Paris

Got packed up and out of the flat on time.  Grabbed a cab to St. Pancras with oodles of time to spare.  Had some breakfast and grabbed sandwiches for the train.  Eurostar was comfortable.  Chunnel took less than half an hour to pass through.  Arrived in Paris on schedule and out the door through the usual throng of vendors.  Taxi expeditor accosting us to take a cab.  Do you need a cab, where are you going.  I said Hotel Britainnique, no clue - do you have an address? Yes - 20 Victoria Ave.  75 Euro.  I knew it wasn't that far, so said forget it.  Next cabbie also unfamiliar with hotel or address - 65 Euro.  Next cabbie - unfamiliar with hotel or address, 45 Euro.  This was getting old.  Dropped by the t.i. - take the metro 1,70 Euro.  A bit uneasy trying the Metro before getting bearings, so much to Karen's delight, decided to walk, at least part way.  40 minutes later, arrived at Hotel Britainnique without any difficulty.  Streets in Paris not a tidy as London.  Walked by some streets teaming with people milling around and made note as appears to be busy retail/restaurant area.  Hotel is lovely, old fashioned boutique hotel. Got checked in and settled in our room.  Headed out to find a place to watch the France v. Ireland test. Asked at the desk where to watch rugby - blank stares.  Walked back to the area I mentioned - lots of restaurants and bars, and people.  First pub was too crowded to even get in the front door. Next one just as full.  Squeezed into the third for a rousing rendition of Le Marseillaise sung with gusto by the denizens.  Decided to try to find somewhere else.  Fourth pub we could squeeze into and actually found a seat to watch the game.  Afterwards, tired and hungry (hardly thirsty after a week with my brothers in London), grabbed a bite and off for an ETB.  Planning for a slow day to get oriented, no rush in the agenda now.