More English problems I forgot about

We bought some bottled water in Paris - tasted funny - because it was laced with Magnesium - it was written on the bottle - but not in English.

Then I tried to get some money out of a train ticket machine in a shopping centre - it did look like a ATM!

Lets just forget about yesterday....

I've got to say the kids coped really well with 12 hours in the airport. After the second plane was actually delayed by half an hour we got to Newcasatle at around midnight and picked up the car - arriving at our Whitehaven destination about 1:30am.

Race around the world try out??

After leaving our hotel in reasonable time to get to the airport via the metro and rer trains we hit our first snag. First it was peak hour - not good. Then there was a problem on the underground lne - Hamish thinks he heard someone say that someone jumped in front of the train. What this meant was that everyone had to get of the train and go on this other train in the opposite direction. There was a lot of shouting and anoyed people and officals trying to explain what to do - which didnt help us - limited French.

So we got onthis other train with all our luggage and half of Paris.Ended up lost and then tried to get a taxi. More difficult. Two taxis racing to the airport. didnt make it

More Paris landmarks

Today we went to the Arc de triomphe and walked down the Champs elysees looking at all the very expensive shops. The was even a renault showroom.

Gena and I DISCOVERED A MAJOR SHOPPING CENTRE RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP WHICH WE HAD WALKED RIGHT PAST -AMAZING WHAT YOU MISS WHEN YOU CAN'T READ THE SIGNS - sorry about the caps lock - wierd keyboard makes me watch my fingers!! (See above)

Off to England tomorrow

Lost in translation

We have been really lucky with all the locals making great allowances for our lack of French. Everyone has been really helpful. We have tripped up a few times though.

When we first arrived at CDG airport, we went and bought train tickets. They turned out to be bus tickets and so we ended up spending an hour getting to a point in Paris where we then had to catch two trains - all carrying our luggage.

The first time we bought coffee we were served very strong short blacks, a little different to the lattes I usually have - only just worked out what to ask for today.

Having a great time in Paris

Saw amazing things at the lourve including some Egyptian antiquities, Mona Lisa and other famous paintings. Continually amazed by the intricate detail on all of the buildings - inside, outside and on the ceilings. The cafès are pretty good too - but the non QWERTY keyboards are driving me mad. One carving a particular favourite for the teenage boys.

As you can guess - haven't figured out how to rotate the pictures.

Sarah

Quick trip around Paris

saw a lot in one day. Notre Dame, Eifle tower, Lourve including the Mona lisa. There were quite a few beggars they turned out to be cons because they would give you a note on their misfortune but they all had the same note!

I got some pretty awesome stuff like a 10€ ring a picture of the eifle tower and the boys got some replica weapons sword gun and cross bow!.

gena

Arrived in Paris

The trip from Singapore to Paris was long....really long. Having an unsettled 7 month old in front of us didn't help!
Saw a great sunset on the trip to Singapore.

Itinerary

Less than two days till we're off!

Just as a general guide on where we will be when:
Fly out from Perth Saturday 23 June to Paris, arriving 7am Paris time
4 nights in Paris
3 nights in the Lake District
2 nights in Glasgow
4 nights in Inverness
7 nights in Edinburgh
2 nights somewhere between Edinburgh and London
3 nights in London leaving 19th July
2 nights in Singapore flying home in the evening of 22nd July

Sarah