The Anderson's: Oh, Brother!

My brother, Andy came and visited us in October and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was! I hadn't seen him since last Christmas, so we of course had a lot of catching up to do and of course, traveling to do! =)

Our plan was to do some traveling around the Derby area for a few days, London for a day and then head to Paris. Dave had to work most of the week (mainly because we're using up the rest of his vacation days so we can be home longer at Christmastime). But first on the list, we had to take Andy to our local neighborhood pub, The Honeycomb. It was band night and chock full of entertainment...and a few laughs!

The next morning, we got up early and drove down to London to visit an old high school friend of Andy's and also, so he could do some site-seeing. Andy's already been to London a couple times and just wanted to make the obligatory rounds. Although Dave and I had been to London a few weeks before, we were more than happy to site-see again and we of course made sure to take Andy to the Thames for a pint on our favorite pub barge! Andy's main reason for seeing London, though, was to check out the new Lee Valley White Water Centre. It was recently built and will be used for the 2012 Olympics. If you know my brother, you know that he is an extreme outdoors-man and loves camping, hiking, biking and white water kayaking - so he was obviously elated to check this place out!

While Dave was working, Andy and I worked out - ran and lifted (I ran, he lifted!) and got caught up on what was going on with each other, etc. We also did a little research on Paris and consulted our handy travel books to figure out what we wanted to see and do once we arrived. I also drove him out to the Nottingham White Water Centre so he could check that one out as well. It was a bit dated and you had to hire your own equipment - which by the way was more than a mile down the road. Not sure we could have fit the rented equipment in or on our car if we wanted to! So, we walked around and watched other people have a go at it.

On Wednesday, we took the afternoon flight to Paris and arrived around 7:00pm at Charles de Gaulle Airport! We were so excited! We opted to take the Metro instead of a taxi to our airport - probably won't make that mistake again! Nothing against the Metro, but it's crazy busy and dirty! Also, it took us two hours to go about 25 miles! Oh well, it's all an experience! Luckily, our hotel - Le Meridien - was right next to a Metro stop - very convenient. The hotel was amazing! Huge king size bed! Andy, being the awesome brother he is - took one for the team and slept on the roll-a-way - what a trooper!

(I'm 17 weeks along with Baby Anderson in this photo =)

The first day started out a little cloudy, but by the afternoon, had cleared up (as you'll notice in my pictures). Our first stop of the morning was a cute little bakery - we picked up fresh baguettes - mine had fresh tomatoes, eggs and mozzarella! Breakfast of champions! The shop had an array of everything you can imagine - chocolate pies and cakes and truffles and macaroons and pastries! I could have stayed in there all day just to smell all the delicious foods they were baking! By the way, it's true what they say about Paris - there are more cafe's than you shake a baguette at! Haha - sorry, I couldn't resist!

After that, we began the trek to the Eiffel Tower! Not sure how many miles we logged the three days we were in Paris, but my feet were ready to fall off by the end! =)

One thing that did save our feet turned out to be the best idea ever - we rented bikes! There are bike stations all over the city and all you need is a credit card! You can pick up your bike at any station you come across, ride it for however long you want, and return it to any station! It was great and a great way to see Paris!

It was a perfect fall day and we rode our bikes all the way down the River Seine to the Louvre. Unfortunately, Andy's credit card was not accepted because it didn't have a pin and chip in it (we tried to rent a bike for him on our credit card, but only 2 bikes per card are accepted). So Andy walked while we rode around and met up at the Louvre.

After the Louvre, we were ready for some refreshments and a snack! We stopped at a street-side cafe and I of course had to take a picture of the cute little cafe' (coffee) I got! It is always interesting to people watch and taste the local food and drinks. Unfortunately, when you sit outside, you also have to contend with all the Parisian smokers - and there are a lot! It made for a quick snack, but definitely a good break for the feet!

After our coffee's and snacks, we headed back to our hotel. Andy, walked and Dave and I rode our bikes. We stopped at a few places along the way to take pictures - it was a beautiful evening!

After getting back to the hotel and relaxing for a bit, we decided we'd venture out and find a restaurant. As we walked, we checked out every restaurant and their menu in search for what we were looking for. By the way, we didn't really know what we were looking for (but we were hungry)! After about a half an hour of this, we came upon a corner restaurant called Le Relais de l‘ Entrecôte, that was packed full of people There were even people waiting in line outside to get a table! We figured this place must be "the place" to go, so we got in line! We also attempted to decipher the posted menu, but could only make out the word "frites!"

Now, this wasn't a restaurant where you give your name and then wait to be seated. At this restaurant, you just stand in line and the (what we termed) "madame" of the restaurant would come outside and call out a number and if your party was that size, she sat you. There were a bunch of couples ahead of us, and being three, I was uncertain of how long it would take. But soon enough, the madame called out three and we rushed to the front! Once inside, it immediately became evident that this restaurant wasn't your typical French restaurant - it was sort of like a Holly-Hock Hill (you central Indy Hoosiers know what I am talking about)- they served one meal, and it was the same thing for everyone! We loved it!

We were served steak with frites, fresh French bread and the boys shared a bottle of the house red. It was the best restaurant we went to while in Paris and I'd go back in a heartbeat! Oh - also, you were served two servings, no matter what! I tried to communicate to the waitress that I was full after the first serving, but she insisted I have seconds! Oh well, when in Rome - well, in this case, Paris! =) The waitress was very sweet and between her broken English and our non-existent French speaking skills, we had a few laughs! We of course ordered dessert - and by the time we were all done, it was almost midnight! I couldn't believe how late it was already - that and the fact that restaurants stay open this late! The atmosphere was great, warm and inviting and this old corner restaurant, teeming with history, turned out to be our little lucky find! What a great end to a great day!

Friday was set to be another full day and we were excited to get going! We stopped for breakfast at a cafe close to our hotel and ordered the "Full English Breakfast." I don't think the little bagguettes we had had the day before were enough for the boys! Haha! Because it was clear and sunny, I wanted to head back to the Eiffel Tower for a few more pictures! Dave and I saddled up on our bikes and Andy walked ahead. After a quick stop at the Eiffel Tower, we headed to Notre Dame Cathedral.

We got on our bikes and started riding basically the same path we took the day before - rode right down the Seine, past the Louvre and Notre Dame was a few blocks after.

After Notre Dame, we continued walking around, taking in the sites.

Moulin Rouge was next on our list of must-sees and while on the walk there, ran across this bar/restaurant! Had to take a photo!

Siblings pic!

Later on that night, before dinner, I wanted to head back to the Eiffel Tower yet again so we could get some night shots (thank you Andy and Dave for your patience)! We just so happened to get to the tower right on the hour mark when all the lights flicker on and off for about five minutes! - it was amazing! Dave captured some amazing shots with the moon in the background!