CHARLOTTE – So we left Charlotte on a Saturday night, flying through to Charles DeGaul International Airport in France, near Paris. Our flight was faultless and comfortable. We had chosen Extra Comfort Seats at the partition wall of the aircraft. We had plenty of room to stretch, and I had an aisle seat which is so important at our age. Food and drink service were as advertised, and the “pop – Up” monitors coupled with my American Airlines App, made time pass comfortably. Of course the trip over involves overnight, so the cabin was darkened and very quiet for the entire trip. Unfortunately, we do not sleep well on long flights, so we arrive starting our vacation sleep deprived, always. We have learned from experience, never sleep when you get to your destination, so we managed to make a full day of sightseeing our first day in Paris.

Our Hotel was a wonderful destination, tucked away close to the Arc de Triomphe. After a pastry and coffee American, we headed for the Arc, and the Champs-Elysees. Bejeweled with top-name stores like Gucci and Cartier as well as Apple and Swatch, it is, indeed an eyeful. There are some wonderful cafes spotted here and there, and people-watching is a favorite pastime. We did find a Pastierre around lunchtime. We had tickets on one of the “Hop on – Hop Off” busses, so we opted to ride the full circuit for 2 hours.

Barbara and Phil operate Leisure Travel experts, a small business here in Mint Hill. They have been in business here since 1995 and have been on about 95 Cruises, and visited 40 countries. Call them at (980) 406-1650 or phil.angelo@leisuretravelexpert.com