Woodbridge > Paris - Day 17

So it's goodbye to Suffolk for now, it's been fantastic ! We drive to Southend Airport, drop off the Hire Car, and hop on the plane for the 1hr hop over to Paris. With a little help from a passenger we locate our Taxi driver, who speaks about as much English as we speak French! He is however particularly nice and helpful, and Georgia and I are entertained by Jane and his garbled conversation on the way in! The 1 Hr ride is a real eye opener, as we depart the absolutely massive Charles De Gaulle Airport and drive past the impressive French Stadium, and through the bleak and depressing refugee tents that line the highway and cluster under the bridges for shelter. They are begging for money as the traffic stops, and I feel embarrassed to be on such an extravagant holiday when they are so helpless! Georgia is clearly upset too when the Taxi driver refuses to open the window, clearly concerned that something might get pinched. We move further on and begin to pass the magnificent architecture that dominates the centre of Paris. What a beautiful City! We arrive in Marais the district where Jane has booked our accomodation! It is funky and vibrant, and as usual she has chosen well! We are met by our afro-French contact, a lovely young man called Adonis, who is really helpful getting us settled into the appartment. Shortly after Sarah Francis arrives and we head off for some traditional French fare. We all decide on the Duck Confit with 2 Potato side dishes of truffade! It is a huge lovely meal, but very filling, so we decide to walk it off with a stroll down to the River Seine and some twilight shots of the City. It is the Presidential Election and Macron has won, there is a jubilant vibe in town, clearly the citizens are relieved!Read more