Week 2

WEEK 2

Week 2 began with the excitement that we would be in Paris in a few days. The roads were pleasant so far and not too hectic. The evenings so far had been extremely cold, forcing dad to have to buy another sleeping bag as his just wasnt adequate. We left our campsite and begun what was going to be a 74km cycle into Paris with Marcus Rueben (friend and host in Paris) would be meeting us at the Louvre. 34km in we stopped for lunch with no dramas and filled with such excitment with the milestone that lied ahead.

We began the last 36km and was immediately struck with difficulty. The roads we had been on, no longer allowed bicycles. We asked many locals and all seemed baffled and unfortunately thier English was about as good as dad and mines french put together.

After attempting all routes for over 3 hours we decided it would be to dark soon to continue and that we are best to pull up for the night and try again in the morning. With rain becoming heavier and the winds increasing and no campsites in sight. We decided to look for a quiet and hidden away spot to set the tent up. After looking behind public toiletes, railway stations and service stations to no avail we, we agreed that a hotel is our last option. The first 2 were fully booked and then the third was not interested. A bus driver could see our panic and stopped and helped. He escorted us to 2 other Hotels that were all booked and then desperately to the police station where he had hoped to get more assistants then we did. Finally to a final hotel that again refused. We were then forced to get back to work having occupied over 2 hours of his time. Hienry we thank you!

At this point dad and i are really panicking, as the rain is coming down hard and its starting to get dark. At exactly this point a bald man comes over and begins to listen to dad and mines desperate plea with the hotelier for accomodation for the night. Offering double the money for practicly a bathroom to sleep. The bald man interupts with "you can stay at my house". Dad and i are blown away and begin immediately offering money or dinner to keep the offer legitiment. He declines quickly and simply says " all i want is your story".

We than followed him back to his house where we were greeted by his wife Sophie his 3 children Kenza, Ines and little Nael. His wife and children did not even begin to question whom we were just trusted that if we are welcome by Brahim(husband) then they to would welcome us. What followed that night was truly magical. Dinner, wine, cheese, conversation and i read a bed time story to Nael the 3 year old boy in English which the father encouraged.

We spent the night in warmth and were directed in the morning to get to Paris, after having a full breakfast of course.

In Paris we spent the weekend sightseeing, relaxing and and watching England deal with Slovakia. This was followed by more beers than any human or animal should drink.

The 2 rest days in Paris were our first in 8 days. And they were great!

Next stop Lyon