astradele

Les Halles seems pretty normal at night. Lots of people walking around, sitting at restaurants or cafes, seeing attractions. Beautiful architecture. Cramped roads. Nice weather.

As is my wont to be daring/foolish, I wandered aimlessly. I tried to keep an idea of where I was, and I’m happy to say that on my way back I wasn’t *too* far off course. There’s a large church that I forget the name of, but it’s an excellent landmark.

[2007-01-05: Eglise Saint-Eustache, after the Roman General burned for converting to Christianity.]

Trying to watch my budget (counting in Euros is so misleading!) I had a panini and an apple for dinner, which were both quite good. Finally finding my way back to my hotel, I gave the wifi another stab, and succeeded once I found out some extra details from reception. Yay! I feel better having Internet.

One interesting feeling i’ve noted in myself is from being in the minority language camp, and being shut out of most conversations, or even of being able to speak coherently to shopkeepers. French isn’t even that far from English, but it’s more than far enough.

The RER train took me to Les Halles, which appears to have a fair bit of shopping in the area, alongside lovely architecture.

With the aid of some posted maps, and a nutella crepe to quell my hunger, I found my way to hotel de rouen. It seems nicely situated; the stairs are steep as reviewers indicated, but hardly laborious if travelling light.

The room is poorly situated next to the public kitchen, but it’s a price that’s hard to complain about! They’re moving me up 3 floors in a few days anyway.

True to form, rather than exploring paris on a friday night, I’ve spent awhile working on getting my laptop on the hotel’s wifi network – unsuccessfully. Don’t worry folks, I’m on my way out now!

Perhaps all it takes is to hear the words again in context. Unable to use my credit card at the electronic booth, nor able to get adequate change for it, I lined up for the two staff manning the booths.

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