Paris - City of Light

Tuesday – Even though we didn’t have to leave until 11:00 we still arose early and arrived in the dining room before Bas and Tineke and were greeted by the cat. Wal had an early shower today whilst Bas prepared breakfast. Tineke wasn’t coming with us today as she had the cleaning lady coming. The trip to Amsterdam was quick but in Amsterdam many roads were closed due to roadworks and after half an hour of going in circles and in frustration Bas went down a tiny lane way where we had to move shop signs to get through and then down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Eventually we did arrive close to Amsterdam Central Station. Fond farewells followed and we waved Bas goodbye as he disappeared in the melee of city traffic. After asking directions in Dutch at the railway station, we found the correct platform and Eurostar 9352, which departed on time at 13:15, to Paris Nord, arriving at 16:38. Other than the heavy bags it was a comfortable trip. In Paris we had a mini conference and decided to walk the one kilometre to the hotel “New Hotel Lafayette”. We had a small or rather a tiny room, but it was manageable, and we were in the eating district around Rue Buffault. Tonight, we dined out and enjoyed a glass of wine. Following dinner we went sightseeing, enjoying the noise and ambience of a city full of life and colour, something that we miss back home in Merimbula, Australia.Read more