Trip to France - Day 2 - Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 - Paris

We arrived in Paris at 6:30 and our driver was there waiting to pick us up. We were surprised that we were his sole fare. The Paris Marriott Rive Gauche was about 45 minutes from the airport but it might have taken less time if it wasn't for the strike that was going on. The transportation workers are striking because Macron is trying to change pensions that he says are unsustainable. This means most trains, subways, buses are not running. When we arrived at hotel thankfully our room was available. The hotel was very nice and modern with a beautiful view of the Paris skyline. Since it still was very dark even though it was 7:30 a.m. we decided to take a little nap before we ventured out and explored the neighborhood. We didn't go too far because of the transportation situation and we failed to secure a city map.  We walked around the Luxembourg Gardens and enjoyed looking at all the statues that grace the city and parks. At 5:15 we met our tour guide, Truss, who is Dutch.  She gave an orientation to the 39 people in our group. At this time we signed up for 2 optional excursions but we'll see if these are possible due to the strike. The group then walked next door to the Reveil Samaritan Restaurant for dinner. I had my first escargot, which was very good by the way, and Ron went with the French Onion soup. He did try one of my escargot though. We both had the salmon and he had a chocolate dessert and I had apple. Went back to the hotel to get some sleep. We don't have to get up too early tomorrow though as it is an 8:15 departure.

Our hotel, like all of France, was decorated for the holidays

Stopping for some crepes while on our walk

One of the many statues which adorn the city of lights

Lots of fountains

And Churches too

The entrance to Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Palace

A neighborhood market

View from our hotel room

My first escargot - Yum … and a few empty wine glasses

Chocolate dessert

Apple Dessert

Back to our beautifully decorated hotel