This morning we had to wake up at 4am
to be ready to catch our taxi to the Royal National. The taxi was meant to pick us up from Laille's at 5.10am, but didn't arrive until 5.30am. Apparently they had decided that since it would only take half an hour to get to the Royal National that they didn't need to pick us up until 5.30am. We were all a bit stressed and were cutting it pretty fine as we had to be at Royal National by 6.00am. We all went back into the meeting room that we had been in the previous night. It was a nightmare. Everyone couldn't even fit in the room properly. There were the six tours leaving all at the same time and we were all expected to fit our suitcases into the meeting room too. Finally we got on the road! We have an awesome tour group. Everyone is so friendly and most people are pretty chatty. Paul and I get to have a room to ourselves while we're in Paris since its twin share. When we get to places that are quad share we will either have to share with another couple or go into the single sex quad rooms. She wasn't too sure. We were given some disappointing news at the start of the trip. We are now only having one night at the French Chateau, instead of two due to the amount of people with it being peak season. Possibly to do with the six tours going all at the same time too. So instead of a second night at the Chateau we have a night in Lyon, which is an hour and a half from the French Chateau. We also are having a night cut off our three nights in Corfu and an extra night in Venice. I was disappointed as these were the two places I was most looking forward to staying. Just have to make the most of the situation. By the sounds of it we drive up the coast to Venice instead of taking the ferry now, but I'm still not too sure yet. We arrived in Paris around 5.00pm. I can't remember the exact time, but it was a long drive! The hotel appears to be in a pretty rough area. We're surrounded by homeless
people who have set up camp just around the corner from us, as well as the gypsy markets. We wanted to go around the corner to use the ATM, but were told by the tour manager not to and that it wasn't safe. So first impressions weren't the best! However after dinner we went out on the coach for our Paris by night tour. We saw all the major sites and had the opportunity to try snails and french champagne. The snails really just taste like garlic butter and are a bit chewy. They weren't as bad as I thought they would be. We got to see the Eiffel Towel, but it was still too light for it to be sparkling. I also found out where the Pont Des Arts bridge is. We are going to go back to the bridge tomorrow to put our padlock on it. When we arrived back at the hotel I went upstairs to use the wifi while Paul had a couple of beers downstairs. Tomorrow we get to explore Paris!! xx