Lone Europe 2

4 June 2002 France Paris on Tuesday

(A) arrived in Paris

Sleep when I heard a fracas woke up, looked through the window, the car is parked in a small car park, there are no signs around indicates that this is where.

A look at the table, only 6 points, but the car arrived in Paris time is 6: 45. So, I don't want to bother every station and get off to smoke rushed, only when the temporary docking, the inflatable pillow dissipating intends to continue to sleep. But it always felt somewhat wrong, because I see from the Windows are all those students opened the trunk of the car and got a luggage going to the station and went inside. Busy pull one last stop of the girl asked, only to find the original, has come to Paris.

Pitched in the Pack, find leg sticky, the original is a small bag to cart to drink milk drops down, my body is still not that bag of what all of the files get something completely different, even my Inter rail Pass and return ticket is the only can fortunately passport-a cover charge, to the whole body and back.

Drag all the luggage to the station, and hurried out the camera checks have no problem, it seems for the time being you can power the ... ... No matter that much, and after two packages to wet places a retaining, hurriedly followed the last person out of the station.

You should hear Mandarin! whispers asked: "are you Chinese?" and I hesitated for turns and think that is what people need help, because the voice of a woman voice and eyes are like.

I saw her hiding from some of the tongue is flexible with a nervous voice began to "endorse": "we have received the car, hotel, tour ... ..." Alas, a hearing is green, is probably the first time out to attract customers, but not what I want to crack down on her, it is already booked room, had to say sorry, followed by those who go to the station from the elevator down next to the Metro channel.

Elevator one down is the subway station.

So in the early morning of armed pang icket window hasn't opened, that help students are all gone, leaving the other car has several people at a ticket vending machines lined up before. I have in the past, but the machine found with coins, I only have a few in the United Kingdom to exchange banknotes, euro, but fortunately you can use visa card. Screen are all French, just next to the machine with simple English. Vending machines sell single fare tickets, orange and ten of the carnet. I pick myself to the carnet, 9.6 euro (leaflet 1.3 Europe), insert a visa card, the screen shows a row of French, did not know what it means, ask the person who was later found to be a Chinese, he did not know what to say. I guess it is to accept it (in fact, the total of the BOC SINO VISA card availability wonder), took out his card, the screen will display another row of French, I suspect that they are not drawn card quickly, and I heard a machine with big sound suddenly ' Shua Shua ' sounded. Accidentally I have voice count to ten, then the eyes look the following ticket outlets aiming to, Oh, ten thumb size cards just lie there. The original is 10 tickets, Ah, I originally thought it was a ticket can be used 10 times, ten little card grasp in no realism in a, OK, advanced station.

Before you send email to say hello how to get to the hotel, this place is only a 3-way car and one end terminal, so do not go to sit where to go any direction.

The votes plugged into the ticket machine ... Plug in not into that, in turn, ... Or not ... See the entry next to someone in the car, only to find ... Own plug is ... Ticket outlet ... Hmmm ... Didn't wake up ... ... Play at spirit, stretch a hazy sleepy eyes, to see that quite subtle, no signs, purely on a 2 cm long, thin seams, this time before the ' beep ' sound release, votes behind a row of words printed on, drag the hand made my hand in ink. Metro station, both sides have subway road on the left is a very old less like a Metro train, is the door to open. I did a quick, go to the front of the bucket is written large station name, rushed over full of unrest on the bus (now completely forgot here only the bus in total, how will sit wrong ... ... ）

This car is really old, open speed unhappy, you can see the walls of the underpass and the light inside.

However good a car with a lot of subway route map, simple and clear, in which station you can take what lines are marked clearly. Sit stand alighted Republic (this is a big station), you see the wall put up very obvious signs to teach you how to get to. My next is to take the road to Rollin station 8, direction direction is crete (this direction is very important indicators in the station are on the inside to acknowledge road), follow the arrow to the staircase on the right, a, no looking around, a glance at the front of the junction walls clear direction left to what line direction, so very easy to find a place, the old God in a car.

The Rollin down the car, find a hotel that road exit, out of the station to the front row.

The hotel is in the way of 126, I note at the store, go straight to 127, 128, backward-looking ... 124, 125, a whole row of door lock, a small storefront on the early morning at half past, streets!! are few, and even sold shops are not early, it's just a colorful dress wearing high heels of old lady ' deng deng ' with a brisk walk. I ask the way forward, the place name means to her. Old lady does not know English, back to me a simple French syllable, see I am still a confused (French I wouldn't use English ask AH!), so I increased the degree of difficulty, says a French long sentences, with gestures of the hands are cut down everything, than out like a tall, I start to enlarge the pupil ... Old too, urgently also has a pull my hand, turn around, go to clearly seeTo a path across the front before it came to a halt, hands and powerful than the left direction. I finally realized, grateful, he used just learning French saying Merci merci (thank you). In this way, turn into the street, take two steps, you see the hotel signs, but because of the facade is too rotten, just insert a few anomalous surface suffered a broken flag, the whole facade only two wide, I also tend to take out the hotel's French name out to check, to determine if there is no wrong names similar to the hotel.

Opened the door, a volume hair root of France men cauda equina sitting in a little behind the counter, I saw people came in, looked at a glance, without sound.

This is what he wrote on the friendly non use my English asked two sentences, he did not speak (don't want to say?) English, he put his own booking form to him, he looked after nodding say yes, then that must wait until 3 pm to check in. There is no choice but to save the package first, then come back later. His icy casually pointed to say down left, just head to do his own thing. Next to the Reception is a ten square meters in the small dining room, sat 4, 5-bit various people at breakfast, which are not in the mood of what breakfast, just see people carrying large packages open an extremely narrow little tutelage, busy with. Here is a cool deadlines.i of cellars, around two swing a few rows of shelves of small room without any locks or Cabinet or a keeper, people in and out access. I have no other choice but to put the laptop and other valuables are out carrying away. See four unmanned, immediately also took out the underwear on the outside of the bathroom only 1.5 square meters, enter just enough room for one person only.

Then going to solve the problem of breakfast, just outside all saw shop door, can only be solved here.

Today I also cannot access included in the room of the free breakfast, so another turn 2.5 euros, really expensive, and it is not a value. Staple food is typical of the long strip of hard law package, that's it. There is also an automatic drink machine, coffee, chocolate and water. Each table was used to paint the bread with butter and jam. Very bad of sit down and learn to others leave open the package in the middle of coloured jam began to gnaw, gnaw at half it really couldn't eat, very dry, plugging in the throat, it is better to drink is allowed to drink, just not very nerve is always going to get. Research over dinner to get from the Reception, free maps, on how to overcome in the first days in Paris.

(B) of the Versailles palace

Because today is Tuesday, Paris and many museums are open, so I decided to go only on Monday, the Museum of Versailles.

Go there can take RER (Paris city train), and then get off on 600 m. I just did this hotel near the RER station, and where the Palace in the suburbs, carnet tickets in the RER line doesn't work, so, from here take the subway 8 go direction 9 road to serve Terminal. Take the subway just sit for half an hour, I do not know what exactly is the Metro is too slow or too far from the road, in the car that struck twice in the sleepy. Outbound after seeing a small open space in front of a few public bus. Sitting on the bus can also use the carnet tickets, boarding in the above machine validate it (is dapiao). This car has to sit for half an hour, the advantage is you can directly open to where the Palace of the gate. Half asleep, found sitting behind the car just I have, so drivers finally stopped the car at the ' read me ' do this only passengers said that ' to ' Versailles. I look around, see a similar architecture. Then confirm with the driver, he handles pointing to the front, only to find a square on the opposite side of the road, a not very impressive, you can look at it is huge and magnificent palaces. Just like I had in mind from the travel book on the ' glorious image ' also some distance. Cross the road to start looking around in front of the gates of Versailles – find Chinese tour packages, it is to find the best way to tour guide free of charge. HA HA HA HA ... ...

Also very lucky to have a Cantonese, a Chinese ' cadres ' mission (a type of face round, is short, quite a beer belly, dressed in a style of black leather shoes, there is a package of arm, very typical of cadres image!) while they are in the set, I went to buy a ticket.

In architecture by right-wing found the door, didn't see ticket window down to see a security check, just like you on the plane, the package you want to check on the door of the conveyor belt. After the check in, only to see the ticket booth. Take a 30 Euro bought 3 days museum pass. This museum pass almost all Paris Museum can be entered, but not queued, directly to the front ranks of the show to the ticket, to open a small door to let you in. However this feature I have never used, because the queue entry does not need a lot of time, it saved a lot of time waiting in line to buy tickets.

Go to the first Hall, four at edges, before long, people just like travel.

Because there is no free brochures, so if you find your own way, probably when it was a beautiful decoration Deluxe House walk past. To explain it: Oh, this is the noble wait see Emperor, that picture is a picture of who's who's who or his wife, or: this table is Louis XV used (although I know this seems to have much use, but instead when ordinary furniture at a glance go past), after hearing these explanations, there will be a sudden feeling that this humble things also have this brilliant ' history '.

At first I followed is Mandarin, this guide has detailed, relevant history are explained.

Versailles history most and France revolution and Louis 14-16 on the three emperors of the intricate relationships, but I did not study history, but also not very interested. The entire hearing down just realize that Louis XIV was a super narcissistic maniac, almost every large and small are in the OfficeThere is a statue of his shuaishuai or painting, a Brown tha, profoundly features, noble manner, is a handsome remarkable prehistoric one. Until you see that pair of each Emperor's portrait oil painting will be ... Definitely down! just told me, the real person and penfan in front of the statue painting is simply the difference between cloud mud: the XX 14 distinct is a fat short Super big fat man, dressed in white stockings and bright red (ladies?) high heels. Only the same place, is the head shawl of long curly hair.

Since Mandarin speaking guide it is responsible, explained too detailed, walked slowly, so when Cantonese mission to catch us up, I had the ' Quit '.

Cantonese mission tour guide was a middle-aged woman, can only tell her not to 5 minutes, she has to be referred to the air (to me) said: "the meeting live, Ah, I can only bring ten people, so ...." Qie! mean it!! listen to you and does little to make money!! turned and listen to English, but that French and English can only listen to a 50%. It was found that this trilingual guide different styles. Chinese to explain in great detail, allusive, respect history; Cantonese, especially likes the Emperor said laughing, such as how to lose weight, told the Emperor teeth fall out, there is a history of his constipation; and English you can be the same things and love, so that where the Palace everywhere filled with romantic romantic atmosphere. Finally, I still tend to slow down, etc ' mission.

Versailles Hall walked down, can cause neck muscle pain, because the neck has been kept up 90 degrees azimuth.

Where there is no else, furniture Palace are France revolution of the ' leather ' away, the remaining is painting the ceiling paintings, sculpture, service drops and high up on the wall of the large oil painting. Therefore, almost every room is with head into his head out, lift. Oil paintings are generally more colors with myths, such as the statue of Emperor Cheng of France, or the Emperor's clothes to conquer the world and four continents (at that time only think of four continents), only a few are Royal portrait, can give you a glimpse of the Emperor's real ' style ' (the emperor was not much longer).

In the Palace around for a long time, always from the side of the window to see outside an orderly, duplicating the back garden, very large scale, does not stop at luring me to hurry up and down, so subsequently do not concentrate in the store of the ran into the garden for a walk.

This garden is another ticket, see Introduction to information previously only said Sunday open when you want to buy a ticket the fountain. So my hesitation, but as before, many people have recommended this garden, so finally I bought tickets entered (3 euros). Garden covers an area of several hectares of land, a variety of plants and trees are carefully arranged and trim, a number of attractively decorated with statues and fountains, either from perched or near fine watch, can make people praise. Unfortunately, now is not the flowers blooming season, so the garden is green, but there is little flowers.

In Versailles stay for four hours.

There are some disappointed because this legendary treasure does not think so shocking and amazed by the heart, open today. Probably before the book on the formula of adjectives used too exaggerated. Out in the go all the way to the RER station going to sit back in the Centre of Paris. The station from where the Palace there is 600 m, where the Palace in the outskirts of the city, there is no outside on the map, or identity, so I have to go with the feeling to have visitors coming to. Cross the road go to front a crossroads turn right, take a moment to ask people to know that the road to the left, I thought it was a theatre of the building there is the RER station, building really didn't notice what flags. Also not thought too much, I took out a carnet tickets to the ticket, the machine ' beep ' protest a withdrawal back, next to many people is the same situation. The alcove next to staff remind remembered the Versailles for the price of 1, 2, so in addition to buy tickets. Previous subway did not encounter this problem, many point out also without outbound ticket, thought this partition system was cancelled. Go to the ticket window, unified fare 2.35 euros, even sitting on a stand or the price, it is very deceptive. This ticket is yellow, and blue carnet tickets, the tickets have the smooth in-bound. Train timetables are posted in the station's frequency is not like the subway so frequently, but speed is slow because than Metro stop in the station on the Metro to less than half.

(3) West Dai Island Cite region (Notre Dame), Pang than degree

I study for a minute from the Metro ticket window get traffic map, decided to cite station, there is the same name as the result of Hugo's novel and the famous Notre Dame.

An outbound, found herself at the edge of the Seine, the river side of the aisle have a lot in the Bank of the small stalls of the railings, and painting booth, River Island, there are several ancient Gothic architecture, the inimitable towering Spire special attention. I can't see which is the Notre-Dame, the only strong feeling is: hungry! so, find a place to fill the belly is on. Came many cafeterias and cafes, the outside is vertical with small blackboard was marked with menus and prices, cheapest to 7 euros. Go straight to a small square on the corner of small bread spread, only seen cheaper. Ignoring the other, direct elections to the largest and most expensive Middle pinch the vegetables and meat with bread, to 2.5 euros. A bite, a ' a la la ' than the morning the hotel's law package also hard. Alas, France's bread they prefer molar!!! or what? Fortunately this bread in the middle with the taste of tuna fish is quite good.

Chewing bread cross the road to the small square, there are unknown architecture, antique have pan out black, there is a bronze statue in front and a beautiful fountain, the reeds and the road next to the fence sitting on a lot of people are waiting for someone to have the front of the fountain in listening to the two wearing green Scottish skirt of France with the Scottish bagpipe playing a handsome guy.

So I sat down on the fence, the Jello effect ' enjoy ' in France's first lunch. A small group sightseeing passStudents also have around two street performers gather upturned before an overabundance of cute little face serious listen, right when the transit and rest. Not when they are set to the next place to go, have to stand up from my little bag, bag and took out the change in the past to the piano. Wait two handsome guy playing a song, just in time for the last few are down the subway tunnel of the children waved, yelling bye bye. Don't know why, this scene suddenly reminder just by the Sun lazy do not want to think about me-this is Paris.

I ate half a day to finish the call seems to be eating bugnet's bread, the only remaining pigeon feeding in Paris.

Then look up the River on the roof of Notre Dame de Paris, go across the bridge. Last seen many people comment that Notre Dame is not worth a visit just to Hugo fame to look at. I do not, at least let me in Versailles and Notre-Dame choose one, I'd choose the latter. Light is the colorful costumes of glass painting called me dazzled, want to put them filmed back slowly. Better not to mention the wonderful architectural style, and exquisite carved ceilings, as well as the entire Notre Dame pervaded the sacred and tranquil atmosphere. Call me this has always been to Church turns people involuntarily want in the rows of antique wooden chair, sat down and sincere prayer, feel the moment of calm.

Just out from Notre Dame, in the abstract to the Thunder, the results of the Bell Tower is to be afraid of lightning is not open in the name.

I only brought on the left, in the West, scattered with mount island. Cite the island there are many magnificent European-style architecture, many even called out something, but also I really want to find hidden in them. I almost pocket a circle finally find the chapel (later heard people say I'm wrong!), but this really nice little chapel-France if you do not know the history of the revolution, they just have a few on wax House, it is said that here the great revolution of catching a lot of people, and later also used as a prison, there is also an empty kitchen, no other.

Walk the entire West-Island, is 5 p.m., however, from the days when even close.

Take a look at the map, it seems that Pang is ° Art Center is close at hand, just follow the road across the Seine towards the other side of the island went past. Pang ratio of today is not opening, I go to the full in order to see the award-winning dispute was described as the ' factory ' style of architecture. In fact, previously seen many pictures of it, I felt quite modern, unlike others say like a factory. Until today I go back to it, see the talk he often appears in the photo on the front side of a completely different, some blue without any modification of the big iron pipes, is totally agree-and sure enough, like a factory. These iron did not seem to be lined up against the order of, in addition to the ' blue ' tone is ' cute ', it is no aesthetic sense, just like the dark not knowing why is known as a symbol of Paris Eiffel Tower. Really admire Paris people on art of inclusion, however it is in this way we encourage various art genres here, development and innovation. Pang front than degree is the shopping area, many sell art, crafts and T shirt small price cheaper than elsewhere. For example, I found a shop 1.25 euro can buy 12 sheets of plain postcard, than the list price of 1 euro outside a lot to be worth it.

From Ponte than degree, I'm going to walk back to the hotel, this one actually has many attractions, such as the Hotel Ville, Bastille (Bastille) square, you can guarantee that I won't go wrong.

Of course, because the road is quite complicated, I asked a lot of road. Paris people down is quite warm, whatever will not speak English very well, as long as the destination on the map refers to them, they are even better than with the Division of telling you the way. This way both sides are streets, large and small shops, but the price is amazing, it looks like those roadside stalls selling a small is not a famous messy piled together with clothing, but also to 40 or 50 euros, with its own brand, not to mention, a T Shirt to 100 euros, is alarming.

This section of the road already walked and slept well last night for me, it seems somewhat long, I have several times to give up on foot, 7 points more, I'm finally back to the hostel.

This has changed people sitting at the reception, attitude really to much more friendly. I must take 4 days at room charges are paid. I booked for the visa 10 days, now talk to him just stay four days, but no addition charge me fine. Opened the receipt I keep saying that is the key each time they come in collar (go to the key to the counter) and have breakfast in the morning. Down to the basement took big Pack to my room-climb, 401 according the European habit, 401 in the 5th floor, no elevator, only a very narrow just enough two normal stature people parallel stairs. The room has a warm Brazil girl Camilla. A chat with only to find her turned out to be a time like me and from London sat Euroline, just not on the same car. 4 person room with two beds, mattresses are of poor quality sleep a night, it was emancipated Squeak giggles crashed through the whole room was of those who couldn't sleep. The room has a small toilet & shower, a bath time must be kept to the press before the water, and later met a Taiwan girl said that using the back button to go to, but this method is also not very useful. After dark, I found the whole room only door has a dim light, would not be able to read and write, it is said that most of the places in which France. Also lack of complaints, it is very tired.

(paris)