So basically 4 days after returning from a 15 day Rhine River Cruise on the Viking Gefjon, we were off to Paris on our way to California to see family. Basic reason was a funeral for Jan’s mom, scheduled at this time to get all the family together from around the states and us from France. Zipping along on the new high speed train at over 225 MPH is always a bit of a thrill. We stayed in the Marais district at one of our favorite hotels in the city, plus we saw a wonderful “electric art” exhibit in the area. Famous art projected on the walls of this huge building that moved around the interior walls. Our favorite was the Van Gogh portion. BTW, this same type of exhibition will take place here in Bordeaux later this spring in a WWII German Submarine Base. Should be exciting.
Our trips to LA always begin with a short stay at my best friends home in Hermosa Beach. We have been like brothers since the 1960’s. Feel blessed to have a long time friend like this. Plus part of tradition is a mexican breakfast the next day along with a Corona or Dos XX beer. After that we headed a bit north to see our son and his family
At our son’s we celebrated a few events, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Had a great time with the boys. Super Sushi in the Valley followed by really special ice cream that Ollie really enjoyed.
They have taken Ice Cream way beyond B&J. Ollie loved it.
In that the boys were still in school and end of year testing was coming up and the oldest is trying to get into a very special school ( freshman year in high school he will be attending Jr. College) Lost track of my thoughts, at any rate, they needed some peace and quite so we headed south to San Diego and Jan’s sister. Always a great visit with Gary and Charlie. ( Long story, we met when the Charlie Perfum campaign was on, she wore her hair short as the model, so Carolyn became Charlie, still to this day. Along the way we stopped at a family favorite for lunch in Capistrano Beach, El Patio. Been dining here since the 60’s Always make a stop here plus the Peking Dragon in Dana Point.
School was out so we traveled back up to LA for the rest of our stay and to max out time with the Grandsons. It was an adventure, bike riding, swim time at the pool, more dinners out, a Dodger game ( they won), 4th of July fireworks, and the LA Zoo. It was a great trip.
So after 8 fun filled days on the second part of the visit, we left to return to France. Flew Business Class both ways with Air France. I think I will stick with this airline for a long time on long flights. It was fantastic. We always stay in the Montparnasse distric on the way home in that it is close to the train station we use, plus we always walk in the Luxembourg Gardens, they are special
