Who is le petit homme vert (the little green man)?  He is the friend of jetlag dulled travelers.  So-named by our Scottish friend Chris who joined us in Paris, he has saved us from walking carelessly into busy Parisian streets in our somewhat addled state.  But I get ahead of myself.

 We were greeted at CDG airport by the happy sight of our bike boxes, intact and waiting for us at baggage claim!  We  gathered up our duffle bags and boxes (tres chic) and made our way to central Paris.  Here we have been staying in luxury and resting up in anticipation of our weeks of biking ahead.

As I mentioned above, our good friend Chris traveled to Paris to join us and show us around.  It turns out that it is fashion week in Paris so we fit right in with our North Face duffle bags and carefully selected travel clothes.  Actually, we have had a wonderful time seeing Impressionist Art at the Musee D’Orsayand the Orangerie, exquisite stained glass at St Chapelle, and walking the Seine.  Ah, and good food.  Baguettes, croissants, Vietnamese and Laotian food, ridiculously expensive and luscious chocolates.

Tomorrow we will be getting down to business and assembling our bikes.  Wish us luck!  We are getting anxious to start the ride although we will be sorry to say goodbye to Chris.  His French skills, St. Andrews education, and knowledge of the European political scene  have greatly enhanced our enjoyment of Paris.  Merci Chris.

The next time you hear from me we should actually traveling ala bicyclette. Au revoir for now!

Barb