I love Paris when it drizzles

Sometimes the DIY side of travel becomes a bit time consuming.  We both bought French mobile phone SIM cards – Geoff online and Hilary had hers bought in Sydney.  Hilary’s SIM came with a number.  We were to log in on arrival.  Over an hour later + coffee at the airport one worked for calls but not data.  Hours later Geoff found the data problem was caused by listing something in the wrong spot!

seen at the airport

For the Paris apartment the instruction was to phone Franck – trouble was Franck wasn’t answering his phone!  We sat in a café across the road watching the drizzle and trying to find a way to contact the apartment owner.  Fortunately we have computers and the café had free WiFi.  We found the owner’s number, he apologised [and later Franck also] and said to phone back in half an hour and the cleaner would let us in.  French cafes are happy for you to sit for hours.  

major renovation - paving , cleaning in the area

While Geoff waited in the apartment for the linen to arrive – they did give us early check in, Hilary did the supermarket shop, well as much as would fit in our shopping bag.  The shop was on two floors with a large lift.  For our first night dinner its cold chicken, celeri remoulade and salad, followed by cheese.

I love Paris when the sun shines

Walked to Quartier Montorgueil for lunch, on to La Fermette which stocks a vast number of cheeses – fortunately for us they pack up cheese selections on a tray, so we just have to choose between the trays.  On to the florist, then to Picard for frozen food.  Amazing!  You could shop for your whole dinner party there – a friend did.