Paris

Monday 7 September

Paris
Bonjour!
We left London on the Eurostar, from St Pancras Station – a very fast train and in a couple of hours arrived in Paris. Off the train and straight into gypsy beggars - A bit confronting after England, where the homeless sit forlornly and wait for your generosity to be directed their way. Not in Paris – no standing back, just straight at ya.

We got to our apartment in Montmartre and it is just so Parisian – large windows opening onto a little courtyard, up a curving wooden staircase with wrought iron banisters – very Amelie. We love it.
We explored Montmartre, walking through picturesque winding streets, passing quaint shops, street artists on our way up to Sacre Coeur. We wandered around the Basilica, lit a candle to St Therese and of course, were stunned by the beauty of the church’s interior. Outside the view overlooking Paris was spectacular.
We had dinner at a creperie and returned to Sacre Coeur, joining the crowds looking at the fabulous view, and being entertained by reggae musicians on the steps. A real party atmosphere. The streets of Montmartre are very busy – people everywhere walking, shopping, smoking, eating and drinking, all hours of the day and night.

We know we are in a foreign country now – in England it was easy to see how similar Australia is – how Australia has derived much of its culture from a British culture. Much less here is familiar. Exciting! and a bit frustrating linguistically, although everyone seems to speak English and have been quite patient.
Bon soir, mes amis