Versailles

We traveled from (the complete blur of) Paris to Versailles - a quick 30 minute train ride outside of town.

Louis XIV totally knew how to live it up - an amazing "villa" (also known as a chateaux) on the outskirts of Paris. And, he even built a summer house for Marie Antoinette, which is only about a 20 minute walk from the main estate. So, when Marie got sick of her high-heel wearing husband, she could take a carriage ride for about 10 minutes and be at her own summer estate. How cool is that?

Pooh (see prior blog entry for embarrsing self-disclosure about Pooh) made it safely to Versailles and, once again, embarrassed his two "40-something" owners by appearing in public for a photo op on the front grounds of the palace....

My dear friend from high school (Heather) reminded me today that she has photos of me at Versailles from 9th grade during a trip we both took with a high school group (a school that shall remain nameless, as I did not enjoy those four years very much). That trip, however, was tremendous fun and Heather's message today reminded me of one of the great times I had during high school. I believe I discovered wine then, too. Thanks Allen (aka, my father who likes that we have been on a first-name basis since I was in high school) for sending me to France at such an early age with a laissez-faire French teacher!

Remember - live every day as if it is your last, because one day you will be right.

Kick Butt Golden Gal

Now really, how awesome was Joan of Arc (Jean d'Arc in French). I mean, seriously - a woman who was petite took on a revolution and won - way before Sarah Palin ever stepped foot on a stage to make a complete fool of herself.

Joan - you rock and totally deserve a gold statue in the middle of Paris.

Making the Most of Life

Since moving to Texas (well, actually since starting to commute to Texas 2.5 years ago when Phil took the job at LIVESTRONG to work for Lance Armstrong), I have been fortunate to meet a number of amazing people. One of those people is Helen Knost (and you have to love the fact that Helen requires people to say the "K" in her name, so it is Ka-Nost).... Helen is a THREE time cancer survivor. Can you imagine that - three times she has beaten the disease that sucks. She is an amazing woman and makes every moment count.

To meet Helen is to experience a breath of fresh air - someone who simply makes you feel better and happy just by being in her presence.

Cheers to you, Helen - and happy 40th birthday (spent in France, no less - how awesome is she)? And yes, John - Helen does deserve a diamond that big!!!!

Good Friends and Paris

This experience has been such an eye-opening reminder as to what life is really about - spending time with good friends, family and health.... And Paris, that ain't so bad either. I'm very lucky indeed. Oh, and Kathleen is the really pretty one....

PS - while I was in the streets with my friends (sweating and battling the crowds -in Paris, so I don't expect sympathy), Phil was in the private Grand Stand on the Champs Elysee, so that's why he is not in the photo. So, don't fret - poor Phil was having a rocking time (and arrived home from the Radio Shack Team party at 0400 hrs....).

The Tour - Final Stage

Well, Contidor won it again. Lucky Spaniard. But, Lance and Team Radio Shack took the team title and teamwork is what it is all about - lest Contador remeber that....

On the final day, I hung out with my pal John from Austin (a brilliant tech dude) and we walked the streets of Paris - up to L'Arc de Triomph and around the circle to cross the Champs and ramble about. Yes, we may have ordered a few beers along the way. In honor of Lance, of course, since it is his last Tour de France. John, however, would not let me go to the bathroom until I ordered his beer. The French language makes him a bit nervous.

We enjoyed the "entree" into Paris and then headed for a bistro. As cycling enthusiasts know, the last day of the Tour is really just ceremonial. The race is won on the preceding stages. But, the cyclists enter Paris and then do nine laps around the city in a spectacle that becomes a blur. So, we figured it was best to watch the final couple of laps on TV while enjoying a bottle of French water (aka, vin blanc). Lovely, indeed. Cavendish took the stage win and we were so happy - at least Contador didn't win the Paris stage....

For those who may want to come to the Tour, remember a few key pieces of advice: It is really hot in France and there is not much AC (or deoderant for that matter); dress in comfortable shoes (the French don't - they always wear Prada or high heels); expect huge crowds (refer back to my deoderant message); learn to love fanatics (they are way beyond Gator football fans, which includes me); and, above all, prepared to drink too much wine (it is literally cheaper than buying a 1.5 litre bottle of water).... Oh, and plan a 12-week detox when you return. This country really does like it's wine....

Paris and The Vendome

While in Paris for the final stage of the Tour (Go Lance and Team Radio Shack for finishing first in the Team GC!), we stayed at the Vendome - great neighborhood, as some might say. Really amazing place - close to the Seine, L'Ouvre, shopping (although I am probably one of only a few gay men who does not like to shop), Place de la Concorde and great food. Paris is a bit of a blur, thanks to our good friends John, Tim and Kathleen who forced me into a night with four bottles of wine. Peer pressure. Yes, fun time, if only for a few quick days before heading into the country. Paris is wonderful, but for the French who live there (and all have attitudes - I suppose because they are lucky enough to live in Paris)....

PS - you may notice on my baseball cap (which only Americans wear over here, BTW) that there is a "28" on the front. LIVESTRONG and NIKE made these limited edition hats to remind everyone that there are 28 million people in the world living with cancer - which is now the number one cause of death in the world. We are all affected by it and it SUCKS. So, thanks to LIVESTRONG, Lance and NIKE for continuing to fight for a cure and to help those survivors among us (including my brother Doug, my father Allen, and my hysterical and fun high school friend Liz. Doug is at home and resting/healing well, my father is feeling great, and Liz just hit her first anniversary as a cancer-free awesome women). You rock, Doug, Allen and Liz.

Seriously.... Have I mentioned the wine?