Sally (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
shiredancer) wrote2008-03-06 09:32 pm
shiredancer) wrote2008-03-06 09:32 pm
Crossing the Pond
So, I guess I haven't mentioned that I'm going to Paris and London, have I? Whoops.
It's like this: Kidlet's award-winning girls' choir in high school is going to participate in a Heritage Music Festival in London over spring break, and they'll also sing at two venues in Paris. Notre Dame and Madeleine cathedrals, actually. And how often does one's kid get to sing in Notre Dame? Raising their angelic voices to the heights of the rafters and the Rose Window? When we first heard about the trip, we of course thought about the possibility of going, but our initial reaction was "that's crazy -- we can't afford to jet over to Paris!" And it was just eating me up to miss out on such an opportunity. But... virtually *everybody* I mentioned it to, including my supervisor at work, told me I was crazy *not* to go. So finally I just told Peter we were going and the hell with the bills to pay, once in a lifetime and all that. He stopped fussing when I reminded him how romantic a week in Paris would be... heh!
So, that's it. We're leaving for Paris on March 23, the day after Kidlet flies to London. Actually, we're flying to London, then taking a cheap flight to Paris -- the Chunnel was all booked. I got *amazingly* cheap flights for us, and hotel accommodations to die for, only 60 euros a day and very close to Notre Dame. So Mr. Peter is appeased. We're so excited now! And scared -- the idea of being where I can't speak the language at all (as some of you know, I never learned a lick of French in my life) is quite unnerving. But, c'est la vie (hey, she *can* be taught! *wink*)!!
Kidlet doesn't know we're going. We plan on waving at her from the audience in Notre Dame, the day of her performance. She wouldn't want us along to chaperone or anything, and we wouldn't want to do the trip that way anyway. Oh, this is going to be great!
And, going back, we're going to have one day and night in London. One single, itty-bitty day in my favoritest place in the world. And sadly, I know that none of my British flist are anywhere near London (right?). So close, and yet so far -- what a dilemma. But hey, I'll take the trip, no matter its limitations. We'll just have to return to England for a long stay -- actually, that's one of our dreams. We want to see so much more!
So, any ideas on what we should do with *one day* in London? We've been before so have seen the touristy things -- Westminster, the Tower, the Tate, some theater... never made it to the British Museum, so that's a possibility. Hmmmm.... ideas?
It's like this: Kidlet's award-winning girls' choir in high school is going to participate in a Heritage Music Festival in London over spring break, and they'll also sing at two venues in Paris. Notre Dame and Madeleine cathedrals, actually. And how often does one's kid get to sing in Notre Dame? Raising their angelic voices to the heights of the rafters and the Rose Window? When we first heard about the trip, we of course thought about the possibility of going, but our initial reaction was "that's crazy -- we can't afford to jet over to Paris!" And it was just eating me up to miss out on such an opportunity. But... virtually *everybody* I mentioned it to, including my supervisor at work, told me I was crazy *not* to go. So finally I just told Peter we were going and the hell with the bills to pay, once in a lifetime and all that. He stopped fussing when I reminded him how romantic a week in Paris would be... heh!
So, that's it. We're leaving for Paris on March 23, the day after Kidlet flies to London. Actually, we're flying to London, then taking a cheap flight to Paris -- the Chunnel was all booked. I got *amazingly* cheap flights for us, and hotel accommodations to die for, only 60 euros a day and very close to Notre Dame. So Mr. Peter is appeased. We're so excited now! And scared -- the idea of being where I can't speak the language at all (as some of you know, I never learned a lick of French in my life) is quite unnerving. But, c'est la vie (hey, she *can* be taught! *wink*)!!
Kidlet doesn't know we're going. We plan on waving at her from the audience in Notre Dame, the day of her performance. She wouldn't want us along to chaperone or anything, and we wouldn't want to do the trip that way anyway. Oh, this is going to be great!
And, going back, we're going to have one day and night in London. One single, itty-bitty day in my favoritest place in the world. And sadly, I know that none of my British flist are anywhere near London (right?). So close, and yet so far -- what a dilemma. But hey, I'll take the trip, no matter its limitations. We'll just have to return to England for a long stay -- actually, that's one of our dreams. We want to see so much more!
So, any ideas on what we should do with *one day* in London? We've been before so have seen the touristy things -- Westminster, the Tower, the Tate, some theater... never made it to the British Museum, so that's a possibility. Hmmmm.... ideas?
Ah...
As to things to do; oh man... I have no idea what you like to do and there's so much, though... Easter weekend - sheesh! Everything'll be busy, especially if the weather turns out nice.
Re: Ah...
I've been given some really good ideas on what to do -- just walking around London will suffice, though. I *love* England, I truly do.
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*Hugs* Keep healing!
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I'm nowhere near London, which is a crying shame, but I'm sure you'll love your trip. I'd recommend the Tower but you've already seen it. :oD
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You'll have a wonderful time and I can seriously recommend the British Museum, though it will take most of the day (you need a week to do it justice though) so you won't see much of anything else!
Have a brilliant time!
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As for London, it's such an incredible walking city, you can hardly go wrong anywhere. Last time I was there I rode the Millenium Wheel - the gigantic Ferris wheel - courtesy of wonderful Gerri. I highly recommend it - it's a killer view of London. I also went to the Tate Moderne, then rode the shuttle boat over to the Tate Britain and looked at the Turners. They have a nice little cafe there too. Seeing London from river level is a whole 'nother experience. Those would be my top two recs.
The daffodils should be blooming. A nice walk through St. James Park would be fun. Or go over to the Horse Guards parage grounds around 10:30 am and see them getting ready for their ride over to Buckingham Palace. It's close to Trafalgar Square, too.
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Oh that's so great - totally go for it!
Bummer - I'm nowhere near London either. ::pouts:: So much to see there - everybody else has made great suggestions. Um - have you done the V&A museum? The Natural History Museum is my favourite - and guys always love the Imperial War Museum, which isn't as grim as it sounds!
Have fun!
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I'm so glad you're going and won't Claire be thrilled to see you there. I think the surprise is going to be awesome. Never did get to Paris so I envy the week you will spend there. I still hope to make it to England one day soon. Take plenty of pics and can't wait to hear about your trip when you return.