Thursday, December 27, 2001

Alpaca Squats at Chateau de Versailles


Blasted squatting laws don't exist in France. So much for that. But all the same, Alpaca enjoyed visiting Versailles (http://www.loscabosguide.com/ - and sneaking onto a second-floor balcony for a photo op) and everything about it, from the short train ride from Paris to the walk along cobble-stoned streets to the view of the Chateau to the grounds and over-the-top decor. No wonder there was a revolution by the have-nots.

Wednesday, December 26, 2001

The Triomphe of the Traveling Alpaca!


True to his name, Traveling Alpaca loves to explore new territories, and Paris is among his favorites. After gorging himself on fabulous food (courtesy of uber-chef Guy Savoy) at le Bistro de L'Etoile (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/D41251.html, truly among the world's best), Alpaca rented a scooter to circle the Arc de Triomphe. Although he later relinquished his keys, he had a heck of a time zipping through traffic between the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay, the Rodin and Picasso museums and Versailles (http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/).

Much to his joy, the trips were intersperced with some of the most amazing food experiences Alpaca has had, including a phenomenal steak-frites at Au Gourmet de l’Ile, a little bistro on Ile St-Louis. Even the near-mugging in Montmartre was no obstacle for this adventurous finger puppet (near instead of actual mugging only because Traveling Alpaca yelled profanities and hurled insults at the little hoodlums in French).

To his glee, the Traveling Alpaca's visit to the Eiffel Tower did not coincide with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes's recent visit. He had the landing (and the view) all to himself.

Monday, December 24, 2001

Alpaca Gets Religion at Notre Dame


And there is nowhere better to get religion than atop Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris (http://www.cathedraledeparis.com/FR/0.asp), amidst the gargoyles, legends and lore, while taking in the breathtaking views spanning from the Eiffel Tower (http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/) to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre (http://www.paris.org/Monuments/Sacre.Coeur/).