Ah, Paris In The Springtime!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

On the flight from Delhi to Frankfurt, I sat next to a young Indian boy who took advantage of my shoulder to rest on. I was surprised that I could sleep on this flight.

In Frankfurt, I converted AmEx into Euros and found an internet machine. For one euro I could email Laurinda to update her on my trip. To once again be electronically connected to the world...

Finally, Paris! I was amazed at how quickly I could get off the plane (again via bus to the terminal) and get my luggage. I called PariShuttle and arranged for a ride to my hotel. It would be 25 euros and I was told to wait at gate 16 in 30 minutes. Two

My home in Paris for the next three days

phone calls and an hour and a half later with still no ride, I got a taxi and was shortly at Au Grand Hotel Francais on Boulevard Voltaire for around 32 euros including tip.

I tried to speak to the receptionist in French, but she spoke to me in English, gave me all the maps and info I needed and I was off to room 26. After freshening up, I headed off to Pere Lachaise cemetery. I caught myself in a happy mood. Ah, Paris in the springtime!

It was overcast and a bit chilly. It seems as if everyone was looking fro Jim Morrison's grave but couldn't find it despite the map there. Eventually a delightful Frenchman with a throaty sounding voice pointed the way. I followed and was given a personal tour of the cemetary for which I tipped him. At last, Morrison's resting place. Gates, guards, and survellience cameras keep it from being vandalized further.

"This is the end, Beautiful friend, This is the end." Jim Morrison of the Doors is buried here.

I've long admired the life and music of Chopin. On this trip I was to satisfy my curiousity about his stay in Paris during the 1800s. Here is his tomb.

French chanteuse, "Little Sparrow", Edith Piaf's tomb

On the way back to the hotel I needed something to eat so I bought a yogurt drink, toured Place de la Nation and drank some beer.

Window shopping made me hungry!

Back at the hotel, I tried several times unsuccessfully to connect to the hotel's wifi system. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. I took a bath and fell asleep for a few minutes. I was getting exhausted, but wanted dinner. I checked out a few places but one was filled with cigarette smoke and the other didn't open until 7:30pm (it was 6:30). So I found a little bakery on the side street and took back some quiche and an éclair for dinner. I was in bed by 7pm, still exhausted.

Next: I Weep In Paris