Emily+D

May 3rd, Sunday, 2009

Arrived in Paris this morning. Jet Blue has many great accommodations; leg room, TVs, etc.; I flew in comfort. Planes are so helpful. Much has been discovered since William Bixby's time. He took a train from Victoria Station, to Paris. He saw many Orpington hens, the ones that sell world-wide. I did too, as I took a train along the country side. The weather was dreary, for early spring. Too many clouds and to grey, but the fields and trees were very green. Almost in full bloom. Lots of French farmers and their families tending to fields and cows. Not many daughters working in the fields these days, only men and sons. I must rest, for a fair is being held in the square tomorrow.

May 6th, Wednesday, 2009

Arrived on Paris this morning. Jet Blue has many great accommodations; leg room, TVs, I flew in comfort. Planes are so helpful. Much has been discovered. After settling at my hotel, went to see historical churches. Bixby himself went to them all! Paris has many discoveries. Although, Paris was under the power of Germany when Bixby visited, I now understand why he went anyway. Following Bixby's footstep, took a tour bus around Paris (none is Bixby's time but oh well, not many old fashioned automobiles around.) Saw the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and Palace de la Concord, and stopped at Trocadero. Bixby saw the big war painting, and I will too! Saw Pantheon and Notre Dame. The trees almost full of leaves. Arch de Triumph was awesome or, as Bixby said, great! Saw monuments near Bastille prison and traveled over the streets made by Haussmann and Sacre Coeur. They were both brand new when Bixby saw them! Drove through Bois du Bulogne, not as long as W.K. Bixby, but still a few hours. Also saw Botanical Gardens and Zoo. Strange to think that it was made to keep the animals of the region from dying.

May 7th, Thursday, 2009

At 9:30, saw the house and grounds of MaImaison, which was owned by Napoleon, now used as a museum. Lunch at Trian Cafe (very expensive these days) then a trip to Versailles. Just as Bixby said, the mirror gallery was the best. Many important happenings where held in that room. The fountains were nice too. I came at a good time. The 6th and 7th are the first two sunny days this spring in France. Quite a coincidence, since the weather was exactly the same as in 1923.

May 13th, Wednesday, 2009

Went though Trappe this morning. Many pleasant people tending to cows and orchards. Many, many apple blossoms. But these are only to make beer. Went to a Cathedral and to some cool photos of the glass panes. Nice people there, too. I'm leaving France in two days. I will miss Paris.