Here we are in Paris, or gay Paree, if you prefer. It isn't actually particularly gay, although I have noticed a number of gay guys and saw some trannies earlier this evening and there were these two young French girls pashing outside the crepe shop last night...
In any case, we flew into France two days ago on Ryan Air, the budget airline of the UK. Ryan Air is so low brow that they won't even let it in the same terminal as British Air and so we had to travel all the way to Luton, north of London, to get to the airport. The airport itself was one big smoking zone inside, which was an introduction to Europe proper as everybody seems to smoke here. Except for our friends and guides Sophie and Fred, who, as well as not smoking, have been excellent tour guides, great company and very handy translators.
Mind you, my French really is coming along a treat. I can walk into anywhere and order a glass of Leffe beer and a ham, cheese and mushroom crepe. With a flawless accent. I really am quite impressive.
We caught the TGV (train) from Brest to Paris yesterday and last night ventured out for a crepe and a beer in the midst of a massive music festival. The atmosphere was wonderful.
Today we went to the Eiffel Tower. After climbing to the second level the rain came howling in and hung around on and off for the rest of the day. Sophie, Fred and I then caught the elevator up higher whilst Pet hung around on the ground. We then went to Le Louvre, which is ENORMOUS and used to be the old palace. The interior was stunning - gold and opulent and majestic and everything you'd expect a palace to be.
Tomorrow we fly over to Barcelona for a couple of days, which should prove interesting as neither Pet nor myself speak Spanish.
A few tidbits about France before I go:
- In France, the car is king. Pedestrian strips do not mean a car will stop for you.
- Nearly everybody smokes. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes... If you're a non-smoker, try to choose a table outside and always prepare to go home reeking of smoke.
- Creperies are everywhere. This is a very good thing as they're delicious!
- Never come here with us. We seem to bring rain with us wherever we go.
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