Saturday, February 07, 2004

Paris

Finally over the jet lag, I woke up a bit before 8am. I'm a European now, if only for a couple more days. I opened my windown this morning to find it has gotten much cooler, but it is dry at least - and the dentist isn't working across the street, so the few looks a little less painful.

I had to try room service to see if it was as good this morning as it was last night. Wow. I had oatmeal, coffee and toast. It was so beautifully presented that I took a picture of it. And it was, frankly, the best room service breakfast I've ever had. Not only that, but the oatmeal was amazing - made with real cream, it was so delicious. Probably only 9,000 calories!

About to get ready for the day, then hit some shopping and what looks to be an interesting show at the Musée du Luxembourg. Home later to pack and listen to the MSU-OSU game on-line. Go State!

Friday, February 06, 2004

Park Hyatt Paris - Vendôme


I moved hotels to the Park Hyatt Paris at Place Vendôme on Tuesday night. It is nice being downtown, but I've been working so long that yesterday was the first time I went for a walk since the weekend.

The weather here is spectacular, in the high 50's to low 60's and partly sunny. We walked to the Place de la Madeleine yesterday to visit the other Hyatt hotel and I couldn't get over how nice it was. I'm looking forward to a day off tomorrow.

My room is beautiful - I'm putting pictures of it on the site so you can see. High ceilings and the colours are a mahogany wood and gold, with a brown limestone bath. Just beautiful. I have a view out of my window of the obeslik at Place Vendôme and... funny... a dentist office across the street. Every morning when I get up I see patients getting their teeth cleaned or a root canal.

Tonight was, frankly, the best tasting room service food I've ever had. A simple bibb lettuce salad with shaved parmesan cheese and balsamic vinaigrette, and then mashed potatoes and charbroiled chicken breast. All done simple, classic and frankly perfect. Not too much dressing, not oily, a touch of garlic. And all on sterling silver trays and silverware. You had to be impressed.

Rooms here cost around €450 a night and you can see why. A combination of modern style and classic architecture - unusual, nice. The bar is très hip, they have a DJ and play cool electro jazz music. I love Europe for that.

Tomorrow I go shopping, then I leave for Madrid on Sunday.

Lucky me!