Paris to Nice

Saturday 13th October (Paris)

Today is the first semi final between France and England at Stade de France, so we are all going to go. Almost all of us have decided to sell our finals tickets as neither Australia or N.Z. will be there. We again caught the Hop On Hop Off bus and toured around Paris for a number of hours, stopping for lunch at a little restaurant next to Maxim’s, called Minum’s!. Returned to the hotel and caught a coach to the ground at 6pm and made our way to our seats. The stadium is spectacular with a great atmosphere, especially with France playing. Not a great game as there was too much kicking, which seems to be England’s only game play, but it did result with England winning and therefore going into the finals. I (Pam) met a lovely man from England and casually mentioned that we could have some tickets for the final available. He was very interested and we arranged to make contact with him again tomorrow.

Sunday 14th October (Paris)

Paul and I (with Grant and Di) went to the top of one of the tallest buildings in Paris, called the Montparnasse Tower, which has 360degree views over Paris. Very interesting and we took some great photos and had lunch. Dreadful service here which is most unusual as the French have been wonderful to us. Had an Asian French lady who really did not want to be a waitress! Never mind! Di and I then went into town as the sales were on and the boys went back to the hotel to catch up on emails and business. Anothe semi-final this evening between Argentina and South Africa. Paul and Grant went to this match and Di and I watched it from our hotel after having dinner together. The boys felt that the game could have gone to Argentina until the final quarter when South Africa picked up the pace. It would have been nice to see the underdog get up but this was not to be. To date, neither Paul nor I have managed to pick any winning teams in this World Cup. We also packed up tonight ready for our trip to Nice in the morning.

Monday 15th October (Paris to Nice)

Collected by our coach ready for an 11 am departure to Nice, where we are staying at the Radisson SAS for the next three nights. Beautiful hotel with a wonderful view over the Cote d’Azur from our room. Caught the courtesy bus into town with Ken and Judith and had a wonderful lunch together, left the boys, and had a look at the shops. Back to the boys for a very naughty afternoon tea then to our hotel for a light room service dinner. Beautiful weather but too cool to swim although one of our team did venture into the sea, but being a Kiwi and a Christchurch Surf Lifesaver, I don’t think he feels the cold!