Sunday in Paris

Just when Ruth had arrived our cabins were also ready.  So while she got acclimated to her new surroundings I unpacked.  One at a time was almost mandatory.  The rooms are very tiny down here on the bottom deck.  But the ship is very quiet and from here we do not have far to go when it is our turn to row!

The Captain was at the door greeting everyone but we did not realize that was who he was.  Very young looking and in his beautiful, crisp navy uniform with sharp white collar and red Viking tie.  Tossed casually around his neck was a navy wool scarf.  So suave.  Sailing our ship is Captain Fantzy.

After a delicious lunch of salad, fruit, soup and small sandwiches which we enjoyed in the lounge, Ruth and I walk up the cobbled street to have a good look at the tower and just stretch our legs after the long flight.  We got back to the boat in time to join the Orientation Walking Tour.  Our guide led about 20 of us through the modern neighborhood which was built by Pompidou in his day.  The few blocks stretching along Left bank just south of the city center seem oddly out of place when classic French apartments are just across the water.  This shopping district is not popular with the locals although I am sure many like the views from the glass high rise apartment buildings and offices.

Back on board there was an indoor Safety Drill where we each tried out our life jackets but mostly we chatted, in our group, with Brian from Glascow – the Hotel Manager.  This was followed shortly by the orientation talk where we met officers and also had explained to us how the daily programs would work.  Mostly we will have breakfast between 7:00 and 8:30 and set out for an included excursion by 9:00.  We will be back on board by 12:30 for lunch and ‘rest.’  The afternoon excursions, some included and others optional, will begin at 2:00, return by 6:00 in time for dinner at 7:00!  Restful river cruising!!??

Today, it was time to change for dinner which was delicious with a nice menu of choices.  Three choices of appetizers, three of main course and four or five of dessert.  I had broiled salmon that was beautifully cooked and excellently seasoned.  For desert there was maple ice cream.  Everyone eats at the same time – from seven until nine.  Not during seven to nine but completely from seven until nine.

After dinner there was music in the lounge but we were just too tired!  A wonderfully strange day welcomed us to our April in Paris Adventure.

Highlights or notes I forgot to mention:
The young man seated next to me on the plane was looking around with surprise when we were boarding.  He was quietly excited and I asked if it was the first time he had flown.  He said, ‘Yes.  It is the first time I have flown (slight pause) in economy!”  Turns out that because his Dad is a pilot he has always gone First Class and had and does so every summer to visit his Grandparents in Germany!