Paris

Thursday 19th JuneGreat nights sleep lovely warm night. Woke early to finish packing and clean van, there a number of things that need to be done before returning van. On our way about 9am, tired to follow instructions but ended up going the wrong way, then asked for directions; was told back to round about turn left. Did that still the wrong way. So then went were I thought it should be and we got on the right road. Managed to find the A6 and then onto A45, exit 3 and we found Avis. Pleased that we had the instructions for the last part of journey, otherwise would never have found them.They were very happy with the van, so off we went in Taxi to train station at Lyon, 43 euro.We are now on the train traveling to Paris.We have arrived in Paris. What an amazing station Gare de Lyon in Paris is, and we have since been told that the Gare du Nord station which is were we leave for Amsterdam, is the biggest in Europe. Got taxi to Hotel, well I was told that the hotels in Europe will not be up to the standard that we have stayed in at Singapore and Australia. Quite true, the lift was so old it is an open gage and only 1 person and their luggage at a time. Then you can not move, the shower is the same, no water pressure and you can not bend over. When I washed my hair I had to stand outside the shower and then get in and have my shower.Friday 20th JuneHappy Birthday Shannon.We took the open bus tour today which took us to Louvre famous work of Da Vinci – Mona Lisa, Notre Dame – building commenced in 1163, Concorde – in 1789 there was more than 1000 executions during the French Revolution and Eiffel Tower – 10,000 tonnes of iron held together by 2 and a half million rivets, it stands 320m. We got off at the Tower and took a river cruise so that we got another sight of the city. Then in the afternoon while Eddie rested I went out to do a bit of shopping, so much to see. The big department store; Printemps built in 1870’s, very expensive, I was just looking.Then it was off to Moulin Rouge for dinner and show. Very surprised with our table it was close to the stage, then just before the show commenced more stage came out the front and we were right beside the stage, and then when the snake tank appeared it was right in front of us, we had a great view. The show commenced at 9pm till 10.30pm, they then have another show at 11pm. It was well worth the effort we enjoyed it.Saturday 21st JuneSlept in this morning and then went and did some more sight seeing on the open bus. I also went and spent some time in the old part of the city which still has its cobble stone roads and it is were all the artists sell their works to the tourists.Then it is packing as we leave tomorrow for Amsterdam at 9.25am and join our cruise.