Long, long flight flying over the pond

OK - I am a little late in getting my blog started.  Why - do you really want to know ???? The internet connection on the boat on Sunday was terrible (at least for me).  Linda signed up without a problem and I struggled all day without any success.  We found out since Sunday that when we are docked the reception is much better.  So I am going to combine Paris, Giverny, and Vernon.  Today we are docked in Vernon and this morning we made a short trip to Giverny, the home of Claude Monet. it is now 2:04 pm (Paris time-6 hrs ahead) and we have just finished lunch.

SUNDAY- Paris – here we are!!!!!!!!! We arrived at 7:00 am (Paris time) 6 hours ahead of DST.  It took us about an hour to get through customs, get our luggage, meet the rep from Viking Cruises, and board our van with 6 other people to head to the port. Linda and I have decided that Envoy Class is the only way to fly.  Those comfy seats stretch out and you almost think you are in a bed.  I think I slept for about 3 hours during the night, so it will be an early bed time tonight.

Now here we are sitting on the Viking Spirit waiting to get into our room; of course it is only 10:00 am and we cannot get into the room until 3:00. We will have a tour of the area at 1:30 pm.  The boat is quite small compared to the Carnival Cruise Ships.  Everything seems very quiet and tranquil………not what we are used to on cruise ships.  The people all seem to be in their 60’s, 70’s, 80's (maybe older).  This may be our one and only riverboat cruise. We do have a pretty view of the Eiffel Tower as we look out the windows of the boat. 

After we checked into our rooms, everything began to look up!  We unpacked quickly and rested for a little while, then it was off for our embarkation and safety briefing.  Our hotel manager, Kornelia Pfeiffenberger - she told us to call her Connie - thank goodness- and our program director Mieke Bakker conducted this meeting.  Our captain, Michael Chazot, greeted us and welcomed us to the boat.