PROLOGUE

OR 

#10,000 OF THEIR CLOSE FRIENDS

But… first…

ROD & JUANITA

a minor digression explains it all.

Most of you know that Uncle Chuck enjoyed a long, successful career in Hospitality. What some don't know is that while he was Director of Catering at the Sheraton River House in Miami, several talented young lions passed through his Catering Management portion of a property wide Food & Beverage training program. Some so talented that they graduated directly from this segment to a Catering Management position at other company properties. They became known as "The God-Sons."

In those days Chuck’s White Ties – the only color tie he ever wore - had become a symbol of Excellence in Hospitality. So much so that one of the most talented God-Sons, Roderick A. Westmaas, requested his own White Tie as a “Diploma” before moving on to several Prestigious Catering and Food & Beverage positions in the USA and UK; 
 A Tradition was born. 

To date many River House F&B Trainees, among them 4 God-Sons, have become respected leaders in the Hospitality Industry, with at least 2 ties being passed on, continuing the tradition.

Chuck is also God-Father to Rod’s oldest son Orrin, a popular "Alternative Rock" musician in Miami.

Ok, so… Rod now resides in London, married to the lovely Dr. Juanita Cox Westmaas a respected Guyanese poet, writer and academic. 
Upon learning that Chuck would be just a "Chunnel" away in Paris, he was eager to reunite with his mentor and introduce him to Juanita.
And that, Dear Hearts is the "Wonderful Surprise" noted in a previous post.

Alright… now about their:

#10,000 CLOSE FRIENDS

The Rhine RiverCruise was originally planned for October, to take advantage of the cooler change of seasons and avoid the crowds. Extra time in Paris and Amsterdam was added to enhance the trip. 
But… as with all their best laid plans, a U-Turn occurred {and they haven't even left yet!} and the trip was changed to mid-June. 
{Yes... Mr. Sinatra... 
"In-the-Summer-When-it-Sizzles"  Thanks a lot Frank!}

AND... [of course] not being a FUTBOL Fan, Chucky had no idea that the UEFA Euro 2016 FUTBOL CUP was scheduled to take place in Paris from: 

10 June to 10 July 

putting them right in the middle of the daily crush of 10,000 FUTBOL Fanatics, in and around the prime tourist spots in Paris.

And dontcha just know… the designated FAN ZONE for Euro 2016 with Big Screens, Food Tents and all is… 

{Wait for it...}

Champs de Mars [that Gi-normous green-space at the foot of le Tour Eiffel] where, due to recent terrorist activity in Europe, enhanced security [but of course] will be in force.

Yup... we JUST learned of this not so Scintillating-Soul-Sapping-Scoop in a US State Department Smart Traveler Advisory at the same time our WEGOWalking Guide alerted us to a relocation of the tour's conclusion - which originally was to be...

You guessed it: 
Champs de Mars 

So much for avoiding the crowds and an easy visit to Tour Eiffel!

Our WEGO guide has, offered to point out some alternative entry points and hints to avoid some of the drama. 
Un-Hunh...
Fingers crossed, chanting a Tibetan Good Fortune Mantra… Ooohhhooooommmmm...

Next up, we may or may not "amuse" you with a peak into the daunting process of getting a Global Entry Pass to beat the long "out-gong" TSA screening and often clogged "Incoming" Customs lines.

'nuff 4 now… 

Ciao Pour L’instant,

Uncle Chuck & The prepping to Pack,

Dragon Lady