Paris – Corsica – Nice

KEF: (Rekeavik)
Finally on our way to Paris, France
The big city of lights and romance.
Our first stop was Iceland,
Lava in the highlands.
For the next two weeks we have great plans.

We are now on our way to Charles de aulle.
Then to our hotel for alcohol.
Our Paris stay is short.
Some tours we did abort.
With no time to see a Marc Chagall.

Paris:
We arrived Paris very tired,
Excited, delighted and wired.
We meet friends with delight.
“Where do we eat tonight? “
Looked up the street and got inspired.

Mollards! Great! With NO reservation.
They sat us without desperation.
Eighteen sixty seven
They opened way back then.
A vintage Paris operation.

We slept in cause we got to bed late.
I got breakfast for me and my mate.
First outing of the day,
Was close by where we stay.
Every place ’round here is really great.

Outside our hotel is a sculpture.
The shops at the train station cluster.
Ole McDonalds was there
And FREE cookies, I swear!
Then to a cafe not to suffer.

We then moved on to gin & tonics.
It’s not true we are alcoholics.
Served by sweet Natalie.
She brought drinks happily.
Planning our dinner economics.

We went to a place recommended.
All the food and wine there was splendid.
Meat! Of course, it was pork.
So tender. Cuts with fork.
Four fine desserts is how it ended.

Notre Dame was next on our tour list.
Another great tour we almost missed
We got there early ’nuff.
Third guide had the right stuff.
It all turned out well with the right twist.

Guide Claudia saw the church ablaze.
Inside cathedral, she was amazed.
Prayers before her Defence.
The pressure was immence,
Before her Art Masters was appraised.

She spoke about the exterior.
We went into the interior
Alone. We were silent
With the inside giant.
And the new stained glass superior.

After the church, we went for coffee.
We all needed a restroom. Sorry.
We first saw this display.
Returned without delay.
We sat on the couch in the lobby.

One large hot cocoa and two latte
Was all we needed for a nice stay.
Then the Picon and beer.
We’d like to try one, dear.
I’ll finish that before we go way.

With the Pokemon’s 30th year,
The toy store next door sold all their gear.
With a line out the door.
All sold! There was no more.
Next, I’ll wait for the 50th year.

We started dinner with G&Ts
Our dinner was huge, and thank you, please.
A dish of Crustaceans,
Began our frustrations.
The Crepe Suzette show did not displease.

The other desserts were just as good,
But no fire. Clearly understood.
The service was so-so.
She forgot stuff, I know.
Or the language, she misunderstood.

Thursday began with a Versailles tour.
We were super excited, for sure.
Tour garden by golf cart.
Looking at nature’s art.
Turn around and there’s always more.

The grass, the trees, the fountains, so nice.
One look was not enough, we looked twice.
The landscape was divine.
They had the God of Wine.
The whole garden was pleasing to eyes.

The interior was opulent.
Just right for the royal occupant.
Amazing portraits there.
The Hall of Mirrors, rare.
King Louis proved he was dominant.

Dinner was at our favorite, Mollard.
That decision was not very hard.
The food and wine was great.
And there’s never a wait.
Waiter Alex gave service that starred.

Coggio (Corsica):
We flew from Paris to Corsica.
A small part of France but just kinda.
We picked up a big car.
And didn’t drive too far.
To join friends at a house with a vista.

We caught up with ole friends for a while.
Then we jumped in the great pool free style.
The lamb was cooked by Hugh
And Liisa brought beans, too.
The couscous was tasty and worthwhile.

In the French way, we’re served cheese after.
Bruce and Véronique were the cheese masters.
There was one from sheep.
And a cow we did eat.
There was plenty of talk and laughter.

Sunday, we drove to the big market.
The covered one was our first target.
We parked the car tightly.
Exit was unsightly.
Now walk to the market we plotted.

Our fresh enthusiasm did wane.
As we walked slow up and down each lane.
We talked to some strangers,
They were not local neighbors.
Bid adieu with Auf Wiedersehen.

We decided not to go further.
The long walking was almost murder.
As we waited for friends,
We drank G&T blends.
Paid the bill but don’t tip the waiter.

Dinner with friends was phenomenal.
Food, Wine and laughter is probable.
This evening we eat shrimp.
And the chef did not skimp.
A great time is always possible.

Tuesday we wanted seafood to eat.
The restaurant was not far up the street.
The place was at the port.
Great food I can report.
After dinner, we had something sweet.

Wednesday, we went to a winery.
On the way was great scenery.
Then we stopped at a church.
For a convent we searched.
To have lunch real soon with the clergy.

Today, we had a winery tour.
It’s not boring, I can assure.
We briefly toured the vines.
In the cellar were wines.
Then, we drank the wines that were mature.

LA GOURMANDISE was our dinner spot.
The stuffed mussels for starters we got.
Four orders of fine pork.
Two fine wines to uncork.
And Liisa got seafood in a pot.

Foie gras was on Anne’s dinner plate.
Hugh had the lamb shank and did not wait.
Marky had lasagna.
Too hot to eat. Oh mama!
Entrees were big portions and all great.

The desserts we should have really skipped.
Flan, sorbet, strawberry soup with whipped.
Two ice creams were added.
Then the surprize landed.
L & M on vodka floats they sipped.

Friday, we went slowly to Porto.
Driving like we are supposed to go.
The road had lots of curves.
They got on Anne’s nerves.
And these beautiful rocks were the show.

We stopped in the small town for a lunch.
And the pizza joint was the best hunch.
With beautiful sea views,
It was easy to choose.
On salad and pizza we did munch.

For dinner, we had wonderful lamb.
No doubt it was much better than ham.
With sweet melon to start,
The cheese was the third part,
And the pear dessert was a grand slam.

Friends went to an historical site.
An archeological delight.
They drove for two hours,
To see the stone towers.
The day’s experience was not trite.

While they were away I prepped dinner.
Five veggies in a pot to simmer.
The chef was half naked.
And no time was wasted.
The pasta entree was a winner.

Someone asked how much I spent on wine.
To answer that, I was inclined.
I can answer quickly.
My answer is silly.
One half hour if I’m reclined.

This morning, Veronique made her great crepes.
They all came in the very same shape.
First, you scoop the batter.
Then, in the pan, don’t splatter.
This action caught on videotape.

Today, most stayed at the house to rest.
We reflected on our 10 day nest.
Wine, meats, desserts and cheese,
Is there more? Thank you, please.
The whole experience was the BEST!!

We went to dinner, not far from “home”.
And not far from the sand and sea foam.
Our dinners were varied,
The waitress was harried.
And Hugh made a dessert of his own.

Tonight is the last with all the friends.
Our time together comes to an end.
We fly to Nice Monday
Three more days we can play.
In two years, we’ll regroup, we intend.

We bid our friends a final au revoir,
We travel with M&M not far.
We drove to the airport,
Then used our 4 passports,
To tag 11 bags in the car.

Before boarding we all got a bite
We got on the one big plane alright.
Our pals are behind us.
Buckled without a fuss.
Nice is a 45 minute flight.

Nice:
We rested in the room all morning.
Then, to the Promenade for walking.
I angered my dear spouse,
Now out of the dog house.
Then, sat in a cafe gawking

We meet M&M before dinner.
We had a small portion of liquor.
Then we began to walk.
I was slow and did balk.
Then we ran into the hair trimmer.

We arrived early for cooking class.
Barber saw us through his window glass.
He invited us in.
He was a gentleman.
He cut hair and talked, while he played jazz.

We had a remarkable visit.
We sat for about 20 minutes.
Then it was time to go.
To the class, we walked slow.
I had all 4 cooking class tickets.

Eva and Andres met us at the door.
Their apartment was on the first floor.
Starters were already out.
It all looked good, no doubt.
Everything was set for us four.

Andres talked about tiramisu.
After he explained, we had to do.
Marky did one layer,
Then I came later
To give the dessert it’s final due.

Now comes the duck breast, pretty and clean.
Marinell scored it for our cuisine.
Sear it skin down ’til done
Then in the hot oven.
It was in there for more than nineteen.

Marinell started the risotto.
Stirring and stirring with great gusto.
The butter did no harm,
I added all the parm.
This process required a photo.

Andres worked on a caramel sauce.
He stirred it quickly without a pause.
He added jus d’orange,
It was not a challenge.
On the top of the duck it did cross.

Final assembly was completed.
Our hosts had certainly succeeded.
The portions were not small.
We sat down to eat all.
And then to dessert we proceeded.

The barber, the wine and food were grand.
Some of it we really made by hand.
Our tummys were maxed out
Ate more than we’re allowed
The whole evening was more than we planned.

Wednesday we went for a city tour.
We wanted Herb de Provence for sure.
Met M&M on bikes.
We discussed their tour likes.
We toured the market I can assure.

Met Mark and Marinell for dinner.
They found “Renee’s”, a great food winner.
We recalled our 2 weeks,
All 18 days had peaks.
Ending the eve with goodbye kissers.

We prepped to fly home the very next day.
When we get home we’re afraid to weigh.
My ankles are swollen
As I fly over ocean.
I’m planning to alter my food ways.

We first fly to Iceland and change planes.
The wait at the gate gets some complains.
No seats for the long wait,
At D23 gate.
As we endure leg and low back pains.

Finally, on board for the long ride home.
Turn on Airplane Mode for your smart phone.
Watched flick, I didn’t hear.
Audio was not clear.
Should have downloaded one had I known.

Arriving Seattle was not late.
Airline did not provide open gate.
So we waited 20,
The gate was still not free.
Packing your patience is always great.

Get luggage, then immigration check.
US Global Entry has great tech.
Take your picture and then,
Speed past the Customs men.
Outside, where’s that darn car? What the heck?

We’re finally home, drop everything.
For now, I’ll just stop bellyaching
We get ready for bed.
“I’m dead tired”, I said.
In the morn, jet lagged and do nothing.