Taking the taxi from the boat to the Beziers train station was quite a re-entry - from 2 weeks of mostly small towns and villages, lots of rural countryside viewed from the quiet of the boat to the relative busyness of bigger roads and a larger city.
As we waited for our TGV train to Paris, found a nearby shopping center in our search for a cash machine:
And a sober reminder of history:
Our trip to Paris was supposed to be about 4-1/2 hours long but we were delayed and arrived almost 90 minutes late. The railroad staff handed out voucher requests to everyone because of the delay and we expect to receive 25% refunds on our tickets - they take their promise of on-time service seriously.
We arrived at our apartment in the north Marais district and headed across the street for a wonderful late dinner where we shared small plates - the quality of food and service, and the atmosphere of the small place was a wonderful welcome to Paris. To say nothing of the fact that as our group walked in we probably easily doubled (being kind to us) the average age of the restaurant clientele!
Our first day in Paris, 5 of us spent the day on a bus tour getting the overall lay of the land of the big city. For this first-time visitor, the city is amazing - in its different neighborhoods, the iconic sights, and the amazing sights of the "everyday" landscape of the city.
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Finally home again with real Internet, I've just caught up on your fabulous trip. Wow!!! Sure makes me want to go there! The history, scenery, food, wine and more are simply spectacular. Enjoy the rest. I'll be checking for updates regularly. Hugs to all. C&B
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