Maui Christmas

                      

It was Christmas Eve and our flight was completely full with passengers who were not dreaming of a white Christmas.

We had been flying over water for many hours when islands came into view that appeared to be floating among the clouds. It was a beautiful first impression of Maui.

Walking off the plane and into the terminal I waited for the first breath of flower scented air that I have always experienced on Oahu.  I wasn't disappointed.

One of my fellow crewmembers lives on the island, and he surprised me with an orchid lei because it was my first visit here.   A lovely tradition!

Christmas day was warm and sunny, with a cooling breeze.

A perfect day for the beach.  There are bicycles available at

our hotel and one of my friends went for an early morning ride. I will have to do that on my next trip, since I was tired (or just lazy)  and slept in till about 8am.

I was fascinated by the palm trees that are planted around our hotel.  I wondered if they really grew into that shape  without any help.   I asked about them and was told that they have been trained to grow this way.   I'm still not sure how they do it, but it is a beautiful effect.



I headed down to the beach with a friend about 10am for some sunbathing and people watching.  You always see a variety of characters on Waikiki Beach, and I was hoping that it would be as interesting here.  Again, I was not disappointed.

I watched this woman walk past us a couple of times, and I finally had to ask her for a photo.  She gets my vote for best Christmas beach attire.

We spent a couple of hours on the beach before I decided to leave.  I haven't been spending much time in the sun, and didn't want to burn. Turns out that two hours was too much sun, and I am still pretty red today.

I had really hoped to see some whales, but that didn't happen.  I have seen them close in to the shore in Mexico, but I was told that doesn't happen often here in Maui.  They do come into the bay by our hotel, but you usually have to take a boat out to see them.  That wasn't something that I could arrange on short notice on Christmas Day.

Going to the airport we drive past field after field of sugar cane.  I saw a sign for a museum of sugar cane, and think that would be very interesting to visit.  So bicycling, snorkling, whale watching and sugar cane museum give me just a few reasons to return soon and spend some time exploring this beautiful island.

It is always good in wintertime to take a break from the cold weather destinations and find some    

warmth. Whatever it is about an ocean, I come away with my mind renewed and my soul refreshed.  This little vacation was just what I needed to finish my flying for the year.

I arrived in Paris on Saturday morning to a countryside covered with snow.  It wasn't the weather that I had hope for,  and it again ruled out a cruise on the Seine to view the holiday lights. The plus was that the countryside was really beautiful on the drive into the city.
We had been delayed out of Dallas waiting for the inbound flight which had been delayed out of Paris because of the weather.  This caused us to arrive at our layover hotel about 4 hours late, which meant that there would be no time for sleep if we wanted to get out and enjoy the afternoon and evening in the city. After a quick change of clothing  my friends and I were on the Metro and on our way to Rue de Rivoli.
I was still in search of my Longchamp "le pliage" bag.  This is a very popular, sturdy, zippered, foldable bag which I have been coveting for a long time.  I had unsucessfully attempted to find a less expensive bag or a copy that I would like as much as this one.  I was now resigned to finding the best price I could on the original bag I wanted. Don't bother with this link if you aren't passionate about handbags. http://www.longchamp.com/en/eshopping/women/lines/le-pliage/e-shopping-showroom-425.html
I found the duty free store Benelux near the Palais Royale metro and obtained the exact size and color in the bag I wanted.  It was not cheap, but it was the best price I had seen all month.

Next we strolled down the Rue de Rivoli, along the snow covered Jardin des Tuileries,  for hot chocolate at Angelina's. The line to get in was even longer than I had expected on a Saturday night, as people waited in the freezing temperatures for a creamy cup of their incomparable chocolate.  One of my friends wanted to purchase bags of their hot chocolate mix to give as gifts, so the line we waited in for take out was not quite as long.  For a look inside without a wait in the cold, check out this YouTube video
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLwnBGHnz0o.
Our original plan was to sit outside at the cafe L'Avenue on Rue Montaigne for cocktails, but again the freezing temperatures caused us to opt for a warmer choice.  We briefly considered having dinner near the Place de la Concorde (pictured), but really our hearts were set on strolling a bit in St Germain des Pres and having dinner in one of the lovely cafes there.
We chose a beautiful art nouveau cafe called Le Petit Zinc. The interior of this cafe is enchanting no matter what time of year it is, but it felt almost magical with the decorative Christmas lights surrounding us.  The food was excellent and the service was prompt  and attentive.  http://www.petit-zinc.com/index_en.html
Le Petit Zinc is on the corner by the beautiful church of St Germain des Pres, the oldest church in Paris.
There was a  manger scene set up outside the church and also a lovely Christmas market.  After dinner we walked through the stalls in the market, and stepped inside the church where a service was about to start.
The interior of the church is definitely worth seeing.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-st-germain-des-pres
I would have been tempted to stay for the service if we were not all badly in need of sleep.  Our layover had already been cut short, so we headed back to our hotel and to bed.  This is my last trip to Paris this month, and I don't know when I will be back.  I hope it is soon.

A hanging street decoration in Saint Germain des Pres

Chloe

I have been taking care of my Granddog, Chloe,  for a few days while my children are out of town.  She is a 6 year old 6lb Maltese, an energetic bundle of love and joy.  I always forget what a huge responsibility a dog is, and how much real attention they need.

She has been to my home often, so that isn't a big shock for her, but when she stays over I see her working to figure out how and where she fits in.  She isn't sure where she should relax during the day, or where she should sleep at night.  She is unsure of which noises are normal, and which sounds she should warn me about.   She seems a bit quiet to me, and I think she misses her family.
Since I live in a highrise, I can't just let her out.  I can't just stay in my bed in the mornings drinking coffee.  I have to get dressed and take her out, no matter what the weather is.  If it is raining, she isn't real happy about it either.  Since our morning temperatures have been around freezing, I can see myself becoming one of those people with boots and overcoat thrown on over my pajamas.
I have also realized how vulnerable she is.  Yesterday she startled me in the park and I yanked on her leash and it sent her flying.  I left her in the car while I ran into the post office and she tangled herself in her leash around her body.  If it had been her neck she could have choked.  I didn't know she was right behind me and tripped over her, almost crushing her.  I learn to become more aware.

I get used to having her around, and when she leaves I will miss her. The house will seem quiet and empty.
I will want to get myself a dog, but I will know that my current lifestyle would not be fair to any pet. An animal that is so dependent on you deserves more time, attention and constant affection than I can give right now.
















So I dream of the day I retire. Maybe I will be an old woman in Paris with my pampered little dog. She can ride in my shopping cart when I go to the marketplace, acompany me on strolls in the Champs de Mars, and sit with me in cafes where I will feed her tidbits from my plate.
But, more likely, we will enjoy Lee Park and the Katy Trail right here in Dallas.  And, just like Chloe,  my little dog will prance into the lobby where we live and wait for everyone to come and adore her.

Another Beautiful Night in Paris

This post is really just sort of an extension of my last post from Paris. Since my camera fiasco on my last trip, I wanted to try for a few more photos.  I had dinner again at Chez Clement, walked along the Champs-Elysees, down Avenue Montaigne, and ended up at Place du Trocadero to view the light show at the Eiffel Tower.  Another Christmas market was set up on both sides of the of the hill leading up to the Palais de Chaillot.
Paris was jam-packed like I have never seen it.  The traffic was horrendous, and tempers were obviously high.  I actually saw several people in the center of the traffic circle at Place de l'Alma, who got out of their cars and were attempting to get traffic moving in some kind of orderly fashion.  I was grateful for the Metro, even though it was as crowded as the streets were.

I managed to get a couple of good photos, but I have decided that I need a better camera. It is always difficult to choose between a really good camera, and one that is lightweight, versatile and able to stand up to the wear and tear of frequent travel. The one I have is fine for perfect conditions, but not for low light, nighttime or time exposures.

Digital cameras just keep getting better, so I think it is time for some comparison shopping.

The photo at the top is along Avenue Montaigne, and the lower right is part of the light show at the Eiffel Tower.

I had intended to take a river cruise up the Seine and back, but the freezing temperature with the wind blowing made it seem like a not so good idea.  The most scenic views from the boats are in the open air on the top, so I will hope for no wind next weekend.
I plan on having a drink next week at L'Avenue......definitely to see, not be seen.  Read a revue here
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/88425-LAvenue-Paris
Or maybe I will have dinner and then write my own revue.  Also plan on visiting the Rue de Rivoli http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_de_Rivoli,_Paris in search of a
good price on a Longchamp bag,  and spending some time in a quaint cafe in St. Germain des Pres. Learn more about this area here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulevard_Saint-Germain
My only wish for Christmas is more time and more energy (and maybe that Longchamp bag).

I hope that everyone is enjoying the holidays as much as I am.
I am one of those people who loves the Christmas season, and everything about it.
I always work my scheduled flying so that I can spend  December traveling to one of my favorite cities.  Last year it was London, this year it is Paris. That doesn't mean that I don't enjoy getting out to see my own city.
Downtown Dallas is living up to it's potential more each year.  The window displays at Neiman Marcus are not only beautiful, they are interactive this year.  Check it out here http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/info/store.jhtml?storeId=01/DT
From Neiman's you can stroll down Main Street past the festive light displays to the large tree in Pegasus Plaza.   I think that the perfect way to end the evening is with a warm drink on the top floor of Iron Cactus    http://www.ironcactus.com/dallas.asp  overlooking the downtown scene.
I usually start my own  decorating the day after Halloween.  Since I am not at home for about half of  the month, I like to decorate early so that I have time to savor the season.

I have been a little slow getting started this year, but now I am enjoying the enchantment of the season in my own home.  Click on the link below the photo if you want to share more of  "My Christmas" with me.
http://s227.photobucket.com/home/mmac135/recentuploads?view=slideshow

What a wonderful Saturday night I had in Paris.  It was really everything I had anticipated, and more. The Champs-Elysees was even more crowded than usual, despite the occasional rain shower, and the lights in the trees were more beautiful than ever.   This year the lights that enclose the trees  form large globules at the top of the trees that slide down the strands of lights in random patterns.  It is an amazing effect.
I ate dinner at Chez Clement, one of my favorite places on the Champs-Elysees.  Not only is the food excellent, but I can sit in the small enclosed patio and look directly at the Arc de Triomphe.

Here I should enclose a photo of that sight, but my camera gremlins were at it again, and even with a new battery my camera failed.  So I can only show you a photo of the restaurant itself.  If you click on the following link, it will take you to the restaurant's English website and you'll see a beautiful photo of the Arc de Triomphe and see how close it actually is to the restaurant.
http://www.chezclement.com/anglais/index.php?page=el

After dinner, I walked down the Champs-Elysees toward the Christmas Kiosks near the ferris wheel.  I veered off and strolled down Avenue Montaigne past the luxury fashion salons, where the trees were encased in red lights.  If my camera and I work things out,  I will post a photo of the lights after next week's trip.   Click on the link if you want to know more about this legendary shopping avenue.   ://www.parisvoice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=37

I came upon a corner cafe where I could sit and sip a glass of red wine while I watched the fabulous new light show that Paris is putting on to celebrate the Eiffel Tower's birthday this coming year.  There is a link to a youtube video of the event in my last blog.  I sat under the cafe awning with a light mist falling and  Paris happening all around me.  I could not have been  more content.

I have one other Paris photo to share with you.  I saw three of these oriental patterned brocade patchwork coats on Saturday.  Two of them had the face of a geisha on the back panel and then this design.   Something new to me on the Paris fashion street scene.

Anticipation

I am packing now for tonight's trip to Paris.  I am really excited, since I haven't been there for 5 months.
For me,  the preparation for a trip is part of the whole experience.  I like watching the weather, planning what clothing to take, checking out anything special that is happening and deciding what and where I want to shop, eat and visit.  The anticipation is delicious!
It is raining there now and it is supposed to rain all weekend.  I checked it out on several of my favorite live webcams, and it has been raining all day.  Actually, I check out the Eiffel Tower on my Google homepage every day.  It is probably my favorite gadget, and keeps me in touch with my favorite city (with apologies to Madrid which I do love, too).  Check it our for yourself at http://www.paris-live.com/.
I definitely plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower and seeing the special light show that is going on in celebration of her 120th birthday.  It takes place after the regular hourly light show and lasts for 12 minutes.  The lights are new "state of  the art" LED lights and I think it will be spectacular.  There is a video on youtube of the event, but I'm sure it doesn't begin to show how awesome it really will be.  I'll let you know when I get home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO5Nhbu-i_U 

What am I looking forward to the most?  A sweet, frothy French coffee, a fresh raisin croissant, a creamy pate de foie gras, a first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, and walking down the Champs-Elysees under the Christmas lights.
I will be going to Paris three times this month, so I will have time later to indulge in some of my other favorite pleasures.  "Au revoir" for now.......and, just for the record, I speak truly horrible French, but I have usually been met with great kindness and a willingness to help.

Winter Wonderland

I live in a highrise in Dallas, Texas overlooking Lee Park, which I consider Uptown Dallas' crown jewel.  I live where I do because of the park.  When I first walked into my condo and looked out the wall of glass that is my living room and saw the park, I knew that this was where I wanted to live.
Each year at Christmastime the trees in the park are wrapped in festive lights and there is an annual tree lighting ceremony.

The first time that I attended the ceremony was 5 years ago, the first year that I lived in Dallas.  I walked over with a few of my neighbors. We stood in front of Arlington Hall and listened to or joined in with a choir that was singing carols.  Several volunteers passed a warm holiday wassail and cookies, and we greeted and met other neighbors from our Turtle Creek community.  We were awed by the fairy tale beauty that the park takes on when the lights were lit.
A few changes have taken place in the park over the past five years, most of them good.  The paths have been extended and paved, a beautiful gazebo has been added, a natural spring tapped for a waterfall, and more planter boxes and seasonal blooms added at each corner entrance.
Our tree lighting ceremony has also changed.  I cannot say that I am thrilled with the way it has evolved.
I really didn't like it much when they added fireworks to the ceremony. Had we confused our holidays? Wasn't the lighting of the trees enough?  Shouldn't we have that moment to stand in hushed awe and feel the magic of it all?
And why did the kids need a movie?  A large screen set up in the park, with all the cords and speaker and noise that is involved.  Don't kids get enough TV and video at home?  in the theaters?  Shouldn't there be some events where we teach them about quiet, peaceful joys?
Oh, and this year we had a dejay.  I love dejays and they did a fine job.  But wouldn't a choir or carolers have been a closer fit to the spirit of the season?
Our park is a walking park, with paths, not roads.  This year I was shocked to encounter 5 cars parked on the paths.  I think maybe there was a raffle for one.  I was too disgusted to check that out, but I heard a loud annoucement that said you could test drive one.
There were kiosks set up on both sides of our beautiful, historic Arlington Hall that were selling things, or demonstrating things, or giving you a chance at a carnival-like game.  Wasn't the State Fair enough?
Well, okay, maybe a big tent where children can have their photo taken with Santa is a nice touch.  But does it have to be so blaringly lighted and with tables to sign up for things? or goodies for sale?
Maybe everyone else likes these changes.  Maybe I am too old, or too old-fashioned, but I cannot help but think that we are missing the point by commercializing all of our celebrations.   I don't believe that everything is better because it is larger, brighter, louder.
This year I turned around, walked home, and sat on my balcony with a friend and a warm cup of wassail.  We listened to Christmas carols and watched the lights come on.
Tomorrow night we can take a walk in the quiet enchantment of our neighborhood park.