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Paris Tours – A Black Paris Perspective

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Paris Tours should always include a walk by of the Eiffel Tower. …it’s a part of Paris you cannot ignore.

I am not sure why this is showing up on my website today. Perhaps because in a different year,  I would be practicing my poor efforts at saying most things in French. There would be a suitcase, portable duffle, and a backpack, waiting for the yearly trek.  The array of cute flat shoes (no tennis shoes) to choose from on the guest bedroom floor. A small jar of moisturizer, small toothpaste, and contact lenses were the standard toiletries waiting to be packed. Everything else I needed, I would purchase in Paris.

Over the weekend, while purging papers, I happened upon some postcards…from Paris of course. A tear dropped and I refused to wipe i t away. One by one tears fell as I flipped through my short stack of memories. The Eiffel Tower in blue, the steps by Sacre Coeur in the snow, a perfect table setting with a view, fountains at the Tuileries, and Paris at night. 

These were not tears of sadness, but quite the opposite. I cherish the memories  of the Paris excursions. The friends I have made, my fantasy conversations with Claude (you know Monet), and wandering just for the adventure of it. I recollect my glee as I have flashbacks of the gardens I planned to see, as well as those I happened upon. My journey, my version of Paris and the anticipation of my August #refreshresetrestore, has been delayed this year. Not cancelled, simply postponed. 

One thing I have promised myself during this time of unintentional  pausing, I will always be good to myself. I will not deny myself of anything that will create a positive memory. There will be times when I have dessert for dinner and dinner for breakfast. Staying hydrated will be my mantra…from water to wine. As my big brother Jimmy  often reminds me, we are all adults now, just be YOU. So I reminisce about the things that bring  me joy. 

As we continue on this never ending road of unintentional pausing and encounter the intersection of what’s next, look back. Find the pictures, wear the trinkets, check your passport, for this too shall pass. BY 2022…we might be able to travel again. 

In the meantime…here is a memory that wants to be re-visited today…so it just keeps showing up.

During the Christmas Holiday of 2016, I wanted to take advantage of the  different tours offered in Paris. It was the perfect opportunity to partake in the Black Paris Tours.

Arranging the Black Paris Tour was quite easy. There are two options – a  half day tour and a full day tour. If  you want the adventure of a daylong immersion in the Black Paris perspective choose the full day, which includes dinner in Little Africa. I had no  idea of what to expect…however I was onboard for the journey.

The day started out at a wonderful restaurant with up close and personal views of the Arc de Triomphe. Breathtaking does not describe  how awesome this was and we were just getting started. Warm croissants, coffee, tea, and conversations with the other tour members was the icebreaker. Our guide informed us on how the tour would take us from foot to bus to Metro. We were all ears and ready to bundle up and get started with our day.

Starting our Black Paris Tour with Miguel , Our Guide on the Black Paris Tour.

Miguel Overton Guerra, Black Paris Tours, shared little known facts about the African American’s presence in the military history of France. The story of the Harlem Hell Fighters was amazing!We also discovered how this wonderful obelisk traveled across the waters as a gift to France.It was challenging seizing the opportunity of seeing this up close. We had to stick very close together as we navigated the cars and buses. Getting through traffic requires one to be very alert, attentive and aware!

Our guide Miguel escorted us to the Church which hosted the funeral of Josephine Baker. Madeleine Church was undergoing exterior renovations at the time of our visit. Knowing that I stood on the steps where many paid their respects to this woman of color who persisted, despite the odds, was amazing! While exterior work was being performed, the interior views were not the best. What I did capture was simply amazing. 

Interior of Madeleine Church were the ceremony of life was held for Josephine Baker.

One thing I must mention, the Madeleine Church has always welcomed a diverse congregation and still does today. Merci to the ministry of this beautiful Church.

Miguel ushered the group onto a bus and we traveled to visit with the monuments honoring Alexandre Dumas.  All along the way our guide pointed out other points of interest to explore on our own. Arriving in the neighborhood where the Dumas family called home was quite a treat.  Knowing that this Haitian man has left memorable literature of note to readers all around the globe is just amazing.

Miguel shared the story of the area where The Dumas family lived.

The statue was amazing.

The statue of Alexandre Dumas…

Then …we looked closer at the monument of this well-known author of the times…as well as today…Upon closer inspection one can see one of the Three Musketeers.  Imagining that a man of Color wrote one of the well-known classics is simply amazing.

Art in the park near the statue of Alexandre Dumas that speaks to the breaking of the chains of slavery ..simply awesome!

One of the last stops before dining was at Parc Monceau.

Aren’t these gilded gates magnificent!! Oh the gilded gates that welcomed many African-Americans and even housed an author of note in the maids chambers.

Yes it was cold, but a beautiful time had by all. Nothing like feeding the mind as well as the soul when traveling….

We left Parc Monceau after hearing many stories of how this was a well visited place for African-Americans in the Arts. We headed further into an area kniwn as Little Africa.  Admiring the beauty of this Parc in the midst of winter, I can see how it’s beauty captured the hearts of its visitors. In Little Africa, we dined in community with others from Senegal and I must say the food was divine.  The defining touch was the hibiscus tea…..delightful! Out of the respect for the restaurateur, we did not take photo’s. If you want a fantastic meal in an authentic restaurant, go to Little Africa or better yet, take the full day tour with Black Paris Tours.

Considering traveling to Paris, partake in the Black Paris Tours.  I guarantee that you will find out some interesting things you might not know about. Henry O. Tanner knew about the awakening that Paris provides and has provided throughout history to people of Color.

Thank you Ricki Stevenson for providing such great information on African-American milestones in Parisian history.

Memories as I am missing prepping for my August #reset…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Click here for more on Black Paris Tours

I wonder what Paris is like today…and if it misses me, as much as I miss her…

Be Paris – The Journey Continues

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Be Paris Toolkit….a personal collection of items needed to just Be Paris!

Be Paris best describes why I make the seasonal journey to the City of Lights.  I make sure I create the opportunity to reboot, refresh and restore my spirit as I travel. I call this my Be Paris journey because in Paris, I find it easy to just be. Be quiet, Be engaging if I want to be, Be emotional, Be adventurous, and most importantly Be spontaneous. My first Be Paris journey was all about what we read in books and see on TV. A typical tourist, armed with maps, emergency numbers – I was scared to death.

Although I have family that lives here, they were on holiday out of the country. I was left in the hands of Ricki Stevenson, Owner of Black Paris Tours, and a family friend.  Quite the whirlwind adventure and only piqued my interest in getting to know the City of Lights more intimately. Thank you Ricki for sharing your friends, food and fellowship with me. I think I started breathing when I got back to the United States. It was my first time soloflighting to a land I dreamt of as a teenager. For the first time in my life, I had the opportunity to just Be.

After a few well-timed trips to Paris under my belt with friends and without, I have learned more about Me. I need this moment, in one of my favorite places (so far) to pause and just Be Paris. There are secret streets that I need to find, as well as food that I need to experience. Now that I know this, I have acquired a few tools to just Be Paris.

My latest tool is a newly published book from Messy Nessy “Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris“.

How could I not order a signed copy of this book! It is quite dog eared right now…

Getting through this book in advance of my trip did not happen. I enjoyed reading it while in the Tuileries and on the Metro on my travels. This book provides a great roadmap to some of the places I was not familiar with. “Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris” also provided identification to places I had recently discovered.  When I am in Be Paris mode, I do not get lost, I just discover new and interesting territory. One of the most interesting things I find about Paris is the ease of finding your way back to where you started. One of the areas featured in this book was the fabric district, just below Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

I can usually find something that I NEED at les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre

I have to catch myself and be mindful when looking for fabrics.  One year I had to purchase an additional suitcase…and put some in the suitcase of my co-worker. When I visit Paris, one of the places I pause is les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre. I visited there again this trip for some cool fabrics and some serious deals! Ooo LaLa!

When hunger hits, my next tool comes in quite handy, particularly if you are in the 5th AR.

Tom Reeves reviews some of the best places to eat when this lady wants to just Be Paris.

Read this book in advance as I did, you will find it is very practical to keep on hand.  I made the effort on my past two visits to Paris to actually check out a few of the places Tom recommended.  I must say now I understand that slow service is not bad service…but all the more reason to linger and actually savor your meal, and enjoy the ambiance. In addition to this book, make time to see what Discover Paris Tours is offering. Tom is co-founder and offers a fantastic Black History Tour of the Luxembourg Gardens area. I took this tour and it was fantastic!! Next visit, I will plan on partaking in one of the Gourmet Walking Tours.

In order to just Be Paris, one must find time to just wander. A tour can be a wonderful think however. Finding that one tour that will blow your mind while in Paris can be challenging. I have learned that you really do not need to do more than two – but one can create  memory.  I am glad that this time I chose CityWonder for a Castle Trifecta Tour.

Great job CityWonders with two of the most enthusiastic tour guides I have ever met!

I had such a terrific time on this tour, I almost signed up for another day tour with two other travelers I met.  We had a fantastic time on the way there, as well as on the way back. Of the Castles we visited…my favorite was…

Definitely a Palace made for ME….and oh the gardens……

Now you know how I just Be Paris.  I am certain that the next time I visit, I will have a bigger toolkit and more stories to share. In the meantime, where is the place where you can just Be?

Slowly checking back into reality……

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Learn more about soloflighting

Be adventurous with Black Paris Tours

Click to find out more about DiscoverParis

Discover Don’t Be A Tourist In Paris

Explore City Wonders Paris Tours

Look here to find fabric deals in Paris les-coupons-de-Saint-Pierre

 

Loire Valley…Countryside Beauty in France

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The Loire Valley, just outside Paris should be on your make time to do list when visiting Paris, France. The Loire Valley had remained a mystery to me – what was it famous for and why, what grows there and what is the temperature like. City Wonders Tours offered a Loire Valley Castles & Winetasting Full Day Trip Tour. What better way to explore the Loire Valley. The opportunity to visit three Castles – Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Nitray, and Chateau de Chenonceau without driving, was certainly  treat.

Chateau de Chambord

Chateau de Chambord…The King only lived here 72 days…

Daniel and Kotryna, City Wonders guides, filled us in on some juicy tidbits of  history and information. King Francis definitely wanted to make certain you KNEW whose Castle this belonged to.

View from above overlooking the vast estate of King Francis…only a portion mind you…72 days…

These are the stairs that took you to the top where there were many walkways for optimum viewing pleasure…72 days….unbelievable

Truly a grand Chateau and the garden….was gorgeous!

Recently renovated, the garden was long and colorful. Full of pollinator plants and wonderfully pruned trees.

Placard describing the restoration plan…

There were a lot of the perennials that we use in our gardens stateside.

carefully pruned trees created an allee, defining the exterior edge of this garden.

The Castle itself had very little inside. All of the furniture that King Francis used was brought in and went with him when he left. During wartime, anything that remained was sold, stolen or has not been recovered – yet. There was this beautiful stove of sorts that had been restored which would heat certain rooms. not like our wood stoves mind you, but a floor to ceiling model – that Castle was COLD! Just goes to show you, consider your climate when admiring homes from lands far away in different climates. Keeping up with the Joneses goes waaaaay back!

Chateau de Nitray

Respecting that Chateau de Nitray is a private home, I will refrain from sharing the beauty that was found on this property. It is certainly a must see!

Currently a private home with an operating winery and food…

Nestled on a lane off the main road, was our mid-day stop that included our first tasting and lunch. We were greeted by the Owner who proved to be a gracious host. We first sampled Chateau de Nitray Touraine Sauvignon – light, citrus fragrance and smooth. The smell of hearty food was in the air and our host explained that we would be served Chateau de Nitray Touraine Les Meuriers with our lunch.

Oh the lunch! The tomato’s, new potato’s and perfectly cooked chicken was delicious!!

Served from this table with large pans overflowing with local goodness.

I have to share – I had two helpings of the tomato’s – I did not eat stewed tomato’s….until now. Perfectly seasoned tomato’s, the potato’s, accompanied by the chicken – heaven on a plate! Did I mention the cheese board and bread?

There is correct way to slice cheese and a correct placement of the bread. Ask me for the details….

The goat cheese just danced across the bread and the cheese round melted on my tongue…just delightful! With full bellies, we did our best to help the local economy and left with bottles of delicious wines for later. Nothing wrong with making the memory linger.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Our final stop of the day was at Chateau de Chenonceau. In my humble opinion, City Wonders saved the best of the Loire Valley for last.

This is the kind of Castle that brings a smile to any Princess’s face.

First had another wine tasting…

The wine cellar greeted us for the day’s second wine tasting in the Loire Valley.

Daniel led our group in tasting the whites and the reds offered.

As we left the wine cellar, we headed towards the Castle…and were in awe!

Daniel told me earlier in the day that this was most likely the Castle I would love the best – HE WAS SO RIGHT!

From the foyer with restored floor….

A photo of the restored floor due to the high level of visitors…

The sides of the foyer had original tiles left tin place. I touched the original floor of a Princess…

The floral arrangements were voluptuous….

The floral arrangement in the foyer….bodacious

The painting that brought out the beautiful attributes of the reigning wife of King Henri, son of King Francis hangs in the bedroom of Queen Catherine de Medici. Quite the contrast between Diana de Portier, Duchess of Etampes who was considered beautiful. Keeping in mind that beauty in these days was pale white skin, no eyebrows, hair plucked for the appearance of a big forehead and pale skin. I think that someone did not like the competition.

Competition was fierce and seriously not kind. This was supposed to be a flattering image of Catherine de Medici….hmmm Not the best photo.

The bed of Catherine de Médicis

Throughout the bedroom, there were a lot of “C’s and H’s”. Talk about marking your territory…these letters were everywhere. The flowers chosen to accent the rooms from the property were outstanding!

This arrangement was beside the bed in the bedroom of Queen Catherine de Médicis.

Arrangement in one of the sitting rooms. The scent of the lilies drew you into this room…

Drawn outside where the canoes lazily graced the surrounding waters, I explored the grounds and gardens.To the gardens……

The gardens to the left of this phenomenal Castle.

One combination that really caught my eye….

The amazement of Wisteria in full bloom…

Wisteria after the visit of the bees….

Such abundant bloom accompanied by an orchestra of bees…….

Then, there was the other garden…..

Up close and personal gardens that emitted an intoxicating smell that drew you in…

Signs that reminded one to not walk on the grass…

This garden to the right of the Castle is where I would have hidden. Immersing myself into the magnificent grandeur and beauty of Chateau Chenonceau.

Unfortunately, we had to head back to the bus and head back to Paris. The thoughts of the day – the Castles, the food and the wine made for quite the conversation among strangers.

Thank you City Wonders (Daniel and Kotryna) for a terrific day in the Loire Valley.

Here are a few links to find out more:

City Wonders Tours

Chateau Chambord

Chateau de Nitray

Chateau de Chenonceau

Diane de Poitiers

Catherine de Medici

Recapping my day in the Loire Valley,

Teri, Cottage In The Court

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Soloflighting – Traveling Solo Is Cool

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yep …still enamored with Paris and all of it’s magic…Especially as a Soloflighter!

Senior Soloflighting is something I suggest every woman do at some point. I do not mean to be sexist, however I can only speak from personal experience. I use the term Senior Soloflighting because as an awakening Senior, I became passionate about travel. Not exactly in a committed relationship, I felt what am I waiting for? It seriously became a WHY NOT moment. At fifty, I officially became a Senior Soloflighter. It was the first time in my mature life that I traveled outside of the USA. In fact, earlier this year was the first time ever traveling with a small group. (I will recap this later as it was a Cuban Adventure I am still savoring in my mind. Another Senior Awakening moment!) I love the Soloflight experience!!!

I wanted to share a few personal tips on what I feel are necessary items for a comfortable Senior Soloflight experience.

1. YOU ARE ON VACATION

There are only so many hours in the day. Don’t rush into activity on day one. Arrive, drink water, unpack, get rations (food) and more water. Dehydration is real and can ruin a great vacation! I avoid hotels and try to stay in community – once again a personal choice. Its the hippie in me. As I age, I might consider a hotel. While I can still adapt, I look for private vacation residences. No one is going to make the bed or change the towels…but its for a short stay. I don’t have the maid do this at home…I don’t have a maid. I live to travel and garden – no maid required.

2. PLAN OR NOT PLAN

This could be added to #1. If you have a docket of notes and 98 travel brochures in addition to whatever you booked in advance, you are WORKING and not SOLOFLIGHTING. Depending on the length of your trip, plan one or two full days of an organized event and the rest of your stay WANDER. It is a great idea to have A plan and NOT over plan. My full day yesterday was perfect visiting Castles in the Loire Valley – will share later. Today, I will wander, sit in the park , look for fabric, and people watch as I VACATION. I have an idea of where I want to visit…maybe…or maybe not!

3. SHOES MATTER

Walking shoes may or may not be cute…but they need to be practical.

Choosing basic, practical shoes is not my normal practice. However when traveling, basic black is always a good choice. These Baretraps Comfort slip-ons were on point at the airport as well as walking to my Paris apartment.

Baretrap walking slip on shoes. No glares from other passengers at the security check points. Easy on and off!

Comfort cushion inside and they felt like a glove caressed my foot. We all have our favorite brands. Pick your favorite that will go with anything – dressy or casual.

My second pair was for pure COMFORT! They are by “ahnu” and they are my second pair. It is my second pair. I have another pair from another brand that I wore in Cuba. Needing a half-size smaller, I ordered these. Twelve hours of walking, hopping on and off a bus and I was still raring to dance.

I felt like I was walking n clouds….floating amidst the other tourist was awesome. Talk about Happy Feet!!!

I have to figure out how to make them cute,  but as a walker these are SO practical! Several seasoned sisters on my bus yesterday asked me where I got them from and how comfortable they looked. NEWSFLASH – online ordering and YES they were the clouds that carried me from Castle to Castle.

3. CARRY TRAVEL SAFE GEAR

A true Soloflighter means there is no one to carry your bag. You are traveling Solo. Practical just makes sense. I have an over the shoulder body purse. Eight years and still going strong, I ALWAYS  know I am carrying this bag.

8 years and I never travel without this bag….and I never will!

Three outside zipper compartments that lay close to your body. Perfect for maps and other essentials

The room inside this bag is amazing! I will never regret buying this bag.On

(Don’t put your peach from the winery in your purse…although delicious…it gets messy!) Do put in a few business cards or some form of id, a lip gloss – this one from Bluffajo as it’s a natural subtle shine.

All this Lady needs to travel on a daily basis! I am ready for whatever comes my way!

ALL of these essential items fit into this bag and it was not heavy. From hand sanitizer, to a notebook with working pen, my Liquid Courage “Super Rich Red,” mented “dark night” to the mints, to freshen my breath I am armed with my essential items. One last thing though…

4. CHARGERS COUNT

One of the realities of being a Soloflighter is that you might not be electronics savvy. I am learning, but Thank God there is a learning curve! Let me introduce you to what I call my Soloflighting BFF. The name is “iclever”. It has been the best purchase I have made on my own for my travels.

Charging is essential when capturing the beauty that surrounds you is the mission of the day.

No longer  do I worry about how long my charge will last – I have reliable back up! I carry my USB cord and my iclever. 4 charges while at a conference in Buffalo, 3 charges yesterday and it’s still going strong! There are two ports on top to charge two things at once!

I did not need to refer to a Millennial to figure this out. It is truly a must have at all times!

I hope that you consider Senior Soloflighting these tips come in handy! I have a few more – but I have a day of wandering ahead of me.

Enjoying the Adventure!

Teri, Cottage In The Court

There is no sponsored content in this post. These all personal choices and I have not been  compensated for any of these recommendations.