Arrival in Paris

We took the Eurostar over to Paris to avoid airports, airplanes, and security lines. The price was about the same, but the hassle was much, much less. Our train pulled out of St Pancras station at 10:25 AM. We left our hotel about 9:15, and could have left even later. Checking in was automatic. They x-rayed our bags (no checking of bags) and we waited a few minutes before they loaded the train.


We got on the train, stowed our luggage at the end of the coach (Coach 11, seats 61 and 65 - they faced each other) and sat down.

We had a little continental breakfast, read and snoozed.

Right on time, at 1:47 PM (Paris is one hour ahead of London) we pulled into the Gare du Nord.

Paris is much more chaotic than London. The short cab ride from the Gare to the apartment was harrowing - nobody worries about "Blocking the box" in Paris. You drive like crazy - our cabbie beeped at a young woman whose baby carriage was too far out in the street. Yipes! At one intersection it was like gridlock. The traffic control lights seemed to have to effect at all.

C'est bon!




The apartment is very nice. It is owned by a Hollywood Wheel (former President of Miramax!) and is outfitted very nicely.

It is, in the vernacular of Paris apartments, Calm et claire (Quiet and light).

It has this spectacular staircase at the entrance. When we were leaving, I looked up and took this photo. As with most digital cameras, ours has a lag. While it was lagging, this young woman jumped into the picture. She laughed and laughed at that.


This is ST Sulpice. It was recently cleaned. The last time we were in Paris it was all under wraps.


We walked to the Luxembourg Gardens just for fun.

It was really packed with people, as the day was very nice. Everyone had TWO of these chairs. One for their butts, and one for their feet and luggage. We had three for two.


Then we walked back.

We had dinner in a little place called L'Epigramme - a small (12 table) place that was family run. We had foie gras and octopus for appetizers, Lamb and Duck for our main courses, and cheese and pears for dessert. All washed down with a nice burgundy.

Ah, Paris!

It is good to be back!