13 Oct - Sunday. D day -Depart Paris

Oh dear.  We didn't really want this day to come.

Farewell to Emma 

Emma checked out of her room and we went off via the Metro to Paris city where all the shops were closed - as it was Sunday. We had been told this by our guide on the Discover Walk tour but it is still peculiar for a major city.

By pure persistence however, Emma found that the perfume place she wanted was open (basically for tour groups) so like daughter I had to sample their wares:

We did however look over this beautiful building:

Then, it was back onto the Metro for a quick trip to the Eiffel Tower to grace it with our presence with a photo or two.

Everyone was so pleased to see us at the Eiffel Tower that they timed the Paris marathon to finish just as we were leaving to get on the Metro. So there we were about 5 deep, the only ones not in Lycra (and smelling of perfume not sweat) trying to get on the Metro that was overflowing. 

Once again the voice of the experienced Metro traveller could be heard 'Keep going right the way up to the end of the platform Mum'.  This I did with head down and 'taking no prisioners' we were able to somehow squeeze onto the first train with all the stinky, fit bodies.  (I ended up standing next to a male runner who was easily in his 80s and had to put aside my initial thought of asking if he was okay standing!). In fact anyone would be okay standing as being packed in so tightly, no one would be able to fall over.

When we arrived at our 'change lines' station,  most of the Lycra crowd had dispersed into different areas. We were then on the Metro line to take us to the Eurostar departure station.  

However,our fame must have spread, because more people decided to join us on this leg of the journey. This time we were graced with the 'very close presence' of ice hockey players from Canada with all their gear.  Later when I saw them throwing their heavy kit bags around with ease, I was wondering if they would 'hang about' and carry our luggage later..........

Then we were at the Eurostar station and time to farewell Emma

We were so lucky to have this time with Emma. We had such fun and so sad leaving....................

Our departure
We made our way back on the Metro, finished packing and then went to our first cafe for a late lunch/ early dinner.

Jonathan asked the male waiter for a "meal that shows the French style of cooking".  We had two different courses and when mine arrived, I caused confusion to the poor man because my immediate reaction was "Holy Cow" - and it clearly was not a cow! It was a whole bird!

We were a bit more leisurely over this meal than we should have been so it was a mad rush to the hotel, shower and board the shuttle bus to the airport.

I had a huge sigh of relief when our suitcases checked in well under the 30kg limit for each.  I was so distracted, I forgot about going to the first class lounge and just went to the ordinary lounge. (Shock horror - I will only be able to do this until May 2014).

Our flight home was a bit eventful as my left ankle doubled in size.  (This was due I think, to my going over on my ankle during the Discover Walk tour and not having my boots on for the first time since this happened).  I therefore had the experience of going to the Dubai Medical Centre during our stop over where I was very well looked after by about 6 people and advised to get an X ray when I arrived in Australia. (X-ray showed no broken bones just a bad sprain; all okay now).

Kermy came with me to the "below ground" medical rooms.

Michael met us at the airport and ferried me around with medical appointments.
It is great to see him again and we were able to attend the fantastic performance of the latest UMMTA (Uni of Melb Musical Theatre Assoc) "Rent" with which he has had so much involvement.  (Emma founded UMMTA when she was a student).

In summary
With the blog, I have missed including a number of things and included some things that, in the scheme of things are not really highlights of the trip but it is a snapshot of our adventure.  I have met so many wonderful people, seen so many fantastic things and I can't believe that it has all happened to me/us. We will treasure every moment of our Magical Mystery Tour as it really has been an unbelievable journey:

• Beautiful, fabulous Barcelona;
• Tour 1 - Spain, Portugal and Morocco;
• London;
• Tour 2 - Highlights of Europe; and
•  Wonderful Paris.

Wow, wow and wow! I love Europe.