The Adventure

In October of 1999, my friend, Yvette Woolfolk, and I, Lorraine Dias Herbon, took a three-week trip to Europe.  We experienced art, culture, food, and drink in a whirlwind of fun and excitement.  It broadened our world views, taught us a lot about self-reliance, and gave us each a new appreciation for what different countries have to offer.  We learned to live in the moment, to march courageously into new situations, and to take the time to admire beauty in whatever form it appears.

During Yvette's and Lorraine's European Adventure, Lorraine kept a travel journal, faithfully recording the fun and excitement.  The following links include Lorraine's travel journal entries, excerpts from Rick Steves and other travel guides, and plenty of images.  Click the links to travel with Lorraine and Yvette as they spend three weeks in Europe, enjoying art, history, food, drink, culture, and much, much more.

Journal Entry, October 4, 1999, Paris, 9:45 p.m.  The intrepid travelers arrive in Paris, finding a tiny hotel room, a nearby grocery store, and the beginning of a grand adventure.




Journey Entry, October 5, 1999, Paris, 6:30 p.m.  Although the travelers found themselves lost more than once, they manage to find Notre Dame, purchase original artwork, learn about the deportation of French citizens during WWII, and experience the elegance of night on the Champs-Elysees.




Journey Entry, October 6, 1999, Paris, 7:15 p.m.  Lorraine imagines life in a different era as the travelers take in the Place de la Concorde; a trip to the Louvre allows the travelers to soak up amazing artwork. The day finishes with a trip to the grocery store, a frustrating bakery visit for Yvette, and sore, sore feet for both women.

Journey Entry, October 7, 1999, Paris, 10:15 p.m.  A visit to Versailles provides a glimpse into how the other half lived back when indulgence was deemed a virture.  Back in Paris, the travelers take in the Eiffel Tower, the ultimate Paris tourist destination.




Journal Entry, October 8, 1999, Paris, 3:50 p.m.  The beauty of Rodin's sculpture and Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides are described by Lorraine as she sits in the tea room of the Orsay.




Journal Entry, October 9, 1999, Paris/Giverny, 5:10 p.m.  A visit to the Musee d'Orsay gives the travelers plenty of artwork to admire, plus a delicious visit to the tea room for wine and chocolate Charlotte (for Lorraine) and cheese and tea (for Yvette).  A bus trip to Claude Monet's home at Giverny exposes the beauty of nature.  Capping the day with a visit to Hemingway's hangout, Les Deux Magots, provides an opportunity for amazing people-watching.




Journal Entry, October 10, 1999, 8:30 p.m.  The travelers visit Montmarte, once a hangout for starving artists and now a hangout for artists no longer starving thanks to the generosity of tourists--like the travelers.  The surprise of the day was a visit to the Salvador Dali Museum, a real gem among all the art in Paris.

Journal Entry, October 11, 1999, Bayeaux, 6:00 p.m.  Saying a reluctant goodbye to Paris, Lorraine and Yvette travel to Bayeaux in Normandy.  A visit to the Bayeaux Tapestry proves fascinating to Lorraine, while both travelers enjoy the many new friends they make at the local Best Western.




Journal Entry, October 12, 1999, Bayeaux, 1:55 p.m.  Calvados brandy, smoking, and a new-found pride in the ability of the travelers to make friends wherever they go mark their time in Bayeaux.




Journal Entry, October 14, 1999, Venice, 12:30 p.m.  A catch-up journal entry by Lorraine tells of visits to Normandy's WWII sights, including the American Cemetery at St. Laurent.  The first day in Venice brings amazing new experiences for the travelers, including the Grand Canal, The Piazza San Marco, Harry's Bar, and the friendly staff of the Hotel Michelangelo.

Journal Entry, October 16, 1999, Venice, 9:35 p.m.  St. Mark and Peggy Guggenheim become new acquaintances as the travelers explore Venice's friendly (and watery) confines.

Journaly Entry, October 17, 1999, Venice, 12:05 p.m.  The travelers say a bittersweet goodbye to Venice.




Journal Entry, October 18, 1999, Florence, 3:35 p.m.  When the travelers settle into the "Mussolini Suite" at their hotel, Florence does not look that good.  Thank goodness for Ghilberti's famous Baptistry doors, with their friendly little men peaking out to say "hello."




Journay Entry, October 19, 1999, Florence, 6:15 p.m.  A visit to the Uffizi Gallery provides enough beautiful art to satisfy the travelers, but the city in habitants still seem "mean and cranky and elderly" to Lorraine.




Journal Entry, October 20, 1999, Florence, 8:10 p.m.  A difficult day for Lorraine and Yvette, although Lorraine finds enough of her inner Peggy Guggenheim to change travel arrangements and cause a fuss with hotel staff.




Journal Entry, October 21, 1999, 12:40 p.m.  Away from the Mussolini Suite, things begin to brighten in Florence, although Lorraine mourns the loss of her "poking device."  A visit to Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower is a real treat.

Journal Entry, October 22, 1999, Florence, 6:40 p.m.  The Pitti Palace provides beautiful artwork, and dinner for a friend of Yvette's teachs the travelers more about the Florentine people.  A trip to San Gimignano and Sienna proves very satisfying.




Journal Entry, October 23, 1999, Fiesole, 1:00 p.m.  The Accademia and David--it was love at first sight for Lorraine and Yvette.  Onto the train headed back to Paris, and the travelers enjoyed first-class dining in an actual dining car.




Journal Entry, October 24, 1999, Paris, 1:00 p.m.  A visit to the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens followed by the beautiful stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle could only be topped by one more visit to La Deux Magots.




Journal Entry, October 25, 1999, somewhere over the Atlantic, 1:20 p.m. (Paris time).  Time to head home and time to reflect back over the previous three weeks.




Update--Almost 13 Years Later, July, 2012.