Well, the plane flew and we landed in Paris about 2:30. The flight was very smooth and the alcohol was plentiful Got a few hours sleep between watching some movies and the meal service. We walked through the CDG airport for what seemed like an eternity. Passport control took about 20 minutes to snake through the line. Then on to the baggage claim. All bags accounted for. It would have really been a travesty if they had not.
Met by a nice French gentleman representing Grand Circle Cruise who got us to our hotel. Checked in and up to our room. Took a bit of time to freshen up and reorganize luggage and carry ons, stow important stuff in the safe and then off to explore the little town of. Roissy en France. It is very close to the airport and seems to be headquarters for a number of hotels that border the edge of the town. Ours is the Novotel. Rooms are comfortably sized and ours has a sofa and desk. It's all you need for one night.
Walked into the village and, of course scoped out the restaurants. We thought about having some crepes, but the restaurant didn't open until 6:00.
Stopped into a very quaint and old church Saint Eloi, built in 1750. Wanted to stroll in the cemetery, but it was locked!
So we went back to the hotel and had a bite to eat in the bar along with liquid refreshment. The cheese and meat plate was just enough for the four of us to squelch the hungry bug.
We had an orientation meeting with Gilliaume, our program director. He is affable, well-spoken and very tolerant of stupid questions - "we can use USD in France, can't we?" The meeting was followed by some wine and conversation.
In search of some real dinner food we walked back into town and opted for the crepes. The savory crepes were huge and filled with any combination of food you could imagine. Charles had smoked salmon and potatoes; Barbara had cheese and egg, and Earle had mushroom, chicken, and potatoes. I opted for a sweet one - La Tatin with apples, caramel, and vanilla ice cream.
Back to the hotel, a bit of blog writing and now off to bed. It's been a very long couple of days.
Will have to catch up with the Bucs in the morning. Sorry to miss the Penguins parade, but our French adventure really begins tomorrow as we explore the Loire Valley.
Glad you made it safe albeit a little late. Have a great time!
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