Simon So pleased you've not only done the cultural stuff in Paris (i.e. Mona Lisa, Arte d'Triumph), but also a very comprehensive tour of Paris's wildlife - congratulations. See any rats?

G and D I'm trying not to think too much about your feet...... Hope they can just get you on to the a/c and then you will have a trained nurse available to look after them. You could well be paddling around at Luton which will cool them down. Very much enjoyed all your adventures and I wonder what I will do early each morning with no blogs to seach for........ I had hoped to be in a full dress C. Const. kit for yr arrival but blew it. No change there then. Just aged pith helmet mit flip flops and a "poor white" outfit. No comment reqd por favor. Safe journey with a smooth landing. We'll be pleased to see yr arrival on the Luton board @ 0920 followed by sighs of relief all round. LOL, G and D

mumy Mummys back! That lot was so great to read and the photos marvelous!! We had a great time cant wait to see you both tomorow just think this time 2 years ago we were waitting on your alevels! what a night me and minty cruising around Queens Park getting newspapers!! Have a good sleep lots organized for you on your return Love you both safe journey see you at Luton xxxxxxxxxxxx!!!

Failed Spec. Const. G Holt late RN. Post Scriptum Now that Minty is on the wagon perhaps you will be interested in an article in The Times today, Headline Quote."In France, the young are boozing on the boulevards like Anglo-Saxons on a big night out, and their elders are not happy" Discuss. GJH

G&D I would not exactly say you were roughing it. I expect you have running water, which is more then I did on my 1st visit. The high light of the day was "Biff Steak", actually horse, but I didn't know at the time. Was it shopping or window shopping? The latter I hope. Montmartre is usually full of painters (non French) painting the Sacre Cour. Expect you will have bought one. It will do for the garden shed.... Seriously, so glad the weather is kind and you are making the most of yr visit. Confit of Duck no less ! Final furlong in sight! Very Best Wishes and LOL, Grandad and Grandma Holt

le Simo Am I the only one to have noticed that Minty seems to have a lot of chicken sandwiches?

Mr and Mrs G Holt Good. So you made it, but what a journey! No thank you. St Ives is far enough these days. All your walking too. If you meet any Kiwis tell them its been SNOWING in Auckland and Wellington. Unheard of. Here a pleasant day but sadly a typical UK unsettled day on Thursday will greet you. I am down to Spec. Const. again as I was noted sipping a half of shandy on Sun. pm when I was on duty. The story of my life. Slow down a little and pay more attention to map reading to save your poids (French). Not too far from home now. We're all waiting to hear the saga. Be Happy, LOL, G and D .

Sim Minty's mishaps = Best blog so far. 5x stars

Spec. Const. & Mrs GJ Holt Just looked up Paris weather.Ideal for sight seeing on non licenced primises (Minty). Look what happens to Rtd Naval Officers....... Not a pretty sight they tell me. Liked the firework picture but not too keen on that journey.BTW Guided bus to Camb. is up and running. All mod cons,Wifi/leather seats and free for OAP's. Not an Aussie in sight.They have to thumb lifts as they ask for the way to Bedford...... (SNJ get the bunks ready and the beer in). I should not jest like that. It might just happen.... Hope the day is going well. Lots to see.My first visit to the Moulin Rouge was in '48 when I made a "gin fizz"(the cheapest drink) last about 4 hours.... Ah well, it was a hard life then. No sympathy reqd though. Good fun as I hope you are enjoying. Au revoir and LOL, G and D

Act. C. Constable and Mrs Holt In case you hadn't heard Minty, WBA 1 : Man U 2 (They left it a bit late as usual !) Hope trip to Gay Paree is now a memory, pleasant or otherwise. LOL, G and D

Nicky & Paul Nicky & Paul, Must have misunderstood, I thought you were staying in San Seb longer and Paris shorter? Everyone here is well, last night Dad treated me to a visit to the Lilley Arms (the girls wisely turned down the opportunity). No sensible person ever goes there and certainly not when the Morris dancers are in town. The pub smelt like wet dog which on a warm evening wasn't very pleasant. Jon, Debbie, Sonia & Barney joined us... as you can imagine it was something of a shock for the locals. Hope the long drive to Paris passes quickly for you, we'll give you a call tomorrow. love to you both xxxx

Alexa ''huge people running around hitting children'' = Simon & Alexa

Simon Do you realise your map is suggesting you got a flight from Spain to the Canaries to California?

C. Supr. and Mrs Holt V pleased to hear your jour was premier classe and you are now probably watching fireworks to end le jour. Do hope yr journey demain goes well. Treize hrs is quite enough without any hic-ups. The best way to treat the French is to parlez loudly, talk down to them an just be just a touche polite. They are brought up not to like us too much so stand your ground... They've always had a problem with my Kiwi learnt schoolboy French. SNJ and Dave here aujourd'hui (mit tans !) for lunch. We all enjoy yr accounts of the wide wide monde and S. is longing for yr return. She took some high class quality tomatoes home...! (Not for nothing am I called "flip to le front Brutus.) The Orchard Lane Fencibles were stood down today but I still got promoted.... We will remain en garde (French) as they say. Be Happy ! LOL, G and D. (Grade 1/2 Interpreter)

Dave Is the picture you? Not as sun-tanned as you might think. Or is it Carolina?