Thursday 23 November

We would travel from Lyon to Paris by train. Again, booked a first-class compartment.

Again, we arrived at the station in plenty of time, only really plenty of time.

There had been an accident on the Paris line and our train was delayed several hours.

Instead of arriving at Paris as mid-day, it would be after 4pm before we finally arrived. The train did leave late, however, it was a slow-slow trip, just thankful we were tourists, in no hurry.

The trip should have taken two hours on this very fast train. It took six hours!

However, once at our much loved Grand Hotel Deschampaigne, we were welcomed as long awaited family! Our "special" room was ready and the memories of our previous visits came flooding back. Even the very "uncomfortable" sofa-bed hadn't been updated, although we both wished it had! Terrible to sit on, can't imagine how uncomfortable it would be as a bed!

This hotel is ideally situated and we found our eateries, not having changed at all. The meals and wines were still just a wonderful and our time in Paris was wonderful.

Friday 24 November

Phillip had pre-arranged a meeting with Bishop of Europe's, PA, situated in Westminster, London. Part of the offices of Archbishop of Canterbury. This meeting was to "feel out" his option for after retirement, perhaps an appointment in Europe?

So while he took the Paris-London, VFT, very early, I had a lie in, then breakfast in the hotel and took a taxi for a length shopping spree in Gallerie Layfayette….the best shopping in Paris.

It did not disappoint. The Christmas decor was up and lights on, the whole store is about 6-7 levels and my grandchildren and new niece/nephews were on my mind. I had a wonderful time.

I took in morning tea and cake sitting up "like Jackie" overlooking the Christmas centre piece.

When I was exhausted and ticked all my "gift" lists, I took a taxi home.

I had lunch nearby the hotel at our favourite restaurant only this time I had the best hamburger and chips ever, together with lovely glass of red!

Only missed Phil a little. However, did he think of me???? He lunched at Selfridges, beluga caviar and vodka, best vodka, best caviar! No prize for guessing whose bill was the largest, ok, let's leave out the "shopping", just the lunch!

Phil arrived back at 7pm, having had a very successful meeting and with "to do things" in a few years when retirement is looming. He had dinner together nearby where I left my handbag, not noticing until the next morning only to find a grinning waiter waving my handbag when I returned the next morning….so relieved. Our passports and my credit cards still in tact. I love Parisiens.

We didn't do the Hop-on,Hop-off bus as the weather is just "wintery" and we have seen Paris. We did take taxis to our favourite spots or walked, the Champ Elyeese, favourite eateries, walk across our close-by bridge, passed local markets and nurseries and just sat watching Parisiens going about their day.

We love Paris! in the winter when it's drizzles!

Monday 27 November

We left Paris in local taxi, about an hour drive to Charles-de-Gaulle

Departed Paris 12:25pm