Blogs from Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe - page 349

It's been a lot harder to keep this blog up than I thought. The main problem is finding a place with a computer that's easy to use. The French keyboard is horrible if you aren't used to it. Sometimes you can't convert it back to English. The range of computers I've used include one with a plastic covered keyboard requiring coins to keep it going. Just when you forget to add money, it kicks you out. Others are so slow, it isn't worth the effort. Today I crossed town to use a cafe near where I stayed last week. Much better!! My friends (three sisters) arrived last week on a tour and I was able to tag along on several of their activities including: a bus tour of the city, trips to Versailles and the ... read more

So I couldn't really think of a cool french title for this blog, so I decided to introduce you to Dan's french name! Tough to say where it came from and what the motivation behind the name "my little hat" came from... Just my french genious at work I guess, a certain je ne sais quoi. Today is our last full day here in Paris, our time here has been fun. Today we were all set to get up at a logical hour to have breakfast and go tour around a bit more.... however when Dan said " do you want a little more sleep?" my body just couldn't pass that up. Considering our health when we don't get enough sleep and the comfy bed I was in I nodded and turned over! Now normally I ... read more

It took me not quite 2 hours to get from Sylvie’s place to Versailles via the metro, even though it is only about 12 k from Paris. I overslept and around 9 am Sylvie woke me up saying Kristina (a friend from Australia) told me to get up and get a move on it. I was half asleep and totally thought I was back in Australia, but it turned out they were just chatting on MSN. The world is a very small place. Versailles is the embodiment of the word opulence. It was built by Louis XIV and he and Marie Antoinette used to live there before that whole French Revolution happened and made their lives a little bit tougher. Instead of French Nobles, Versailles is now occupied by tourists of almost every nationality under the ... read more

Hello to everyone! Hope you have had a lovely day, we certainly have! I will tell you all about it; but first I must have a rant... Through out our stay in Europe we have marveled at the old buildings, the friendly tourism assistants, the interesting hostels, and the spectacular history. In short, this continent has got it going on.... all except one thing.... the pay toilet situation. See I do enjoy a good clean facility or a toilet anywhere for my use really, however, do I not think that I should have to pay for it... this is especially true when facilities are always in locations in which you have already paid to get into, example restaurants, train stations, metros etc. I believe that the bathrooms should be included in the price. Now I understand ... read more

Well, we made it to France safe and sound! The first day was busy but fun. I am traveling on my own now. Jared has left on his train for Brainçon. I wasn't sure about that at first but I think I' m getting used to it. Last night I went down to see the Norte Dame. It was beautiful at night. I hitched a ride from a French guy I met when I was walking to see the Effiel Tower last night. He said it was a great place to see at night, so he offered to take me there. It was worth it. What a beutiful veiw! Jared and I have been enjoying Paris so far. Jared got to spend one last night in Paris then he expected. I guess when he went to ... read more