20th – 26th June 2009 Paris life

Had a good lie in today then wandered up to a local market just for a look. Unfortunately it started to pour do we nipped in for a roll and drink. Once it lessened we walked back via the river and had an afternoon of chores.

Then followed a series of days sightseeing. We are limiting ourselves to one a day because of the queues and long walks involved, also it’s just nice to walk or cycle through the backstreets (captain’s note: avoiding the shops if possible – not!!). There are lots of small markets and specialist food shops so the menu on board is interesting and far cheaper than eating out. We did try the Latin quarter – in fact we had a Greek meal – but did not enjoy the excessive touting from the various restaurants.

So far we have been to the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees (beaucoup de tres cher magazins!!), Jardin Tuleries, Eiffel Tower (3 hours queuing!!), Versailles, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur & Montmartre etc, etc. Our feet and legs are beginning to suffer but the saddle soreness is wearing off. The metro is good and cheap and easy to get round on too.

There are plenty of people to talk to on other boats and it is a real friendly and international community in the marina. We are getting used to being a tourist attraction, as the marina is actually a section of the canal many tour boats come by on a regular basis for a gawk.