We are all ready to break hotel windows, the rooms are so hot. None of us slept that well, as we were unable to get our thermostats in sync with the hotels.
Walter and I left our window open so we fared reasonable well.
Breakfast was rather sad, the last meal together, though we had to fight for it. The hotel wasn't going to give it too us, however were unable to repel our blitzkrieg of the front desk. We learn something this trip.
Our farewells done, I headed off to do battle with the Eiffel Tower, or more precisely the crowds.
I was later than intended and the queues were already over 100 metres for the lift ascent. The stair ascent, albeit to the second level was much shorter.
The obligatory handing over of money, bag inspection, scanning it was up and up and up, yet apart from my usual sweating, not as hard as I thought. I think the crowds pace was slower than I am used to. It's interesting looking at the wear marks on the steps and clearly more people climb than decent, however it may also be due to the heavier tread of an ascent.
Then the lift to the top and some simply great views of Paris, though somewhat tempered by the dull day. Our good weather has deserted us already.
I spent about 90 minutes on the Tower, the top and the lower levels. It is a must, but get there early, and be prepared to wait.
Off across the Seine to the Chaillot Palace which houses a number of things including the Marine Museum, which I trotted into.
Lots of great models, all to do with the French Navy and various maritime achievements. Good value for EU7.
It was then time to get my gear from my hotel, where I had left it and get to my new abode in Lafayette, using the Hop on Hop off buses.
Found my hotel quite easily, however they didn't have my booking. "This is Mercure Lafayette? " I enquire. "No, this is Mercure something else, Lafayette is around the corner". Oh crap.
So here I am back in the garret of this funny hotel, sixth floor, with the slowest lift ever.
Lafayette is a district of narrow roads and lanes with many restaurants and cafes. Pity I have to eat on my own.
I then ventured out to Gare du Nor to get my train ticket to Brussels, so now I'm set.
A nice meal at La Marguerite and here I am writing my blog.
Tomorrow, well if it's raining, The Louvre (100% chance of rain), if not Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees, I think.
Picasa Web Pictures
Walter and I left our window open so we fared reasonable well.
Breakfast was rather sad, the last meal together, though we had to fight for it. The hotel wasn't going to give it too us, however were unable to repel our blitzkrieg of the front desk. We learn something this trip.
Our farewells done, I headed off to do battle with the Eiffel Tower, or more precisely the crowds.
I was later than intended and the queues were already over 100 metres for the lift ascent. The stair ascent, albeit to the second level was much shorter.
The obligatory handing over of money, bag inspection, scanning it was up and up and up, yet apart from my usual sweating, not as hard as I thought. I think the crowds pace was slower than I am used to. It's interesting looking at the wear marks on the steps and clearly more people climb than decent, however it may also be due to the heavier tread of an ascent.
Then the lift to the top and some simply great views of Paris, though somewhat tempered by the dull day. Our good weather has deserted us already.
I spent about 90 minutes on the Tower, the top and the lower levels. It is a must, but get there early, and be prepared to wait.
Off across the Seine to the Chaillot Palace which houses a number of things including the Marine Museum, which I trotted into.
Lots of great models, all to do with the French Navy and various maritime achievements. Good value for EU7.
It was then time to get my gear from my hotel, where I had left it and get to my new abode in Lafayette, using the Hop on Hop off buses.
Found my hotel quite easily, however they didn't have my booking. "This is Mercure Lafayette? " I enquire. "No, this is Mercure something else, Lafayette is around the corner". Oh crap.
So here I am back in the garret of this funny hotel, sixth floor, with the slowest lift ever.
Lafayette is a district of narrow roads and lanes with many restaurants and cafes. Pity I have to eat on my own.
I then ventured out to Gare du Nor to get my train ticket to Brussels, so now I'm set.
A nice meal at La Marguerite and here I am writing my blog.
Tomorrow, well if it's raining, The Louvre (100% chance of rain), if not Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees, I think.
Picasa Web Pictures
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