Quick Update on Travels

Day 1:

We arrived early Saturday morning. Most of the group took a shuttle bus to the hotel the remaining 9 (Claire, Erin, Susan, Anne, Lena, Charles, Alison, Ralph & Tanya) took the train adventure. All arrived safely. Within the hour we were we off again to the Metro (subway).
We took the Metro to the Catacombs that were once quarys and now contain the remains of Paris citizens from centuries past. The remains were moved from construction and renovation sites and stored in these catacombs. We had to walk down 130 steps in an enclosed spiral staircase (very freeky). The tunnels were very dimly lit and at some places water dripped from the ceiling. We walked 1.7 km underground. The walk back to the surface was 83 steps.

This was followed by some city orientation for some while others napped and a few had cigars.

Supper was at O'Neils, but Charles went to the hospital for a check-up. Tanya, Charles and Lena went for supper at mid-night after returning from the hospital.

Day 2:
We took the train to Versailles while Charles and Lena went back to the hosiptal for tests. The train ride was long because we initially went the wrong way. Versailles was very impressive.

In the evening we went to the Tour d'Eiffel. We were running late for supper so we did not get to the upper level. We dashed off for supper at Tousiere.

Day 3:
Breakfast at Marly's over looking the glass pyrimid at the Louvre. The group split up and we met back at the hotel for supper.

Day 4:
Charles got out of the hospital. Ralph, Tim and Ron took the high speed train (TVG) to Avignon and rented a car and drove to Gigondas. We got a very large room at the Les Foret Hotel.

Day 5:
Did some wine tasting and drove to Chateau-neuf-du-Pape. Stayed at a very charming hotel.

Day 6:
Drove to Lyon, dropped the car off and took the shuttle down town to the train station where we stored our bags. We then went into the old city to a wine broker that Tim read about in the Toronto Star newspaper. He treated us to wine older than any one of us. We rushed back to the train station and were on the platform only 90 seconds when the train arrived. We were back in Paris by 6:00 pm.

We took the cab to the hotel, got changed and went off to supper at a fondu place where the girls had to climb over the tables to get seated. After the grea fondu we walked over to the Moulin Rouge. Everyone enjoyed the show. We returned to the hotel after 1:00 am.

Day 7:
Off at 9:30 am to the Arc d'Tromph and walked down the Champs d'Ellyse for some shopping. Most of us met for lunch at an Italian place. After lunch we split up and Tanya, Ralph, Alison, Debra and Mike went over to Notre Dame. We stopped for coffee and cake along the way. Notre Dame is very impressive.

Tonight we are now off for cocktails followed by dinner then to a jazz bar where there is supposed to be an open session.

These are quick notes because the internet has not been available. I or others will fill in details later.

... Ralph G.

A public Service Message from George...

As a public service for those of us travelling through Europe, please note the correct terrorism alert status by nation is:

The British have reacted to the recent terrorism alerts by raising their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Londoners have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940, when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been recategorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

Also, the French Government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

It's not only the English and French that are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two Higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."

And finally, the Irish have raised their alert status from "What The Hell Is Going On" to "I Think I Need Another Drink". The NATO authorities have agreed that the terrorist situation must be neutralized before the Irish manage to escalate to "Come On Lads, Someone Needs A Beating" or, God forbid, "Where's My Pants?"

Importation of Wine from France

Based upon the following from the LCBO, it would be most cost effective to carry wine back to Ontario. The wine levy on personally carried wine for up to 45 litres is 39.6% while direct shipped is 102.2%. This is for wine above the normal personal exemption.

LCBO says...

Under the federal Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act all beverage alcohol importations into any Canadian province must be consigned to the provincial government agency having the requisite provincial statutory authority. In Ontario, this agency is the LCBO.

Personally Accompanied Importations:
Recognizing that Ontarians travelling abroad may wish to return with some of the products they have enjoyed during their travels, a casual traveller who is of legal drinking age in Ontario (19) may import on their person up to 45 litres of wine, spirits, beer or any combination thereof. This amount is in addition to a casual traveller's duty free exemption. Unlike the duty free entitlement, there is no minimum required absence from Canada to import up to 45 litres of beverage alcohol on any one day. Travellers should ensure that they have receipts for purchases to present to Customs officials.
No federal or provincial taxes or levies are collected on the duty free exemption. As shown in the attached examples, an accompanied importation of beverage alcohol is subject to federal duties and taxes, provincial tax and a provincial border levy. The provincial border levy is calculated on the landed cost of the importation (i.e., prior to the assessment of PST and GST). The following provincial levy rates are applied to accompanied importations:

Wine: 39.6% of the declared value
Spirits: 59.9% of the declared value
Beer: $0.676/litre.

Levies and taxes are collected by Canada Customs and Border Service Agency (CBSA) officers at the time a casual traveller clears Customs.

Direct Shipment (Unaccompanied Unsolicited Importations):
In the event that a traveller does not accompany the beverage alcohol they purchased abroad or has it shipped directly to Ontario from a foreign manufacturer, they must ensure that documentation is included providing the value of the goods that can be attested to for Customs purposes. Proof of payment, such as a Visa receipt, is required. Goods are subject to all federal and provincial levies and taxes apply. The following border levy rates apply:

Wine: 102.2% of the declared value
Spirits: 143.7% of the declared value
Beer: $1.70/litre

Shipments of up to 45-litres per day can be cleared by UPS SCS Inc., LCBO's appointed customs broker. UPS SCS Inc. collects the provincial border levy. UPS SCS Inc. is a full service brokerage firm and can assist clients with the entire clearance process if they wish. Contact information for UPS SCS Inc: Nicole Bachner 905-678-2130.

Shipments must meet these additional requirements:
* Be clearly marked and declared on all documentation as beverage alcohol; not include any non-beverage alcohol items.
* Be consigned to the LCBO c/o person's name seeking to import the shipment.
* Be accompanied by a fully completed Canada Customs Invoice (CCI).
(To access an on-line CCI, please visit Canada Border Service Agency's Web site at: <http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pbg/cf/ci1/README.html>.)
* The CCI must clearly and legibly indicate brand name, vintage if applicable, alc./vol., format and quantity of beverage alcohol in the shipment.
* The CCI must include an accurate valuation of each beverage alcohol product that complies with the federal Customs Act.
(This must include proof of payment - such as a Visa receipt.
* Not exceed the 45-litre daily limit. This is not a brand or supplier limit, but a total daily limit.
* Not be consolidated with other shipments.
* Not be abstracted to attempt to comply with the maximum volume limit.

Mobile Telephone Service in France

Mobile telephone Service in France is available from www.roadpost.com. You rent a phone for 30 days with air time. If you are interested please call Florence at 905 272 3933 extension 226. Tanya and I are getting phones because we will be traveling separately at times and they may be useful in coordinating meet times.

Cost for 30 minutes outgoing is $119.

Cost for 100 minutes outgoing is $199.

*Incoming calls are free. Calls in excess of contract are billed at $1.00+ per minute.

The phones are shipped Purolator, next day for $25 (covers both directions).

Optionial insurance is $69 (replacement cost is $400).

Flight Confirmation Details

Friday - 27 Oct 2006
Depart: 15:35
Flight #: 516
Airline: Zoom Airlines
Departure from: Toronto T3
Stop in: Montreal Trudeau Main
Arrival: Paris Charles De Gaulle T3
Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 06:40

Sunday - 05 Nov 2006
Depart: 14:00
Flight # 717
Airline: Zoom Airlines
Depart From: Paris Charles De Gaulle T3
Stop in: Montreal Trudeau Main
Arrival: Toronto T3
Sunday, November 05, 2006 at 17:55

Paris Gang

Reservations for the Moulin Rouge have been confirmed, les amis! We are a group of 14 off to see more feathers than any human being can really handle in an evening... I'm up for the challenge!

Invitation to Wine

Bonjour mes amis!
To test Tanya's theory that we can all look marvelous while sipping wine, John and I wish to invite all of you for an evening of French wine, cheese, pate, conversation (with translation provided by Tanya) .. music (Tim, Charles) ...and whatever else should arise .. .. Saturday, September 16th starting any time after 8 pm. Our address is 80 Chestnut Hills Parkway in Etobicoke (Home Phone # 416-236-3650). The closest intersection is Dundas and Islington (Chestnut Hills Parkway runs east off of Islington just north of Dundas- we can provide more detailed directions if you need them.. just let us know from what end of the city you are travelling from). Although we had hoped to prepare an inspiring invitation, life's other demands have taken over and we wish to get the invite out before the 16th is upon us! We do hope everyone can come and look forward to meeting everyone and talking about the upcoming trip, Do let us know if you can come, Au revoir, Pat & John

Who is Tanya

Here she is, the one and only.

I took the liberty of uploading a picture we had taken last September at Peggy's Cove. I hope she doesn't mind.

Who is Ralph

Yes, this is me doing some of my favourite things like having an after dinner cigar with a brandy. Of course I am with my beautiful wife (taking the picture) in downtown Oaxaca, Mexico.

Paris Gang

Flights are confirmed! Bought two books on the weekend - will be planning a few group dinners, and considering the average size if a Paris restaurant seats 20 at the best of times, though advance reservations would be best! Planning shopping excursion as well - let me know if you are interested and what you'd like to shop for (purses, perfume, jewlery, etc.)
Check your emails for the Dinner invite from Pat and John.
Be well - T

Gigondas Bound - Side trip

How about a 2 hour train ride at 300 km/hour to Lyon then sampling the sites of this historic city. After an overnight stay in Lyon we drive 2 hours south to Gigondas in the heart of the Rhône where we will visit 3 to 5 vineyards including tastings. If possible we will stay over night at one of the wine stops.

We will have an early morning start to return to Lyon to catch the bullet train back to Paris. After a little rest we will meet the gang for supper and a night at the Moulin Rouge.

Watch this spot for more news!