The Seedy Side of Paris

Hey all,

Quick update on Paris – not as long there as either of us wanted, but was fun anyway – K flies back to Australia from Paris so we will probably head back earlier than planned in a few weeks and lurk about for a couple more days – am planning to buy a beret.  We stayed at somewhere called the “Perfect Hostel,” which, while not perfect, was pretty nice – walking distance from everywhere we wanted to go, although it all ended up being a bit rushed as we had banked on 5 days, not two.  K initially considered “Woodstock Hostel,” but the reviews suggested it was in a very seedy part of town – full of drug dealers, pimps, murderers, tourists – one was taking one's life in one's hands merely stepping out the front door, which was always kept locked and bolted from the inside while even the owners cowered under the beds in terror etc. etc.  So she chose the “Perfect Hostel” instead, which reviews claimed was in a charming quaint area, where birds sing and children dance in the street. Woodstock turned out to be directly opposite the “Perfect Hostel,” in the same alley...  Reviews of “Woodstock” probably written by owners of “Perfect.”  Anyway, in Chartres for the last few days, which is lovely – one of the things I really wanted to see in Europe was the cathedral here – and it is magnificent – staying in what used to be a monastery.  Anyway, have booked a hire car – pick it up tomorrow and spend the next week or so driving around France, so will update on Chartres soon.

Photos.

1. Woodstock hostel, in the evil seedy part of town.

2. Perfect hostel, in the good part of town.

3. Woodstock on the left, Perfect on the right.  Whatever you do, don't cross the street.

4. Painting we saw – not entirely sure what is going on here.  Apparently they were sisters.  No doubt French.

5. Sculpture that took K's fancy and I managed to get a decent shot of by propping the camera on a chair.

Cheers, B.