6 June – Wednesday
Departed Lucerne very early for the long drive to Paris. The French countryside was very flat and mainly grazing, with a few crops. The weather was again warm, about 25o. The traffic in Rome was nothing compared to Paris! No lines on the roads and no road rules – the junctions are particularly “interesting.” Certainly not a place one would drive through voluntarily!!!
Dinner was at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter with a wide selection of dishes. Les decided to give the snails a miss and have frog legs instead, Pauline stuck with avocado and prawns, followed by a very nice piece of lamb. For the first time on the tour, we were actually given decent wine – a VERY nice Bordeaux. What with the champagne aperitif, wine and schnapps provided and the very enjoyable duo of accordion and guitar, it was a very enjoyable meal (if a little rowdy!). There was also a group of middle aged Eastern European people present who were expressionless and watched us with very dour looks, but when we left they all clapped and cheered us – I’m sure they must have thought the Aussies were the evening’s entertainment!
Following dinner it was a boat trip on the Seine to view the illuminations, although at 10.30pm it was still light! However, we did see the Eiffel Tower do its sparkling trick on the hour – just fantastic. We were all amazed at how many people were sitting, having picnic dinners, walking and dancing along the banks of the river.
7 June – Thursday
We all know that Paris sizzles in the summer and freezes in the winter, but no one ever says that Paris can be foggy!!! Today was foggy. I think it is time for the tour to end, people are getting tired and grumpy. First visit this morning was to Le Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, following which was the Eiffel Tower in the fog. After queuing for over 30 minutes (evidently we were very lucky that it was foggy!), it was a ride to the second level for a quick look through the mist at Paris spread out below. Then the best part – a local patisserie for a baguette and vanilla slice.
After lunch it was the massive crowds of people at Le Louvre, pushing and shoving to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and a few other famous works. Whilst it would have been lovely to spend more time with the old masters, the crowds were pretty unbearable. However, we did see where some of the Da Vince Code took place. Tonight: Le Moulin Rouge!
Departed Lucerne very early for the long drive to Paris. The French countryside was very flat and mainly grazing, with a few crops. The weather was again warm, about 25o. The traffic in Rome was nothing compared to Paris! No lines on the roads and no road rules – the junctions are particularly “interesting.” Certainly not a place one would drive through voluntarily!!!
Dinner was at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter with a wide selection of dishes. Les decided to give the snails a miss and have frog legs instead, Pauline stuck with avocado and prawns, followed by a very nice piece of lamb. For the first time on the tour, we were actually given decent wine – a VERY nice Bordeaux. What with the champagne aperitif, wine and schnapps provided and the very enjoyable duo of accordion and guitar, it was a very enjoyable meal (if a little rowdy!). There was also a group of middle aged Eastern European people present who were expressionless and watched us with very dour looks, but when we left they all clapped and cheered us – I’m sure they must have thought the Aussies were the evening’s entertainment!
Following dinner it was a boat trip on the Seine to view the illuminations, although at 10.30pm it was still light! However, we did see the Eiffel Tower do its sparkling trick on the hour – just fantastic. We were all amazed at how many people were sitting, having picnic dinners, walking and dancing along the banks of the river.
7 June – Thursday
We all know that Paris sizzles in the summer and freezes in the winter, but no one ever says that Paris can be foggy!!! Today was foggy. I think it is time for the tour to end, people are getting tired and grumpy. First visit this morning was to Le Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, following which was the Eiffel Tower in the fog. After queuing for over 30 minutes (evidently we were very lucky that it was foggy!), it was a ride to the second level for a quick look through the mist at Paris spread out below. Then the best part – a local patisserie for a baguette and vanilla slice.
After lunch it was the massive crowds of people at Le Louvre, pushing and shoving to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and a few other famous works. Whilst it would have been lovely to spend more time with the old masters, the crowds were pretty unbearable. However, we did see where some of the Da Vince Code took place. Tonight: Le Moulin Rouge!
2 comments:
Is Dad trying to bring the Eiffel tower home with him too??? You guys certainly have a very entertaining blog!
Loved reading about Paris, brings back memories. Since you will be staying just around the corner from Eiffel tower, you can walk up the tower on a clear day, great view from up there. If you go early, there will be almost no queue at the walk up part. My parents took the lift and I walked, I waited for 20mins for them. I know what to make for your French night when you get home. Snails!! I might start collecting some now. Cheers, Shan
Post a Comment