We were picked up from Dom Pedro Portabelo at 6.00am. We had a 5.00am alarm, missed the hotel wake up call, but all ok. Drive to Faro in the dark was uneventful and worked well.

Arrived at the Faro International Airport at 6.20am, they opened the checkin at almost 7.90am m promptly causing chaos with some 70-90 people in the incorrect queues despite arriving earlier than many others. We were part of this shemozzle and it only got worse as we got to the checkin desk.

Firstly, unable to find the entry to EUC either Scotland or Amsterdam. Eventually found Amsterdam , then despite my paying excess baggage it want sufficient needed to charge us additional, then wouldn’t accept our travel card. By this time 15 minutes had elapsed and we had,Amy rude agitated French men and women openly abusing us and the staff. We eventually completed check in and the crowd all clapped and cheered. We completed the rest of all security and check in without any issues. Our seats were in second back row. Flight was uneventful and we landed at Orly, Paris airport 14 minutes early., but then it took 30 minutes to disembark the aircraft and a long walk through the partially revamped terminal 3.

Our luggage came through pretty quickly, then we walked out found our Blacklane driver, then exited found the Mercedes E250 and had an enjoyable trip into Paris and our hotel Le Villa Haussmann . It was by this time around 2.00pm, our room was ready. Simply stunning and contemporary, small but great. We had unpacked by 2.45pm. Jeanette suggested we cross Haussmann Boulvarde to the Boulangerie, purchase rolls and pastries. We enjoyed this late lunch. Paris is just beautiful and we are in the beautiful 8th District. We then walked around this area down to Saint Augustin, where we had stayednpreviously at Circle National (French Officers for Armed Services Club) then took photos of St Augustine Cathedral.

Our legs were tired we returned to the hotel, had hours sleep ,before an enjoyable dinner in the restaurant here at Le Villa Haussmann . We were joined by another Australian couple. It was an enjoyable meal. They (Sue and John) live in Woodend, Victoria . They also travel extensively, perhaps more than us.bThet are doing back to back to back to back and away from home for 2 1/2 months.

We were in bed by 10.00pm and we slept through until 7.50 am.

So our trip from Faro to Paris was challenging, but settled down and we enjoyed the first several st0am. 7.5molahours in Paris.y

Our accommodation at La Villa Haussmann is outstanding. Off to bed for a good night’s sleep as we have a big day. We do sleep in until 7.50am.

We hurry shower and dress and then rush out the door to Gare Saint Lazare which is 10 minutes down Haussmann Boulevard past St Augustine. We arrive comfortably early, queue in the incorrect ticket purchase area, not knowing that we needed to be in the billet for Normandy area. So that wastes some 15 minutes, then we find the correct area, queue, but there is a computer system problem.

Eventually we are served pretty quickly and our rain to Rouen etc departs from platform 19 at 19.17am. So we purchase some sandwiches, make our way to the platform, validate our tickets in the yellow bid/ validation and move up the stAtuon.

We purchased first glass return, which whilst a little more expensive guarantees a seat. We board, find seats. The train delay pets on time at 10.17am.

We enjoyed the trip on the train to Gare Vernon Givenchy arriving at 11.08am. After alighting the station all steps lead to Givenchy and Monet’s house and gardens.

We choose to ride the popular train through the town if Vernon to the township of Givenchy about 4 km with a commentary in English and French which is both interesting and enjoyable .

The little train drops us off at the car park we leisurely walk across to the Monet Gardens precinct. There are 14 tour buses already dropping people off, but throughout the day we exoeriencemoderate time in queuing.

We spend almost 2 plus hours in the beautiful gardens and despite being informed that many flowers were not in bloom, but they were just remarkable. Jeanette desperately wanted to undertake this visit, I was less enthusiastic, but it was a wonderful experience. Thoroughly worth the train trip and almost full day.

Following the almost 3 hours in the gardens, spent almost an hour in the house. Wonderful history and spectacular views over this amazing garden,

The water Lilly display in the lake is just awe nspiring.

We proceeded into the Foundation precinct, queued for tickets for about 20 minutes, then after clearing security purchasing our tickets were admitted to the gardens. What a wonderful aurprise!