paris on a whirl wind tour

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wow, already day 3 of our journey, time is going quite fast. we landed in paris and did a literal whirlwind tour. first Notre Dame cathedral. Lots of beggers outside, then we went up the Eiffel tower. In the pouring rain I might add. Day 2 we took the metro to Chateau de Versailles. Where Louis the 14th had his hunting lodge. Very large.
I don't care what they say, the metro system is a little confusing, and, try to find it at night and in the rain. Most parissiens are very helpful but some just ramble on in French. Which brings me to another point, 7 Years of french in school and it hasn't helped at all.
We have taken an over night train from France into Italy. That's an experience. WE shared our cabin, berth, whatever with a russian couple that didn't speak a word of english. They got off in Milan at 6am.
We are here in Venice with the canals of water etc. REally a neat city. Tomorrow it's off to Florence.

Hope to connect up with you again in Rome.

take care Laurie and Nicola

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