Cash's Holiday

Hi again, First I must say the internet system in France is archaic, even the locals agree.

Sorry about the abrupt ending on the last blog, our life is a bit of a world wind at the moment but loving every minute of it……Will just describe a bit more of our `Hotel Esmeralda’ – located in what’s called the Left Bank, very near the Latin Quarter.   Just around the corner is a famous `old’ book shop (Shakespeare and company) Couldn’t resist buying the  book  ‘Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ – a fable.  `Esmeralda’ features in the story so our host tells us….will be my next read.

Wed 28^th   Saw us covering what we could of the many interesting areas (can only fit so much into one day)….Musee deLouvre, the museum containing de Vinci’s `Mona Lisa’. Roped off, so that distance is maintained at all times….adding to the allure of her.  Numerous other priceless works of art, some so large, the mind boggles to imagine the grandeur of their original home/location.  Archaeological excavations plus much more, are preserved under a huge glass pyramid 21m high, located in the enormous courtyard. Such a modern concept built within the ancient surroundings sounds like a mistake but it goes together really well. Most of the signage within the museum was in French, which was a little frustrating.

Walked the Av des Champs-Elysees leading up to the Arc de Triomphe….beautiful tree lined avenue, couldn’t help but think of the `tour de France’.   Over to the Eiffel Tower…hawkers everywhere, trying to sell, sell, sell.  Tour groups everywhere.

Jet lag effects return again about 4 pm….feel like your sleep-walking. Early dinner followed by a walk around. Passing numerous cute little compact cafes and restaurants, tables flowing out on to the street, in some cases, owners touting for business as you walk by. Atmosphere alive (and its only mid week) 

Thursday 29th  Collected the car from Orly airport…..and the fun began…..Chevy Chase had nothing on us.  Drivers stress levels tested to the max….unfamiliar European car, narrow roads, heavy traffic, confused navigators (The GPS mostly and thankfully we had  the power of vito)plus two back set drivers, all learning to cope with the strange sensation of being on the WRONG side of the road. The situation was serious, at times, but hilarious at the same time. After a little practise we ventured on to the toll road heading out of Paris….speed limit 130km….then came the need for a fuel stop…..diesel in french ???? went by colour of fuel nozzle….pulled into a `big’ space. Two grown men sniffing the said nozzle, next thing a voice (in french) comes over the loud speaker, we are rescued by a friendly truck driver who explains the `large’  fill areas are for trucks only. Anyway needless to say we survived our first day on the road, apart from a parking ticket we collected because we now know you can’t just park and wander off in these narrow laned townships……which by the way are a picture. Some like stepping back in time. `Auxerre’ ,where we stayed  (half way to Lyon) is so historic, still very much part of every day life.  So all in all having a wonderful trip. Weather has been great. ….Will get time at some stage to pass the `load photo on the blog test ‘ but for now….patience. (:)