Amsterdam Pictures

Pictures from Brussels

Pictures from Brussels

Here we are in Luxembourg

A Few Pics from Paris

The Louvre

Went to the Louvre Museum - twice. And still didn't get in.

The brochure they gave us at the hotel said the Louvre stays open until 9:30 on Mondays so we got there about 6:30 to find that it closes at 6. When we asked the lady at the information booth, she said they hadn't been open late on Monday for over ten years. (we threw the brochure away)

So back on Tuesday and...

That is the one day they close each week.

But they did tell us they are open late on Wednesday. Of course, we will be in Luxembourg.

So anyway, here is a picture of the Louvre and a picture of Brea with the Mona Lisa. (this will just have to do for this trip)

Rain, Rain, Rain

We made it to Paris.

It has been raining since our arrival. Light drizzles off and on - but mostly on. It looks like we are in for rain throughout the week from here to Amsterdam. Time to pull out the raincoat.

Britney Spears in London at the O2 Arena

Trafalgar Square

The Parliment and Big Ben

Our Hotel in London - The Royal Horseguards

Beautiful hotel. Every little detail has been considered and refined. Crown mouldings throughout the room. TV, heated floor, heated towel rack, beautiful marle work in the bathroom. Beautiful woodworking throughout the rest of the room.

Express Train to London then lots of subway rides

The Heathrow Express train got us into London (not quite near the hotel) in about 15 minutes. From the station we took a quick ride to our stop and headed to the hotel.

Delays and Detours, but we made it

Our flight ended up leaving at midnight instead of 9pm due to some type of problem starting the engines. The pilot kept referring to it as the air conditioner that starts the engine.

After rolling us back to the terminal (where I thought they were going to unload us), they got a jumpstart and decided to take a different route. Because the equivilent of the check engine light was lit, we were not permitted to cross the Atlantic in one shot. So....

Calls to London by the pilot to get a couple airports in Canada, Greenland, and Iceland to reopen so we had a place to land in case the engines decided to stop working and we had to make an emergency landing.

So we took a little longer route, but we didn't need the airports along the way.

Four hours later than scheduled, we arrived in London.

Yea!!!

Finishing up our trip in Amsterdam

Our last two nights will be in Amsterdam overlooking the Amstel River. Eden Hotel Amsterdam is located in the centre of the bustling centre of the capital of the Netherlands, right next to the famous Rembrandt Square.

The Eden Hotel is on the Amstel River, which provides a lovely view of the lit-up bridges and passing boats. All the shops, Amsterdam’s number one nightlife area with its pavement cafes, trendy bars and clubs, Theater Carré, the Stopera; it’s all within a couple of minutes walk.

Did you say Brussels

After Luxembourg, it's on to Brussels, Belgium for a stay at the Floris Arlequin Grand Place. 100 metres from the impressive Grand Place.

This seven-floor property features 92 bright, modern guestrooms, all of which include wireless Internet access, satellite TV and telephones. Rooms also extend to ensuite bathrooms, which provide baths or showers and hair dryers. Found on the top floor of the hotel and offering panoramic views over old Brussels, the 7th Ciel restaurant is open breakfast and lunch.

Then it's on to Luxembourg

Once the headquarters for General Patton - The Grand Hotel Mercure Alfa Luxembourg is located opposite the railway station, in the heart of the business and shopping district and close to the historic town centre.

Our next stop will be Paris

Location, location, location...

As you can see, a great location.

Free Internet, Free Breakfast, and a short walk to the Eiffel Tower and Seine River.

Royal Horseguards Hotel

Our first two nights, we will be staying in London at the Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Classical elegance. Contemporary comfort. All our bedrooms have been transformed, combining all the classical elegance of the Victorian building with comforts that are decidedly 21st Century.

They’re equipped with:

32 inch satellite plasma TV in the bedroom and LCD TV in the bathroom
Complimentary wireless internet access
Built in dual voltage power adaptors, fax and modem points
iPod docking station with surround sound
Electronically coded safe with power supply to charge your laptop
Mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities

Three Weeks and Counting

All the reservations have been made for the Hotels and for the flight. Just need to get between the cities once we get there.