I recently returned from a trip to London and Paris with my partner, my twin sister, and her husband. The four of us get along well and are good travel buddies and this trip was no exception. Although I have been fortunate to travel to Europe several times, I had never visited France or England, so I relished every site, smell, and taste. I admit that I fell in love with both London and Paris!
London
We arrived in London a few days before the coronation. Our trip was planned and booked well before the death of Queen Elizabeth II, so to be in London over coronation weekend added to the crowds and the excitement. It also meant that some sites and transportation would not be available. Lesson learned – be flexible!
Although both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace were closed to visitors, the areas around them were briming with beautiful spring flowers, tree blossoms, and holiday banners. People were excited and there was lots of activity. We were able to tour all the places we wanted but watched the coronation ceremony (rainy cool day), and concert the next day, on television.
What were my favorite stops in London? The Churchill war rooms gave a unique perspective on WW II. The afternoon spent leisurely wandering Hyde Park to watch the swans and ducks, snap a few pictures of the blossoms, and watch people is also high on my list. Lesson learned – block out some time just to relax.
In a sign of just how “worldly” our food tastes have become, a Starbucks, McDonalds, or KFC was not hard to find in England. (The first two in Paris as well!) I admit we stopped in Starbucks a couple of times (public restrooms), but really tried to eat “local”. I found I am not a fan of fish and chips (too much batter) but love sausage rolls and British ale! Lesson learned – stretch your comfort zones.
As we waited in lines, we met people from all over the world as well as the United States. I found I could still understand some German, although I am very rusty. It was usually impossible to tell where a person was from by their dress. Styles are universal and even the locals wear walking shoes. Thank goodness! Even in crowds, people were not pushy or rude and were helpful and polite. Lesson learned – respect others and their customs and the respect will be returned.
Heading overseas, we had a tight flight connection due to airplane maintenance issues and, although we made the connection, our luggage did not. We prebooked a tour to Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath for our first day in London so we all wore our flight clothes on the tour. I probably will not wear that outfit again soon! Thankfully, the tour was amazing and offered a look at the English countryside which was lush green. Lesson learned – if possible, add a change of clothes to my onboard luggage. Also, leave the cities behind for a different perspective.
Paris
We travelled between London and Paris via Eurostar – Americans call our route the Chunnel. I found the French farmland we rode through very much like the Midwest but smaller fields. Small towns abound and the bright yellow fields of rapeseed (both in England and France) set off the greens. I found myself imagining what life in the farming towns was like. Probably not much different than my hometown in Iowa. Lesson learned – the basics of daily life are universal.
While we stayed in a small hotel in London, in Paris we had an entire apartment, and it was gorgeous! (Thank you, Bon and Jon!) We were within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum, the Champs Elysees, the Seine, and much more. The underground made it easy to reach further city destinations. Because of our location, we had time to do everything we planned and even had some downtime. Lesson learned – book centrally located accommodations to save time and money!
I was very surprised at all the groups of young people on tours around the city – mostly high school or college age groups, but some grade school, too. It was impossible to tell what country they were from (or if they were local) unless we were close enough to hear them talk. Their dress and actions were the same! I was delighted that there seemed to be lots of cultural interest. Lesson learned – children and young people benefit from travel, too.
Of course, we ate croissants, crepes, and quiche. I felt proud of myself for trying salmon tartar and it was incredible! My partner snuck out early one morning and brought back deliciious pastries from the bakery around the corner. (He slipped out that afternoon, as well, to buy Bon and me Mother’s Day flowers. Thank you, Jon and Jody!) I confess that I am much more a seafood eater than beef or pork so my entrée choices on our trip were heavily weighted to the former. I had the most incredible shrimp and salmon salad at two locations and am bent on trying to imitate it at home. Lesson learned – take hints from the locals and shop as they do.
My favorite day in Paris was our visit to the Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Montmartre area despite climbing 182 steps from the underground and then taking the funicular. I especially enjoyed the people watching as we ate lunch across the street from artists painting and drawing in Montmartre. I will carry the mental picture of that scene with me for a long time! A great lunch and a nice glass of wine added to the perfection. Lesson learned – when those special moments arrive, savor them.
I would be remiss if I did not laud the art museums in Paris. From Versailles (a short train ride from the city) to the Louvre, The Musee d’Orsay, and The Musee Rodin, all held incredible art. I especially enjoyed and learned a lot from the special Manet/Degas exhibit. I am a huge Monet fan, so I also relished his works. Too much art in one day can become overwhelming, however. Lesson learned – unless art is the focus of your trip, alternate trips to galleries or museums with other activities and it will enhance your appreciation.
Travel
Our trip was not without its rough patches, though. We did not purchase the correct Navigo pass to go to Versailles and had to pay a penalty. We occasionally had to stop and ask directions but found people very helpful. One lady, observing our frustration with underground entry in Paris, gave up one of her tickets so Jody could get to the ticket counter to buy passes. Although most public restrooms were free, the Paris train station charged one Euro – no change, no worries – debit and credit cards welcome! Lesson learned – expect glitches.
We booked tours and entry to major attractions months ahead of time and found that most places, in Paris especially, prefer reservations which can also be made online. Reservations are required for the Louvre. Online maps were also indispensable. Lesson learned – preparation is essential!
Lessons Learned
Did you catch it – the similarities with travel and investing? If you are a regular reader of my blogs, it is likely that you remember some of the following:
- The basics of a portfolio are universal
- Plan ahead – for the long term
- Create a core portfolio
- Diversification is essential
- Be prepared for the unexpected
- Keep on top of what is new and, if it fits, give it a try
- Portfolios need a rest, too
- It is never too early to teach children
- Celebrate your successes
Travel always makes me want more …… but after a good rest! It also reinforces how people are the same and makes me appreciate the differences. Did I pass along the travel bug?
Bev Bowers, CFP®
