A Terrifying Taxi Ride and a Near Death Experience...

Well friends.. I address you now from the 'computer suite' of my new hotel in Paris! Yes I actually made it, and this time with no last minute rush, in fact, I was perfectly on time! (I thought the check in time was 90 mins prior, however was only 40... oops!)

This time, I'd thought ahead, and organised for an 'airport car' to pick me up. For a mere 20 Euros, they pick you up and drop you off at the airport in a semi luxury car. However, my triumph at so ingenious a plan was dampened when the driver started taking the most ludicrous way to the airport. I had a rough idea where we were, (basically, without Emma around I have to spend half my day staring at a map!) and this so called 'professional' was going through backstreets and up and down hills, at top speed mind you. It didn't take long for my overactive imagination to kick in, and as I tend to do, I started wondering if this driver had kidnapped me! (This has happened before in Joondalup for those who might remember...) I realised that no one knew where I was, and I formulated a plan while in the back seat. I started paying intense attention to landmarks and signs, so that incase I had to make a break for it, I was prepared with where I was! Ha! It was at this point that I noticed that the lock on my door was down.. I was locked in! Now I started to panic. I was just planning a potential escape through the window at traffic lights when I saw yet another sign, saying AIRPORT!

I managed to board my plane without incident and by sending a few key items home early, I was able to save myself the extra baggage charges at the airport... yes!

I arrived in Paris, a little daunted! Such a huge city, and I had some rather vague directions from my hotel indicating I needed to take two different Metro lines to get here. In the end, I ended up taking an AirFrance bus, and then a taxi, and while it was definitely a bit more expensive, the ease of the ride was well worth it! I took a photo of my first sight of the Eiffel Tower. I also got to go around the Arc di Triumph TWICE, once in a giant bus, which was bad enough, and then in the taxi! It was the most amazing/crazy driving experience I've ever had!! All cars going in vaguely one direction in about 8 different lanes all trying to merge! It was such a mess that there were spectators around the edges just watching the action! I think that Parisian drivers may actually be worse than Italians, and that's saying something!

I did however think that Prague was beautiful, and if it is, then Paris is spectacular! (Disclaimer: well, what I've seen so far anyway!) Tucked away little shops and cafes around my area really exude a sense of French culture and charm. The beautiful tree lined streets and stunning monuments are breathtaking!

My hotel is just around the corner from the Moulin Rouge, which while not exactly super central, is certainly accessible. Tomorrow the plan is to take an open top bus tour to see everything and then enjoy evening around one of the many arty and cute cafes that there are around my hotel. They don't call it Montmarte, for nothing!