Travel to Venice

Catch a taxi at 6.30 am. Yes girls it does exist. Onto the 250 mph train at 8. Imagine my disgust to find they have no open windows, have to talk sweet to the waitress to open the door ;). I reckon average grass cover in France this time of year is about 1100, even the sheep are pugging the paddocks. Up and over the alps is most spectacular with a rugby pitch near the top. Snow on the ground right through to Milan, with wheat fields for miles and miles. During the quick stop in Milan the girls managed to get in some retail therapy (it was only a two hour stop). The skills being taught to my daughter sometimes quite scare me.

Last of Paris

Rain everywhere, but off to the antique markets early, luckily on the metro and it doesn't rain down there (unlike NY). That place is a real rabbit warren but none of Kathy's money got lost there (small miracles). Then more metro to scope out the rail station we leave from tomorrow. Then just poked around Montmatre so E could spend more (she definitely her mothers child).

Paris again

As the end of the world happens tomorrow you better read this quick! Back onto the metro heading to the arc de triumph. Didn't see a car crash but witnessed numerous near misses and sliding stops. Then a wander down the Main Street (élysées) to eat raw meat served at the price of cooked meat (tartare). Then purchased some dodgy cheese at the market before going to the loo. Saw some famous paintings and some Egyptian stuff. Maureen seemed to think the steps where there just to torture her (K & E went up some flights twice just to watch the results). We all managed to get on the same train home :(. Most disappointing.

More paris

Guide Rangi lost her cool this morning and had to wave the "stick" to get the travellers out of bed this morning. Eventually all made it to the metro for the beginning of the trip to Versailles. Carefully negotiation of the train system (go on Maureen jump over the barrier) got us there with minimal stress ;). The palace was amazing, thought Kathy was going to move in to some of the 'smaller' residences. Went for a look at the gardens and the 'farm', the sheep well under condition score three with little feed in front of them, NZ doesn't really have to much to worry about re animal welfare issues if this is the standard.

Paris

Onto the metro this morning. Maureen counting steps all the way. Trying to stay away from the gypsies and street pedlars, they think Elyne is cool :). In our introduction yesterday we got told to see Paris go up the Monteparnesse tower (the highest building in Paris. The best view in Paris, because you can't see the Monteparnesse). Walked back to Eiffel Tower after that. Part way along the Seine (apparently in the water you are in-seine). Walked part way up the Tower then all the way to lunch on a river boat.
The metro on the way home posed it's own trials. Two on the train two on the platform. Reunited at our destination. Won't tell who was too slow getting on the train.

Day 8 Paris

Good start to today. Our taxi to the airport was a limo. New York looks pretty different from a limo. Loooong wait at the airport and got here at 7.30am so missed a night's sleep. The place we're staying is lovely. Got the Eiffel Tower out our front window and the sacre coeur just above us. Wine is dirt cheap - $3.00 a bottle.

Day 7 New York

Off to the Empire State Building this morning. We had a look yesterday evening - 2.5hr wait. This morning you could just walk in. It seems nobody does anything in this place between 3am and 10am (perfect place for a teenager). Also reckon I have figured out why yanks drive automatic cars. They need the extra hand to beep the horn at every given chance.

Last night went to some ballet thing most interesting. Pretty sure even the guy sitting next to me was as bent as a second hand nail. (Let alone the poofters on stage). Saw Central Park and the horses but didn't get mugged or see any vagrants :(

As you can see all the culture has had no effect on the boy at all! Off to Paris tomorrow. Not sure they're ready for him. Kathy.