It was cold and rainy as we left Torino to drive to Milan. We were all expecting to pay for weight overage on our suitcases but they did not charge us any extra. My suitcase alone was 27 kilos-they wanted 20 kilos or less! Surprising for someone who usually packs light, lol! Our plane was slightly late taking off as they had to take on extra fuel because they would not be allowed to refuel at Orly Airport in Paris because of the strikes in France. We had yet to see if will affect our time in Paris. When we arrived ar Orly, it was quite cold and there was also a wind chill factor. Brrrrr....

We met Marie Ann then got on a bus and started off for the Champagne region. It was a three hour drive but the bus was comfortable and warm so most of dozed off. We did stop once for a snack and bathroom break. Bathrooms in Europe are always an adventure! The women's bathroom was just a porcelain hole in the floor with places to put your feet. The most interesting thing though was that the holes in the floor flushed!! Like I said, always an adventure!

Our hotel is literally in the middle if nowhere but the beds are comfy and the pillows soft (our hotel in Torino had hard beds with hard pillows). We share two people to a room tonight then are back to our own rooms in Paris tomorrow. Dinner was at our hotel. They served a first course of offals, sauteed mushrooms, fried Brie-type cheese and bread. The main course was roasted pork with potatoes au gratin, cooked apples, spinach and a potato quenelle. Dessert was an apple tart with caramel and vanilla ice cream. Today is Jackie's birthday so Cris ordered some champagne with dessert. Champagne is Jackie's favorite!

Then it was time to turn in, we have another long day tomorrow!