Travel Plans = Thanks Don and Bonnie!

First and foremost (and Bonnie, make sure Don reads this) I have to thank my in-laws for helping with my travel arrangements. (ok, cashing in MAJOR frequent flier / hotel points ) Without their offer, there is simply no way that we could afford this endeavor. I would still go, I just wouldn't be able to afford it!! (continue to max out the credit card.) There would be no way that my husband would be able to join us in Paris to cheer us to the finish line. (he really wouldn't go, what a shame that would have been.)

I know that there are many people who are trying to decide whether they will be able to join us in Paris. For you, I am posting my travel arrangements.

I am leaving Rochester mid-afternoon on April 2nd. My flight arrives at Charles deGaulle Airport in Paris on the morning of April 3rd (somewhere around 9:00 in the morning). By the time I fetch my luggage and get to the Centre de Ville, it may be closer to noon. I'll check into the hotel as soon as I can and maybe head off to the Marathon Expo Center (still trying to decide if it will be better to force myself to stay awake, or take a nap in the afternoon....thoughts?)

Justin will be arriving about the same time on April 4th. I imagine we'll spend the day resting and relaxing - nothing strenuous. April 5th is the marathon. While Kari and I are off doing what marathoners do, Justin and Kari's husband will hopefully visit some of the sights with our other friends who are planning on coming to Paris. I have glorious visions celebrations on the 5th and 6th, but I am accutely aware of the fact that we may feel somewhat like we've been run over by a Mack Truck - (we're going to have to play that one by ear, Kari.)

Justin will leave Paris at 8:30am on April 7th from Charles deGaulle. Once I get him off to the airport, I plan on heading north to Belgium to spend a week with my friends and spend the Easter weekend with one of my former host families.

My flight home will depart from Paris Charles deGaulle on the morning of April 15th. I will be back home by 5:00 the same afternoon.

While in Paris, Justin and I will be staying at the Hilton Hotel Paris - Arc de Triomphe. I am excited about staying here for several reasons. First of all - nice hotel (thanks again, Don and Bonnie). Second - nice location (thanks again, Don and Bonnie) Third - it's not the floor of some stranger's apartment in the 16th arrondissement (would have been thankful, but this will be more comfortable and private - thanks again, Don and Bonnie). I can go on and on - and I probably will in future posts, but that should suffice for now.

In any case, now that the travel plans are arranged, it is certain to happen. Now, I need to compare train prices to Eurail Passes and get my passport renewed - small details in the face of airfare and hotel rooms. THANKS AGAIN, DON and BONNIE.

Oh boy, now it occurs to me that I also need to figure out who is going to watch my kids while Justin and I are in Europe .............................. I think I've used up all my favor-cards on the Williams side of the family (thanks again, Don and Bonnie) ......................................... MOM?????? Call me, ok?