Finally made it to Paris. Arrived last evening on the Eurostar. First task was to negotiate the crowd of taxi touters outside the train station. We even had one gentleman who looked like an official information officer (he even had an official looking tag hanging around his neck) try to convince us that we should take a private mini cab because a taxi would cost us about 85 euro. Rule number one in these situations is to keep moving. Rule number two is avoid eye contact. We did both and kept walking around the corner where there was an official taxi rank (it even had a number of taxis there waiting to be engaged). We went to the head of the line, showed the driver our hotel booking form (with the address on it), and soon we were on our way.
Traffic was horrendous, but it seemed to flow ok. Drivers are much more courteous here - letting others in when necessary, taking an opportunity when presented with it. And no angry beeping of horns or hurling insults at each other. Anyway, we were soon at our hotel, and only for 18 euros (take that Mr "it will cost you 85 euro" official info officer).
Today is going to be the day we make it up the Tower. Four times we have been here and still we haven't made it to the top. Day started out well. The sun was shining and the temperature was mild. Found a Starbucks (remember France has the worst coffee in Europe), had a decent cup of coffee and croissant to start the day. A quick google check showed us which metro to catch to get to the Eiffel Tower and we were soon on our way.
When we arrived at the Tower we were pleased to see that the place was near empty - in fact there were more armed police and army personnel than tourists. Made our way to the ticket office, bought a ticket (no waiting), went through security, then joined the short line for the elevator up the tower. So far so good. Got to the first level where we're supposed to change to a different lift to go the rest of the way. I say "supposed" because as we were crossing over to the other lift I realized that I had left our bag down the bottom at security (note from Julie - when we Say "l" we mean David, not Julie). The lift attendant rang down to security to see if our bag was still there (I bet security was a bit anxious to find an unattended bag there), it was. So we went back down got our bag, then back up again.
Finally we made it to the top. And well worth the effort it was too. The views were spectacular. Paris In all its glory was laid before us. It was fun to pick out the various landmarks we were familiar with. The arc de triomphe, Invalides Hotel, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Louvre -they were all there.
After an hour or so up the tower, we headed back to Marais to find a place for some R & R. By which we mean coffee, food, and red wine (not necessarily in that order).
Found a small bar just outside the Metro station called L'Elephant Du Nil. A great small cosy bar/cafe. The place was really buzzy. The two women who were running the place seemed to know all the customers, and really enjoyed serving people. I had a great dish of confit duck & sautéed potatoes, Julie had a hearty bowl of courgette soup, all washed down with a most excellent glass of red wine.
We were soon refreshed enough to venture out again to visit the Picasso Museum, which wasn't too far away (walking distance, no metro). And well worth it it was too. Most enlightening. We didn't realise that Picasso wasn't just a painter. He was a poet, a writer, a sculptor, as well as a set designer for the Russo Ballet (where he met his first wife).
After that we were done for the day. Time to head back to the hotel before venturing out again for some supper.