The young woman sitting close by (from China as we later found out) was drinking a soft drink with her purse on her body, but no luggage. That in itself wasn't anything out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary, was that she had left her 3 suitcases on a trolley outside beside some seats, but unattended.
A good looking, tall young man arrived beside her and asked her if she knew where her luggage was. She pointed outside. The man told her that her luggage could have been stolen and she would never know and would not be able to find it again. He also told her that it was illegal to leave baggage unattended in ANY airport worldwide. He identified himself with a dayglow orange thing that said POLICE. He didn't flash a badge or any other form of ID, which we thought was strange. He asked the young woman to accompany him outside to identify her bags, which she did. She was almost in tears, by this time. We dont know what he told her, but he was joined by 2 other similar young men, whom we assume were also security/police. She was then joined by the waiter because she hadn't paid for her drink, and he was sure he wanted to be paid. He found her a place to put her luggage inside the restaurant, and she resumed her seat and drink.
We asked her where she was from...China. We advised her (along with the head waiter, Bruno) to wear her designer handbag across her body...Bruno actually helped her do this, as we gave her instructions to never leave ANYTHING personal ANYWHERE.
It appears she is part of a tour group meeting in a downtown Paris hotel this evening. She didn't know how to find the hotel, and I asked if she had the itinerary. She had all the details on her phone, and we suggested that she follow the Ground Transportation signs to a Taxi stand and get a Taxi to take her into that location in the city. She hoped that the Taxi driver could read the address. I assured her he would find her hotel.
When she was paying for her drink, she brought out a large wad of Euros and was immediately reprimanded by Bruno, and told to only keep a small amount handy. Never show how much money you have!
The young woman appeared disoriented to a degree and very naïve. We were reluctant to let her go on her own, but she left the restaurant with her bags once more on a trolley, to find that Taxi.
We had watched the undercover Police disappear into the crowd, and indeed they were no different to look at, from any other young men travelling.
We discovered Frenchy's restaurant the evening before we left Paris on our last journey here. Waz had the NZ Lamb Shanks then, and he had them again tonight. I had the special of the day...Roast Turkey, mashed potatoes and julien of carrot and courgette, with a Jus that tasted slightly of anise. Nice.
We try to keep 'normal' hours, but today that is not the case. We are tired! A week of taking everything off the boat, plenty of wonderful socializing and visiting with friends, and then changing our plans 24 hrs ahead, followed by only about 4 hrs sleep our last night in Jax.
We finally got into our room around 10am, and immediate went to sleep, both of us. We woke around 2pm, and after showers we left the Hotel around 3pm for a long walk. There is a building opposite the hotel which intrigues us. It has a wonderful Atrium the whole length of the building. It is new, so there are few people working there, and it feels empty.
We had quite a lively Frenglish discourse with the fellow who replaced the young Chinese woman, at the end of our row of cheek -by -jowl tables. He is off to India and then Thailand, for a month. Retired! We watched the news on TV, as we ate, and discussed some of what we saw on the screen. Much good humor and bonhomie.
After our delicious dinner and quite relaxed after a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, we hopped on the rail shuttle back to terminal 2, where we got off and walked the hundred yards to the hotel.
We thought that these types of seats would only happen in Europe...or France. The train is made by the German company Siemans. The metal is COLD. The only upholstered part is where your butt actually sits, but your legs and thighs are now frozen, against the metal. Aiee!
Waz is snoring beside me, and I can hardly keep my eyes open.
We will just sleep in tomorrow, and catch our Train after a leisurely breakfast...included in our room rate. I like these hotels!
Night night.
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