Last Day In Paris

Last day in Paris

The morning was not wasted as we were able to track down a red bus and tour. The bus was stopping frequently so I had to debark and make my way to the hotel and check out. We took the public transit to Gare Nord and from there bus to our new home, The barge.

Organizing a group of six has it’s challenges. The night before our departure we discussed transport to the train station. The hotel guy wanted to bill the taxi through the room and charge 20 Euro a person! We and the Butler’s were content to take the #42 for 1.70 Euro each. In the end the Mcguires and the Maclachans took the taxi and we the bus. The bus trip was pleasant , there was room to pud our luggage in the handicap area and to get seats. The bus had audio and signage to announce the stops, the maps on the bus were clear, we always knew where we were. On one turn my bag went flying and Butler kindly heaved it back into it’s spot. Unfortunately there was a baby in the adjacent location with a tiny little foot sticking out. It was not clear that my heavy bag made contact but shortly thereafter there was plaintiff cry, the family hustled him off at the next stop. Butler did his best Nixon imitation of deny…deny.. deny. The possibility of another paralympian is a real possibility.

We arrived at Gare Nord , sat down for a quick lunch and I walked down the street and ran into Mcguires and Maclachlans. As we got off the bus Butler was quoted as saying “ best 1.70 Euro I have ever spent!”. I met John his comment was that our folly had saved 4.00 Euro a piece. We arrived at the same time, I did not see his point.

We started to try to find our tour guide and walked across the street and waited in front of the station. Randomly we approached likely people and actually met the majority of our crew. There was a Mother and daughter, Jennifer and Corryn from Australia, Sharron from Ireland, Inge from Belgium, Graig and Jan from Tasmania. A young man introduced himself as Jaun, the guide. We did a head count and were one short, we still had no bus , finally a man with a sign showed up and we were relieved that we were to finally get on the bus. The final participant , Gary Reeves, another Ausie was ushered onto the bus to applause.

 On the way to the barge we were apprehensive about our driver. About an hour into the drive I became a little concerned as the driver was yawning and opening and closing the window. I noticed usual sleep deprivation behavour. Mcguire was very proactive and chatted the driver and thankfully we stopped for coffee 20 mins later without incident.

We arrived at the barge a little later than planned. The trip was picturesque, rolling French countryside with the occasional villa in the distance. It was made shorter with Maclachlan sharing his scotch with anyone who was interested. I drew the line with any offerings to the driver!!

As soon as the bus was parked the crew helped move the bags from the bus to the barge, the a short do’s and don’ts of what to do on board. Next cabin assignments.

Deb and I were first called. Our cabin is just off the sun deck, shower and bathroom with a narrow upper bunk and a wider lower bunk. I describe the experience of having 2 people in the cabin as a Trudeau experience. The only way to get by one another is to do a pirouette!

The dinner which followed was very practical, pasta , salad and wine that was only $10. We retired to the sun deck to view the stars and enjoy the moment. Tomorrow we will start cycling !