Autumnal Paris

Saturday 17th October

A quiet train trip seemed just the thing after last night's escapades and excesses. We caught the tube from Earle's Court tube station to Kings Cross St Pancras International for our trip to Paris via the Chunnel. The throbbing had dulled to the occasional thud.

Green fields and the occasional church spire were glimpsed as we emerged from the tunnel at Calais. The urban infill became more noticeable as Paris approached. Out at Gare du Nord and change at metros until we emerged near Place Monge and nearby Rue Mouffetard, our home for the next five nights.

The streets were packed with students from the Sorbonne while we searched for a place to eat - so many choices, how could we have made such a mistake. It was overpriced and not very good, must not be so blase next time.

Sunday 18th October
I left Kim in bed and went wandering for the essentials. The students had disappeared and in their place were tables and ground sheets offering bric a brac, second hand clothing and the occasional pile of discarded vinyl offerings, Edith Piaf to the fore. Further on I passed unbelievable displays of fresh seafood, hot chickens, roast meats, cheeses and pastries. As I waited in line like a good Parisienne, a superb pear tart caught my eye. The trench coated gentleman at the head of the queue had also been enticed and the tart soon disappeared into a paper bag and off up Rue Mouffetard.

We walked down La Mouff admiring the fresh produce and the chic parade before stopping to watch a number of chanson performers (avec accordianist), entertain the crowd who danced serenly to the music. It was 11.00am on a Sunday morning.