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We had planned a relaxed morning with Jonathan, Brodie and myself hanging out in Wanstead village while Jat took Sophie to Westfield Stanford and Roz and the girls were at work/school. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out that way when Jonathan had his wallet stolen while Brodie was getting a haircut. After a mad runaround the village trying to get it back we gave up and headed to KingsCross for our Eurostar booking to Paris.
Eurostar is amazing, so easy to get from central London to Central Paris! Such a great option for a romantic getaway or girls weekend - sure beats Akaroa!
Sophie, my French cousin has been amazing with giving us directions to her apartment, tourist information, tickets to museums etc and then an amazing dinner! Our apartment is in the 15 arrondissement in the south but very handy to everything.
Today we decided to have a relaxed day as we are all a bit tired and Brodie is suffering from a head cold. We took the bus 38 past the Jardins du Luxembourg to St Michel and then we walked over to Ile de la Cite, through the Marche des Plantes and onto the Notre Dame. Amazing how 1000 years ago they could build something so beautiful and elegant and yet we, with all our technology and machinery can only construct concrete tilt slab, such a shame they want to destroy the cathedral when we no longer have the craftsmanship to rebuild such elegance.
Behind the Notre Dame we discovered the memorial to the martyrs of WWII - a very serene spot on the seine and a great tribute to all those who perished in the camps. Each light represents a soul.
Onto Ile St Louis for the famous ice creams of Berthillon - as Sophie says Yummy! So hot and tired we jumped back on the bus (62) past l'institut du monde Arabe, the mosque (all place that remind me of my time in Paris, many moons ago) and home via a couple of shops to fairs les courses (shopping)
It really is lovely to speak French again and do those daily jobs such as visiting la boucherie (ouch, Jonny's going to have to learn to be vegetarian) l'epicerie for the fruit and salad and Le super arches for other bits and pieces. Sophie did a great job of ordering les croissants, pains au chocolate and la baguette from la boulangerie this morning, she's dying to try their gateaux!
I'm now sitting down with a cool glass of rose and looking forward to a full day of sightseeing tomorrow when it's supposed to be a little cooler!
Quote of the day would have to be from Jonathan last night at dinner with Sophie who speaks little English "I can't get a word in!" Funny :)
- comments
Grandad and Nana Sounds great - sad about the pick-pocketing though. Keep wallet in shirt chest pocket J. Probably a child thief. Another day tomorrow. Lol. Notre Dame the best.
Granny and Grandpa Lovely to hear of your travels - Paris brings back many happy memories. Bring on the gateaux Sophie. Lots of love, Granny and Grandpa