Vivre La France!

French streets have an atmosphere all of their own. 

Arrive in Paris @ 6.00am a cool 8 degrees

Catch Black B and B bus to hotel to be met by unfriendly black guy on reception who states "pas une livraissons a vous"  Au revoir to my sim card I think

We find our way to our hot, tiny, but clean room 

Train into Paris

Every nationality

The message is everywhere the North is dangerous, poor, desperate

Run down buildings, some occupied, graffiti everywhere

Montmartre appears and then we are in Gare du Nord

Men stand aimlessly, dangerously around

Clasp bag closer.

Parisien Petit Dejeuner

Baguette at last

Crosssant confiture and noisette…. Eh bien!

Rue St Denis

Full of suprises

Indian Thali, menu Chinois, cheap cheap cheap

Glitzy shops abound with sequins

Prostitutes stand poised

Wrinkled faces,sagging bodies and augmented breasts accost men as they pass 

Men and their prostitutes scanning the crowds eagerly for business.

A smart chappie emerges from a secluded stairwell giving the smiling but aged prostitute a cheery pat on the bum.

Glitzy school crossing lady poses proudly

We emerge at an amazing but nameless arch

Refugees, poor and dirty, slick business men and women mingle in the melee.

Formule lunch

Bifstek and chicken
Passing crowds entertain us!

Fruits and veggies gleam

Restaurants buzz

Haute couture abounds
Men lie sleeping in their own filth

Grouchy ticket attendant tries to sent us off to the suburbs... ha! ha! worked that one out!  Leap on Roissy bus which roars through town and back to hotel

Asleep by 7.00!