Photo: Candles at Notre Dame Cathedral
Feb 10, 1979 The ferry ride to Calais was very rough. In Calais I took the first train to Paris, arriving in the city of light at 8PM. My first 5 francs ($1.20) was spent on a 12 oz orange soda at the train station. I then packed my bike, bought a Paris map, and rode into the night air of Paris in search of the youth hostel, about 6 or 7 miles away. I rode across old cobblestone streets, through the red light district, and to the west side of Paris. After asking directions numerous times I found the hostel at 11:15 PM.
Feb 11, 1979 The hostel breakfast was coffee in huge glass bowls and French bread. The loaves were 3 feet long before slicing. The simple meal was so good. The hostel mascot was a large German Shepherd who walked about begging food.
I took the train to downtown Paris, visiting Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. I shared Notre Dame with a large group of Japanese tourists. The painting and sculptures at the Louvre were excellent and situated so that one could see them very closely or even touch them. The famous Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa were disappointing, perhaps because I had expectations after hearing and seeing so much of them before.
Photo: Eiffel Tower, Paris
Feb 12, 1979 I walked about Paris with 24 year old Chong from Hong Kong. He had traveled overland from his home through India, Iran, North Africa, and now Europe. We saw the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Bonaparte s Tomb, and the Military Museum. It was very far to get to anywhere in Paris, but the Metro transportation was better than the London Underground. Everything closes down from 12 to 2 PM for lunch. Food was expensive. Being able to speak a little French was helpful in getting around. The two semesters of French I took in college was coming back to me.
Feb 13, 1979 The last day of my brief stay in Paris. I rode the bike to the train station, checking it and my luggage for the train to Madrid, departing that evening. My choice for my first French restaurant meal was an affordable hot dog.
On the train, I shared a compartment with two French woman, one a black. Around midnight at the Spanish border, an Australian was kicked off the train for not having a visa. Before 1979 Aussies did not need visa s for Spain.
Map of Europe
