"Our impossible trip to Paris proved to be the best third-class trip I have ever taken in Continental Europe. We had a new and spotless car, generously upholstered in leather, with huge plate-glass windows of the Swiss type - and a radio in every compartment. Admitting that our luck was better than average on that occasion, I am nevertheless convinced that somebody should shout the truth about French third-class. Every year thousands of persons who could afford to tour Europe (in third-class coaches) are kept from going at all because of an absurd fear generated by such talk as that of our purser. (Apparently their ship's purser had told a timid young traveller: "...it's impossible to travel third in France...no one ever goes third...you people are the only ones.")
But more anon on that subject. Just now we are emerging from the portals of the Gare St.-Lazare into the very centre of the metropolitan roar of Paris - and we have ten pounds in our pockets. How shall we get settled quickly, comfortably and - underline the next adverb - cheaply?"
These days of course, for that amount of money one would have to consider - nearest local park, suitable comfortable bench seat, preferably near to a water fountain, and, most importantly, after having collected a dense pile of old newspapers. Sounds perfect. Ah, Paris dans le printemps, l'ete, l'automne et (brrr!) l'hiver!!!
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