Monday, May 1st, 2006    sunrise-06:29    sunset-09:05    low/high temp:7-13C (44.5-55.5F)

    If you haven't figured out yet from yesterdays closing statement, a surprise awaited us in the morning.  I should have known when our little bakery and café shop was closed.  I went to drop the shipping box off at the Post, and was told, after waiting for the Post to open that today is Labor Day in France.  Now Labor Day in the States means more shopping and such.  In France, basically everything except the bars, hotels, restaurants and transportation are closed!  I went back and delivered the bad news that we have to re-pack everything before we go to the airport.  We have LOTS of time, but still prefer to arrive early and get through Security and Immigration.
    After packing, we set off for the airport via the Metro.  My goal was downhill as much as possible.  Those bags were HEAVY!
    Children solicited to sell pretty flowers almost everywhere for their 'groups' and for charities.  While I would have liked to take them, having to dispose of them prior to arriving in the States, due to agricultural restrictions,  we chose not to buy them.
    We arrived at the airport with PLENTY of time to spare, found some good coffee, and I was happy.
    We then checked in at 4 hours prior, hoping we'd all get Business Class on the way back as well.
    It looked close, but we all made it on board and in Business Class for the return as well !!!

   
Three photos of Charles du Gaulle airport.

Turtle was bored...

Cindy (G) and Danielle in their seats
with their new scarves.

Our Flight Attendants were second to none, they absolutely treated us wonderfully!

Farewell Europe!

   
Danielle took some shots out the windows...
Her camera has good speed, catching the anti-bird graphic on the engine spinner...
   

    On arrival, after Customs and Immigration, Grant was waiting for his girls to arrive.  They were VERY happy to see him, and he was obviously happy to have his girls back safe and sound.

    If you've gone through all these pages, you've pretty well experienced our amazing voyage to France.  I hope you enjoyed the experience, as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.