Paris

I am going to try to say something nice about Paris, but after spending 3 weeks in Nantes last Christmas, I am finding it extremely difficult. Nantes is just as rich in history as Paris ( maybe even more so) and has a much more pleasant populace. Yes, I know the Parisians have to put up with millions of tourists, but they have done it to themselves- I was amazed to learn that Sacre Coeur was built in 1886, and here's me thinking it's like 16th century like Nantes' cathedral.

The traffic is horrendous- cars do not stop at pedestrian crossings, not even when we have a green walk sign- and do not seem to care if they damage their cars at all. They park anywhere and everywhere- literally bumper to bumper ( actually touching!) The noise is continuous with lots of ambulances through the day and night ( probably attending the many traffic accidents!) but you soon get used to it. As if that's not bad enough, I have escaped being run over at least twice by looking the wrong way!

Oh yes. the Eiffel Tower is truly magnifique, in size as well as in design, but the lines to walk up the stairs were indescribably long and it was 27 degrees! We bought an ice cream ( 4 euro!) and left, deciding to reserve on the net and return in January when the lines will be shorter and the weather cooler. After the tour arrived back at our hotel ( lovely corner room with three French windows overlooking Boulevard Rochechouart), we decided to go supermarket shopping. I love supermarkets in other countries! We bought Evian for 40 cents a bottle, apples, bananas, and a bottle of champagne for 3 euro ( and yes, we did drink it all and now I have a headache to prove it!) We even bought Subway- type rolls of egg, chicken and tomato for 1.99 euro each ( lunch!) We tried to buy ice ( to keep the champagne cold) but they do not sell ice. Neither does anywhere else in our neighbourhood! And we don't have a fridge so the only option was to drink the whole bottle before it got too hot!

The Pyramid at the Louvre

The River Seine

The Eiffel Tower

After the champagne, we all lay down to sleep even though it's very hot ( Keeley and Elizabeth are still out to it!) in preparation for La Nuit Blanche tonight where everything stays open until 5.30am and is free. Stacey arrives from Nantes soon and has our evening all planned for us. I hope Lorelle will be well enough to join us as she has been resting up all day on prison rations. ( bread and water)