3rd July 23.27km Paris to Boissy-St-Leger

Today has been a day of learning.

Trains

I learned that putting your bike on Eurostar is quite easy and quite pricey (they charge £30 to hang it on a hook. I do that on the way down myself. For free). They then leave you with a load of panniers you have to juggle for the next few hours as -has been previously mentioned - you were a mite early. I also learned that you can't take camping gas on board which in no way surprises me but does contradict the advice I had sought and so is a bit annoying.

Paris drivers

I am a regular city cyclist. A few weeks ago I even braved London. I learned today that Parisian drivers are nutters. Especially tonight 'cause town is chockablock. But you know what? Never once did I get even close to being pissed off with one. Or even too close to one. They honk at each other and have an occasional shouting match but let you go about your business. It just feels nice and safe.

Other Ever So Useful Paris info I gathered today:

It is big.

There are some nice areas and some not nice areas. I navigated the latter as quick as poss.

Parisians find reading maps a challenge and rarely know where they are. As a lost, tired and hungry person (I followed a road too far so missed the turning at an unfortunate end of one map not quite beginning of another map moment. It's all in the planning you see) it would have been nice if one of the three carefully selected people I asked had actually known where we were. Never mind how to find a blinking big road. Or a place 2 miles away.

The moon was nice: When I did eventually find the rather elusive D19 I found I was following the moon. It was low and full and beautifully clear.

Parisians and folk in general are quite nice. They stop and help. They keep restaurants open late (buffalo grill but you know...) They say nice things about your poor attempts at French. They open the door when you mistakenly try to open it with your key card (door numbers people-really!) and don't shout. Instead they stand there in their vest and pants and have a nice chat with you. (That last example was a bit creepy actually...)

So here I am; fed, watered and wiser. This is my room. Rather a natty design I think you'll agree. And this is me going to sleep.

Night night.