I arrive at Gare Du Nord station and head to the Metro for a quick ride over to the evening departing station of Gare D'Austerlitz. It took more time for me to stand in line and get my Metro tickets than it did to go from station to station......
An older station that is undergoing major renovations. It is the departure point for a number of overnight trains from Paris....here is a glimpse inside the station complex....
One can also arrive at the station by bike.....another of those city bike services....
I opted to get back on the Metro after putting my luggage into a storage locker for the day. It seemed the better option because my sense of direction seemed better than traveling the street on a bike trying to hold a map!!
First stop....Angelina's.....yes!! This is the infamous "hot chocolate" cafe near the Lourve and across from the gardens at the Lourve. This is a must visit....not only do they have great salads, sandwiches and pastry.....but the best...bar none...Hot Chocolate ever!!
After lunch....back to the Metro and a walk on the Avenue Des Champs Elysees.....
....passing one of my favorite statues of President Charles de Gaulle.....
and continue walking along the Seine toward Notre Dame....
As always in Paris....take time to enjoy the entertainment in the street....not only dancers such as these but the music and ambiance of a Saturday in this beautiful city.....
This is an example of how a simple water fountain can be so artistic....I observed a number of people filling their water bottles at this fountain....
Okay...time I head back to the station to check my train.....Yep....there it is on the board....19:45 to Madrid...I will arrive in Madrid 9 hours and 45 minutes later....
Once on board check out this amenity kit...this a a haul of goodies. Soap, shampoo, hand cream, comb, shoe cleaning kit, sewing kit, ear plugs (what? for a train??), slippers, chocolates, razor, and even mouth wash!! I need to send one of these to Amtrak....American Airlines....Qantas....British Air....they need to what is being provided to passengers on trains in Europe....
Next up....Madrid!!!
This is the Hotel Oscar.....great location in Madrid.... very trendy property...check out the room...
I spend the rest of my first day here in the hotel....not feeling the best... Montazoma's revenge has hit!! This happenend to me on the last leg of my journeys about the 5th day out as well....so will be lying low and close to facilities prior to the heading to the bull fight later this afternoon.
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