CATHEDRAL IN CHARTES

Thursday, November 16th, 2000 PARIS

Up early, packed the car before breakfast at 7:30 am. We met the baker delivering the breakfast bread when we went out the front door! It was still dark! Saw a group of three women basketball players in a restroom on the interstate…they were at least six foot five inches tall, if not taller. I’ve never seen women that tall in person!

Raining lightly. Arrived at Chartes Cathedral about 10 pm. Stayed for an hour. Always a beautiful church. Blue in the windows are spectacular shades. On to Paris, still raining. We’ve noticed that most of the cities have their Christmas decorations up on the streets. Not turning them on yet, but do have them ready and waiting.

Took us half an hour to find our hotel due to one way streets. We finally parked about a block away and walked to the Hotel Champ du Mars. It’s located in the Rue Cher area, which has lots of narrow one way streets and lots of pedestrian only streets. We have a cute little room over looking the garden but next to a “quiet” elevator. Jim tried to change the room but they said take it or leave it, no changing; they’re booked solid! Cable TV and a bathtub. No bidet. Walls are a warm yellow. Rick Steves says it’s decorated in Provence colors.

Decided to make our own breakfast in our rooms so we shopped for more chocolate. We still have coffee. Also got some orange juice, we’re chilling it on the window ledge. Jim will get fresh rolls each morning on the corner. Used the phone card from Beaune to call home.

Walked about checking out the Restaurants and found a Brassiere with four women playing accordions together. They were really good. Sat and drank three Kir each while we enjoyed the music. Back at the hotel we made a few more calls before heading out for dinner at 7 pm at La Serre, a cute little restaurant located nearby that was recommended by Rick Steves. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Had cassoulet with huge beans! Drank too much wine and there was a cute little dog of the owners for companionship during the meal.