This morning started off like most Eurotrip mornings, we woke and began to prepare for breakfast. We had a transfer today to a hotel just about 10 minutes away. It was less than convenient and when we arrived we had to store our luggage in a couple of rooms on the second floor. Sometimes, with travel, however, you need to go with the flow.
We walked a few meters down the road to the Tram stop. Joanna had procured Metro tickets for all of us and she explained to the kids what they needed to know about riding the Metro in Paris. We covered how we would ride on the train, what to do if separated from the group, and how to know what stop you were taking, etc. The Paris Metro is much busier than Boston's. It also has a lot more moving parts than the kids were probably used to. The tram is only one of those pieces, but eventually our car arrived and we were on the way into the city.
Our first stop was the pharmacy near the Arc de Triumph. If you follow us on Facebook and Instagram, you know we were getting our Covid tests completed. All 34 of us had our noses swabbed and we waited those 10 minutes for our results, but slowly they came in...negatif....negatif...negatif...and then there was a cheer of excitement from Joanna. She exclaimed, "Everyone is Negative!!!" It was a huge relief.
We then hopped back on the Metro and made our way to the stop called Opera. Nestled in the shadow of the Paris Opera house is a perfume museum. We took a quick 20 minute tour and learned how perfume is made and how the different scents are harvested. The kids really seemed interested and a bunch bought some souvenirs.
The next stop on our journey was Montmarte and the Sacre Coeur. This is one of my favorite spots in all of Paris. I really wanted the kids to see it and enjoy it. Sometimes known as the Artist's quarter, this section of the city is one of the most charming. Hundreds of artists are available to paint you a portrait, sketch your visage, or characterize your expressions. It is surreal to walk around and see these talented folks make magic come to life with their pencils. As I strolled around, I was reminded of a visit I made to Paris roughly 30 years ago. My group, exchange students, visited an elementary school. We met with the children and played with them during recess. I remember them calling one of us "Michael Jordan" because he was tall and could shoot baskets very well, lol. I was there, in Montmarte, and I heard children playing rising from a courtyard. Wouldn't you know...it was the same elementary school. I wonder if those little kids, back then, ever think of their American visitors now that so many years have passed.
Finished with our free time at the Sacre Coeur, we departed for our next destination. A little more modern look at some shopping, lol. The kids continued to be on time and respectful along the way...it makes everything so much easier when they create a cool vibe like that.
Dinner was a traditional crepes dinner. Each student was provided with a savory crepes followed by a sweet one. The Nutella one I ate was delicious!!!
We then took off for the Eiffel Tower. We hoped we'd be able to journey to the top, but when we arrived we realized that the timing was off. Even as we collected ourselves to leave the park, we saw that they had closed the top...it's just another reason to come back to this beautiful city again.
We began to leave, but the kids asked if we could possibly stay until 10 to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle. They've been so good (and not getting to the top bummed a lot of us out) so I decided we could stay. We found a nice viewing place and camped out. It only took 15 minutes for the light show to begin. Afterwards, I heard from more than one kids that the experience made them tear up.
Everything to this point, had been magical, lol, but our night was soon to change. First, a quick explanation. Joanna's metro tickets cleared the way for us to travel through all five zones of Paris. The tickets are expensive, but also really small. We really tried to explain to the kids that they needed to keep their tickets safe, but that they could not keep them with their phones (it would demagnetize them). Well, along the way, we had a couple of kids misplace their tickets...it's not a big deal, but with the crowd, we thought it best to send in Joanna and those missing their tickets to buy new ones (these replacements were cheaper). As they did that, we hung out by the entrance. I loved this moment and will cherish it for ever. The kids and chaperons had a really reflective talk and many of us were wiping tears from our eyes. This group rocks...and they knew just what to say to get me emotional, lol.
Joanna and the others returned and we began our harrowing journey back to the hotel. It was roughly 10:30. We entered into the station and tried to access the teminal ...when wouldn't you know a ticket had demagnetized ... on impulse a couple of the kids helped our stranded traveler (they were not stranded, but its late and I can't think of a better word, lol) get through the gate. Metro security was right there, however, and they intervened. It was startling to say the least, but eventually we were able to recharge the ticket and continue towards our hotel. As we waited for our train, I explain to the kids that we can always stay positive even when things don't go our way.
As an example, I mentioned our two little mishaps. I said, yeah, it stinks that we were delayed, but the delay actually thinned out the crowd and our ride home would be more comfortable. Almost on cue, an empty car came and we boarded. I felt pretty good at that time, lol.
We switched over to the tram, however, and our luck stopped. Apparently, the last tram service was at 11. We were there at 11:30. The signage all stated that the tram ran until 12:30. There was a small sign saying that it would be closed in early May for construction, but apparently, they started work early.
We needed to walk to a replacement bus and then slowly creep our way to the hotel...mind you, we hadn't even put our luggage into the correct rooms yet. We eventually delivered all of the bags to the right rooms and now...much much later than expected, everyone is in their rooms. Everyone that is except me.
I am still in the hotel lobby typing away. Our perfect little day has been scarred by a few small mishaps, but I hope it doesn't stain the memory of Paris. Adding insult to injury, the hotel wifi won't let me upload pictures at the moment...I decided to write the blog before attempting a workaround. If you see pictures, then it worked, haha.
Okay, it is now 1:30am. We wake up a little later than usual tomorrow and depart for the airport around 9am. We've got a few hours of relaxation before our flight and then we head home. All of us. I am psyched we made it. As a reminder, at the airport, please make sure that your child checks in with me before you head home!!! I will post updates along the way.
Mr. Lavoie, currently pulling our his hair trying to get the photos uploaded for tonight's entry.
I see many pictures in your blog!!! Isn't it great that the kids got to see the Eiffel Tower "twinkle"?
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