about our honeymoon all the time but these accounts from when it happened, is fascinating to me. I honestly don’t go back to read my own blog much, so this is funny how I chose to word things. Anywhat! Back to the story. And I will warn you, this is a long one.:

So, Disneyland Paris and Dinner in Bespin down, the last day in Paris was a welcome change.  Yes, there would be walking but that’s okay, it was a little more relaxed than what we’d done up to then.  We had a tour scheduled for that day, A Bohemian Walking Tour, and we had to meet up with the group at The Pantheon.  That fact alone was great; it’s a world famous landmark in, and of, itself.  But, first, we had to get there.

We took the Métro from Opéra to Maubert-Mutualité station and emptied into a street market, conveniently called Maubert-Mutualité Market.  Now, we can maneuver Métro routes like nobody’s business, but once we get off the rail and onto the streets, that’s the only time I have trouble getting around.  Orientation is the problem, not map reading. I can read the maps but figuring out which direction is east/west/north/south is the problem.  We decided we were early enough before our tour that we could afford to explore and wander about (we were about an hour and a half ahead of time).  The BCPF picked a direction and we went that way.

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Produce Shop in Latin Quarter

This is was the mother lode of the stuff we look for: neighborhood streets, shops, bakeries, butcher shops, apartments, flower shops, etc. I have said it before, we look for the neighborhoods, to see how the natives live.  That means more to us than sightseeing, although, that’s fun, too.  That’s why we take the walking tours, we get to see how lives are lived as well as history.  That’s what we had, here. Commercialism and tourist areas were at an absolute minimum, here; right in the Latin Quarter. Parisian life, indeed.  So upon looking for The Pantheon we figured we’d eat.  A street crossing lent a number of options, including a bakery where people were piling in and out (quite quickly, may I add).  We decided on Le Petit Cardinal and sat on the sidewalk watching schoolkids walking in small groups together to school with their backpacks, young executives on bicycles going to work, men and women in business attire riding scooters; a bit of everything.

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Croque Madame of The BCPF

When the server came to take our order and before she could say more than bonjour, I told her immediately, “je ne parle pas français (I don’t speak French).”  She stopped in her tracks, turned on a dime and went back inside, only to reemerge with an English menu.  The BCPF took the usual, croque madame, and I took a flatbread pizza.  We ate, taking in the great sunny day, watching life hustle and bustle by – hectic, yet subtle – whilst the lunch crowd moved in around us.  Between bites, I noticed a directional sign across the street indicating the direction of The Pantheon… BINGO! We paid and moved on towards the landmark.

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Scorp and His Twin

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The Facade of The Pantheon, Paris

 

 

 

 

Up a few hills and past a school, in which a shload of high schoolers were sitting about with books, bag lunches and being cool little Parisian hipsters.  We finally made it to The Pantheon.  The Pantheon is an 18th Century former church dedicated to St. Genevive. It also serves as a necropolis and has since become a memorial to some of history’s greats including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Louis Braille, Alexandre Dumas and Marie Curie.  It’s of Gothic architecture and looks quite Greek, at least to me.  We wandered around it because we were still about 20 minutes before the tour.  There was this crazy statue that was a temporary exhibit of a very large, naked, Asian-appearing man.  Oddly, enough, he is shaped just like me, so here’s a picture of me standing next to it.  I wish we had taken a pic of what it was, but we didn’t.

So we meandered around the gates of The Pantheon until we saw other people who appeared to be tourists and we inquired if they were waiting on a tour. They were a group of 7 friends (some couples) from Australia.  They said they were and then a short, but personable young man popped up and indicated that he was our tour guide.  He asked if he could finish his cigarette and coffee as he had been eating his lunch, mixing with the other locals enjoying their surroundings.  None of us had any problems with that and after he prepared himself, we learned his name was Arthur.  That was my grandfather’s name, so I found it pretty awesome.  He gave us a little history of The Pantheon and told us that university was only about $150 per semester, which is depressing, really, knowing what I owe for college and I’m feeling more and more and more like my degree is not only useless, but a scam.  Enough of that, though.

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The Gardens at Luxembourg Palace

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The Honeymooners’ Kiss

 

 

 

 

Arthur took us through the streets of the Latin Quarter and told us stories of architecture, history, landmarks. We stopped at the French Senate that is inside Luxembourg Palace located at Luxembourg Gardens.  This is one absolutely beautiful building, garden and, obviously, popular destination for Parisians and tourists, alike.  It was a massive expanse of grounds that truly was an immaculate garden.  Benches and people lined the stroll ways. Picnics were also happening. It was lovely.  Then there was the jolie fountain area pictured here where Arthur said it was rated one of the 10 best places to kiss in Paris. Well, I don’t know if it was connerie (French for BS) or not, but it was a great place for us to do so, I’d say.

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The First Guillotine Test was Supposedly Performed Here

He led us through side streets and past what he said was the oldest café in Paris.  That’s nice, but then he took us to a side garden where the first-ever test of the Guillotine was performed.  Macabre maybe, but cool, I think.  From there he led us to the oldest church (at least one of the two vying for the title) in Paris. Inside, The BCPF lit a candle, which has become a tradition for her in the historic churches we visit.  I usually stand to the side and hold things for her so she can have her time. Being non-religious, I am still respectful of others’ views and customs. One of the last places we crossed in front of during this tour was a hotel.  It was, in a way, the hotel: supposedly, the former apartment building that Jim Morrison died in.  I was never a big fan of The Doors, but still, it’s very interesting.

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Ma Salle a Manger (My Dining Room)

We then made our way to a small (and by small I mean minute) eatery called Ma Salle a Manger (My Dining Room).  I think my dining room is bigger than this. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lovely little place but I’m a big boy, even going to the bathroom was hard – lots of ducking and sucking in to maneuver.  We, along with Arthur, had wine and beer with our new Australian friends, of which we remember no names.  Included in our tour price was charcuterie and fromage.   Arthur knew the girl that was minding the shop and got us a few little extra cheeses in there.  It was very good.

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Our Tour Guide, Arthur

One thing I remember talking about was the money.  We all paid for our alcohol with cash.  The Australians told us that they hated American money.  Not for any political reasons, mind you, but because of its appearance.  They said that it was all the same color and all the same size. Euros and Australian monies are all different colors and sizes for different denominations.  We hadn’t really thought about it, it’s what we’ve always known.  There are a few variances in the money now, of course, but for the most part, it’s all that forest green and gray.

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The BCPF Drinking Ricard and Playing Pétanque

Arthur, then took us to a little courtyard and proceeded to mix up Ricard and water, to cut it. A licorice-like flavored thing, it was quite strong and quite fun to drink.  In this courtyard he introduced us to Pétanque, a bocce ball-esque game where you toss semi-hollow metal balls as closely as possible to a smaller, wooden ball. We all played, we all had fun.  Arthur then gave us the opportunity to continue the tour or to disband.  The Aussies had other plans to go back to the hotel and get ready for and they all opted out.

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Scorp Circling Point Zero

We asked if we could continue with him and he basically gave us a private tour for the next 45 minutes or so.  He took us past sanitariums and landmarks, eventually getting us back to Notre Dame, yet again.  He took us to Point Zero and told us the tradition of standing and turning on it. Doing so will ensure the circling individuals will return to Paris. Again, could be more connerie, but we didn’t take a chance, we circled it.

Before Arthur left us, we inquired about recommendations for dinner.  He gave us “instructions” on how to get to where he thought would be good for us and we said our goodbyes.  Arthur was fun and we glad that we got to take his tour.  We made our way toward the Métro and prepared to head where Arthur told us.  

(Arthur) had given us the info for a restaurant that he recommended as a good “closer” for Paris. He recommended Le Relais Gascon. Told us how to find it and sent us on our way.

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Le Relais Gascon restaurant

We took the Metro to the Pigalle station and exited to the street.  Because it was hard to understand every word that Arthur said , we basically were going to be winging it once we got off the train.  I did hear him say something about  a hill.  We looked around and noticed a hill. So we walked up it – by then we had gotten really good at hills. At the top of the hill and at a crossroad, there stood Le Relais Gascon.  We had found it.  We sat outside, as we did just about everywhere in Paris.  It had gotten a wee bit chilly.  I once more indicated Je ne parle pas français and they said, no problem and brought us English menus.

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The BCPF and Scorp having rosé.

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Avocado with grey shrimp and Russian dressing

 

 

 

 

One thing that we got on our Honeyfund fund raiser was “Wine in France and Beer in Belgium.”  So to satisfy that and to have a picture to thank JayCo & JenCo with, we had a nice rosé and we enjoyed it.  We then ordered appetizers.  The BCPF had a whole avocado covered with grey shrimp (basically bay shrimp) and a house-made Russian dressing.  She said it was great. I had pâté and it was quite flavorful.

Then on to the entrées. The BCPF had chicken with mushroom gravy and potato chips (not like the crisps we eat out of a bag, but grated potatoes).  She didn’t really care for that, she said. I had steak tartare. 4 nights in Paris, 3 nights of steak tartare.  I was addicted to that stuff.  Three different restaurants with steak tartare and three different ways of preparing it.  All three tasted different.  This one was more Worcestershire based. That’s not a bad thing, I like Worcestershire sauce.  I’m not really sure if that’s what it was but it did taste like it. It was delish!  However, I’d still say out of the three this was my least favorite; but still delish.  On to some dessert!

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Chicken and mushroom gravy

The BCPF had chocolate mousse and, as she sits here while I write this, said it was go-oo-oo-oo-ood!  I had a banana  split and it was yummy but nothing spectacular.  As usual, I finished my meal off with a snifter of Grand Marnier. Overall, we enjoyed the restaurant but it wasn’t our favorite of Paris. We made our way back to the Metro station and back to our hôtel (the proper French way to spell it). A great end to a great day.

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Steak tartare

The next morning we make our way down to the lobby where we awaited a driver to take us to the train station so we could move on to our next destination.  We got to the train station and had some croissants and coffee.  Something about French coffee, it doesn’t wig out my Tourette Syndrome like caffeine-laden American coffee.  Which is good, because I didn’t want to be jittery at that time. The reason for that is there was a presence of armed French officers, either military or police carrying the machine guns, just like under the Eiffel Tower. I’m supposing the ISIS threat at the time in Europe led them to that, but I’m not really sure. We also saw the apprehension of a thief. Thievery is apparently an epidemic in the train stations. I know we told the same beggar woman “allez!!” several times and the same to another bum. Homeless people I feel for, bums, I don’t.

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Banana Split in Paris

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Chocolate mousse in Paris

 

 

 

 

Finally, our train arrived and again, we had first class tix.  We put our bags in the racks and rode on to Brussels so that we could take the connector to Bruges.  Whilst riding we had come pastries, tea (me) and coffee (The BCPF).  It was about an hour and a half and quite peaceful.  I spent time trying to update my blog, but the WiFi on the train was spotty.  Present, but spotty. 

We arrived in Brussels and had to figure out where we were supposed to pick up the train to Bruges.  The train station in Brussels is but one reason why I hate that city; it is so darned confusing. I had to ask one of the rude workers in transportation which train I was supposed to get on because the only thing that they have that indicates trains is the Departures and even though we were departing we couldn’t find the right train to be on.  Anywhat! The worker told me to just get on ____ train (I can’t remember which one) it leaves at ____ time.  I thanked her and she just nodded.  Anyway we wait and wait and wait for the train. It arrives and we get on in a bum-rush of people.  Stuffing our luggage under and in-between seats, we sat down breathing heavy and worn out but ready to move on.

We arrived in Bruges and worked our way out to the taxi stand and waited in line to get a ride to our hotel.  The driver loaded our bags and drove us to a lovely old hotel.  On the way there, all on cobblestone streets, he pointed out several churches, a brewery, pointed us in the direction of the square, etc.  A very good driver, he was.  

Checking into Oud Huis de Peellaert, we marveled at how beautiful the hotel was. There was much to marvel at in this old place, mostly good, and some truly odd.  The view from our room was something just out of a storybook, or what you’d think a small Belgian town would look, historic and timeless.  The floor of the bathroom was heated.  As is the case with most European hotels, you had to use your room key in a slot to enable the lights and other electronics.  The odd thing about this one was that it was a true key on a weighted dongle and not a credit card-like passkey.  Also, we were to leave the key at the front desk when we left, which, if we forgot something, then the desk attendants, who never complained, certainly didn’t look pleased. It’s okay, they dealt with it, fantastically.

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Braces in the halls of Oud Huis de Peellaert

Another odd thing in this hotel, not in our path, but the opposite end of the hall, there were structural braces in the hall.  Not just there, but THERE! See the picture, won’t you?

Well, we settled our stuff in, took in the view and decided to go out and see what this small town held for us.  We dropped off the key and walked out the front door.  We glanced toward the skyline and looked for a clue as to where to go. We saw what were looking for and headed to the left.

We passed by a few small restaurants and came to a small square.  In this square there were a few police officers. They were setting up seats in front of a trailer/stage where an orchestra would play later that day. Let it be known that that was the only time we saw any police during our entire Bruges stay.  We moved on down a street. Street is a misnomer as there was no cars in this street, although some horse-drawn carriages were.

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Belfort, the Bell Tower of Bruges

We passed by chocolatiers, lacemakers, lace sellers, more restaurants and a beer museum.  Mmmm hmmm, a beer museum. But, that comes later.  We heard and saw what it was we were looking for. Bruges is visually best known for one thing.  It’s primary landmark, and if you’ve seen the film In Bruges, then you know it already, is the Belfort, or Belfry of Bruges.  It’s a 13th Century bell tower and has 366 steps to the top, in which I am way too lazy to climb. It’s the center attraction in the Markt, a market square that is full of restaurants, shops, a post office and some government buildings.

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Beers at De Vier Winden, Bruges

As we were now getting a little hungry we decided to sit down for a small snack and, of course, Belgian beer.  So, we ended up at a restaurant to the right of the Belfort called De Vier Winden (German for The Four Winds) where we had frittes with both mayonnaise and ketchup and Leffe Braun.  We also had a great server named Vincent.  He liked us, as well, because we ate there more than once and he kept calling us his “very best friends.”  The frittes, french fries – after all true french fries were created in Belgium, not France – were delicious and hit the spot and the beer, well Leffe is awesome and hard to go wrong.  We then decided that we were ready for a nap.  C’mon, we’ve at this point been going, non-stop, for 11 days, straight.  It was quite needed.

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The BCPF and Scorp on their horse-drawn carriage ride in Bruges

 

 

 

 

We returned to the square later that evening and after walking about a mile (plus) out of the way to find an ATM, returned to the square, yet again, to pay for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic city.  This was no ordinary carriage ride. The driver and her friend drove the horse quite quickly. At one point the horse was actually trotting and not just strolling through the city. It was probably the fastest carriage ride we’d ever taken. The driver stopped halfway through the tour to feed the horse and let it get water.  We took that opportunity to get some pictures and enjoy the rest.  It was a fun, but strange ride.  We ended back at the square about 45 minutes (the ride was fast, not the tour) and we went back to De Vier Winden since we were already familiar with it.  Vincent was waiting for us there and greeted us as his “very best friends,” yet again.

The BCPF had some wine whilst I had the biggest glass of Hoegaarden Raspberry known to man.  It was hugantic! She had shrimp croquettes and I had cheese croquettes for appetizers.  They were both spectaculicious!  For dinner, she had a chicken florentine stew and I had rabbit.  Dessert was, of course, a Belgian waffle for The BCPF and crème brulèe for me.  All was very delicious. She was especially taken by the croquettes and got them, when she could, from other restaurants.  We then returned to the hotel and stopped in at the bar for a night cap. Any guesses as to what I had?  Have you been reading, Dear Reader? I’ll give you three guesses and first two won’t count.  Okay, okay, I’ll tell you, it was, of course, Grand Marnier and The BCPF had Sprite. She was living dangerously.

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A bridge in Bruges with The BCPF

Breakfast the next morning was a cold/dry bar with cereals, lox, toast, etc.  Basically, it was the same shite we’d had everywhere else.  Nothing, really, to remark about.  Then, we were out and about. We had a 2pm appointment for one of the city tours with earphone guide, but we were up and out early so we had time to kill.  We did what we do and took a different turn and walked the streets to see what else we could wander upon.  We crossed some bridges that are older than most everything we have here in “The States,” walked the streets, doing some people watching and ended up at a little market square. At this square there was a few different things: fish (because why not?) and other seafood, scarves, t-shirts, etc. The BCPF loves some scarves, as I think I’ve mentioned, and these were actually made by the people that were there selling them.  They had a large loom there that they used to make said scarves.  She wasn’t going to buy one but I kind of insisted.  She loved it.

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Drinking a Straffe Hendrik by Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brugge

 

 

 

 

We made our way to the Markt again and whilst waiting on the tour bus, we had a few beverages. The BCPF had a Belgian cafe mocha with hot chocolate and coffee and I had a few beers. These beers were Straffe Hendrik by De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges, a fantastic 11% ABV monster and the Tripel Karmeliet from Bosteels Brewery, a great 8.4% ABV Tripel.  One thing that I noticed about Belgium and their restaurants, when they serve beer, they serve it with glasses that have logos that match each and every beer.

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Bonne-Chière Windmill

We then walked across the square and got on the tour bus.  It was really a run-of-the-mill tour, nothing major.  We saw a couple of things like the Bonne-Chière Windmill, two more bell towers, including those older than the Belfort. There was also a VW Microbus carrying a wedding party. Interesting.  Then back to the square where we exited the bus.

We walked up the street to The Beer Museum. See, I told you I’d get there.  Admission included walking up a  ridiculous amount stairs to grab an iPad of some sort that would play the part of tour guide for us.  It showed the history of beer, both in the world and in Bruges. It showed the positive and negative aspects of beer in history. The highlight of the museum tour, though, was the three tokens each we received to exchange for beer samples.  And, yes, The BCPF drank beer! She says that it was Belgium that fully turned her on to it. We tried Kriek (cherry) lambics, hefty high-gravity beers and other smooth and strong Belgian beers.  Quite delish, all.

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Drinking beer samples at The Beer Museum, Bruges

Feeling quite sluggish and more than slightly inebriated, we stumbled about looking for things to buy for souvenirs and found a chocolate factory that tickled our fancies. One thing about Bruges, it’s known for a few things. Specifically, it’s known for its Belgian lace (especially bobbins-made), Belgian chocolate, Belgian beer and Belfort.  Anywhat! We proceeded to purchase a 36-pc box of chocolates (variety assortment) and a dozen “animal fat jellies.” Basically, jelly- (like jelly beans, not as in PB&J) filled candies that are shaped like noses and are called “neuzekes” (noses), oddly enough.  I mention the animal fat because the girl who sold them to us was quite adamant about informing us due to the fact that she sold some to a Muslim couple and they didn’t know. We got them in a tin and have finished those off, definitely. Remarkably, those things (and the chocolates) held up quite nicely.

That’s what’s we were doing on September 10, 11, 12 six years ago. Sorry it was so long, but I didn’t want to get any further behind. I will finish the whole story on Monday, which was the end of our honeymoon trip although the honeymoon is still happening.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“It’s like a f***ing fairytale or something.“ – Ken (Brendan Gleeson), In Bruges (2008)

Bourdain Day or: Missing You

25 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by TGBII in Food, Life as We Know It

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Tags

Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert, France

Salutations™!!

It was a few weeks ago (June 8) that was the one year anniversary of the death of Anthony Bourdain. Today would have been his 63rd birthday. 170905122613-anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown-trinidad-exlarge-169

He was The BCPF’s and my favorite “celebrity chef.” It was more than just the food. It was his no-frills attitude. His I don’t care if you like me or not demeanor. Chances are though, he did care. Something drove him to end his life and leave not only his fans sad but a daughter and a girlfriend. No matter what the tabloids say about that relationship, they at least cared about each other and loved each other. It’s not my place to judge how they did it.

I remember staring at the TV that morning of June 8, 2018, and feeling like I had been kicked in the teeth. I felt a bad sense of mourning the whole day, which was a Friday. I didn’t want to do anything that day. He was in our house every week, more than once at times. We have his book, Kitchen Confidential. He was our friend, although we never met him.  CNN replays his show still to this day and I just can’t bring myself to watch them as I know they’re finite. No new episodes will come. No new time with Tony will come.

Tonight, The BCPF and I had dinner at a local “French-inspired” restaurant. Tony had a thing for French cooking but not Paris, he didn’t care about it much. His best friend, Eric Ripert is French and was the one who found him in his hotel room in Strasbourg last June.

I could go on and on, but there’s no point. I just want to say Happy Solar Circumnavigational Anniversary Day, Tony!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“For a dinner date, I eat light all day to save room, then I go all in: I choose this meal and this order, and I choose you, the person across from me, to share it with. There’s a beautiful intimacy in a meal like that.” – Anthony Bourdain

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/28/18

29 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Bob Dylan, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Daniel Ash, Discogs, France, Judas Priest, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Music, Records, Ric Ocasek, Underdog Records, Willow's Bistro

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I did our Saturday thang all around. Mary’s Gourmet Diner, Underdog Records, Willows Bistro. I have to say, I made out with a great collection of Judas Priest albums. I have never really been huge into them but their older stuff is awesome, especially their first album, which I got. Speaking of which:

Rocka_Rolla_(Judas_Priest_album)

©Gull Records

  • Judas Priest – Rocka Rolla — The first Priest album. However, it wasn’t first here in the US. It was first in the UK and Europe in 1974. But, it wasn’t released here until 1979. This was back when Rob Halford was still “Bob” Halford. It wasn’t the “metal” Priest, either, just good early- to mid-70s hard rock. Great stuff. VG++!
  • Judas Priest – Sad Wings Of Destiny  — The second Priest album. They got a little harder on this one and started shaping up for what was the Priest to come. VG++.
  • Judas Priest – Sin After Sin — The third Priest album. Jonathan has it rated at VG and I haven’t listened to it yet, but J tends to be conservative in his ratings which is good, he doesn’t want to oversell anything. I have a feeling that this is probably closer to VG+. He says it has some surface noise but sometimes, that’s the beauty of vinyl.
  • Judas Priest – Unleashed In The East (Live In Japan) — I already had the fourth album from Priest (Stained Class) and haven’t found the fifth yet (Killing Machine or in the US it was called Hell Bent for Leather) but then comes this album, their first live album. I found it at Underdog Records in VG condition and again, I feel it is probably a little closer to VG+ but I’m going with VG.
  • Judas Priest – Turbo — Then comes the one everyone hates… except me. I don’t have the sixth studio album (British Steel), the seventh (Point of Entry) – which Jonathan had but I passed on it for whatever reason. I do have the eighth (Screaming For Vengeance). Jonathan had the ninth (Defenders of the Faith) but for whatever reason, I skipped on it, and then this one.  This was a very pop-heavy album. And by pop-heavy I mean it was filled with a poppier sound but it was also heavy. Many Priest purists down it because it wasn’t “their Judas Priest.” However, it was the first real introduction I had to any of their stuff and I loved it. I loved it more than most of their stuff I got to know later. So, “Parental Guidance” and “Turbo Lover” are some of my favorite Priest tunes. I get how cheesy they can be but I still loved it. It’s the first time, I believe, I’ve owned this record, though. VG+.
  • Bob Dylan – Infidels — I am so hit-or-miss with Dylan, especially the older he got. This came out in 1983 and I really don’t like all the scoopy-whiny crap he resorted to. This was VG+.
  • Bob Dylan – Empire Burlesque — Dylan’s next studio album after Infidels. Oddly enough, I didn’t hate it. There were some cheesish things on there but it wasn’t awful. This, too, was VG+.
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Catch A Fire — This is the 1974 reissue of the 1973 album. I have gotten to really like Marley even though I’m still not a huge fan of reggae as a whole. This though was pretty much background noise after a while. It was in VG condition.
  • Ric Ocasek – Beatitude — This album was really crappy which was a disappointment because I’m a fan of The Cars. I was hoping it would have been Cars-like but it was disjointed and seemed to have no cohesion throughout. It was in VG shape.
  • No Artist – Living French: A Complete Language Course — The BCPF and I are huge fans of the French, their language, their culture, them. We have both taken French over the course of our lifetimes. We got this 4×10″ set mainly because of the books that came with the set and it was only $1. I’d say the cover box was in VG- condition but the 10″ records inside were in VG+.
  • Daniel Ash – Coming Down — This was a “bucket list” item for The BCPF. I purchased it from Discogs Marketplace and this was the second attempt. The first attempt led to the seller not finding it. It worked out okay, though, I have another album I need on its way (both the replacement and this came from Europe/UK). So, she was excited because I didn’t tell her that I ordered another. I like giving her the things she likes. VG++.

I really wish I would have gotten those two Priest albums that I passed on at Underdog Records. Part of it was the cost was piling up, but I just said, Nah. I figure he sold them both before the end of the day. I’m going to check on Tuesday when he opens back up but I’m not getting my hopes up. I really encourage you to watch the Facebook and Instagram accounts for Underdog, because he always posts exciting things he’s getting in, be it equipment, re-stock or freshly acquired used stuff.

And, as you can see, you can get your “bucket list” stuff on Discogs Marketplace. I’d say 99% of the sellers are really easy to work with and they’re usually spot on about their grade ratings and are willing to work with you to make all right. I love buying from there. You just have to watch shipping from EU and UK as those costs can add up. I try to only buy from those who state their shipping costs up front.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning!
Scorp out!

—
“You say I waste my life away, but I live it to the full. And how would you know anyway, you’re just mister dull. Why don’t you get into the things we do today? You could lose twenty years right away, so we say. We don’t need, no, no no no parental guidance here.” – “Parental Guidance” (Tipton/Downing/Halford)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 7/14/18

15 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Benjamin Britten, Crosby Stills and Nash, Discogs, Eric B. & Rakim, France, Journey, KISS, Mary's Gourmet Diner, Michel Legrand, Ozzy Osborne, The Magnetic Fields, Underdog Records, World Cup, Yes

Salutations™!!

Yesterday was Bastille Day so happy birthday to our pals in France! Let’s hope they win the World Cup today, oui?

Fragile_(Yes_album)_cover_art

©Atlantic

It was a beautiful day yesterday, too. It was warm but not hot. The humidity was relatively low. Breakfast from Mary’s Gourmet Diner was good and the rekkid buying from Underdog Records was a load of fun. So, here’s what we got:

  • Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full — I got this album for a few reasons. One, it’s #228 on the RS List. Two, I used to play the bassline from the title track to impress the ladies when I was in high school; the dudes thought I was cool, too. Three, it’s a good album. This was back when I could listen to hip-hop and rap and think that the artists had something to say and said it to where you can understand it. Yeah, I know I’m sounding like a grandpa so get off my danged lawn! New
  • Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz — Ozzy’s first solo album. This was a reissue from 2011 which was the 30th anniversary of the album. Great sounding 180g black vinyl. New.
  • The Magnetic Fields – Holiday — This was The BCPF’s choice. She is a fan of this band. She likes it a lot. His voice went between cool and really bad, but even when the really bad parts were happening, it worked with the music they were doing. So, I didn’t really mind it. It was a decent album, all things considered. New.
  • Journey – Journey – The debut album from the band from 1975. I knew from having the Time³ Box Set from Journey that their earlier stuff was more “proggy” and bluesier than their more popular mainstream-80s commercial albums. I have never really cared for Greg Rolie’s voice, or him really, but this album wasn’t bad. I enjoyed listening to it. Yeah, I liked it. It was an original pressing from 1975 in VG+ condition.
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – CSN — The first CSN album without Young other than their debut album. Someone who owned this record before I did must have decided to keep the picture from the cover. Apparently, it was glued on and they removed it. Either that or it just fell off. So instead of a picture of them on a sailboat, there’s a big blank gray rectangle. Okay. It’s a decent album and we enjoyed it. It was in the $1 bin and is in VG shape.
  • Yes – Yesshows — A 2xLP live album from 1980 which consists of recordings from 1976-1978. I have a feeling that this will be a prog rocker’s dream come true because it’s two records and only 8 songs. The entire Side B is “The Gates of Delirium” and comes in at nearly 23 minutes. It was a $1 bin find and I’d rate it at about VG.
  • Yes – Fragile — Along with 90125, this is my favorite Yes album. “Roundabout” and “Long Distance Runaround” are probably two of Yes’ most popular and well-known songs. The bassline in “Roundabout” alone could have gotten them into the Hall of Fame, why did it take so long? Anywhat! Chris Squire was an amazing bassist and I love listening to his lines. I know a few of my bass-playing friends list him as an influence. I found this in the $1 bin but once I cleaned it up, I’d say it was VG+, but that’s my rating. I love this album.
  • Philharmonic Orchestra Of Monte Carlo, Lawrence Foster – Famous Adagios By Barber, Sibelius, Grieg, Rachmaninoff And Others — Because it’s from Monaco, I figure that’s why The BCPF wanted this, but it was in the $1 bin and it was in really good shape. I’ll go with VG+. Most of the deeper classical things like this are generally well-taken care of.
  • Britten, Arnold – The Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted By Robert Irving  – Matinées Musicales – Soirées Musicales / English Dances – Four Scottish Dances — The BCPF loves Benjamin Britten and it was $1. VG+.
  • Various – Flappers, Speakeasies, & Bathtub Gin – The BCPF and I both like the history around the 20s, flappers, speakeasies and the idea of bathtub gin. The BCPF’s grandmother was a flapper, so why not? VG and $1.
  • Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – I Love Paris — Just read the title and you’ll understand why we got it. Exactly. That’s right. Yes. We do. VG+ and $1.
  • Kiss – Crazy Nights — I didn’t get this from Underdog Records but from the Discogs Marketplace. It was in VG++ shape and sounds terrific. I love this album but it gets a lot of flack from many of my fellow KISSheads because it is a bit on the poppier-rock side. It is that hair band cheese of the late 80s, but I still love it.

Jonathan had some great reissues come in this week and he had some great looking equipment, too. You should go in and check out the inventory. And remember to check out Underdog Records’ social media to find out what new superdynawhoppin’ stuff Jonathan is adding.

And, Discogs is where I keep up with my collection and purchase the items that Jonathan doesn’t have or would be too expensive to order.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Here’s a little song for everybody out there…” – “Crazy Crazy Nights” (Stanley/Mitchell)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/1-5/17

06 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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Tags

101 Strings Orchestra, A Chorus Line, Aerosmith, American Graffiti, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Buddy Holly, Chicago, David Bowie, Discogs, Donovan, Echo and the Bunnymen, Elton John, France, Frank Mills, Glenn Miller, Harry Chapin, Henry Mancini, Hot Tuna, Jackson Browne, John Cougar Mellencamp, KISS, Kraftwerk, Kris Kristofferson, Nat King Cole, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Peter Paul and Mary, Pink Floyd, Ray Parker Jr., Simon and Garfunkel, Sonic Youth, Squeeze, Steely Dan, Talking Heads, The Carpenters, The Doobie Brothers, The Kingston Trio, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground and Nico, Tony Bennett, Underdog Records, Windham Hill Records

Salutations™!!

This week’s haul spans several days as we visited Underdog Records on Tuesday upon our return from Raleigh, seeing Belle and Sebastian. So it’s extra long today. Let’s hit it!

Peter_criss_solo_album_cover

©Casablanca/UMe

 

  • Kiss, Peter Criss – Peter Criss (purchased off of Discogs because it’s on back order and rumor has it that the company isn’t pressing them anymore, new, sealed)
  • Kiss, Paul Stanley – Paul Stanley (used original pressing that I purchased off of Discogs for the same reason as above. I also have a picture disc that I’m looking to sell. It’s in VG++ condition, this is VG+. This is also missing the poster… argh!!)
  • The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico (I hate this album but it is classic and needs to be in a collection, new reissue)
  • Talking Heads – Speaking In Tongues (freshly used still in original sleeve bag with hype stickers)
  • Donovan – For Little Ones (part two of a two-record set, we got the first last week)
  • Squeeze – Frank
  • The Rolling Stones – Between The Buttons (early stereo pressing)
  • Squeeze – Sweets From A Stranger 
  • Peter, Paul And Mary* – In The Wind
  • The Doobie Brothers – Best Of The Doobies
  • Elton John – Blue Moves ($1 bin find – some liquid damage to the cover but it actually looked like it belonged there and the vinyl is in really good shape)
  • Ray Parker Jr. – Greatest Hits
  • Aretha Franklin – Aretha’s Gold
  • Nat King Cole – Ramblin’ Rose
  • Various – A Chorus Line – Original Cast Recording
  • David Bowie – Let’s Dance
  • Various – 41 Original Hits From The Sound Track Of American Graffiti
  • 101 Strings – 101 Strings Play Songs Of France (because we are both enamored with just about anything French)
  • Echo & The Bunnymen – Ocean Rain (new)
  • Kraftwerk – Trans Europe Express (reissue, new)
  • Sonic Youth – Goo (2xLP box set, which is pretty cool)
  • Buddy Holly – Reminiscing (sealed)
  • Windham Hill Artists – A Winter’s Solstice
  • Donovan – Donovan’s Greatest Hits
  • Harry Chapin – Verities & Balderdash (NM copy)
  • Tony Bennett – All Time Greatest Hits (2xLP VG++)
  • Frank Mills – Music Box Dancer
  • Chicago – Chicago At Carnegie Hall (Volumes I, II, III And IV) (Jonathan said he rarely, if ever, sees the full collection, just bits and pieces. This is the complete box set in VG++ condition with all posters and materials. Great find)
  • Aerosmith – Rocks (Meh, it was $1)
  • Hot Tuna – Burgers
  • Jackson Browne – Running On Empty
  • Steely Dan – The Royal Scam
  • Kingston Trio – The Kingston Trio
  • The Kingston Trio – String Along
  • Carpenters – Close To You
  • Streisand, Kristofferson – A Star Is Born
  • Henry Mancini – 10 – Original Motion Picture Sound Track
  • John Cougar Mellencamp – Uh-Huh
  • Simon & Garfunkel – Vol. 1: New Gold Disc (Weird import from the Philippines with faded, probably copied cover art, it sounds pretty good and has a decent track listing and was only $1)
  • Pink Floyd – Meddle
  • Glenn Miller And His Orchestra – Glenn Miller – A Memorial 1944-1969 (2xLP Mono pressing that was only $1 but is in really good shape. I’d say VG/VG+)

So, as you can see, that’s a pretty good haul. Some stuff we’re really excited to get, some we just needed for the collection and some “must haves.” It’s always fun to go in Underdog Records. We have a little community that we’ve formed being customers over there. I know Jonathan has a few quality turntables for sale in the store right now and some receivers and speakers, as well. If you’re looking to get into vinyl for the first time, or again, or just want/need to upgrade your setup, then you’ve choices over there. And, we all use Discogs to manage and archive our collection (and to provide you links for this blog).

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“My house! Is out of the ordinary. That’s right! Don’t wanna hurt nobody. Some things sure can sweep me off my feet. Burning down the house.” – “Burning Down the House” (Frantz, Byrne, Harrison, Weymouth)

The Way or: The Less Desirables Movie of the Week

14 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by TGBII in Movie Review

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a/perture Cinema, Camino Bakery, Camino de Santiago, Emelio Estevez, France, IMDb, Jack Hitt, James Nesbitt, Martin Sheen, Netflix, Rotten Tomatoes, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, The BCPF

Salutations™!!

The Less Desirables Movie of the Week is The Way (2010), starring Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen and James Nesbitt. The Less Desirables Movie of the Week is brought to you by the Official Movie Sponsor of The Less Desirables, a/perture cinema.

Per IMDb: “A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El Camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.”

Martin Sheen plays Thomas Avery, an ophthalmologist whose relationship with his son, Daniel (Estevez), is strained, especially since the passing of his wife. Thomas disapproves of Daniel’s beatnik-like lifestyle and the two have an argument as Daniel leaves to walk the Camino de Santiago (also known as the Way of St. James) from the French Pyrenees to Galicia, Spain. A freak storm comes through and Daniel is killed just one day after leaving on the trail.1theway

Thomas has to go identify and claim the body. He has intentions of shipping the body home and being done with it. However, upon reflection of Daniel’s hiking stuff, him memories, his vision, he decides to do the walk himself. He has Daniel’s body cremated and he carries the ashes with him, scattering ashes along the way.

During his trek, he comes across several people who are looking for something in their lives be it reflection, to lose weight, to stop smoking, clearing writers block, restitution. It seems that’s what the Camino de Santiago is all about. On the surface it’s a pilgrimage to a holy location, but it also brings inner peace and tranquility. It’s not an easy trail. That struggle in the walk is part of the healing factor, the reward at the end.

The people include Joost, a Dutchman who’s walking to lose weight; Sarah, a Canadian who’s walking to quit smoking; Jack is an Irish writer who’s walking to unblock writer’s block. You’ll find that those may or may not be the real reasons they’re doing what they’re doing. Whether they all make it there with all their belongings or not, well, you’ll need to watch to see. The film explores community, faith and loss. Those themes are prevalent throughout its entirety.

On a local note, Cary Clifford, local baking extraordinaire has walked the Camino de Santiago. Cary is the owner or Camino Bakery, here in WSNC. I hate that I’ve not gotten the chance to ask her about this, yet. I do know that the name, obviously, comes from her journey. The emblem of Camino is the scallop shell, which shows often in The Way as it is the traditional symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Scallop shells are found scattered along the shores of Galicia.

One day, after my son is out of the home and we have some money to pay for the few months away, The BCPF and I want to walk the trail. The film is sad, funny, heart-warming and emotional. I always get emotional with the loss of a child, film or otherwise as I can’t imagine losing my one and only.  The visuals along the way are amazing. The towns, the sights, the experience all seem beautiful but I’m sure, as with anything in life, there are some not-so-beautiful aspects as well.

Rotten Tomatoes has it at 82% Fresh, with an audience score of 83%. IMDb has it at 7.4 stars out of 10. The film was written and directed by Emilio Estevez based on his son, Taylor’s, and dad, Martin’s, experience on it. He also draws some material based on Jack Hitt’s book: Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim’s Route into Spain. Notice the character, Jack, was a writer. I watched this gem on Netflix and rate it 4.5 stars. Have you seen it? Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? Let us know what your thoughts are. I really, really want to know more about it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You don’t choose a life, dad. You live one.” – Daniel Avery (Emilio Estevez)

In Peril of the Sea or: An Island of History

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by TGBII in Travel

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Bee On Your Way Travel, Epcot, France, Impressions de France, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, Paris, Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa, Travel, Walt Disney World

Salutations™!!

When I was much younger, let’s say twelve or so, on a family trip to Walt Disney World, I watched the film Impressions de France in the France Pavilion in Epcot (then called EPCOT Center). All of that was new at the time and I hadn’t really seen any films about foreign countries. I wasn’t much of a watcher of stuff back then. That is, unless it was cartoons or football. But, this film was amazing. It started a love of foreign adventure that I never realized until I was in my forties.

One of the things that I saw in the film was an island that looked like it had a castle on it. I didn’t know what it was but it was magical. At least it looked that way. I mont saint michel 1was mesmerized by it. I told myself: I will get there someday. Oh yes! I will get there someday. We went back to WDW for Christmas in 1989 and at 19 saw it again. This is way before Google or Wikipedia. I still didn’t know what it was and I truly didn’t think to ask one of the young French cast members about it. Again in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012. It should be obvious that I like going to WDW. Anywhat!

I was watching one of the travel shows (such as Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa, etc.) and it was showing monasteries around Europe. I saw this remarkable and longed for island fortress and it had the name on the screen. I had truly forgotten about it until I saw it here sometime in 2012 (probably recouping from heart surgery) and a rush of excitement slapped me in the face. I knew what it was! I knew its name! Its name: Mont Saint-Michel (St. Michael’s Mount). I reiterated to myself: I will get there someday. Oh yes! I will get there someday.

Fast forward to 2013 when a FAM (that’s a familiarization trip) to Europe came my way this included finishing in Paris. I was able to add a few extra days there and was able to take The BCPF, as well. Whilst scheduling what was going to happen, I inquired about Mont Saint-Michel and there was a day excursion to the attraction. I jumped on it. It was a fourteen hour round-trip day excursion, too. We were on a bus for four hours both ways and then spent time at the visitors center a few miles away from the island where we had a fancy omelet and other local delicacies. We then jumped on a shuttle and went to the island.

I stood at the base of the island and, I’m not afraid to say, cried. I had waited just about all my life to see this; something I swore I’d see and visit. It was a long and not-so-easy trek up the stairs to the top. We had a tour guide that spoke to us in French, Italian, Spanish and English through a transmitter/receiver system (she seemed to never skip a beat in switching between the languages).

Mont Saint-Michel, a wonder of Gothic architecture, was first built upon in the 8th Century AD and is located in the Normandy region of northern France, at the mouth of the Couesnon River. The structure as it stands now started in the 10th century and was completed in the 16th century. It’s almost 250 acres and boasts a population of around 44 residents in addition to the 11 practicing monks that are permanent occupants of the monastery (those are number accurate to the time of our visit in 2013). There are hotels, shops, restaurants and museums on this magnificent mountain. At the top of the monastery is a beautiful cloister with a medieval garden that looks out over the water as well as other parts of the structure and is where the monks actually meditate.

There’s landings and platforms that allow for glorious views of the bay. At the very top, there’s a spire with a statue of St. Michael at the peak. It also still operates as an active church. There are crypts and choirs, tunnels and chambers. Architecture here is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. And, I mean ever.

mont saint michel 2One of the most unique aspects of this “island” is that when it’s low tide, you can walk on the sea bed. This was an important facet over the millennial history of the edifice. Pilgrims would cross via foot at low tide from the mainland. If they waited too long, they’d be stranded on either side of the bay until the next low tide or until they hired a boat. At the same time, it helped in the fortification of the compound. It would create a difficult target because ships would have to wait until high tide, giving the inhabitants of the island time to prepare. Or, if at low tide, the opposition could trek across the seabed but would have to be quick or get stuck on the island and at the mercy of its people. It wasn’t always a church/monastery, it also served as a prison (because of its fortification and the reverse) and it withstood two English sieges due to the reinforcement.

When we were there, the causeway was being removed in favor of a bridge that would allow the mount to return to an island. That didn’t take away from the glory that is Mont Saint-Michel. I hope to return another day to see this again. How about you, Dear Reader? Have you been there? Do you want to go see it; experience it? I can certainly send you there. I can assure you that you’ve never seen anything like it. Contact me to ask me how you can get there. I’ll help you. All of France is definitely worth being in. But, this, even to a non-spiritual person, was very spiritual.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“An ageless symbol of France, Mont Saint-Michel. Proud, full of grace and symmetry. Rooted firmly to the ground, yet dedicated to the spirit.” – Impressions de France, Epcot, Walt Disney World

Joyeux Anniversaire en Paris or: Towering Above the City of Light

31 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by TGBII in Honeymoon, Life as We Know It, Uncategorized

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Eiffel Tower, France, Paris, The BCPF

Salutations™!!

Today is the 126th anniversary of the opening of Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower.  The BCPF and I have been to Paris twice and we both consider it one of our absolute favorite cities, if not the favorite.  It’s a beautiful, historic wonder that holds our hearts.

The Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel in French) opened on March 31, 1889 on the Champ de Mars as the entrance arch of the 1889 World’s Fair. It was designed and built by Alexandra Gustav Eiffel and then it was named after him.  It is truly a sight to behold standing in front of it or under it.  I can only imagine what it’s like to stand on it but we didn’t do that either time we were there.  We had other things to do and standing in line for this was not what we had in mind for a good time.  Maybe the next time. One thing to see is when the sun goes down, and the lights come on, every hour for 5 minutes, it does the Tour Eiffel “Flip Out” as I’ve come to call it.  That’s when the lights go all a-flutter. I really recommend seeing it. I included a video of this in a post for the Honeymoon Chronicles. Read that post here.

Anywhat! Joyeux anniversaire Tour Eiffel and many, many more!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” –  A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

It’s a World of Laughter, a World of Tears or: The Not-So-Magical Kingdom (The Honeymoon Chronicles pt 5)

09 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by TGBII in Honeymoon, Travel

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

BCPF, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, France, Honeymoon, Life as It is, Metro, Walt Disney World

Salutations™!!

Bonjour, mes amis. This is Day 3 in Paris! Oui, oh oui!

DSCN1431

Beautiful older couple on Paris sidewalk

When we last left the blogosphere of The Honeymoon Chronicles, The BCPF and I were wandering through the streets of Paris seeing the Eiffel Tower and watching some dude water the ivy on the garden wall.  One thing I did forget to say was in our street touring we ended up behind an older/elderly couple that were walking through the streets holding hands.  They seemed to be natives and looked happy and content. I told The BCPF that that would be us in about 30 years.  I had her take a picture with her digi-obscura and you can see the result here.

This day was something that I had been waiting on. We missed the opportunity last year and this year, we weren’t going to miss it. I’ve touted myself as a Disney guy over and over and over, and I’ve been to Walt Disney World fifteen times! So, it just seems natural that I’d visit other Disney theme parks. And, that’s what we did on this, the third Parisian day.

The way to Disneyland Paris is to find the RER A Train. RER means Réseau Express Régional or Regional Express Network. This train serves from the city proper into the outlying suburbs. This particular train was going to the Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy. That station is right at the gates of Disneyland Paris. So we took our tickets that we pre-purchased and walked up to the main gates of Paris’ “Happiest Place on Earth.” Disneyland Paris is made up of two theme parks in one: the “Magic Kingdom” part and Walt Disney Studios, which is DLP’s version of WDW’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Scorp really excited about Disneyland Paris

When we arrived, there was a giddiness that had already taken me over. When we got to the turnstiles I was about to hop them before they took the tickets. But, I didn’t. I held it together. Once through, though, I had settled down a bit. It looks a lot like the Magic Kingdom: firehouse, confectionery shops, outlet-like shops, and even a Casey’s Hot Dog shop. Casey’s doesn’t open until 11a there and we were about 10 minutes early. The BCPF and I have a tradition of going to Casey’s as the first thing-to-do on every trip to WDW so why not carry that tradition on to DLP? A couple of things that are different was that the dogs – all of which are foot longs – came prepackaged and there was no “fixin’s” bar. They came how they came, either with melted cheddar and bacon or without, and that’s pretty much how it is. Paris apparently doesn’t know what yellow mustard is, only Dijon mustard. While I love me some Dijon mustard, I want yellow mustard on my hot dog. So, a couple of dogs (mine with cheese and bacon, hers without) with fries and bottled sparkling water and we’re ready to move on.

Once you move off of Main Street U.S.A. (yes, that’s its name) the similarities to Magic Kingdom get a bit weird. Not dissimilar mind you, just weird. Did I mention it’s weird? Anyway, just like its Anaheim counterpart, this Disneyland’s castle is called Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant or Sleeping Beauty Castle (WDW has Cinderella Castle). As you can see the castle is pink. The inside of the castle has a few shops – glass and crystal making shop and a Christmas shop. The upstairs features stained glass windows and a spinning wheel, like the story. Underneath it there is an animatronic dragon in a grotto that is supposed to represent Maleficent. It’s actually pretty cool. You can then step out to the side and be under the bridge that connects the castle to the “land” and that covers the “moat.” A pretty and relaxing waterfall is present here as well. Not as spacious as Cinderella Castle, but appealing and interesting nonetheless.

Surrounding the castle, as is the case in both Disneyland California (DLC) and WDW, is a collection of “lands” that represent various themes. In WDW (the one I’m familiar with) there is, clockwise, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. In DLP the lands are (in the same order): Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. There’s no equivalent for Liberty Square, which is the counterpart of New Orleans Square in DLC. Confused, yet? It’s not rocket surgery, but more info than you’d probably ever want to know. Some other oddities to me are that the haunted house ride is called the Phantom Manor instead of Haunted Mansion, the storyline is entirely in French, and sits right next to Big Thunder Mountain; and this after you pass the Legends of the Wild West which looks like the fort on Tom Sawyer Island in WDW. Those sit in Frontierland. Then we moved to Adventureland where we saw the DLC version of Swiss Family Tree House called Le Cabane des Robinson. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride was closed.

Moving on to Fantasyland there were some familiar rides like Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a carousel called “Lancelot’s Carousel” and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Cups, in DLP). But something we don’t have, which to me seems redundantly similar to Snow White, is Les

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It’s a Small World Ride – Disneyland Paris

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Scorp and The BCPF on It’s a Small World in Disneyland Paris

Voyages de Pinocchio. I don’t know, it just seemed like it was rehashing her ride. Also, there’s Le Pays des Contes de Fées (Land of Fairy Tales), a mostly useless boat ride around a loop that shows models that represent various fairy tales. I know that sounds kind of harsh, but really, it seemed like they just needed to stuff something in a space and this was it. The theming was nice, but really, meh. The main attraction in this land, though, was It’s a Small World. The queue is actually outside and there’s an open court that, I’m sure, lends to queue management during the busy months. The DLP version actually has some American theming that you don’t see in the American version (at least not at WDW). Overall, there were several things that matched the WDW, but overall it kind of fell flat.

DSCN1496

Space Mountain: Mission 2 in Disneyland Paris

We moved on, then to the Tomorrowland equivalent: Discoveryland. There was Space Mountain: Mission 2 and Star Tours, Orbitron – Machines Volantes (Astro Orbitor) and touching on some Epcot action, Captain Eo starring Michael Jackson. There was also a very strange 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea thingy called Les Mystères du Nautilus that was basically a “life-size” model of The Nautilus that Capt. Nemo sailed in the story/film. It was a cool, shady distraction but really I don’t get why it was there.

DSCN1510

Les Tapis Volants – Flying Carpets over Agrabah Disneyland paris

So we decided to head over to the other park, “Walt Disney Studios,” which is kind of like a misnomer because there aren’t any studios there; not working studios, anyway. There we did ride the Studio Tram Backlot Tour which is very similar to the now-defunct ride of the same theme in WDW. We skipped around inside looking at some of the rides and comparing/contrasting with WDW. We also rode the Les Tapis Volants – Flying Carpets over Agrabah that are also in WDW. There’s a Twilight Zone Tower of Terror there. I’ve never ridden the one in WDW and wasn’t about to this time, either. Some of the other rides were Ratatouille: The Adventure (which we didn’t know anything about it so we didn’t get in line for it), Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop (like a drop zone/Tower of Terror-type ride), Rockin’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith (just like in WDW), Crush’s Coaster (not riding roller coasters) and Cars Quatre Roues Rallye (bumper cars). Interesting things, yes, but nothing I wanted to ride.

I’ll be honest here, I was just going through the motions mostly at this point. We’re not really “thrill ride riders” as much as we are “experiencers.” There was something of a letdown when it came to the whole “Magic Kingdom” and Studios aspect. Parts of my problems were as such: The park opened in April, 1992. It seems that most of the park was still stuck there. In Disneyland Paris you can see ceiling tiles, a/c units, cobwebs where they shouldn’t be, etc. There was no attention to detail and “keeping the magic alive” happening. They were fleecing money from the consumers and tourists only. I’m not naïve enough to believe that’s not what is happening in WDW but when I’m there, I get that air of mystery; mystique. Unless you’re really looking for it, you’re not going to find many things out of place. Notice I don’t say all, that’s virtually impossible, except Disney does a darn fine job of it. The ceiling tiles in It’s a Small World are painted black with other decorations giving the perception of depth and infinity. DLP there were tiles missing and you could see the a/c above holes in the drop-tile. I know I’m repeating but the illusion is lost there. The paint jobs on the attractions are old and tired. I’m thinking there should be a push in the Disney Company to capitalize on the fact that DLP is finally profitable. You’d think they’d want to do what WDW and DLC are doing, updating, renovating, refreshing their parks.

DSCN1500

Bride and Groom at Disneyland Paris

Now, all that being said I’m glad I saw it. Truly, even knowing what I know, I’d really hate to have missed seeing it. If my son wants to see it, I’ll definitely take him, in a heartbeat. However, as I said, I’ve seen it. I don’t ever have to go back. Been there/done that. I was so done with DLP that we didn’t even eat anything else there. In WDW, food is the main highlight of my trip. So that’s saying something.  But, hey! I was with my new bride, so that’s awesome, too.

One thing that I found cool outside of the parks proper was the inclusion of benchmarks of the other Disney parks in a “compass” and I’ve included them here.

DSCN1512

Walt Disney World Benchmark

DSCN1513

Disneyland (California) Benchmark

DSCN1514

Hong Kong Disneyland Benchmark

DSCN1515

Tokyo Disney Benchmark

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided to go back to Paris to see what we could find and where we could explore. That’s part of the next blog. This is already long, as it is. Next up in The Honeymoon Chronicles, it’s the most bizarre experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant.

 

 

 

So until tomorrow, same blog channel at SOME blog time (yeah, I know it doesn’t really apply when I do them every day, but hey!)…
Scorp out!!

—
“I’m a big Disneyland nut.” – John Lasseter

Caught with Your Pants Down in the Garden or: Do You Want Flies with That? (The Honeymoon Chronicles Pt. 4)

07 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by TGBII in Honeymoon, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Arc de Triomphe, Best Western, Champs Elysees, City of Light, Eiffel Tower, France, Grimbergen, Le Lucene, London, Paris, Place de le Concorde, River, Royal Opera, Seine, Shakespeare & Company, Skype

Salutations™!!

Enchanté, Paris.

The first of these honeymoon blogs was started on the trip from London to Paris via the “Chunnel” or Channel Tunnel under the English Channel. So, yes, a tunnel underwater; and no, you don’t see under there, it’s just about a 15 minute tunnel. The weird thing is that you see so many tunnels leading up to the big one that it’s almost hard to tell when you’re in the chunnel. The only reason I knew we had done it was because my phone told me: “Welcome to France.”

Paris is definitely one of our favorite cities. The BCPF and I have both decided that if we win the lottery, we are going to buy an apartment in one of the Arrondissements that allows us a visual of the Eiffel Tower. Speaking of the tower, this trip marked the first time that we actually visited it. We didn’t walk nor ride anything to the top, but we did stand underneath it. We happened upon it by chance after doing our customary Metro to outlying neighborhoods and traversing our way back toward the city center or whichever other destination we’ll be looking for. The oddity about that was it was the place (other than the train station) we saw an abundance of soldiers/police with machine guns. Last year, there was a plethora of police with semi-automatics canvasing the area. Kind of off putting, but it was cool, nonetheless. We also saw what I call the “Eiffel Tower Flip Out,” or a flashing/”sparkling” light show that goes nuts on the tower itself. That’s what happens every hour from sunset until 1am and lasts for 5 minutes. It started for the millennium celebration in 2000 and was supposed to only be temporary. It turns out that it was so popular, not only with tourists, but Parisians, as well, they left it. We saw this on an evening riverboat cruise of the Seine River right through the middle of the city.  You can see the video right below.  But, I kind of got off track; let’s get back to the beginning of Paris.

Paris is called the “La Ville-Lumière” (City of Light) and it’s not because of the shload of lights that are all spread all about this beautiful city. No, dear reader, it is because it was once – and to some extent still – the center of learning and enlightenment. See? We feel enlightened every time we come here. We arrived at Paris Nord Station and were picked up by a driver to be taken to our hotel. I will say this, to get it out of the way: The Best Western Premiere L’horset Opera was the worst hotel that we saw this entire trip. Supposedly, they’re a three-star resort, but that’s pushing it. I equate it to staying at The Cow Shed in Pineville, WV two years ago, but L’horset Opera was pretty bad. The room was smaller than we had stayed at any other location on the trip. The Wi-Fi (I like to Skype with 3B and mon mere when we’re out of the country) was shoddy and that’s putting it nicely. It would come and go; work then not work, all the time I tried to use it. The showers in Europe – we’ve gotten used to this – often only has covering, usually using half-glass large enough to protect just the part where the shower head is. This had a wall, but it was very shallow and nothing else. The water would bounce off my plump body and spill onto the tile floor. We used the floor towel that one steps out on but it was usually soaked and did no good. It was always slick. The actual WC was really no bigger a hall closet. Again, to a large man like me, that makes it hard to be comfortable. The kicker for it all, however, was the morning after the first night. We went down for the free breakfast that was included with the hotel. There was an array of meats and cheeses, most of which were under a serving case, different breads, cereals and a toaster for toasting any of said breads. As I was going to get some of the cheese and meat to put on my plate, I noticed a HUGE fly sitting on a wedge of cheese and it was trapped inside this case. That turned my stomach as I have a phobia with food being old, wet (not liquid; meaning food that has gotten wet), etc. The fact that the fly was encased with the cheese made me not want anything. I had a hard time getting even my breakfast tea down. Add that to the nonchalant attitude of the front desk the day before and the other things mentioned above, and it’s obvious that this was definitely a bad choice for our stay. We chose it and I know better than to allow my clients or me to stay there again. I’ve been an advocate for Best Westerns, especially their Premiere category, but this was horrible. The only plus for it was the bed was very comfortable. But, other than one more thing that I’ll touch on in the last installment of the “Chronicles,” and that may be worse or better according to my mood when I write it, this was the worst thing for the whole trip. Let’s talk about being out and about in gay ol’ Paris.

Shakespeare & Company, Paris

Because we were there last year, we had a respectable knowledge of the Metro and how it operates and how to navigate it. So, we bought 5 day passes (we only used four) and set off to explore the nooks and crannies of this town. Step one, head toward Notre Dame to start a tradition. We make our way to and around the famed cathedral, took in the sight of it and then crossed the river to the Left Bank. We wandered through the streets and found a music box store where The BCPF purchased a little music box that plays “Champs Elysees.” And, because I like to make sure she gets to one of the most famous bohemian bookstores, Shakespeare & Company, the music box store was a strategic coursed distraction before heading to the bookstore. It’s famous for being a hangout for Hemingway, Joyce and Pound. No, it’s not the same location but opened in a new location as an homage to the original and is still storied and famous.

Beef Tartare

Beef Tartare, Le Lutece, Paris

Croque Madame

Croque Madame, Le Lutece, Paris

We wasted away that day (and loved every minute of it) and decided it was time to get some vittles, or victuals if you want to keep with the literary theme, and found a nice little restaurant called Le Lutece. I had a Grimbergen Blanche which is a white wheat, and it was delicious. I never found it again across Paris, I’d go back to Le Lutece just to have it again. The BCPF had rosé and she seemed quite giddy about it. One thing about Paris, the house wine (really a lot of wines) is generally cheaper than either soda or even water. House wine can be about $2-3 where a Coke is about $3-4; bottled water, still or sparkling, is also $3-4. For food she had Croque Madame, which is a giant piece of bread with cheese piled on it and toasted and then a fried egg on top. For me, I will just say that I am a huge fan of beef and I’ll say that I’m a HUGE fan of raw beef. We were in Paris for 4 nights and 3 of those nights I had steak tartare. Each one tasted different and each one delicious. That’s just good shite. A good start to the stay and then we went back to the room so I could keep track of the Steelers game (it was opening day). That’s how I know she loves me, she let me track it on the computer… in Paris. Luckily, she was tired.

DSCN1401

After Placing the Lock, Paris

The next day was a day of exploration as we had a tour later that night. That tour was on the Seine River cruise and observation of the “Flip Out.” But, that day, it was a lot of walking and exploring. Another thing we did was put a lock on the infamous “Lock Bridge.” This is something that I told The BCPF last year that we would not be doing. Well, even though I wear the pants in the family, she tells me which ones to wear. We put a lock on the bridge. We understand they cut them off periodically but the symbolism is strong enough to be worth it. Now there are several lock bridges in Paris, I think we counted up to 8 on the cruise tour. The bridge we picked was one that was slightly behind Notre Dame: Pont de L’Archevéché. Once it was fastened, we had a nice gentleman (who had a professional camera) take a pic with our camera of me tossing the key into the Seine; also symbolic.

After that we made our way, via the Metro to the Place de la Concorde, which is where Marie Antoinette and others met their demise via the horrific guillotine. This is also an avenue to step onto the famous Champs-Elysees, which is probably one of the most famous streets in Europe, if not the world. At the other end, there is another famous Parisian landmark, Le Arc de Triomphe. We walked from Concorde to Triomphe, stopping in on some of the shops and even had lunch at a little restaurant tucked away back in a small shopping center. That’s about a mile and a half and it’s a 3 foot higher difference at Triomphe than at Concorde so there was a grade. It was a good walk.

Eiffel

The BCPF and Scorp at The Eiffel Tower, Paris

The BCPF had some things in mind that she wanted to purchase and we looked for some of these things. That’s how we ended up at the Eiffel Tower and then strode a long, long distance looking in shops and then to find the location of the tour company. We found that but had about 90 minutes before we had to be back. So we visited an old favorite. Last year we stopped, oddly enough after a tour with this same tour company, at a charming restaurant called Royal Opera. We did so again, this year. It was the only “repeat” we did. Again, beef tartare for me and duck for her. With beer and wine, we’re happy campers.

Then the river cruise. The river cruise was cool but really nothing to talk about that isn’t just a lot of stuff on a river. Stories was translated for us and we were told what some of the buildings and structures were. The remarkable part about this tour, though, was twofold. First we’re on a double decker bus traveling through the Place de la Concorde on the way to the Eiffel Tower and here, against a wall in the (the garden of tiles and garden that is adjacent to the Louvre), was a man answering nature’s call. There. In front of traffic and this double decker tour bus with people looking on. The funny part about that is his girlfriend (they were both dressed fairly nice and casual) was standing behind him just smoking a cigarette like nothing was happening. He finished, tucked away Mr. Happy and then turned around – facing the public – to close, button and zip his pants and then buckle his belt. We felt that was ridiculous and ridiculously funny. The other part of this twofold tidbit is the fact that there are very few traffic lanes marked in Paris. What we would see as about 4 lanes were, at times, 12 cars wide. In that, the scooters, mopeds and motorcycles were weaving through all the traffic, in front of cop cars, buses, each other. It didn’t matter if it was at a traffic light, stop sign or while traffic was moving. It blows our minds. After the river cruise we took a tour around the city, in the dark, on the bus. We saw parts we saw last year, this year and things we hadn’t seen before. Man, we love that town.

That’s a lot of info to slam on you at once, so I guess it’s time to take a break, but don’t worry, more is coming soon!

DSCN1405

Jardin deTuileries

Until next time, same blog channel at SOME blog time…

Scorp out!

 

“London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.”
― G.K. Chesterton

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