Paris, France
And then there were seven, and soon to be eight.
Our tour group grew rapidly today with the morning arrivals of Ern, Craig and Phil H, to join Colin who arrived yesterday evening and Mick who had been in Paris since Tuesday.
Mid afternoon saw the arrival of Damian and Peter to all but complete the group with only Phil S to come in later this evening.
Importantly, all bikes have arrived in what at first look, appeared to be in good condition, That is no frames or folks damaged and all derailleurs look to be in working condition.
While Mick's bike has arrived in good condition, his other bag has somehow gone missing between Brisbane and Paris. All indications are that it is stranded in Hong Kong, which is interesting given Mick's route to Paris was via Tokyo and not Hong Kong.
The early morning arrivals interrupted the leisurely breakfast of Colin and Mick and all were soon out the door bound for the train station for the short journey into the spiritual heart of Paris and the well known attractions.
We experienced a timely security warning on the train when Craig fortunately felt the work of a pick pocket Roma on his coat pocket and proceeded to at first abuse her and then to suggest she seek an alternative occupation as she really was not very good at her current roll of a pick pocket.
The latest news on Mick's bag is that it has landed in Paris however it is now waiting on someone to scan it through the system and it seems this is more complex than simply picking it up and scanning it, The drama continues.
Our hotel is interesting. It is 300 years old although has only served as a hotel for 200 years. It has the world's narrowest stairs and getting a bag, let alone a bike bag up 6 flights (Colin and Mick) is a serious test of endurance. Colin and Mick are certainly wondering if the luxury room is worth the extra walk on the very steep and very narrow stairs,
Every night so far the street noise is significant. It appears the French air force is using the area to practice landings and take offs of their Harrier jump jets. It is loud and aggressive although Mick has convinced himself it is a train and not a jet.
The morning crew (Mick, Colin, Ern, Craig and Phil H did the tourist run visiting the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and strolling the Champs Elyees.
A special lunch was also enjoyed by all.
The afternoon and the arrival of Peter and Damian all but completed the tour group.
Some house keeping took place and a long walk to dinner via the Notre Darme followed.
It may come of some surprise but no one does Italian quite like the French. Six of the most superb Pizza's and one salmon pasta proved it is all about the ingredients.
By this time Phil S had arrived and set about entertaining himself in some of the best bars in Paris.
All in all, a great start to Paris.
And then there were seven, and soon to be eight.
Our tour group grew rapidly today with the morning arrivals of Ern, Craig and Phil H, to join Colin who arrived yesterday evening and Mick who had been in Paris since Tuesday.
Mid afternoon saw the arrival of Damian and Peter to all but complete the group with only Phil S to come in later this evening.
Importantly, all bikes have arrived in what at first look, appeared to be in good condition, That is no frames or folks damaged and all derailleurs look to be in working condition.
While Mick's bike has arrived in good condition, his other bag has somehow gone missing between Brisbane and Paris. All indications are that it is stranded in Hong Kong, which is interesting given Mick's route to Paris was via Tokyo and not Hong Kong.
The early morning arrivals interrupted the leisurely breakfast of Colin and Mick and all were soon out the door bound for the train station for the short journey into the spiritual heart of Paris and the well known attractions.
We experienced a timely security warning on the train when Craig fortunately felt the work of a pick pocket Roma on his coat pocket and proceeded to at first abuse her and then to suggest she seek an alternative occupation as she really was not very good at her current roll of a pick pocket.
The latest news on Mick's bag is that it has landed in Paris however it is now waiting on someone to scan it through the system and it seems this is more complex than simply picking it up and scanning it, The drama continues.
Our hotel is interesting. It is 300 years old although has only served as a hotel for 200 years. It has the world's narrowest stairs and getting a bag, let alone a bike bag up 6 flights (Colin and Mick) is a serious test of endurance. Colin and Mick are certainly wondering if the luxury room is worth the extra walk on the very steep and very narrow stairs,
Every night so far the street noise is significant. It appears the French air force is using the area to practice landings and take offs of their Harrier jump jets. It is loud and aggressive although Mick has convinced himself it is a train and not a jet.
The morning crew (Mick, Colin, Ern, Craig and Phil H did the tourist run visiting the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and strolling the Champs Elyees.
A special lunch was also enjoyed by all.
The afternoon and the arrival of Peter and Damian all but completed the tour group.
Some house keeping took place and a long walk to dinner via the Notre Darme followed.
It may come of some surprise but no one does Italian quite like the French. Six of the most superb Pizza's and one salmon pasta proved it is all about the ingredients.
By this time Phil S had arrived and set about entertaining himself in some of the best bars in Paris.
All in all, a great start to Paris.
