Travel Awaits: Europe 2013 Day 10 - Paris, France: St. Germain, Jardin du Luxembourg, Seine River Cruise

Had an early start today. Arrived at Ebbsfleet around 8am, and the Eurostar train was at 9:35. There are reserved seats, but a family was seated in my seat area and their boy was sitting in my spot. Of course I'm not going to ask him to move...

Two hours later, Paris! But uugghh I had such a hard time getting to the city. First, after getting off the train, I needed to locate an ATM that was not associated with Travelex. Most people were lined up at the Travelex machine as it was closest to the arrivals area, but if you head towards the other end, there is a bank-associated one instead.

RER B sign, but it did not stop at platform 42

Went downstairs to the subway & RER info and ticket booth. A huge line! I waited 20 minutes. As I was eavesdropping on others in line, it seemed as though not many had not done their research, and were not aware of the different travel pass options. There was a poster advertising the Paris Visite pass, so most got that. I picked up my Navigo De. Pass -- no issues!

The signs clearly labeled where to go for each subway or RER route...but the subway was NOT where it was supposed to be. I needed RER B, and after 10 minutes, another Chinese visitor helped me out and said it was on the other platform. Ok, waited on the other platform. Another 10 minutes. Subway arrives, and I got in...but it sat there for another 10 minutes. Really?? London transportation trumps Paris by far.

I didn't get to my hotel until around 2:30pm. And this was after arriving at Gare du Nord at 12:47pm! I dropped off my things and left shortly afterwards.

Clearly labeled Metro sign

Clearly labeled Metro monitor

St. Germain area has cute small streets, with the beautiful Parisian apartment homes on top. I passed by many galleries. I had not eaten lunch, and by now it was 4pm, so I stopped at a random pizza/pasta/bakery. Cheesy pasta!

Locks on the bridge. Must all be melted within 8 months.

At 5pm, I went on a walking tour of the river, led by Raphael with Discovery Walks. There were only eight of us in the group. A great tour! Interesting to learn that the bridges used to have homes built on them, until the bridge would collapse some 20 years later.

After the tour ended, I headed to Jardin du Luxembourg. I do love French gardens and landscaping. Beautiful, although chilly, evening. The grass was not meant for sitting on, and there were plenty of seats all around for people watching. Such a cute place.

Jardin du Luxembourg

I could not find the subway stop that would take me to Le Bon Marche, but was determined to still go. Seattle used to have this store. I walked along some main road for like 20 minutes, and the store was closed. Actually, all the clothing stores in the area were closed, and it was only 8pm. But...Au Bon Marche was open! This is the food store. Similar to the food department of Harrods, but on a smaller scale and not all luxurious. I bought macarons for the first time!

Now it was close to 9pm, so I took the subway to the Seine river cruise at Pont Neuf. It was supposed to start at 9:30pm...but It was not until fifteen minutes later or so that we began. I sat at the top portion for the first 20 minutes, but it was so cold. It was great, the timing was perfect because the twinkling lights came on as we were passing. The sides/bottoms of bridges were very detailed. Sometimes statues, or small detailed moldings.