Leaving Paris

After a 30 minute walk in frigid 16 degree weather to the train station, we had several hours to do something with, so we went across the street for some toast and coffee, and to just get out of the cold.

When we returned to the train station, we realized something... there's no heat in Gare du freakin' Nord, other than an occasional space heater that passengers are gathered around like homeless people around a bonfire on the sidewalk. The only places with heat are a cafe that's too full to get into, and the EuroStar boarding lounge that's not open to us until just before our departure.

We went back across the street and had lunch at a small cafe, just to get out of the cold. Then we went in a small coffee shop in the train station that was just as cold as outside. Finally we huddled up and stood near one of the space heaters. After warming up, we went wandering and Robin fortunately noticed a sign that said EuroStar check in was open. We finally found where that was happening, checked in, went through security, and got into the EuroStar heated waiting area. Five minutes later we boarded the train.

The train was nearly empty, and we were in London two and a half hours later, about ten minutes behind schedule due to bad weather in London. As soon as we got off the train and into St. Pancras station Robin  checked her iPad app for Underground Tube closings. Sure enough, our destination, Uxbridge, was closed due to a power outage, but we were able to take the Tube to within one stop of Uxbridge, then get on a bus and ride to within a 10 minute walk of our flat. When we got there, Wally had cooked us a great meal of roasted chicken, dressing, and gravy.

Now I'm going to see if I can get the nfl.com steaming feed of the SuperBowl that starts at 11:30 p.m. here. I'm not at all optimistic about that, but I don't think I'll be awake to whine about it.

A light dusting of snow Sunday morning for our walk to Gare du Nord train station.

Reminds me of the train station in Lamy, New Mexico.

A pretty nice cafe across the street from the train station.

The cafe is where the purple awnings are.

View of Gare du Nord from our cafe table.

The freezing cold main terminal. Near the bottom, on the left and right, passengers huddle around heaters.

As we ate lunch at a small cafe across the street, Robin noticed that pigeons at the next door cafe were helping themselves to the kebab (a tall, rotating stack of meat that the waiter shaves off meat for meals).

Another Metro entrance sign that makes us smile.

We noticed lots of dog travelers. 

The EuroStar train seen from the EuroStar waiting area (heated).

The side of the Gare du Nord entrance. The inscription translates roughly as "road of iron north" or "north railroad." I personally like "iron road."

Trying to warm up in the main terminal while wondering how much it would cost to fly to London.

16 degrees. I think it's a little warmer outside.

There were 4 or 5 of these heaters in the terminal. I don't remember seeing heaters at Heathrow.

Leaving for the train station soon

Woke up this morning with snow falling. It stopped snowing around late morning so we're going to walk to the train station, as soon as the landlord comes by to check us out of the apartment.

Robin on the Montmartre steps. The other guy is photographing art on the wall.

Looking at menus.

Historical marker.

Robin likes mosaic art.

One of the stores on Pigalle, the naughty part of town, where the Moulin Rouge is located.

The St. Pancras Hotel at King's Cross, in London. I shot this Thursday morning as were were catching the train to Paris. Newly remodeled, it's on our list to stay there at least one night. 

Interesting vegetables at a local fruit and vegetable store.

Interesting tomatoes.

In Paris vampires openly ride the Metro. Love this place!

More Photos

The Metro entrance nearest our apartment.

Love the Metro signage.

A newer terminal.

The Musée Montmartre. Not open while we were here. But a cool street to walk along.

If you don't take the funicular, you get to use the steps. At moments like this, we're glad we're young.

Still loving the signage.

lf it hadn't been so cold, I would love to have waited around to see the look on the client's faces when they saw their portrait. Maybe they were thrilled. Maybe it looked great when it was finished. Maybe he's an undiscovered genius. Maybe I shouldn't criticize until I've tried doing portraits in sub-freezing weather.

Place du Tertre, again.

On the way home, Robin takes a break at Place du Tertre on a cold night.

Robin at the top of a long stretch of steps. 

Speaking of steps, Robin leaves the apartment. Just seven floors to go.

Robin at Place du Tertre, on the walk home.

Miscellaneous Paris Photos

Art along a long set of steps going up the hill to Place du Tertre, shown below.

Not many artists here in the winter. When spring and summer get here, this place is seething with artists.

An interesting mosaic in the Metro.

One of the cafes that surround Place du Tertre. In warmer weather there would be an accordion player in this photo.

Eiffel Tower from the edge of Place du Tertre.

Same shot without zoom. Santa Fe needs a landmark like this. Oh wait, I forgot... there's already a concrete obelisk on the Plaza. Never mind.

Hazy view from Place du Tertre.

The funicular is handy if you're too tired to climb stairs. We used it last night on the way home from Musée d'Orsay. 

Exterior of the Hope Cafe (the one near our apartment, not the one in Hope, Arksansas).

Exterior of La Maison Rose, where we had a mid-afternoon snack a couple of days ago.

La Maison Rose. 

Place du Tertre at night. One lonely artist braves the sub-freezing weather.