Proof that the French have the ability to smell better

Saturday morning was gobbled up by going across the channel in the Eurostar. It was a comfortable trip and we enjoyed chatting up some Brits on holiday to France as well as members of our group. I asked the Brits if the French were rude to them or if it was just the Americans – good news! They don’t discriminate, they dislike all foreigners! Our initial impression of Paris wasn’t the best as our drive took us past buildings that had seen better days and lunch was spent in a bistro that wasn’t all that good. That and the tour guide made me a bit paranoid as he warned us against gypsies to no end. Apparently these Romanian immigrants accost touristas by asking if they speak English, maybe presenting a fake baby in their arms and asking for cheddar, or perhaps just distract you while another gypsy lifts your wallet. Charming! Our first afternoon was spent with me being on high alert as we walked Le Seine and took in the gorgeous buildings and Corinne telling me to chill out. Eventually the sites did the chilling for me – Paris is gorgeous if you’re in the right spots. We metro’d it to Musee d’Orsay (which was closed) so we used the opportunity to take in views of the major attractions. Our hotel room is ultra modern and better to look at than live in. The bathroom in particular is an engineering dump (pardon the pun) as water cascades past the partial enclosure onto the floor. It does have a door that allows for the silhouette from the outside – tres bien! Naughty French.