Paris Day 5 Saturday: A Down Day at the Novotel Hotel

I found myself awake at 3am, having fallen asleep just 4 hours earlier. I tried to sleep for an hour and then gave up. Fortunately, our hotel room has a dividing door that separates the sleeping area from the little area by the door. I made myself comfortable sitting on a pillow and closed the door to the bedroom so that I could finish reading my book, ‘Comfort Me with Apples’ (an enjoyable read). Shortly after 5am I tried to sleep again but again had trouble. I finally decided at 6am to head downstairs for breakfast. I read the newspaper (The International Herald Tribune is complimentary at reception) and started my new book, ‘Almost French’ by Sarah Turnbull. This is proving a very easy read and very appropriate for our stay in France. Having some personal time at this early hour proved energizing after my brief night’s sleep (that and drinking my first coffee in several years! I was craving a café au lait with one sugar, a craving I’ve only ever experienced in my college years when I’ve woken up after an evening of one too many drinks...)

James and the girls joined me close to 8am and then after breakfast we hung out in the hotel socializing with other riders and their families until James took off for a 3 hour “shake out ride”, to check that the bike is running smoothly after the trauma of being pulled apart and reassembled. The girls and I spent over an hour playing with the Kapla blocks that are set up at a little children’s play area in the lobby. Then we read books and they improved their skills on the Spiderman 3 game on the Playstation. We had a little snack in the room as we waited for James to return with lunch. Due to some miscommunication, James returned with bread and pastries and so with energies flagging James headed off with Caitlin to a local shop to pick up something and Ashley and I stayed to nap in the room. When they returned Caitlin climbed into bed beside Ashley and I and we all snuggled up for more sleep. In all I slept for about 3 hours, Caitlin for about 2 hours and Ashley slept for more than 5 hours! Once the girls were awake (around 7pm) we all had a light dinner of sandwiches and noodles that James had bought. Then we descended on the lively lobby where the girls played with the other children moving between the Kapla blocks and the Playstation. They also played outside on the little play structure, which is starting to become a favorite, even when it’s cold outside (they are already building their stamina for the autumnal playgrounds in Seattle when we return). James and I hung out over hot chocolate entertained by the children’s antics and the lively lobby. For the most part, a restful day with much needed down time as we recover from jet lag and James prepares for the ride that will start on Monday night.