Paris, Île-de-France, France
We haven’t even reached the starting point of our walk and already we’ve had a couple of instances involving Sheila that make me question whether she’s going to be a liability and I should ditch her! More about them later.
We caught our red eye flight from Brisbane to Doha. Leaving at 10:40pm. The hope was that we would at least be able to sleep some of the 14.5 hour flight away. To a certain extent this plan was successful. We had paid for the extra leg room seats and this was a blessing but extra leg room doesn’t mean extra bum room so we were still hemmed in like sardines in a can. The very large young man in the seat next to Sheila, overflowing his boundaries, added to the hemmed in feeling. But not withstanding being right next to the lav and enjoying the aromas eminating from there all night we both did manage to get some sleep. The service on that flight was pretty poor. They served a meal in the middle of the night which of course most people didn’t want and then they weren’t seen again until the next food service 10 hours later. On most airlines they at least walk up the aisles offering water through the night. Maybe I slept through that but I never saw anyone.
We thought we had a couple of hours leeway between flights in Doha but by the time we disembarked our first flight, stopped at a bathroom to freshen up and found our next gate, the second flight was already on final boarding call. We went through the check in gate but at the next check in Sheila’s boarding pass was rejected. She was told to step out of line while they looked at it. They were really officious. They wanted me to go on board ahead of her but I wasn’t leaving without her, so then they confiscated my boarding pass as well. There were a few tense minutes while ‘Little Hitler’ flexed his muscles. Eventually after a lot of toing and froing the boarding pass reappeared and we boarded much to our relief as the last passengers to board.
This plane was newer and better. Our seats were slightly wider and faced a bulkhead and not a toilet. So our estimation of Qatar rose slightly. Six hours seemed so much faster than fourteen. It seemed no time before we were arriving into Paris.
Finding the right trains to get to where we were staying for the night was a bit of an adventure but thanks to some lovely Parisiennes we were helped along in the right direction. One told us to watch out for riots and welcome to Paris! The trains sound easy until your negotiating your way up and down stairs with luggage! Sheila encountered two men who wanted to relieve her of some of the weight in her backpack! Luckily she caught one of them in the act and scared him off. Then we had to find our way through the streets to our hotel with no cell service. You miss those conveniences badly when you don’t have them. First on our list this morning, get a SIM card!
We went back out to stretch our legs and get some air after 24 hours in a sardine can. It’s a pretty area where we’re staying near Montparnasse Train Station. After a bit of an orientation walk around the neighbourhood we become aware of a very large gathering of constabulary on one corner. The twenty motorcycle police arriving together with sirens blaring to join their colleagues already there were a clue and we decided it might be wise to eat and go back to our hotel in case something did kick off. We both had a great nights sleep and didn’t hear any commotion outside our window so I guess we’ll never know why all those policemen were gathering.
We’re off to explore a bit of the city this morning and hoping Sheila’s had the last of her bad encounters.
Marl
2023-04-21
Hopefully good luck for Sheila and you from now on! Paris always seems to be rioting about something.
Ange
2023-04-21
Oh wow! You two ... well Sheila knows how to draw attention to herself. A bit scary the boarding pass situation. I'm glad you stayed too Leanne! (Much safer).... although we may have needed 2 people for a prisoner exchange! The whole backpack thing is a bit close for comfort too, but I would lived to have been a butterfly on your shoulder and watch Sheila scaring the guy off!!! Hopefully all the not so good things are now completed and the rest of the trip is filled with positive excitement. Xxxx
Jodie
2023-04-21
Getting to the destination is always difficult and airportand flight dramas unfortunately happen. But now starts the good part - enjoy and make the most of it. Keep us updated!!! ×××
Maria
2023-04-21
Have fun! 😃
Suzanne
2023-04-21
At least you are safe and now rested. Enjoy your day exploring Paris.
Helen
2023-04-21
Always love reading your blogs Leanne. Have fun. xx
Joc
2023-04-21
That’s an adventurous start!
Jan
2023-04-21
Where are the days of smooth travelling? Can only get better. 🤞
Jackie
2023-04-21
Oh the adventures have begun in earnest! Backpacks,boarding passes,riot squad- can't wait for day 2!!! Have fun& stay safe🌸
Carole
2023-04-21
Oh no, thankfully things worked out. Great reading.
Lin
2023-04-21
Take care and enjoy … can’t wait for more adventures xx
Karen K
2023-04-21
I hope all the “misadventures” are over and the rest of your trip goes smoothly..
Allan
2023-04-21
Hope you enjoy your time in Paris - stay safe amongst the union unrest. And catch up on some sleep. XX
Lisa
2023-04-21
Well, that was certainly a ‘rocky’ start! Glad you both slept well on your first night in Paris. Enjoy your time there and rest up before the real adventure begins.
Christine
2023-04-21
All part of the adventure!
Margot
2023-04-21
It’s great that you got all the rubbish stuff out of the way before you start your walk because nothing ever goes wrong on the Camino.
Ann- Maree
2023-04-22
Always love reading your blogs. I hope you have the best time and lots of adventures.
sue monteath
2023-04-22
Please can I get on your mailing list - Liz passed this on sue.monteath@gmail.com
Karry
2023-04-22
Geez nothing like a bit of drama to start off with!
leanneroles
2023-04-22
I thought I was going to have to bail Sheila out of jail there for a while! Makes for a good story later. Not so much fun at the time. Thanks for your comments. We’re enjoying reading them.
Fiona
2023-04-22
Looking forward to the armchair travel. Sheila, you could always wear your backpack on your front ... I've seen many tourists do that in Europe.
Liz
2023-04-22
Always love reading your blog Leanne so I'm looking forward to this trip too.
Beth
2023-04-23
Oh, Leanne, what great reading, and what a great adventure you two have set off on. Think I stayed in a hotel near to where you were near the Montparnasse Station last September. Can't wait to compare notes and hear all about your travels on your return. Fantastic that you made it to Au Pied de Cochon!
enid
2023-04-23
i wasn't surprised when I read what happened in Doha. It seemed like a common occurance when I was there. Take care, safe travels and thanks for adding me to your trip. Will love reading about your adventures.
Tanya
2023-04-28
What an adventurous and scary start! All adds to the story! Sounds like the full Parisienne experience!