Conquering Jet Lag – Paris Edition

Bonjour! Martin and I made it safely to Paris yesterday afternoon! After traveling for 12 hours and losing 7 hours in the process, we are still trying to get over our jet lag. So far, everything has been taking us longer to do because we are not used to how to do things here. For example, it took us nearly an hour to purchase train tickets to get into the city from the airport because we didn’t have coins or a credit card with a chip in it. But, we finally got our tickets and made it into the city. We are slowly catching on.

While we were walking from the metro to our hotel, Martin decided we should visit Sacre Coeur. So, we climbed all these stairs with all our luggage: 

 

Boy was I excited to reach the top! Until I realized it wasn’t the top… So we climbed another, longer set of stairs: 

 

I had to take a break on my way up since I was carrying my luggage. Some nice jogger asked if he could carry my luggage up the rest of the way for me! Since I only had about 10 stairs left, I declined, but what a nice offer! Then, I realized maybe I should have accepted since we weren’t at the top yet!

We climbed another two flights of stairs and then I collapsed on the stairs of the city’s most famous church. 

 

The view was very beautiful!

 

We somehow found our hotel last night, despite our lack of directions. Some people say that St. Paul, MN was designed by someone very drunk because of the crazy and nonsensical streets. I would hate to venture a guess as to what the Paris city planners were on. None of the streets are straight. There are no “blocks” and none are numbered or alphabetical. So, we have purchased a new map and are learning how to ask for directions.

My French is quite poor, but we are getting by. I even understood what our hotel front desk person asked me this morning! I was quite impressed with myself.

This is all for now, since we have quite limited internet.

8 thoughts on “Conquering Jet Lag – Paris Edition”

  1. Guess the new luggage and shoes got a good break in on the first day! Was going up to the top with your luggage Martin’s way of telling you you packed too much???
    Have a wonderful time!!!
    Love you both!
    Rika

  2. Maybe not such a bad way to start your visit with a beautiful view of the city! We’re hanging on your Posts, so to speak. Love, Mom and Dad/ A. & J.

  3. I used your CSA donations last night. Karl thought the greens were a bit adventerous. Hope you are having a great time. Watch out for the birds at Notre Dame, Karl was pooped on. Dana

  4. So glad to here you made it there safely! This is such a great way to share your adventures with all of your friends and family.. Have FUN Love Mom and Dad (J&A)

  5. hey Jill and Martin,
    glad to read you are getting a hang on to Paris’ tortuous streets. Have fun! I am looking forward to read the next post. Lucie (your couchsurfer)

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