French Experience starts

There was really no need to set the alarms for 5.30am, because as usual we were awake well before this. It did mean that we had plenty of time to organise for our 6am breakfast, checkout and cab to St Pancras to catch the Eurostar across to Paris. This trip takes about 2.5 hours, much of it through tunnels - including of course the biggie under the English Channel.
Gare du Nord was no less chaotic than most of what we had left behind in London. Some language difficulties to work out where we were and how to buy tickets. Even though i think my French was quite good enough, the Parisian at Gare du Nord, who may have actually spoken more English than he let on sent us to Gare du Est. Eventually we worked out that this was not where we were meant to be (a far more helpful, but still little English speaker information person) and back through the maze of underground tunnels with our luggage we went. Without to much more drama, we arrived at Porte du Maillot, but of course we emerged from the wrong entrance. Solution: a taxi. Arrived at Bois du Bologne camping without further dramas.
Meanwhile M2H2 were on their way in a taxi, so we awaited their arrival (which took longer than it should have because they were caught in the typical Parisian traffic jam). It was so good to see them!
Our cottage is small, and definitely not well appointed - but it is home for the next few nights. It is right beside the Seine River, but don't imagine pretty scenes. There are long barges parked alongside and across the river is some sort of commercial area - along the road go many screaming ambulaces, fire engines and Police. The Bois de Bologne is a huge parkland and if time allowed, would probably be a great place to explore.
After a cuppa break, we headed off into Pt Maillot, then Metro to see the Arch de Triomphe - a spectacular site. Thought we were heading off down the Champs Elysee and the men became enthralled with all the motorbike shops we passed - bikes never seen in Australia. I had noticed that the street signs were not Champs Elysee, and after a stop of Pizza (late lunch/early dinner) we realised that we had actually walked back to Pt Maillot. Not a problem. We once again caught the Metro into the Louvre and spent a great few hours exploring this area.
Walked up through the Jardin de Toullieres, which gave lovely views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance as the sun was setting. Back to Pt Maillot, where Michael and Shelly headed off in search of a supermarket and back to the campground.
As we set up beds, we found there was actually not enough bedding for us all so I decided that, as we had booked and paid for 6 persons I would go to the office to get some more.
Ever tried aruing with an old Frenchman who tries to pretend he knows no English? In fact knew no language, other than grunts. I decided a tantrum was required and eventually secured two more pillows and towels from another cottage. "Merci beaucoup" said I. "Grunt" was the only reply. Ah - met one within the first 24 hours. Parisians, you have lived up to your reputation!