MORE OF PARIS

Surprisingly we were all ready for breakfast in the hotel at 8.30am Very nice bread/croissant/orangejuice and coffee!
Then off we went to the Notre Dame where Carol and Sarah were determined to climb the Towers. Len decide that climbing up 400 plus stairs was a bit too much to ask and left them to it. While they enjoyed their adventure Len sat in the gardens at the rear of the Cathedral and observed the passing parade with great interest. There were several arrtists exhibiting their wares in the gardens and it was a relaxing and culturally uplifting time!

Regrouping there seemed to be a mutual agreement that some food and a drink were needed. We sat on a sidewalk cafe right beside the Notre Dame and enjoyed Crepes as only the French can make them .Sarah's with Banana and Chocolate,Carol's Lemon and Sugar and the boss had a Croque Monsieur.Wonderful to be all together - sitting by one of the world's famous monuments and watching the world go by.

Next stop was to be the Bata Shoe store (where Carol had bought shoes yesterday - eventually found it after lots of walking - bloody place was closed. Then off to the famous markets by the Metro. Wonderful place (if you like shopping among a million people) - but Sarah boought a wee bonnet and a pair of boots - so it was all worthwhile. Then back to the Camellia -sort out the packing -raced onto the Metro to Garde de Nord where the Eurostar was waiting to take us home. Sarah came out to the station with us and we said a sad farewell- but all were happy that we had had such a great time.

First class on the Eurostar (booked specially for Carol's birthday) was very nice thankyou -while there had been a problem with the inservice meal due to a strike, we still had a very acceptable dinner box, and the drinks trolley came up and down the aisle with acceptable regularity. We had planned to take a taxi from Waterloo to Fenchurch Station- the queue soon dispelled that idea, and we took the underground instead and arrived as the Basildon train pulled out of the station!!

A half hour of frustation waiting for the next one - a very nice taxi from Laindon station to home and we were more than happy to crash.

Oh Yes! -Lost the 18ct ring somewhere en route so will never know if we were scammed!

AND the bill from Basildon Council for rates was waiting for us - $3000 a year for our little flat!!This is not a place to live long term.