PARIS

We're back at the same internet cafe, but i'm on a french keyboard with a clunky space-bar so its taking me longer than i'd like. Last time i forget to mention as an aside that the guy running the internet cafe was watching a dubed Malcom in the middle- not as funny in french. At the moment he's running french toilet paper ads.

After i last posted the three of us went in search of lunch, but got caught in the rain, which has become a familiar re-occurance.

SATURDAY
We spent saturday strolling up the Champs Elysee; thats from the Lourve to the Arc de triomph, then set off for the Eiffel tower. It was packed, so we took a few dozen photos and headed back to the hotel via public transport. After a relaxed afternoon and a three-course meal, we took the underground metro back to the tower. Since it doesn't get dark until 8.30-ish we lost track of the time and got to the tower around 9. After 700+ stairs, a few long queues and 2 hours of waiting we reached the top of the tower.

The trip down was much quicker, and we headed for the metro at 12.30. The parisian underground isn't as well organised as the Tube, so we had to take a train south-east, before going north again... and found our connecting train had stopped running. No matter, we'll catch another train at the next stop south-east. Once there we were informed by a large red tv screen that all trains have now stopped running altogether. At this point its around 1.30am. Not a problem though, we'll just catch a taxi. After navigating our way out of the station we reach the front of the station. Only to find the doors locked and no one around. Its 1.30am and we're locked in a train station, exhausted after a long day of walking and climbing stairs.

At this point two french girls jump the gates and find themselves in the same predicament. They're able to call the cops, who call the train authority and they come to let us out. The girls then hail a taxis and tell the driver where to take us so the driver won't take the scenic route. At 2.30am we finally fall into bed.

SUNDAY
We wake up late on Sunday, missing breakfast, so we alter our plans and head for the Lourve. Which is only a few minutes walk from the hotel and pick up a pastry and coffee on the way. 4 hours of navigating the Lourve we gain an appreciation of the artists that have made such an impact on the art world today. We also had a little fun imitating a few of the statues.

After a late lunch we retired back to our hotel, tired from the museum and the previous night. By 8 we decide to grab a bite, only realising then why most of the food shops and clothes stores are closed; its sunday, market day. And by now, they're also closed. Infact, our plans for Monday change since we realise that the attractions we were planning to see are open late Sunday and closed all day Monday.
We finally headed off to find a creperie in st. Germain- a very nice creperie- before hitting the hay.

MONDAY - last day in Paris.
After packing, and since the shops are open again and the attractions are closed, we headed for the department stores and french fashion; which i become unimpressed with. Finally heading to the supermarket we grab a baguette, camembert, salami and head to the park for a picnic- one close to the internet cafe.

Tonight sees Dani and I part company with Kath after visiting Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge , then taking an over-nighter to Lucerne, Switzerland.