Woke with a fright, the Don popping out of a large cake in his white thong, that's European style not the Aussie interpretation of the word all oiled and excited, sorry that was a recollection recounted by the birthday girl of a dream once (long) past. Try a cuppa and a hurray along to get moving out the door in reality.

We have a divide and concour approach to our full Parisian intinary, the birthday girl and her entourage will cover the Louvre, yours truly has the Museum d Orsay firmly in my sights and M-L will cover all bases with a Hop on (and stay on) bus . Ready set go.

Naturally the underground stop (Louve) which is our selected stop off and starting point is being renovated so end up at another with close proximity to it and the river Seine, doesn't really matter and is all in keeping with our taking in of the sights, sounds and smells. Additionally we come across the bridge termed the Locks of Love which is completely filled with said items, the Don more interested in the increased weight added to the bridge and what stresses added.

Leave Crew Vella @ the Louvre, place M-L on the bus, take one last pic of her as she may never be seen again! I hit the d Orsay. We have four hours all to do our bit, we then meet up and report in.

M-L took the safe option and stayed on the bus, she reported that it suited what she was looking for with a quick snap shot of the surrounds, liked the opera area within the Madeleine district best. On return she took on the role of Chief Inspector using her experience (new found) to seek and uncover the murky undertow within the city's underbelly, seems the petty thieves and pickpockets could be rooted out without to much difficulty at all!

The team of three reported that some time could be spent at the Louvre as in itself the size of a small town . Leonardo would have been pleased that they popped in to have a gander at his little Mona, reputably the most famous portrait painting on the planet. They sought her our first thing and were rewarded with no more than 50 people In the room, now those who have been and seen know that this is a very nice outcome.

The report from my venue is that I had such an indulgent time, not only is the restored railway station a show stopper with a central feature gold clock proving a real statement piece and then there is the sculptural items and art that enable me to indulge. A study and special exhibition of Van Gogh being held, his works are few thus rare but plenty on offer here. He did not stay around as long as some - he shot himself before he reached forty. They are good but prefer others such as Cezanne and Renoir. A real highlight was to sit and enjoy the painting - Dancing at the Moulin de la Galette ( you do know it, the Renoir with the people sitting and dancing at a soirée), the vividness in colour compared to the print, just a delight. Not to mention so many Monets they become hum drum. Time well spent I say.

Kathy and the Don form a break away pack of two, they are going out on the town tonight, we with Maddie take on a river Seine trip, a different perspective opens up via this form of travel, relaxing and peaceful. On the way home we go hat and shoe shopping (no not for me) as we are off to the polo in London, a nice little green number is the result.

I wait up for the kids to get home but not in by 2.30 am so pack it in, they are going to be grounded for a long time over this one.