The Seine has always played an important role in Paris.
Two Olympic games’ events were held here in the early 1900s.
The river divides the city into the two different areas, the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite), both with very distinct personalities.
Beautiful architecture, in the form of bridges, cross many areas of the tributary…some of the most noteworthy are Pont Neuf, Pont D’Austerlitz, Pont St. Michel, Pont Des Invalides, Pont Marie, Pont du Carrousel, Pont Royal, Pont Alexandre III, Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
The Seine provides a means of transportation and entertainment…maritime river vessels transport goods through the city and boats carry passengers on sight-seeing voyages and dinner cruises up and down the waterway.
Every year, millions of visitors arrive in Paris, hoping to see the city from all angles. At some point during their visit, most make their way to the Seine…walking along the river and taking in views of the Eiffel Tower or crossing the river to access other parts of the city.
One of the most popular attractions in Paris are the bateau-mouches, or river boats and there are a few different companies to choose from, including Vedettes de Paris, Bateaux Mouches and Bateaux Parisiennes. Having only cruised on one of these companies, Bateaux Mouches, I really did not have much of an opinion on why one would be better than the others. Same sights, different boats, right?
Recently, my son and I decided to make good on a boat ride. On his thirteenth birthday trip to Paris, we had planned to take a river cruise one evening. It was extremely cold and windy and other activities encroached on our time. Leaving Paris knowing we had missed out on one of the prime ways to see the city, we were quite disappointed. While he was with me in Paris again, we were definitely not going to miss out.
Taking a walk towards the Eiffel Tower, it was almost lunch time. Grabbing sandwiches, our plan was to take the next departure on the closest boat company, Bateaux Parisiennes, and have our lunch on the boat…only, our plan did not work. We just missed the boat and had to eat our lunch while waiting for the next one to depart. Lesson learned…make sure you know the departure times.
Boarding the Bateaux Parisiennes boat, I was quite impressed with the accommodations. Instead of rows of seats, all facing foward, there were small seating areas near the windows and a raised row of seats at the center to accommodate larger crowds, all covered in a nice, light-colored woodgrain. Many television monitors were strategically placed throughout the boat showing upcoming scenery and retractable handsets offered a detailed commentary of the passing attractions. A stairway at the center of the boat led to the top of the boat where benches lined the exterior for those (like us) willing the brave the misty afternoon. There was also a vending area at the rear of the bottom level with soft drinks and snacks available and the boat was extremely neat and clean.
Passing the famous buildings and attractions, we decided to brave the misty weather and go to the top of the boat for a while. Coasting by Jardin des Tuileries, The Louvre, Musee D’Orsay, and finally Ile de La Cité, where Notre Dame presides in all of its glory, we had a prime view of the famous landmarks and the upper deck almost to ourselves as we glided under the beautiful bridges that cross the Seine.
The boat finally rounded Ile de La Cité and began it’s return journey.
As we passed our starting point and admired the Eiffel Tower, I assumed we were on our way to Swan Island to make the turn and view the Statue of Liberty. Sadly, though I remember seeing the Statue of Liberty on previous trips, we did not go that far and returned to our starting point.
After docking, we were free to leave and continue our exploration on foot along the Seine.
When visiting the beautiful city of Paris, grab some snacks and drinks and head down to the Seine. Try one of the river boats and see the city from a different perspective! Or better yet, try one of the dinner cruises on their restaurant boats! Night or day, it’s a lovely way to enjoy the city.
For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.
Bateaux Parisiennes
http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/english.html
Address: Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France (just in front of the Eiffel Tower)
Hours: October-March, 1030-2200, departures approximately every hour. April-September, 1000-2230 (2300, Aug), departures approximately every half hour. Additional departures from Notre Dame from April-November. See website for more detailed information.
Admission: €15
Getting There: Metro, Line 6, Bir-Hakeim stop, Line 9, Trocadero stop, Bus 42, 92, RER, Line C, Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel stop
Having been to Asia before, it was no surprise to wake up this early. It had happened quite frequently when I was in Thailand a couple of years ago. The trick was to make use of my time…update Facebook, edit pictures, write blog posts, call home.
The Ha Long Bay cruise, was still weighing heavily on my mind. Still not sure what to do, I called a friend who had done Ha Long Bay as a day trip and asked her for her opinion. She assured me that since there was so much that I wanted to do and see in Hanoi, I would definitely benefit from doing a day trip and that I would not miss out on anything. Yes, it would be a day trip (albeit a long, tiring one) and it would be a much cheaper option, helping to resolve that deficit I was now in thanks to my expensive visa!
Feeling good about my decision, I finally dressed for the day and headed downstairs for breakfast. After some fruit, sticky rice and an omelet, I enlisted the front desk’s help to finalize my booking for my Ha Long Bay trip the next day. Finally, it was all set.
Glad to have the Ha Long Bay dilemma resolved, I gathered my belongings, marched out of the hotel into the congested streets and made my way toward the western part of the city. My plan was to venture northwest of the Old Quarter and begin my exploration at the Ho Tay or West Lake.
Making my way westward along a street behind my hotel, I still marveled at the hoards of motorbikes passing by and admired the locals making deals on their daily produce. Soon, I came to a few stalls that contained piles of some sort of grilled animal. Behind two of these, I noticed women wielding cleavers and cutting the animals into pieces. After taking a closer look, I stopped in my tracks. Were these dogs? Already attracting negative attention as a foreigner with a camera swinging freely around her neck, I didn’t dare lift it to take a picture. I stopped in my tracks, pretended to search for something in my bag, while trying to get a better look. A few negative glances deterred my curiosity, so I walked across the street to another stall with a lady who did not appear so menacing. As sweetly as I could, I inquired as to what kind of animal it was. Not as welcoming as I thought, she proceeded to yell at me to go away, further making me think that these were indeed dogs.
Stock photo.
I am sure that I am not the first westerner to walk down this street early in the morning and witness this ritual and I am sure that there have been many animal rights activists willing to give the Vietnamese people a piece of their mind. I decided to keep walking or possibly find myself in a situation that I was not willing to welcome, however, I did find out later that dog is still considered a delicacy in Vietnam. Typically, Vietnamese eat dog meat at the end of the lunar month to get rid of bad luck. Dog is also the go-to dish for drinking parties, family reunions and special occasions. It is said to increase a man’s virility and help provide medicinal cures. Although I vowed at that moment to avoid beef, lest I be served something I was not comfortable with, I was also told that because it is more costly than beef, chances of that happening were extremely rare. Still, I decided that I would be consuming chicken, pork and seafood during my stay.
After my early morning shock and struggling to put it out of my mind, I continued my walk along the streets covered with beautiful old trees and lush greenery. I marveled at the monuments, buildings and churches that I passed and soon, I arrived at my first destination, the Quán Thánh Temple.
The Quán Thánh Temple, formerly known as the Trấn Vũ Temple, is a Taoist temple dating back to the 11th century. One of the four Sacred Temples of the capital, it is a leading tourist attraction in the city. Known for its principle gate and giant banyan tree shading the large yard, it is one of the oldest temples in Hanoi. The shrine contains a famous bronze statue of Trấn Vũ, Deity of the North in Taoism, and in the courtyard, a brick oven which people use to burn fake money believing it will be sent to their ancestors. Finding it very peaceful, I enjoyed my walk around its gardens.
Leaving Quán Thánh, I headed north along Thanh Nién Road which crosses between Ho Tay (West Lake) and Truc Bach Lake. Many may know Truc Bach Lake as the location in which Senator and former presidential candidate, John McCain, landed during the Vietnam War after being shot down.
Trấn Quốc Pagoda lies just off of Thanh Nién Road on a small island near the southeastern shore of Ho Tay and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, constructed in the sixth century. A favorite sightseeing location of kings and lords of Vietnam, it lured these nobles because of its tranquility, serenity and stunning scenery.
Walking along the palm tree lined bridge connecting the pagoda’s island to the mainland, the view of the red pagoda against the green water of Ho Tay is spectacular. The front yellow gates are impressive with its massive wooden doors. Immediately to the left of the entrance, is one of the main parts of the Trấn Quốc Temple as it holds important monk’s ashes of whom have resided at the Trấn Quốc Pagoda for centuries. The monumental stupa, red in color, which symbolizes luck and prosperity and visible from afar, was erected in 1998 and is comprised of 11 floors each displaying a vaulted window holding a statue of Amitabha made from gemstone. The top of the stupa offers a nine-story lotus, also from gemstone.
The Trấn Quốc is also known for its priceless antiques, dating back hundreds of years. The worshiping statues in the front house are meticulously engraved and polished by skillful craftsmen. The most outstanding of the bunch is “Thích ca thập niết bàn”, which has been assessed as the most beautiful statue of Vietnam.
If you can visit this remarkable pagoda at the end of the day, it is renowned for its sunset views.
After my visit to the Trấn Quốc Pagoda was complete, I made my way back from the way I had come, passing the Quán Thánh Temple and headed toward the Presidential Palace.
The Presidential Palace, built between 1900-1906 for the French Governor-General of Indochina by August Henri Vildieu, incorporates Italian Renaissance design and lush landscaping throughout the premises. Although you cannot enter the actual palace, currently used for government meetings, you can see it from a relatively close distance. There are many other items of interest on the grounds including a traditional Vietnamese house on stilts, the house where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 to 1958, a garage of Ho Chi Minh’s cars and a grand carp pond.
Leaving the Presidential Palace, I set out to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum located nearby in Ba Dinh Square. Although the attraction is closed from September through November each year for renovation and is the time when Ho Chi Minh’s body is sent to Russia for re-embalming, you can get a great view of the building from the area where Ho Chi Minh, Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1951-1969) read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s Museum lies the One Pillar Pagoda or Chùa Một Cột. This pagoda dates back to 1049 when Emperor Ly Thai Tong had it constructed as a way to express his gratitude to the young peasant girl he married, bearing him a son and heir. The pagoda was built to resemble a lotus blossom and is built of wood on a single stone pillar. The pagoda was destroyed by the French in 1954, but was rebuilt by the new government.
Although my guide book stated that an entrance fee was required, I wandered freely through the pagoda and the adjacent area. This location has many vendors for decently priced souvenirs, snacks and drinks and is a great place to take a break for a short time before continuing on.
My next stop in this fascinating city was the Temple of Literature. This temple is one of many in the city dedicated to Confucius but is also the site of Vietnam’s first university, established in 1706. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect here, but was not disappointed.
Entering through the imposing tiered gateway I was greeted with formal gardens before reaching the Khue Van pavilion and a beautiful fish pond known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity. The area encompassed by the temple is quite large and their are many displays of traditional Vietnamese architecture as well as a low-slung pagoda and numerous statues of Confucius and his disciples. The temple honors Vietnam’s finest scholars and those of literary accomplishment.
As I departed from the Temple of Literature, many school girls were arriving wearing Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) hoping to take pictures in front of and around the Temple of Literature and seemingly celebrating a success (possibly graduation). It was a sight to behold with the many colors and with their beautiful figures.
Taking a few minutes to grab some lunch at a nearby cafe, I discovered that France is not the only place to get great bread. Though France departed Vietnam in 1954, after one hundred years of colonial rule, they left behind the expertise of unbelievable baking! If you’ve ever had a good ham and cheese baguette in Paris, you’re sure to find one equally appetizing or better in Vietnam!
With aching feet and the clock fast approaching the five o’clock hour, I realized that my final stop in Hanoi, that day, was going to be the Thang Long Royal Citadel.
As I entered the area near the Citadel, I found that an exhibition was taking place in conjunction with the 62nd anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day. Walking through the grounds, there were many exhibits and colorful displays. The tunnels on the Đoan Môn gate were blocked due the exhibition, but I was able to enter the complex through an adjacent gate. After paying my admission, I was able to climb to the top of the gate and walk throughout the structure. From the top, I had amazing views of the festivities below. This gate is the remaining relic of the ancient Forbidden City.
Walking throughout the UNESCO Heritage site (since 2010), it is easy to see why this complex is a source of great pride to the people of Hanoi and the Vietnamese people. The grounds are lush, green and extensive, although many of the original buildings were destroyed by the French.
15th century stone dragons can be found decorating the steps to what was once Kinh Thien Palace. You can also visit Hau Lau (Black Tower) and Cua Bac (Northern Gate) at the back of the complex as well as the Princess Tower and the Military Operation Bunker.
From the front of the grounds, you see the Flag Tower of Hanoi which is frequently used as a symbol of the city. Built in 1812, during the Nguyen Dynasty, the tower, was spared from destruction during the French colonial rule as it was used as a military post. I inquired as to visiting the tower but was told that it was not open to the public. After my visit, however, I discovered that although most people consider it a part of the Citadel, it is actually part of the Military History Museum. Perhaps I was told that it was not open that day or perhaps I was mistakenly told that it was not open to the public…the language barrier may have contributed to not being able to visit this landmark.
Realizing that the day was drawing to a close, I decided that it was time to head back to my little hotel room in the Old Quarter for a shower and dinner. Exhausted, I was dreading the long walk. After being approached by a motorcyclist and offered a ride to my hotel, I decided to take him up on his bid. Shortly after taking my seat behind him, however, I wondered what I had gotten myself into! Turning his motorbike around and heading into traffic until he was able to get to the street that he wanted, I wondered if he actually knew how to navigate the streets. We continued on…many motorbikes immediately to our left and right and the occasional bus, inches from my shoulder. He made quick work of driving back to the Old Quarter and was soon depositing me at the door of the hotel.
After my harrowing journey, it was time to relax, have a calming drink, eat a delicious dinner and ready myself for my long day to Ha Long Bay the next morning! Reflecting on my day’s adventures, I was amazed that I had braved the streets of Hanoi, even on the back of a motorbike, and seen so many beautiful and inspiring things, however, I realized that I had seen only half of what the city had to offer. There was so much more still to explore. Glad that I had decided on the one day cruise to Ha Long Bay, I was now free to explore the rest of Hanoi’s treasures on my return.
For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.
Sometimes we have to see things in a different way.
Years ago, we made the cross country trek to visit the Grand Canyon with our children. Driving from Phoenix to the southern rim, we joined the hoards of spring breakers entering the park to get a glimpse of the mammoth gorge. Although we did not enter the canyon, we did see it from the many overlooks, peering down into its depths. Watching the countless hikers begin their slow descent on the paths leading to the bottom and the many planes flying overhead, I promised myself that one day I would return and see it again from both its lowest point as well as from the air.
Learning from a co-worker that we are able to make a stand-by reservation with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines for a flight over the Grand Canyon, I quickly reserved a spot for the next morning, although it meant a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call.
Picked up promptly, at 5:00 a.m., I was shuttled over to Boulder City for my check-in. Keeping my fingers crossed that there would be at least one seat for me, I gave my information to the agent and was instructed to make myself comfortable and wait for my name to be called. Thankfully, about 20 minutes later, I heard my name over the loudspeaker and quickly walked over to the desk. YES! One seat remaining and it was all mine!
Shortly after, our young pilot gathered our group together and ushered us out to our waiting airplane. Since someone was needed to sit up front next to the pilot, I volunteered as the rest of the group were traveling in pairs or groups. Being a flight attendant, I felt so right at home, sitting up front with the pilot, that almost felt like I should be making coffee and passing out nuts!
We made the quick taxi and soon were speeding up the runway for our takeoff.
Up we went, soaring over the barren landscape, until finally, our pilot informed us, over our headsets, that Hoover Dam was up ahead. After a couple of turns so that everyone could have a decent view, we sped forward, over Lake Mead and the mountainous landscape. Before long, our destination was in view.
It was an extremely soothing ride as we admired the sweeping scenes of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. With the early morning sun, there were many shadows and I could only imagine that the multitude of colors of the canyon, as well as the view, would vastly change as the day went on. The vista, however, was spectacular as we flew just above the highest points of the canyon, including Imperial Point, the canyon’s highest spire. The Colorado river was visible flowing throughout the canyon with its hairpin turns and rapids visible. We even spotted river rafters beginning their day’s journey.
Before long, however, our Vistaliner aircraft was making the journey back to Boulder City and setting down at the terminal’s runway. A quick forty minute ride back to my hotel and I was walking back into my room, ready for the what the rest of the day would bring.
Although, I was able to receive an extremely steep discount for this tour, this company does list this tour as one of their affordable options. With transportation to and from Las Vegas hotels, I do think that this tour is perfect for those wanting to see the Grand Canyon, yet not wanting to spend a lot of time doing so. There are many other options available, as add-ons and as tour packages, including deplaning at the Grand Canyon and taking a bus into the park, visiting an Indian reservation and white water rafting.
When I returned, one of my husband’s co-workers inquired as to whether I would I do this tour again. Four hours with transportation included, a smooth 45 minute air tour with God’s beauty beneath you and wonderful people running the show…I would say it is well worth the price!
Now, if I can only get a discount on a pack mule to take me to the bottom…
For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.
Working for an airline most definitely has many upsides and downsides. Being on the front lines, flight attendants sometimes endure our passenger’s cordiality and sometimes their wrath. There have been days that I have returned from my trips vowing to my husband that I was quitting my job. Why didn’t I, you ask? Simply put…I enjoy seeing the world.
Ever hear the phrase, “Marry me, fly free”? Well, it’s true…or almost true.
Each airline policy regarding employee travel varies. My airline, for example, offers free travel to employees and their families from the very beginning of their career. Domestic travel incurs no charge; however, taxes are paid for international travel, for the specific city. Italy’s taxes tend to be the cheapest, while England’s are some of the most expensive…about $160 difference between the two. That being said, paying the taxes versus buying an international ticket is definitely a plus! Travel, however, is not confirmed. Employees check flights for available seats and place themselves on an employee standby list for that flight. The employees are assigned seats just before departure in order of seniority. No available seats? No go! So, employees definitely must have flexible travel plans and travel in off peak time periods. But, having that ability offers us the chance to go to places on a whim that most people spend months planning.
Travel benefits are also extended to our immediate family. Again, while policies vary between airlines, my husband, parents and children are also offered benefits. Over the years, we have taken many wonderful vacations…some we could have never afforded if we had had to purchase five tickets. Unfortunately, as my children grow older, I realize that this will eventually come to an end. Our benefits are extended to our children until the age of 26, if they are actively enrolled students or in the military. If they graduate at 22 or 23 and do not seek advanced education, they will no longer be covered by my travel benefits. It is no wonder that many airline employees’ children seek airline employment later in life.
When the children were younger, it was much easier to travel when school wasn’t as much of an issue. On many occasions, we packed up on a Thursday night and went to Grand Cayman or some other exotic locale for the weekend. I remember the preschool teachers thinking that our children were making up stories about their travels. Not many people can travel to far flung destinations, just for a weekend.
Last week, my oldest son turned 19. He is currently in college and his benefits will run out in about three and half years, unless he opts to pay for continuing education. Trying to take advantage of his school break, I decided that he and I should try and travel somewhere that he has never been. Checking flight availability, I noticed that the flight to Nice, France had a large number of seats open on Friday and a large number of seats open three days later, returning from Nice. Standing in the doorway of his room, I offered to take him to Nice for the weekend. We would only be there for half a day on Saturday, the whole day on Sunday and would be returning on Monday. Take it from a flight attendant; you can most certainly squeeze in a lot of sightseeing in that time frame. I was shocked when he declined my offer, stating that he had plans with friends.
Nothing I said would change his mind. “You do realize you will lose your benefits in three and a half years?” “Don’t base your decisions in life on others.” “This is your birthday present!” and all the “Mom” things I could muster. His friends said, “Wow, I’d go to France in a heartbeat, if I were you!”
Still, nothing would persuade him.
Frustrated, I realized that an opportunity could pass by. Having been to Nice many times myself, my husband and younger sons had never been. Why couldn’t the four of us go without my oldest son? Secretly though, I was assuming that if my oldest son saw that we were going to go without him, he would alter his plans and come with us after all.
Securing hotel rooms, plans were quickly put into place. We decided to leave on Friday afternoon and travel to New York. Our flight would depart at 9:20 pm and we would be arriving in Nice at 11:10 am the next morning. My oldest, sadly, still refused to travel with us.
After departing New York’s JFK airport and a seven hour flight, we were soon standing outside of Terminal 2 and boarding a bus enroute to Gare de Nice-Ville train station. Arriving a quick 20 minutes later, the walk to our hotel was a quick five minutes.
Having only opened last July, our hotel was modern, clean and perfect for our short stay. The hotel presented us with adjacent rooms and was very helpful in providing us with information on local activities.
After quickly getting settled, we were on our way to explore Nice, Monaco and St. Paul de Vence.
Although, it was a quick weekend, I was so thankful to be able to give the gift of seeing a different city to, at least, most of my family. All too soon we were back on the bus, returning to the airport for our return trip to New York and Richmond.
My oldest held down the fort while we were gone, taking care of the dog and the laundry. He inquired about our trip when we arrived. He even asked to see the pictures from the trip. I thought that maybe he would have regretted his decision a bit and maybe he did…but we will never know. I just hope that he realizes what an amazing opportunity he passed on and doesn’t continue to do so in the future. It would be a terrible shame to be further in life and look back with remorse stating, “I wish I would have taken the opportunity to travel when I had it.”
My two younger boys, however, enjoyed the fact that they benefited from his passing on the trip. They posted pictures of their adventure on Facebook. They had a wonderful time and were eager to share their exploits with their friends. For them, it is thrilling to know that they have been somewhere where many of their friends have not. To quote a friend of theirs, “You went to Nice for the weekend? Who DOES that?”
We do!!!
Me and my family in St. Paul de Vence.Nice, FranceThe Prince’s Palace of MonacoSt. Paul de Vence, France
Delta Airlines provides service to Nice three to four times a week during winter months and daily during the rest of the year.
Taking a walk towards the Eiffel Tower, it was almost lunch time. Grabbing sandwiches, our plan was to take the next departure on the closest boat company, Bateaux Parisiennes, and have our lunch on the boat…only, our plan did not work. We just missed the boat and had to eat our lunch while waiting for the next one to depart. Lesson learned…make sure you know the departure times.
Boarding the Bateaux Parisiennes boat, I was quite impressed with the accommodations. Instead of rows of seats, all facing foward, there were small seating areas near the windows and a raised row of seats at the center to accommodate larger crowds, all covered in a nice, light-colored woodgrain. Many television monitors were strategically placed throughout the boat showing upcoming scenery and retractable handsets offered a detailed commentary of the passing attractions. A stairway at the center of the boat led to the top of the boat where benches lined the exterior for those (like us) willing the brave the misty afternoon. There was also a vending area at the rear of the bottom level with soft drinks and snacks available and the boat was extremely neat and clean.
