Days 7-13

Day 7: Still in Barcelona, we took the metro to the more offbeat beaches of the city, which were near several small skate parks and an urban mall/plaza known as the Forum. Explored the more rocky area of the beach, found some deft street art. Traveled back to Sant Jordi to check out, and began the night train to Paris.

On the train, David and Ian were separated from Lauren. One traveler got an adequate amount of sleep, two did not.
David and Ian practiced their Spanish and played cards with three girls traveling to Amsterdam. Que guay.

Day 8:
We were coughed onto the streets of Paris, shelterless and in a new language. We eventually found a cheap hotel near the train station, close to a great Indian place at which we ate thrice. Got oriented in Paris, wandered by the opera and eventually to the Arc De Triumph. Had the world's best macaroons at Ladurèe.

Day 9: Tried to walk around Louvre, succeeded. Had to find a specific bank for some dough. After that, Hiked up the Eiffel tower, then lounged around the park below...went crawling for some Thai.

Day 10: Summer Solstice. The longest day of the year, a perfect day to be entombed. We visited the catacombs, very cool, in more than one way. Trained over to the island containing Notre Dame, and embarked on a night of live music--a free concert near the catacombs, among other spectacles. David and Ian wandered out for more around midnight and observed a sparkling Eiffel tower, also quite cool.

Day 11: travel day to Lyon, train was a commuter train (oops) and took us on a 6 hour crawl. So that was pretty much the day, we had our only meal and perhaps our best meal down the hill from our hostel. Three courses, a giant ham salad, sausage or fish, and then expertly crafted crepes.

Day 12: Awe inspiring hillside views in Lyon, some beau church mosaics. Smaller French cities seem to enjoy imitating Paris, with mini Eiffel towers and alternate Notre Dames. The food in Lyon definitely lives up to the city's reputation as gastronomic capital. More traditional French cuisine. Unfortunately we lost Lauren midday, she could be just about anywhere right now. Chance so had it that a dorm mate was a grad student at MIT. Big soccer commotion in the hostel. Found Lauren.

Day 13: No lyonnaise malaise, the city is pretty relaxing, even though the town center is lower in elevation and hotter than our hillside hostel. Today is mainly just a day to regroup and plan the rest of our trip.
Where will we go next? The Alps, the Pyranees, Italy?
what miracles or disasters shall befall us? Will we survive?
Find out next time,
Au revoir