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- Apr 11, 2024, 5:53pm
- ☁️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 46 m
- FranceÎle-de-FranceParisParis 11 Popincourt48°51’28” N 2°22’22” E
Ah Paris, but not so gay…
April 11 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
We are in Paris…a smooth uneventful trip, and even had priority boarding and check in being Velocity gold, even though travelling economy! So we landed at CDG at 7.30, almost exactly 24 hours after taking off from Melbourne, all good so far, but the not gay Paris is because in the metro on the way to the hotel my passport and phone were stolen…and I was, unlike in Madrid last year, totally on my guard…it was crowded, but they were in my shoulder bag, zipped up, velcro flap over, and it was hanging in front and was very aware of it…just can’t imagine how it was possible, but when I went to take out my passport at the hotel found the bag empty…just a sickening feeling.
Anyway, better than a hospital visit, and we went to the Oz embassy quickly as shuts between 12 and 2, and they were amazingly helpful and kind. I filled in forms and they understood I didn’t have license etc…on my phone, or know my passport number…they have all that anyway, and I can pick up an emergency passport tomorrow after 2pm!! Only lasts 7 months, and doesn’t have a chip, but fantastic - so that is the main problem sorted - we leave Paris on Monday, and I wouldn’t be able to fly back from Madrid without it…and will just have to live without a phone for 6 weeks…bummer - photos etc. we are both a bit paranoid now and I look on everyone as a possible suspect. A group of probably Gypsy girls tried it on on another metro ( they didn’t know everything was gone by then!) no success for them there, but it feels just horrible and can’t wait to be out of the big city. Can imagine these pickpockets will be out in force over the Olympics.
After the passport operation we did walk and try to forget the problems and enjoy being here, but it has cast rather a blight on the day. It’s nice and coolish, my perfect temperature, and the spring leaves are looking lovely and the blossoms and tulips, so not all bad. We managed quite a lot of walking - by the end of the day about 15 kms. Stopped and had a drink at our favourite cafe near the opera, wine for Amr and Campari for me, and we shared a baguette with ham, cheese and salad, and had planned to go to a nearby bistro for an early dinner but have decided to call it a day and give in to being horizontal…Amr is already passed out I think and I will very soon be following.
We have good plans, and more cheerful news tomorrow!Read more
Traveler Oh so sorry Rosie. It also happened to Jan on the second day of our trip also in Paris but it was his wallet. He took it badly and wanted to come home. A week later the second wallet was stolen in Prague! Keep smiling and just enjoy yourselves
Traveler Don’t want to like the post. What a horrible arrival experience. Can’t believe how they managed to get in through zips and Velcro. Luckily replaced and not halting the trip. Hope you sleep well. Xx
Traveler A sickening feeling when I read this post. I'm glad you are alright though Rosie and got things sorted pretty quickly. Take care