Weekend in Paris

Sorry about the lack of updates the past few days! We headed to Paris and I didn't bring tablet there as we packed quite lightly for the weekend excursion.  Last I wrote we were in Estrees staying with a lovely family.  She had a friend in Paris who she contacted and was able to take us in for the weekend.  So we hopped aboard the highspeed train and we were in Paris in just over an hour.  We left the train station and we figured we would be able to see the eiffel tower and know where to navigate, similar to the cn tower in Toronto.  Unfortunately this was not the case but did some pretty slick navigating and figured our way around.

Paris really is a beautiful city with all of the architecture, history and the river and bridges and we really got to see so much of it walking around.  We easily walked 12-15km per day and I really think it's the nicest way to see a new place!  We encountered many sketchy gypsy type kids who are out to rip you off.  They create a diversion and then somehow like magic your stuff is gone. We had nothing to do with their antics, but didn't make us feel at ease either!

We met up with Mike's sister gretchen and her friend later that day.  Aside from the minor mishap where we were both waiting for each other 25 meters away without realizing it for an hour, it was so great to see some family!!  We had some lunch and headed back to the eiffel tower to climb it.  It is just shy of 700 steps and the guidebook said 20-30minutes (or 12 with a break at the first floor for some photos).  It was only 5€ to walk up to the second floor... They won't let you go all the way to the top on the steps but we really enjoyed it and there was no lineup!

To continue our touristy day, we walked over to the arc design triumph, home of the craziest traffic circle to watch the chaos and see the beautiful structure.  We stood in the middle of the circle but didn't feel like paying to walk up it! It was neat and just something you do in Paris. We then headed to this funky hangout that gretchen friend heard about for some drinks before we met up with the guy we were staying with for dinner.  He took us to a delicious restaurant and answered all of our burning questions about Paris! After some yummy food and wine it was time for bed!

Sunday we got up early and met the girls at their flat and had a picnic brunch attention luxumberg gardens!  It was beautiful there! We then stumbled upon some kind if university relay race thru the park. Let's just say there was a guy in stripes running with some baguette in his hands! So true to stereotype!!  The recent turned into a photoshoot and then into a dance party but it was fun!!

Our next stop was the catacombs which is an underground museum if bones in a nutshell of millions of people.  The line was said to be strong least 3 hours so that was the end of that!  So... Off to a cafe!  In Paris they won't let you sit unless you order food.  I have never encountered this before and it definitely rides your bill up if all you want to do is people watch!  After a bowl of French onion soup (just tastes better here! ) it was time for some river tour on boat.  Our one hour tour soon became 3 after a mechanical problem and a medical emergency.  It was very beautiful and we learned so much about the city but we were happy to be off after that long.

We then slowly made our way up to chez eugenes where we were meeting the girls for dinner.  Along the way we got a text that our data had run out (supposed to last 30 days and lasted 7!) so we had to rely on subway maps but we pulled it off!! Dinner was good but the service was dreadful, as we have been finding at most places. It's a good thing it isn't customary to tio here as I would have a hard time.  We finished up by closing down a little hangout near the restaurant. Paris really is an alive city at night!  We planned in taking the subway home but found out mid way through our journey that it was closed andwwe needed to catch a cab. I was definitely starting to feel uneasy as the shady folk stumbled into the streets but we made it home safely.

That brings us to today.  Took train back and was greeted by sylvie.  After a nice chat it was time to head off to Belgium!  We are in Gand/gent/Ghent depending on your language.  It's stunning there and really feels authenticity euro! We took a castle tour which wad really bad and walked around the city.  Looking it up online.   Very charming.  The driving is okay here but they have lots of weird signs that takes getting used to.

We are exhausted so time for bed!! Can't believe week1 is done already :(. Time is flying!!

Xooxox