Mid-Course Correction

We had only booked to stay in our second hotel here for two nights. We decided to change scenery by staying more 'uptown' for the last two nights. Unfortunately, they didn't have an opening for tonight. This is still busy season in Europe and this meant our hotel couldn't find a place for us tonight. We were without a place to stay so, Jay went out 'hunting' in our area but across from one main street. We're in Luna Park Hotel. It's very cheap as it doesn't have an elevator and we have to walk up to the third floor on a tiring, winding staircase. Still the window looks out onto a little place where three or four lanes come together each filled with traditional little shops. It's fine.

In the morning, we will pack up and walk a few streets north for our remaining two nights in Paris. Speaking of remaining time, we'd heard that North Station was the location for the departures of Eurostar to London. How fun it would be to race through the Chunnel, we thought. So, we went to the station to purchase ahead for Friday. It was a bit shocking to hear it would cost us more than E500, or about $750.00 Canadian to go one way! We decided it would be even MORE FUN to take a bus as the per price ticket was only E61 or $90.00 Canadian instead. The trip will last from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm rather than the train's time of less than two hours. It will be much better being able to see actual scenery. Isn't it strange how cost can change one's idea of fun?

Today we also did a bit of exploring by subway. The three-day, unlimited tourist pass tickets will finish at midnight. I like Paris. I also don't feel so embarrassed for Manhattan because of the rat-warren den of its subway stations.