Paris

We left London on the 11th September for Paris. The Eurostar train was very comfortable and though we were travelling right under the English Channel, it was hardly discernible. It took just about 2 hours to reach Paris.

Paris welcomed us with a rude jolt...

We were about to take the underground to Jojo's house (Joan’s husband who is currently posted in Paris) from Nord station and were waiting on the platform for the train. We both had our hands full, burdened as we were with three suitcases and one rucksack. As the train arrived and the doors opened, I suddenly found myself being surrounded and pushed inside by a group of young girls milling around me. Luckily I remembered Unni's and Ankita's description of a somewhat similar situation in Madrid, and became instantly alert. I told Simmy (in Malayalam) to be careful and even as I was saying so, felt myself being relieved of my wallet from the trouser pocket. It was obvious that the girl standing right next to me was the culprit. I dropped the suitcases in both arms and grabbed the girl by the middle, shouting, "You thief, you have robbed my purse, you have robbed my purse."   The girl kept saying something in French and I could sense that she was trying to pass on the wallet to her accomplices, a feat she found somewhat difficult because I just would not let go of her! In the melee that followed, either she lost her nerve, or decided that she had had enough. The wallet fell to the floor and I lunged at it, and retrieved it with relief. I quickly examined the contents and found that everything  was intact-- the money, my credit cards, PAN card, etc.

The strange thing was that through all this commotion, the general public behaved as if nothing had happened. Their apathy was baffling and we were both so shaken by the event that we quite forgot about the cunning girls.  And sure enough, at the next station, they quickly slipped out and disappeared. In retrospect, I feel that we should have given them at least a couple of tight slaps!

Anyway, all is well that ends well. I am sure that God protected us that day, and the prayers of the many who wish us well, did not go in vain.

Though considerably upset, we continued our journey and soon reached Jojo's apartment. He was waiting for us and welcomed us warmly. Jojo lives in a prime locality, within 200 metres of the Arc de Triomphe which can be clearly seen from his balcony. And in the distance, another prominent landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, can also be seen!

Jojo's balcony in Paris with the Arc de Triomphe in the background

While in Paris, we visited the Louvre Museum, the Hotel de Invalides, Tuileries Gardens, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre Coeur, and walked down the majestic Champs Elysees. And of course the Eiffel Tower (with a glass of champagne at the top!) and a boat cruise on the Seine. We also visited Victor Hugo’s house-cum-museum. We didn’t miss Montmartre either, though ruefully, I had to stay away from Moulin Rouge (it was far too expensive). We also spent a day at Versailles.

At the Arc de Triomphe

On Champs Elysees

The Eiffel Tower from a boat on the Seine

Some champagne atop the Eiffel Tower 

At Victor Hugo's house

Towards the end of our stay in Paris, we also met our niece Nithya, who studies in Paris. Nithya spent half a day with us, and it was wonderful seeing her in far-away Paris!

 

Simmy with Nithya and Mathen