Tuesday 24 June 2008

The journey to Paris

The journey to Paris wasn't too bad, despite the fact that Amir had to sit on my lap. We went to Khartoum airport at 3 in the morning. I was actually worried that we couldn't make it because 2 days before there was a burned airplane at Khartoum airport. Luckily for us, it didn't affect our holiday plans.

Even at 3 am, the airport was bustling with people. The cue (or lack of one) was long because people kept on cutting cue. I was a bit frustrated, but we managed to get into the departure hall by 5, just in time for subuh prayer. We took off at 6.30 am and landed in Cairo at 8.30 (it was only a 2 hour flight...yippee!). We went to have breakfast in McDonald, but since the kids didn't like the big breakfast, we went to have cake and muffin in the next cafe.

At 11.30, we took off for Paris. Since we're in economy class, the arm rest in between seats could be lifted, so I didn't have to carry Amir all the time...yippee! Plus the fact that it was only a 5 hour flight to Paris. There was practically no time difference (only an hour)... so there's no jet lag to worry about. We arrived at 3.30 local time, everything went smoothly. The only thing was we had to wait for our stroller because it was the last item to be brought down.

Anyway, managed to get a taxi to Val D'europe despite the language barrier. The price was a bit steep, more than 70 euro, but as long as we arrived safely...Residence Rive Gauche is a bit small, 2 twin beds and a double sofa bed, but it was just nice for our family. At least it was clean and new and more importantly, it was quite cheap at 85 euro per night.

We went to the supermarket nearby to get our supply, milk n bread etc. The only thing that we didn't anticipate was the prayer times...hehehe...we have conveniently forgotten that subuh is at 3 am, zohor at 2 pm, asar at 6 pm, maghrib at 10 pm and isyak at 12 am. Waiting for isyak the first night was really terrible, we were so sleepy while the kids zonked out at 9 pm.

Another thing that we didn't aticipate was the weather. When we reached Paris, it was only 15 degrees. Luckily I packed sweaters and jackets for the kids, the parents have to suffer a little bit of cold...hehehe...we have enough fat to help us survive...

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