First things first. If there are any horse out there reading this blog HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

We woke up in recovery mode today. The good sleep helped us all recover from the long flights. Dianne and Brian are still recovering from the the flu, so the extra time was a blessing. Brian is determined to get rid of his, and we have decided that more medicinal purpose alcohol is needed, which we will rectify tonight.

I got up early to get on the computer to solve our internet problems, with marginal success. It is amazing how quiet it is here from about 5am through to 8.30am. Nothing like Perth at all. No traffic jams, no people, nothing. However, things really crank up from about 8.30.

We were ready to go pretty early. Mapped it all out on google maps, and then we all asked Siri to accompany us to the Louvre. It was about a 15 minute walk, and the best way to see Paris. You have more time to look around and absorb the beauty of it all. The architecture is amazing. Many different styles from different periods, but all very ornate. Everywhere you see there are people restoring these wonderful buildings. I am sure restoration would be one of the biggest industries in France. It is little wonder the cosmetic's industry grew out of France also.

We made it to the Louvre in good time. Totally different to what we ever imagined. The size of about 4 City Blocks.

At this point we new we would not see much of Paris if we continued to walk. A quick decision was made to jump on a Hop On Hop Bus, so we could at least see the major sites, and then decide later where we wanted to go. Off we went, up to the Concorde (no not that one) down the Champs Elysee, round the Arc de Triumph, Eifel Tower, Notre Dame, and many other places of note.

(We still haven't found a McDonalds yet. It is a vital part of French history. Most people do not realise that. I have been using google to translate this pamphlet, and the story so far says that during the rein of Louis the 15th's (the French give all their kids the same name, so you have to number them to know who they are) "Reign of Terror" which occurred in 1793-1794, Louis asked Phillippe McDonald to create a new terror. It was at this time the "Burning of the Steak" was created, and the Lady who tested was his assistant Joan of Arc. It was such a hot success, that Phillippe refined it further by introducing a thinner cleaner cut product. Again through some trial and error by Marie Antoinette and Louis the 16th, it was finished, and ready to franchise to the rest to the world. Now you can see why I am so eager to track one down. The google translator is so good, this modern technology, how did we do without it!)

It is only by doing this that you can really fully appreciate the size and layout of the city.After the Bus tour, we came back to the unit for lunch. We bought some fresh Bagels and Salad from the bakery down the road, and I assisted Brian with his medicine, which seemed to be doing us both well.

Before we overdosed, we decided we would walk down the Champs Elysee to the Arc De Triumph. According to Siri, it would take around 1 Hour and 5 minutes. Of course we have all seen the Champs Elysee on the the TV when the cyclist for the Tour De France finish the ride. It is as beautiful in real life as it is on TV. The walk down is amazing, with wall to wall people, all enjoying the different activities along its path. Further down closer to the ARC is the shopping section, where you see many of the designer labels. Even a queue to get the Louis Vuitton shop. Clearly there are many people paid much more than I am!

The Arc De Triumph again is a beautiful piece of architecture, and well worth seeing. By this time our legs were getting a little sore, so we caught a taxi back to the unit. By the time we had got back, Kane, Kirsten and Brock had arrived in Paris. Knowing that we organised to go out for a meal. There are so many places to have meals it begins to get confusing. But is was well worth it. Brian will think twice about sitting next to Cheryl, given the fact she covered him in red wine when she decided to break her bread in half. It is certainly a bonus when you don't have to pay for the entertainment.

Tomorrow will see us do the main places by bike. So if I can stay on the correct side of the road and I am still in one piece when I get back I will write another blog tomorrow night.