Day 5: Looking for a Plummer in Paris...

Bonjour from Paris! Yes, I have made it here safe and sound and have fared quite well so far, if I do say so myself. The Eurostar from London to Paris was fantastically quick (but just enough time for a cat nap) and less than 2.5 hours later I was in a whole new world- in a whole new language! When I hopped off the train I decided to reserve my ticket for Bordeaux on Sunday. Good thing I was thinking ahead- although apparantly not far enough! The only seat left was on the 7:55am train which means 1) I have to wake up super early, and 2) I'm going to miss out on the free breakfast that morning! Usually I wouldn't care about that, but since I paid 32 euros A NIGHT for a dorm room, I wanted to milk this hostel for all its got! But its done and booked, so I guess I can't complain too much.

I hopped on the Metro and made it to my hostel in no time! It is in the cutest area on a teeny side street with cobblestones, and take a look at the view from my window:

That's Sacre-Coeur which I am going to check out tomorrow. -- Ugh this keyboard is pissing me off! The @ sign and apostrophe are in different places (took me a while to find them), plus the shift key is a little smaller than usual so I keep hitting the \ key by accident! -- Anyways, where was I...so I didn't stay in my room long because I wanted to check out the sights, so I hopped on the subway and headed to Place de la Concorde and THIS was the first thing I saw when I walked out of the subway:

I know it's not the greatest shot of the Eiffel Tower but still pretty cool! I walked up the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe but I didn't stay there long because I was staaaarved. (I was going to grab McDonald's while I was walking up the Champs-Elysees but I figured french fries don't count as REAL French cuisine!) I hopped on the subway AGAIN (I'm getting to be a pro at this!) and headed to the Marais neighbourhood because apparantly its one of the best areas in Paris for eating out. Lonely Planet recommended Le Trumilou- "This no-frills bistro is a Parisian institution; if you're looking for authentic, French food at reasonable prices, you won't do better!" - so I figured when in Rome! (I mean Paris...) I finally found the place but when I walked in I discovered that they don't start serving dinner until 7:00. I knew Europeans like to eat late so it didn't surprise me, but come on, I was soooo hungry! I didn't think I could wait so I headed to another restaurant that Lonely Planet recommended- but I couldn't find it! I walked around for 45 minutes and finally just ended back up a my first choice.

I know, you're probably asking why I didn't just go to one of the other million restaurants around. Well, I WAS tempted (because by then my stomach was eating itself) but I got scared. Its very intimidating going to a restaurant 1) by yourself, and 2) having NO idea what the menu says! Anyways, I'm glad I held out for Le Trumilou because it was awesome! Here are some pics from dinner:

I hopped on the subway and headed back home (switching subways and everything!). I got into my room and my perfect hostel was not so perfect anymore. One of my roomates flooded the toilet! Of course, they just left it, and of course the guy who works here couldn't fix it, and OF COURSE, the hostel is all booked up tonight so I couldn't switch rooms!!! Ugh, a not so perfect way to end a pretty perfect day, but THIS did make me feel a little bit better:

Wish you could be here to share this with me!

Love, Dianna

PS. Since it took me so long to add my pics, here's a few bonus ones for you!