Paris

---

After a really bad nights sleep on the lumpy hard bed and a shower where the shower head kept falling down, I went down the street to get wifi and to book new accommodation. I was able to cancel the AIRBNB and booked a hotel a little bit further out but close to a metro stop.

The metro is easy to get around. the lines are colour coded so just head for where you are going. On the metro, the station screen has colourEd lights for each stop which flash for the next station. For tickets you buy a stack of little paper tickets and just use them as required. They are good for about an hour once validated. There is a lot of rubbish around as a consequenc.

After checking into the new hotel at Saint-Ouen, which I must say is nice, roomy, air conditioned, decent beds, a fridge and a couple hot plates if we need them we set off to see the Catacombes.

There was a huge line which we joined. Andy then went to see how long it was taking. When he found it was about 4 hours we decided not to wait that long but try and book fast track tickets later. So, an alternate plan - the Eiffel Tower. Back on he metro to the tower stop.

Bags were being searched on the way in and Andy had his leatherman, so he hid it in the pocket at the bottom of his backpack. Then there were 2 lines for the tower - the lift or the stairs. The stairs was much shorter and for whatever reason we decided we would do them. Only one problem, there was another security check where they were ex-raying the bags. What to do with the leatherman? Found a convenient bush to hide it in then joined the queue for the stairs. Made it level 1 okay and had a look around. Half way up to level 2, I was wondering what had possessed us to do this. I was glad when we reached the 670 step. Great view from here.

At the second level you can get tickets for the third level right up the top. More queues for tickets and then the lifts. Amazing from the top. Then back to the lifts which took us all the way to the ground - yah. Then recovery of the leatherman.

A walk to the Seine and a boat ride down the river. Nice to have a bit of a rest and an enjoyable way to see some of Paris. Then a walk along the river to the metro and back to the hotel.

On the metro there are some fold down seats one of which I was sitting on. I was told that when the train is busy you are not allowed to sit on them but must stand. This man explained first in French and then English (after a blank look from me) after this woman gave me a look but didn't say anything herself. I really don't think many have English, either that or don't try because they don't want to engage at all when you say hello or make a comment. This has been the only place so far this has happened. Usually you can get some conversation.

Back at the hotel we asked for a jug/kettle. They don't have them. Just as well there is a hot plate and saucepan so we can make some tea.

---

Comments

[Lorinda]

Have to tell you about my trip back to Paris from outer of town I was not sure where to get off asked in english noone answered me. Till a child dropped something at my feet and said Dad said you are right. David had gone back to Paris to do unicycling at 6pm this was many hours later. I was happy then. Well worth the climb. Pleased you have better accommodation rooms in Paris always small.