Paris!!!!!!!

Saturday 16 August

On time disembarkation in Rotterdam and taxi to Central station.  You know you are back in the Netherlands when you see the bikes.   There must be 5000 at the station at 9am on a Saturday morning.  Two years ago when we were here, the station was a construction site, now it is a magnificent new city asset and even has upmartket shops.   The only downside was the first class lounge did not open until our departure time.

Just a little over 2.5 hours, and some Burgundy wine, and we are at Paris Nord.  Thalys booked a taxi for us, driver waiting at end of platform, took Pat's case and delivered us to Hotel St Louis en Isle - and carried cases to the lobby.  We have memories of a less glorious arrival three years ago, much trailing of cases across cobblestones, a transfer to the Metro, a flirtatious ticket seller, many, many stairs and a lot of walking!!!!

Arriving on I'lle St Louis again felt like being home - it has to be the best residential location in Paris, just 300m to Notre Dame.  The whole of Paris is absolutely buzzing - sure, there are things you need to ignore (beggars, street people, dog rocks, the occasional waft of urine and the street rubbish by afternoon) but the architecture and "life" are like no other city.  You would not want to live here, but one week every year would be treasured.  Beautiful sunny day and people everywhere.

Strolled up to Bastille and a short Metro ride (obligatory pianno accordionist) to meet guide for a walk with Discover Walks through the Marais district - cosmopolitan, arty, gay and jewish.  Local young lady who studied and lives in the Marais and took us behind the scenes to parks, palaces, apartments of the rich and famous, monuments and passages, finishing near Hotel de Ville.  Walked home but had to steer around the late aftrnoon queues for Berthillon ice cream and creperies.  In addition to the original, there seems to be about five new Berthillon outlets on I'lle St Louis - everyone of them with a 20m queue.

Feet up for a while before heading out again (and taking the opportunity for something of a fasting day after 14 days of gluttony on the ship).   Through I'lle de Citie and a number of its buildings, including Paris' original hospital dating from the 8th century.   9pm cruise (into the twilight) on the Seine - at 10 euro, this has to be the best value ever.  Glorious night (had there been more boats out, they would need to have installed traffic lights).  Tens of thousands out on the water on boats, walking, sitting on the river banks, eating, dancing at a number of crowd filled spots along the river and plenty of noise.  By 11pm, our island is deserted with the masses having retreated for the night.