Had a fantastic weekend in Paris. It really is a lovely city - the architecture is so different to the UK, it is rather refreshing. Although it was August, and therefore the 'quiet' time for Europe, there were still gazillions of tourists all around. But Kathryn and I still managed to find lots of places to sit and relax, which was part of the point of the weekend. 
We took the Eurostar over which was nice and efficient . Our hotel was right next to the Arch de Triomphe, and I have to say, it was pretty rough getting up every morning and seeing it. The hotel was remarkably really nice - quiet, roomy, comfortable, clean and, all things considered, cheap! I'd recomend it - Les Trois Courennes (3 crowns). 
On Saturday we went straight to La Isle de la Cite in search of breakfast (pain au chocolat) and to get in the line to see St. Chappelle - you need to get there early or else you are waiting forever. I am pleased I'd seen this before, as the marvelous cathedral had a lot of scafolding inside, ruining it's kalidescope effect. Can't always win. We also visited la Concierege, which was both a royal palace, and the main prison during the Revolution. 
We said 'hi' to Notre Dame and strolled through the gardens, and ate a baguette sitting on one of the bridges crossing the Seine, people watching. There was some sort of summer festival going on, and I swear Ashley McIssac was playing... After lunch we strolled down the Seine a bit looking at street art, before heading over to the base of the Eiffel Tower to catch a river cruise. Again I'd done this before, but it was a lot nicer in the sunshine!! (plus I got a bonus sun-burn!!).
That evening we went to see the Moulin Rouge!! It was really expensive, but I am pleased I've seen it. I was a little disapointed at it's lack of historical references - it was bascially a vegas/cruise ship style show - but being in the building, drinking champagne (the real stuff) and watching the spectacle will stay with me always. 
On Sunday we ate breakfast at the foot of the Arch before climbing to the top of the for some wonderful views of Paris (despite the clouds - sigh). We then walked down the Champs Elysses, admired la Place de la Concorde, and into the Tuilleries, where we found some chairs and hung out people watching for a chunk of time. Nice and peaceful, despite the throngs of tourists. 
We then crossed the Pont Royal by the Louvre and found another Boulangerie and bought some Brie Baguettes. We found a low road right next to the seine (pedestrian only) and took of our shoes and relaxed, watching boats and time go by. It was perfect. 
Then we walked down to les Invalides, but elected not to go in as time was getting tight. Instead we went into the Rodin museum, which I loved back when I was 16. It is still lovely and the house and garden is amazing!! Then we rushed back to our hotel and started our epic journey home.
Epic? you ask... well, it was supposed to be a quick flight home but unfortunately due to a number of delays (human and train), we got to the airport check-in counter 1 minute after they closed check in, and they had already reallocated out seats to standby passengers. So instead we had to scramble around (making some international phone calls) and booked some more tickets with a different airline to get us back to the UK. It sent us to Luton, which is north of London, so once we actually got to England we had to travel back into the city. I was supposed to be home around 8:30, instead I got home at 1, and significantly 'broker' than before. Despite the bad end, I had a really lovely weekend! Thanks Kathryn!!
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