Lost In Paris Day 2
Bonjour Friends,
Day two in Paris was a nice start and a good way to build momentum for this vacation. It was a stacked day with a lot of things planned, you know the usual me thing. You should know I like to plan, and had a plan, but you know what they say about plans. Would today be one of those occasions?
A few weeks ago I would have loved it, but now my body is on my work schedule. I woke up at 8AM Paris time, which would be 7 in London. However, unlike when I’m at home when I have a thousand things to do, I normally get up and get on with them. This morning however, I just laid in the very comfortable bed, and just let myself sleep. Only getting woken up by a massive amount of sirens, and the horns of the traffic, but eventually waking up at some past ten, when breakfast is finished. Not that it mattered too much to me, but someone else was a little upset they missed it.
Then I got up and it was time to take a walk through the streets to get to Arc De Triomphe. As I said to a few people, it's just like anywhere you go, just walk the streets till you find somewhere to eat. On our way there were a few little bakeries and such, but I did find this restaurant on maps that said it did breakfast. We stopped in Merci Charles, to find they had finished breakfast, but could take us for lunch. I asked the gentleman for a latte trying to remember what it is in French, but forgot. Paid then went towards our destination, in the rain. It started off slow and little then it just wouldn’t stop, but more on the rain later.
As we continued and I got confused on which way I was meant to be turning, but we came across this nice little place called Lina's where I got myself a sandwich and Pain eu Chocolate, and we ate outside under neither the awnings, on the corner of a busy street. Something I mused about being people's classic idea of Paris, while I was munching on a baguette of chicken and eggs.
Getting to the Arc was easy enough from there, we passed a lot of interesting windows displays. Till eventually we made it, and the site reminded me a lot of Hyde Park Corner. Finding the subway entrance was a very straightforward but long affair. When we got to the entrance I felt very scared of the security guard holding the massive machine gun!
The Arc itself was beautiful, and finding out about the history was nice. To any of those who want to go up to the top, I hope you have good cardio, as it's a lot of steps. I’m used to it of course with my office being on the third floor, and I routinely use the step machine at the gym, but some people around were out of breath or tired, while I was absolutely fine. Finally something I can be proud about going to the gym.
Then when on top of the arc while not so high, in comparison to later. It did give a nice clear view of the Paris skyline. Which I found surprisingly flat. It did show us our direction for our next two stops. While also getting slowly but surely wet from the rain. Then we were off to the gift shop, where I got myself a little token, and something for the fridge, to add to the collection. Then it was off to lunch, or so we thought.
Because it took forever to cross the road coming from the Arc, and when you’re going to the Eiffel Tower and you have to be 20 minutes early, it eats into a lot of your time. I had of course consulted my guide book, and found a few cafes along the way. However, very foolishly, I didn’t put them on Google Maps, to know their location from where we were. By the time we got to the tower. It was about half 2, with a 3:30 ticket time, there wasn’t a lot to be done. Not to mention how it was really pouring outside. I made an executive decision, something from the supermarket, and proper food after our ascent. With doughnuts in hand we stood outside the tower, where four more armed guards patrolled the monument.
As for the Tower, I know it looks small on TV, but in person it's quite big. I know that sounds silly to say, but it is the truth. Also you know cardio, do it, as we had stairs tickets not lift tickets. Up we went to the first floor, which was such a nice sight to behold. Then up to second, where we were surrounded by other out of towers; your Americans, Australians and Canadians. It was interesting to see how much higher we were in comparison to the Are. While being able to see tomorrow's destinations. To head back down, and to save on someone’s lack of cardiovascular conditioning, we took the lift down. When we got to the bottom we both agreed, if you take the lift you truly are missing something. It's somewhat of a shame tickets to the top were sold out. However, after I saw the line for the lift, I don't think we missed out.
Not its about 5 it was time for a spot of dinner. We had pre-decided on Café Gustave. Where we spent over two hours eating resting and warming up. I ordered the chicken and chips. The chicken was nicely seasoned, simple but enjoyable. A decaf latte, as it was far too late for me to have more caffeine, and because I'm on holiday and cosmopolitan. Yes, I wanted them to know! The ex ordered some crepes for dessert, and since I haven’t had proper sugary products in a few weeks, it was nice to enjoy. Then it was off for us to our last stop for the day.
We caught the bus just down the road from the restaurant, as the metro was 15 mins away, and got on the 92 bus to Montparnasse. Where we had our biggest problem. I booked the tickets for the WRONG DAY! Now this wouldn’t have been a problem if I had done it for Tuesday or Wednesday. I have booked it for the day before. I don't know how this happened, but the guy at security just sent us up. Then we got to the ticket guy and he wouldn't let us in. Told us we had to get another ticket, at €20 each, then we were let in. Just as I was about to say forget it, and I’ll figure it out. When the guy told me to email customer service because I might be able to get a refund as we didn't use the ticket. Which made me feel better about my blunder and didn't spoil the experience. As this trip is about optimism not pessimism.
It was time to view Paris at night. Which was great, as it allowed me to see where we’ve been and where we’re going. Upside was at that time of night it was empty, so no kids running or people to bump into. While also allowing us to see the Towers light show, which was great to see. I do wish we got a day and night ticket, but hey, it was nice being able to see Paris so high up. Then we were off to catch Line 13 back to our hotel. To dry out my water proof bag, that was soaking wet.
Tomorrow we’re off to the Bastille, Notre Dame and the gay bar. Let’s see what happens then, à demain.
Xo FabEs