A Tale of Two Cities

Trip Start Jun 18, 2008
1
4
14
Trip End Jul 03, 2008


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Where I stayed
(Paris hotels)

Flag of France  , Île-de-France,
Friday, September 5, 2008

So, 1 country down, 6 more to go. It was an early transfer in the wet morning of June 22, 2008. We were leaving London and heading to Paris, via the P&O ferry across the narrowest part of the English Channel from Dover, UK, to Calais, France. It was a shame to leave London, the city really suited me, but I was looking forward to going to the City of Lights, Paris, France. After getting a little lost along the way, we finally made our way to the Port of Dover, getting our 1st glimpse at the White Cliffs of Dover. Me, being the history buff that I am, was really excited about seeing these Cliffs because of the significance of them during World War II. After driving the coach onto the ferry, we were underway. Having previously changed my wallet to Euros, I was ready for the next part of my journey. Looking out at the stern, I was able to get a better view of the White Cliffs, and when the ferry left port. The water in the Channel along this 21 mile trek was so clean, but fairly wavy.
After about a 2 hr trip, and a time zone change, we were in France! I could tell mainly because I couldn't read the signs anymore. Now on the European mainland, and the same time zone for the rest of the trip, We were ready for the 4 hr trip south to Paris. The rude awakening came at the 1st rest stop in France. I had eaten on the ferry, so I wasn't hungry, but I wanted some authentic French beverage, realizing later that it was carbonated water. I ordered a phone card completely in French too. I was really happy with myself, also realizing later it was a phone card for cell phones, not telephones. Way to waste 10 Euros. Anyway, after a brief refuel, we made our way into Paris, going near Charles De Gaulle Airport, and into the city. First impressions were not what I thought, until I could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. After we made our way to dinner at Restaurant Le Saulnier, we made our way to our hotel in a SE Paris suburb called Pontault- Combault. The hotel was extremely nice, with a pool, marble staircases, a weight room, a garden, and 2 restaurants. I was going to enjoy it there, and the fact that I was only in a room of 2, compared to a room of 3 in London, it was going to be even better.
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