flashman181

It’s a lovely apartment as usual but much as happened the last time in Paris being on ground floor does leave you open to elephant herding above and it’s happening again. And for generally dirty folk the French do seem to love to run washing machines after midnight!

So after a solid 4 hrs sleep it was off to The Catacombes so we decided a leisurely stroll in light mist was fine and it was pleasantly quite early on a Sunday morning for our 40 minute walk. Stopped in for breakfast on the way which was fine if you don’t mind grunts in exchange for actual conversation from cheery wait folk. And of course the first crap coffee of the holiday. We had paid overs for a guided tour as knew the line ups were horrendous – as in hours. Even so we still had to be there at 0900 and stand around for an hour before opening. The guide seemed pleasant enough but was concerned when she went about 10 people in front of us. Turns out we had no ” skip the line” deal but rather had to wait for a second guide to buy our tickets. Look it’s a rather amazing place but after the first 100 skulls the thrill wanes. Unless you have a burning desire to have every plaque translated no need for a guide either. And the 80 steep steps to climb at end didn’t help moi. Still let’s get some meats and cheeses from market and catch our first metro home- the ankle was double size by now. All fine until we get to first station of the required 6. Train stops fine but then there is an announcement in French and everyone gets off . Well the people who understand French do and naturally we decide to follow. Bomb? Rat plague? Bieber concert? Who would know, no one around to tell ya. Once emptied the train just left. So have to climb up stairs again for another 30 minute walk home. Then it started to rain. My usual cheery outlook was looking a tad precarious .

Now I got nothing against Paris. Except it is full of French people. They are truly an ignorant mob, whether it be flicking lit ciggies on footpath in front of you or just walking with head down and not even looking. They really have a poor understanding of the concept of service.

Anyhoo went for a stroll in afternoon and saw the Statue of Liberty replica and of course the Eiffel Tower. If nothing else the Seine is truly a beautiful river. It is a stunning backdrop for so much.