19 March 1999 Paris, France

London to Paris Tunnel - Eurostar

On the 17th, I decided I wanted to try to go to Paris. The Hilton by the Eiffel Tower was booked, so I called the Hotels in my 1/2 off book and booked at the Holiday Inn La Villette (air miles). Since James finally had the opportunity to drive the car, he dropped me at the station in Coventry on his way into work.

Paris Eurostar Train

From Coventry, I went into Euston Train Station and then took the tube to Waterloo Train Station where I caught the EuroStar train. It is only 3 hours to Paris by this train and wonderful views of the countryside. It's a smooth (186 mph) ride at full speed. When I arrived at the station in Paris (Gare du Nord) I had to exchange my metro voucher. So I went to the first ticket (billet) window I could find. The person didn't speak English and didn't want to help me so she just shewed me away. At that moment, I was near tears and wanted to go back home to James in Coventry where the people are nice.

Metro (tube) sign

I was lucky to find a lady who worked there who spoke English and who helped me to another window where I did get the day passes. At this window, the gentleman told me how to get to the hotel. I got there!!! I was so scared to get out and see Paris after this ordeal, I just walked around the hotel area. I asked the lady at the desk Marie Francaise how to use the metro and she explained. Thank God for her. After that, I could sit down and plan (write down) my path to where I wanted to go. It was easy after that.  Paris is one hour ahead of the UK.

Paris is full of snotty people who refuse to help.  What little French I know would anger them or I'd not pro-noun-ce it properly for them.  Its a very lovely city, do not get me wrong.  The parks are magnificent.

The Champs Elyse is wonderful.

The most prestigious address in the world.  Cafes, cinemas and ritzy stores.  Unbelievable walk, 3 miles one way.  Your puppies will bark when you get back to the hotel!

The Louve is spectacular.  One of the largest museums and the most visited museum in the world.  Located on the RIGHT bank of the Seine River in district #1.  Nearly 35,000 objects.  Once a palace, you can see a fortress built under Phillip II that remains from the 12th century in the basement. Louis XIV chose to move to Versailles leaving the Louve display the royal collection.

The Eiffel Tower - TALL.

Crowded this chilly day I arrived off the metro from the hotel.  I didn't care to stand in line and wait.  I hate crowds.  I take in the magnificent monster looking up at those climbing, those waiting for the elevator to the top or to the restaurant.  Its huge beyond belief.  Maybe its a good thing I not go up.  I may have had an attack of fear?   You know, this is the location where the evil lady in View to a Kill jumped off the Tower as Duran Duran tried to capture her in their video.  Oh I'm a fan of them big time!

Riding on the subway - is not so safe.  I was advised to get on and do not make eye contact with anyone unless they are workers.  WHY??  Know I know.  I got on and went from one station to the next.  At that one, they opened the doors and people walked on and they were musicians.  They were looking for a hand out.  This should be illegal.  I saw no workers on their metro either I felt unsafe.