Day 22 - 17th May. Paris City

Day 22 – 17th May

Full on day today, up at 6.30am and on to the bus at 8am for a tour of the city and a trip up the Eiffel tower!!

Carine got us to queue an hour before it opened, to be the first in line which we really were- the very first !!! The weather was wet and rainy, but luckily stopped while we were queued under one of the huge feet of the tower. Up to the 2nd level and 20 mins only unfortunately but it was freezing with the wind, so a quick look around and a line for the loo, where I added my name to the many on the back of the toilet wall- put Hamilton NZ on the map, yay!!

Down to earth again, the lift was very quick but weird as it has a counterweight in it that tips up backwards!
On to a tour of the city in the bus then we were taken to Napoleans tomb and a lunch stop.

After this we were taken to the Seine river for a cruise, which was great to see things from a different angle. The weather was pretty wet but we had jackets and an umbrella.

Then on to Montemart where all the artists are in the street- they paint portraits and landscapes and sell them there. Nice wander around for a couple of hours, then back to the hotel at 5.30pm. Needed to be showered and back on the bus at 6.30pm for the farewell optional dinner.

Escargot, and wine was abundant – oh how merry many were!! There was lady who came and played the accordion and we all sang and danced around the room. Clare got her to play happy birthday and they all sang to me - blush!
She and Grace have given me a beautiful Murano glass necklace and earrings for my birthday- they have been so great and have made the tour for us.

Back to the hotel for a goodbye drink then au revoir tomorrow – what a two weeks!