I woke up about 6 am and forced myself to go back to sleep at least until the sun comes up. Finally got up about 7, dressed, and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It wasn't as crowded as during the weekend and I was the only one there for a while. Had my breakfast and then returned to the room to finish packing.
The hotel was not at all cooperative in helping me to arrange my transportation back to the Prague Airport. I asked the front desk to call the shuttle company and basically he refused! I was taken back. He tried to "sell" me on using the hotel car (at twice the price) instead of the shuttle. I don't think so! Nevertheless, I tried to call 3 times, all unsuccessful, and then noticed that you can order the shuttle online. So I did that. The order form took me 2 attempts but I made it and got a confirmation email shortly. Mission accomplished - where there is a will, there is a way!
Went to the lobby about 9:45 am to wait for the shuttle. They came shortly and we were off to the airport. The traffice was not as heavy and we were at the airport in about 20 minutes. I tried to get my customs form stamped for the Czech glass I bought but they told me I have to get it stamped at my departure point from the EU - that would be Paris. Oh well. So I checked in my big bag, went through security and to the Business Class Lounge at the Prague airport. Not too many people in there. No wi-fi so I worked on the book, had some coffee, and read.
The Lufthansa flight was right on time. We even left 15 minutes early - when they are ready to go, we go! They served us a meal in first class and I had 3 glasses of red wine (that later conked me out!). We arrived in Paris early. No customs since it was from an EU country, retrieved my bag, took the CDGTram to the RER station. Bought a 3 day pass that will get me into Paris, around Paris during my stay, and back to the airport on Thursday. Went downstairs and caught the train which happened to be a "semi-non-stop" train. We picked up people at a couple of stops and then went direct to Gare du Nord - then to Chatelet, my stop. I got off at Chatelet and had to change to the #1 line to Hotel de Ville - a short walk and onto the next train and I only had to go one stop.
I got off of the Metro at Hotel de Ville and left via the Rue Logue exit which was only 3 blocks from my hotel. A short walk and voila, I was at the Hotel de la Brettonerie, a small hotel right in the middle of the Marais. Checked in, and unpacked and laid down to rest my feet and that's when all of the wine kicked in - I zonked out for a while. I guess I was tired.
Got up and went out for a walk around the Marais. On a Monday night not too many people out and about. I stopped for a beer and a bite to eat - and later for a gelato treat, but I wasn't realy hungry since I'd had the meal on the Lufthansa flight and it was somewhat substantial. Enjoyed my walk - ended up at the Church of St. Eustause, a beautiful structure right by Les Halles. Walked back by the Pompidou Centre, to the hotel, and to bed about 11:30.
Ah Paris. I feel like I'm at home!
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