Wednesday, May 25

Hello everyone.

  We literally have not had the time to catch our breath!  We visited Assisi a few days ago, it was amazing.  Florence was beautiful!  We visited the Galleria dell 'Academia where they store all the molds for statues that need repaired.  That same day we visited the Galleria degli Uffizi. We all went to the Spanish Steps after dinner stayed out  late and some of us had to take cabs home.  We had an art lesson under a logia and learned how to spot fake leather (separate the lining from the leather and rub the suede sides together - they shouldn't move).  turns out everything else can be faked!

We took the overnight train to Paris - not the most fun thing to  do - at least not at my age.   Very crowed -only one working bathroom.

Our hotel in Paris is nice - located across the street from a University (small one) and just a few short blocks from the Metro station.

  Yesterday we  had a bus tour of Paris  stopping to  take photo's at the Eiffel Tower.  We then had some free time and gathered back to go to a wonderful steak dinner.  It tasted really good after eating all  that Italian food.  Then most of us went to Montmartre for some shopping and a climb up the steps (not me of course, I rode up) to see the most  spectacular site ever, the view of Paris from Sacre' Couer church.  There is talk of setting up  a facebook page where all of us can share our photo's with each other. Once we do that we will post it here.

Today we got to sleep in just a little - we  left at 9:30 to board the Metro - three stops later we were at Notre Dame Cathedral.  Then we had free time to shop - again and have lunch before we boarded the Metro and headed to Musee d'Orsay.  Then we had more free time.  Most of the group were going to go to the Eiffel Tower - to climb - once again - not me! I  came back to the hotel to write on the blog.  Tomorrow we will visit the Musee du Louvre.  After that -  more free time, dinner and back  to the hotel for early ride to the airport on Friday morning.
Just let me say how wonderful your kids are and what an experience this has been for me.  Traveling with them has made this trip more enjoyable for me. They have all kept their cool well (despite the heat) and are always polite, considerate and respectful.  They even help me out!  I wish I could claim all of them as mine but in a way they already are.  We have had the opportunity to get to  know them better  and some have made new friends.  We have met amazing people along the way.  I'm sure your kids will tell you what a great experience this has been - for all  of us.

  Posted by Chris Price