My day actually started around noon on Tuesday. I woke up that morning to the sight of a very large truck backed into the neighbours driveway, literally within 2 inches of my car. I finished packing up my stuff and the cat's things then went out to see when they might be finished. I spoke to this very nice youg man who informed me that they would likely be there all day. I explained that I needed to get my car out. He was surprised as he had asked the neighbour if my car might be able to be moved but the neighbour told him I was in Paris. I politely explained to this young man that I was indeed going to Paris but I needed my car to get to the airport! In the end he agreed to back my car out for me as I was just too nervous to do it myself. With it parked safely on the street, I could breath a sigh of relief and get on with my preparations for leaving.
After gassing up, I made my way to Guelph to drop Pepe Le Pew off at the Dennisons. While there I picked up Patti's parking pass and was on my way.
The ride to Pearson was uneventful, except for a bit of a slowdown that added about 15 mintes to the trip. Fortunately I had left early enough that it wasn't a problem.
I really enjoy watching people at airports and it amazes me what matters to some. There was a group of 3 young women, trotting around the waiting area very arrogantly. You'd have thought they were the Kardashians or something. I happened to be at the desk when one of them came up to the counter and wanted to know why her and her two friends hadn't been upgraded to business class. She was quite put out that the best they could do for them was premium economy. She was not happy. I just wanted to look at her and remind her that it was hour out of the rest of her life! Seriously people. I really wouldn't want to have the job of the agents.
I made my flight to Montreal with no issues and lots of time to spare. While I was waiting for my name to be called a couple of young women approached the desk to have their documents checked so they could board. One of them was wearing a headband with two glittery animal ears and a purple unicorn horn in the middle. She was at least 30 years old. She asked the desk agent if there was anywhere she could go to have a cigarette before getting on and was told no. Then she wanted to know how long the flight was. The agent told her around 6.5 to 7 hours. Then she asked if she could smoke on the plane. Again she was told no. I've never smoked so I really have no idea what that addiction feels like but I'm betting it was a pretty awful night for this poor woman. I did she her again when we were in line to go through customs. Apparently she'd made it that far.
I recognized this escalator from my last trip. They were only allowing a few people down at a time. It would have taken forever had my fellow standby passenger not spotted our crew in the crowd once we got to the bottom. Today it took close to 45 minutes. I'm sure it would have taken much longer in December with the Covid restrictions that were in place. Today we just sailed through, with no issues.
Once out of customs it was time to find my way to the apartment. The owner had given very detailed directions and they worked for the most part. It was about a half hour train ride to the metro and then a short hop on the subway. I did take a wrong turn out of the metro station and walked a bit further than needed but I had lots of time. On the ride in, everything was so very lush and green. The leaves are out on all the trees and it was sunny and warm. A gorgeous first day in Paris.
I wasn't meeting the owner until 2:00 so I walked around a bit and then stopped into a little cafe and had a coffee and tart au poire (that would be a pear tart!). Very tasty and a great way to kill some time. The older fellow who served me didn't really speak very much english so we had a bit of trouble communicating. He finally leaned over and confided that it was his first day on the job there. I told him it was my first day in Paris so it was all good and we both had a bit of a chuckle.
Eventually I met up with Aline and she gave me the tour of the apartment. It's a very lovely little spot with a tiny balcony with a table and chair. It's a perfect spot that gets the afternoon sun. I was a little concerned about being on the top floor. I was afraid I'd have to carry my bags up all four flights of stairs. You can imagine my delight to find an elevator. Mind you it is only big enough for one person and a not too large bag. Anything too big will require sending the luggage up by itself! But it works and I was ever so grateful to see it when I arrived.
After unpacking I headed out to have a look around. I found the local grocery store and picked up a few provisions as well as a small bottle of wine. Just what I needed for sitting outside in the sun!
After sitting out and enjoying the lovely sunshine and balmy temperatures for a little while, I thought it best to try to take a bit of a nap. It had been a long 24 hours.
I tried to sleep but I think I just dozed for a little bit. There was just too much out there to explore. So after my nap I struck out to explore the neighbourhood a bit more. I've only been here less than 12 hours and I would gladly stay here forever. What a lovely place this city is.
After walking around some more I headed home to have some supper. I had picked up some cheeses and meats, olives, cherry tomatoes and a lovely loaf of some kind of bread packed with nuts. The very nice fellow at the store offered to slice it for me and it was perfect on my plate of charcuterie! I had forgotten I'd picked up a delicious looking sandwich that was meant to be for supper, so it will be lunch tomorrow along the St. Martin Canal. I've read it's another lovely place to stroll around and have a picnic lunch.
On that note, I think it's time to call it a day. A nice hot bath and then off to bed so I will be refreshed to start exploring more tomorrow.
Stay tuned.....
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