Aaahhhh Paris at last!!

Well, we made it to Paris... and our adventure started way back in Nice. First, let us clarify one thing. We are having the time of our lives on this trip. We have read your comment and re-read our blogs and sometimes get the impression that it sounds as though we are complaining. OOPS!! We find the funniest times are the unexpected mishaps we have, when something goes wrong or when we are presented with a new challenge. And so... we begin...

From Nice we scheduled ourselves on the overnight train to Paris. We thought "Hey, we'll save money since we won't have to book a hostel/hotel". Yeah right!! The night train is VERY expensive but it is all inclusive (by the way, what does that mean). Let us remind you of a few things we have learned about train travel.
1) You need to fight for the seat closest to the air control, so it's not too hot or cold.
2) If possible, make sure this seat is also close to the door so you aren't locked in with stinky people.
3) Trains leave quickly so you better get on fast!! "Alicia, just get on the train!!"
4) Bring food, there isn't much to offer on the train.

This brings us to the night train. We thought by now we were savvy travelers. Let me ask you... Have you ever had the misfortune of waking up next to someone with bad breath?? Now, have you ever had the misfortune of waking up to the bad breath of six people closed up in a warm, non-ventilated train car?? Plus, sleeping on the top bunks of triple stacked bunk beds makes the ride extra rocky and getting down a challenge, not to mention that you can't sit up and the ladder only hangs by one hook. This was our night!! We got on the train at 9pm hoping to sit and have some wine, brie, and yes... more bread, only to be disappointed by no place to sit and our roommates going directly to sleep. But we were in control of the lights and the heat.... HAHAHAHA

Neither of us have been daring enough to use the toilets on the train but did notice a sign that says "It is forbidden to use the toilets when the train is stopped in the station". We didn't really understand this at first. However, what is the first thing YOU do when you wake from a long nights sleep?? EXACTLY... use the restroom. We were slightly disturbed when we entered the wash closets and went to use the toilet to look down and see the train tracks wizzing by!! Apparently you pee (and others) directly onto the tracks!!! Note to self: DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER!!! We were even more surprised when we got off the train and paid closer attention to the tracks in the station. Not everyone follows the rules, and there were no dogs near by!! We got a little grossed out and had to laugh!!!

So, we arrived in Paris!! Our beautifully photographed hotel that we found on line turned out to be just that... beautifully photographed. Back to bunkbeds, wash closets, and sleep sacks for us. No worries, it's kind of charming right?? Our roommate last night was from Japan. Apparently in Japan, they have deviated septums because we were kept awake by snorting, NOT snoring, STORTING all night. For gosh sakes, just get up and blow your nose!!! That and the neighbors who apparently feel the romance of Paris a little to early in the morning... made for a bit of a sleepless night.

Yesterday, we did some exploring and shopping!! We couldn't put it off any more, and with all the fashion in Paris, we needed some retail therapy!! Plus, all of our clothes are getting a little dirty and the clean ones are shoved in a bag with the dirty ones!! We definitely will enjoy a good long HOT shower, a real washer and dryer, a meal of more than bread, cheese, tomatoes, pasta, and a night in our own beds when we get home.

Today so far we have spent a couple hours at the Musee d' Orsay and the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. We are in the Latin Quarter just exploring and plan to see the Louvre tonight. Tomorrow will be complete with the Eifel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pantheon. Add in a little more shopping and some more of that good French wine and we are ready for London!!

Merci and je t'aime!!