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Published: November 5th 2018
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It’s a sad day today.
Tim’s gone back to Luxembourg, as he has to, so I have the last 2 nights to myself before flying home to Australia.
Today we slept in, Tim cooked a filling breakfast of delicate French mushrooms, spanish iberico chorizo, and semi cured cheese, followed by cereal and 2 cups of coffee.
But I still can’t wait to go out and have a pastry. It’s going to stop soon, so I need to top up.
It’s all about shopping, relaxing and a boat ride today.
The first stop was Galeríes Lafayette, an up market store located near us, and it was just for a look at the interior, and a trip to the cafe observation deck at the roof level. Shopping’s not my thing and department stores are too confusing with their wide range of choices.
I need to say, today was an outside kind of day. Not a cloud in the sky, 18°c; it was t-shirt weather. I had no intention of wasting time in shops.
We had our first bus ride today, down to the Eiffel Tower , and had a picnic in the park, made cheese and
jamon rolls, had a dessert of creamy custard topped with pistachio nuts ( a Galeríes Lafayette purchase), and I fed the leftovers to the birds. Big Black Crows came from everywhere. It was like a scene from Hitchcock’s, The Birds.
It wasn’t until I boarded the boat ride that I realised that the aggressive behaviour of the birds was nothing compared to 8 busloads of camera wielding Chinese tourists, all vying for the best seats. I had one man, older than me, who, as Tony Abbott would put it, shirtfronted me in order to get ahead on the queue. This did nothing for China - Australia relations, as I reasserted my position by firmly, but gently, standing my ground. I was on the lookout after that and several others tried to cut corners , running to secure a place in the line. I was expecting someone to go over the top. This all happens with good spirits and a grin, as this is just the way it’s done in a country with so many people. We were all in this together, although I wish they had stayed seated on the boat, as when they all went forward for a
shot, I thought we could nose dive.
I’d recommend the boat tour and I’ll certainly line up for another bruising encounter next time. You have a first class view of some of the most iconic aspects of Parisian life, all without lifting a finger, or foot.
After resting on the boat, we walked to the Arc De Triomph, on the Champs Elysées, had a quick look as we crossed the road, and jumped on the Met for Marais. I wanted to do a last minute shop there before I crossed the Siene tomorrow, to take up my new accommodation.
Incidentally, Marais is french for swamp or marsh, and the wonderful area that is now the innovative fashion centre of Paris, and an eating mecca, was built on a marsh. Bacchus Marsh, where I live, is also named for being built on a marsh......and that’s where there similarities end.
Well, Tim’s gone and I held back a tear. It was wonderful to spend the end of the Camino and some time in Paris with him. It is a pity Sue wasn’t here, or the visit wasn’t to home so he could visit more people, but hopefully next
The Front Entrance
Where security guards search your bags upon entry. year he will. I’ll add some more tomorrow. It will be my last post , so I’ll try and work out what came out of this trip.
Bye for now.
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