Day 6

So sad to leave Amsterdam so soon. I wish I would have had at least one full day to explore the city a little more. The race out in Zandvoort took much of my time away from Amsterdam. Maybe next time.

One last look at the view before check-out.

I’m going to have to lug this around the next few hours. Reminds me of the old sea bag drag.

Here is a picture of the inside of the Amsterdam train station.

The Eurostar tain to Paris.

I had a little trouble boarding the train. I had one piece of luggage. Unfortunately, it was one big piece of luggage and I was having trouble finding a spot between the cars to stow it since it obviously wouldn't fit overhead. I walked down to the next car and found a space and went to back through the train to find my seat. Nothing fancy but comfortable.

The train made stops in Rotterdam and Brussels. Apparently in Brussels and extra car was to be added to the train. But due to mechanical issues they were not able to do so. There was a delay because the people boarding in Brussels had to decide if they wanted to wait for another train or stand the whole trip to Paris. A good many of them decided to stand. Arrived in Paris a little late but I wasn't bothered. I couldn't check into my room till three anyway. Here’s the Paris train station.

I decided I wasn't going to get ripped off by another taxi ride so I took the time to figure out the public transportation this time. It wasn't to difficult once I found the app. I bought a three day pass and started to look for the metro towards my hotel. My mandar was on overdrive. I found the first line and needed to transfer. At the transfer station I was going up one flight and down another flight of stairs though a maze to get to the connecting line. To make matters worse I had my luggage which was very awkward and slowed me down. The others were not very sympathetic either. But, I managed just fine and made my way back up to fresh air. Of course it was raining. I had my phone with directions to the hotel in one hand. I was pulling my luggage in the other and holding the umbrella with my neck. There was no question I was the tourist in town today!

My first glimpse of lè Eifflel Tower!

I was able to get cheked-in, but the room wasn't ready yet. But, i was able to have them hold my luggage. Fortunately, it stopped raining. So, I went for a walk. This is the first street I came to.

It almost appeared to be an optical illusion the way the buildings lined up down the street for so long. The architecture is so neat!

I walked a little further and found the square where the Olympic Park was built here in 2024. This fountain is there.

I found a better view of the Eiffle Tower from the park.

It looks pretty far. Maybe I’ll walk there later, when I know it’s done raining.

The Olympic Torch Flame is still on display. Every night at sunset the balloon is launched. I’ll have to come back to see that as well.

I still had some time to kill and was hungry. So, I stopped and got a sandwich, ham & cheese on a baguette with butter. Reminded me of the plain ham & cheese sandwichs my son used to take for lunch.

I decided to walk back to the hotel down one of the streets. It was lined with all the high end stores like fifth Avenue. Each store had a guy at the door to make sure only legit shoppers were coming in.

This shop actually had a line and you were assigned a salesperson as you entered. I have no idea what you need to buy in that place.

Street view

Don’t know what this is but I felt the need to take a picture of it.

A church down the street from my hotel.

I finally was able to check-in into my room just before the rain started again. Not bad. Pretty small. But it’s just me.

Well I waited for the rain to stop and went out exploring a little more. I think I have this metro figured out already.

Paris reminds me of NYC. Except I don’t understand what anyone is saying and the architecture is super old, but really nice!

The streets are lined with these buildings that look like they’ll last forever.

I made my way to get a better view of the Eiffle Tower.

And waited for the lights to turn on.

Unfortunately, it started raining again. So, I made my way back to the hotel and called it day. Hopefully the weather will work out better for me tomorrow. Otherwise, I'm just going to get wet.