The Eiffel tower is on the list today but due to the tired legs of all the "Hartels" a trip on the underground was required and what an amazing system it is criss crossing the city we had to change trains and found ourselves changing levels and directions to get to our final destination. Crackers claimed he was feeling a bit like an Ant scurrying through the tunnels.
We emerged from the train station to see the tower a short walk away , the top was shrouded in mist and was much taller than we had imagined .
As we approached we could see people climbing the stairs within one of the four corner supports and on arrival found that due to a technical problem there was only one of the three lifts operating . We could not see the end of the queue that snaked its way around the base of the tower so a trip up was out out of the question as we would have stood for hours and the mist was not clearing.
We walked some distance away so we could take photos and Lyn insisted on a kiss under the "Eiffel Tower this led to a series of photos as Crackers and the Hen "Pashed "in sight of the Tower not to be out done "Pierre and Lynette "were also photographed locked in a romantic embrace.
The sun came out for a few seconds and some reasonable photos were able to be taken. Several of the other couples that were also viewing the tower offered their camera to Crackers to have a photo taken with each other and he obliged willingly .
Then we headed to Sacre Coeur , once again on the underground emerging from the tunnel directly into a tourist Mecca. There was a roadway leading up to the Basilica lined with shops displaying all sorts of dust collectors there were Eiffel towers of all sizes ,flags .scarfs ,aprons all featuring Parisienne themes .
We made our way slowly up the hill stopping to watch some con men doing a version of the three shells and the pea trick , money was changing hands at a fast pace most of it into the pocket of the dealer. We can't believe that people can still fall for this old trick.
The Basilica stands atop a hill and a view over a large part of Paris is possible if "there is no misty rain " but we were able to have glimpses of the Eiffel Tower in the distance and all the buildings in the distinctive Paris style with a few church spires and palace domes appearing amongst them.
We had lunch at a street side cafe with a beer and a very tasty Bagette all the while artists with portable easels plied their trade and drew quick caricatures of anyone willing to pay the price. About this time it started to get very busy with tourists and locals taking in the sights so we decamped back to the hotel. A poppy nap for Crackers and the Hen while Pierre and Lynette (sounds sort of "French")went for a walk and a look around the area only to find ourselves in the Jardin de Plantes (Botanical gardens) here we spent time admiring the flowers and sitting watching couples strolling hand in hand , young families with small children riding on scooters or being wheeled in prams by proud parents .
The small girls holding hands with mum or dad were dressed so nicely in their little coats
We could see several French models in the making walk by!!!!!
More tomorrow.
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