Paris in October

I can't think of enough superlatives to describe our time in Paris, so far. It's been a blast! On Monday, we took a Eurostar train from London to Paris. Our train compartment was filled with children who didn't want to be trapped on a train, but the time went by quickly.

Our hotel, Royal Magda de Etoile, is near the Arc du Triumph and is a nice, small place. The staff has been very kind, especially when Chuck practices his French! Our room is small, but the bed is much better than our London flat's bed, so Jamie, you're on your own in London!

Monday, we walked around our general neighborhood and had two great meals -- French onion soup for me & ceasar salad for Chuck; roasted chicken and chicken fricasse for dinner. And of course, several pastries ...

Tuesday we decided to use the on/off tour bus of the major sights in Paris and spent from 9:30 - 5 pm getting on & off at various attractions. We spent considerable time in & around Notre Dame Cathedral and ate sandwiches in their side park. We also spent some time at the Eiffel Tower, but did not go to the top due to the lines.

We enjoyed every stop, but boy was I tired by 4 pm! Dinner Tuesday night was in the Chinese restaurant across the street. Most restaurants don't open until after 7 pm & most French eat dinner at 8:30 pm.

Wednesday, today, was our cooking class in the Maris area of Paris. We took a taxis to a market area and spent an hour wandering the street (and eating pastries) before meeting Paule Caille, our cooking instructor. She took us to various stores to purchase our supplies and then on to a bus to travel to her apartment (in a converted workshop for a button maker). We then spent 6 hours, cooking and eating. It was lots of fun. However, the photos will have to wait until we return to London since my camera is acting up - again - and Chuck didn't bring the cord for his camera.