Another hostel...and Paris plans

Following my mom's recommendation to check out alternatives for hostel/hotel in the Rick Steves guidebook, I found a hostel that I think I'll like better than the Young and Happy. There are actually three MIJE hostels, all near each other in the Marais. For 49 euros I can get a single room with a shower and sink. Obviously more than I would pay at the Y&H but I think I'll be happier there. Seems to be a more quiet area than Rue Mouffetard, and the TripAdvisor reviews are much better than the Y&H's, too.

I can't make a reservation until 45 days in advance, so come mid-February I think I'm going to lock it in. 99% sure.

Aunt Martha (mom's twin) sent me an e-mail tonight with some suggestions on being more comfortable with my choice of a hostel - I'm glad for the advice. She's traveled even more than my mom and much has been in hostel type accommodations. The first time is the hardest, I guess.

I do feel a lot better about the whole hostel thing with the new choice.

Now to figure out a Paris itinerary....have to take into account the limited budgets and limited time - basically two days of sightseeing for Debbie & Judy. Our hotel together is in the 8th, near the Arc de Triomphe. It'll be late afternoon by the time we get to the hotel after taking the Eurostar from London. We have to go to the Hard Rock Cafe to pick up passes but I'm thinking that may be better the next morning. Not sure. Will probably walk to the Arc de Triomphe, and on the Champs-Elysees that evening. Next morning to the Hard Rock then most likely to Montmartre - Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre; then take the hop on, hop off tour of the city, see the Tour d'Eiffel; take the Batobus tour on the Seine that's included in our passes. Also want to see Notre Dame and the Louvre, though I think we'd be best off going on Friday evening when it's open late for a cheaper price. We have to hit a few geocaches in Paris so Debbie can add to her list (I got her interested when we were all in Florida last February) though I plan to do many more once I'm on my own. Would also like to go to the Jardin du Luxembourg with D&J. The only two places with costs on this list are the Eiffel Tower (cheaper if we walk up the steps) and the Louvre (cheaper in the evening.) Notre Dame is free if you don't want to go up the tower, I can always go up the tower later myself. Sacre Coeur is free, the tours are already paid for, and to see the outside of the Arc de Triomphe is also free. Really trying to keep costs down for Deb & Judy, also for myself of course.

I want to get a 6 day Paris Museum Pass for myself, will probably use it Saturday through Thursday instead of Thursday through Tuesday. It's 60 euros but well worth it when you consider Versailles admission alone would be almost half that cost. Plus you get to skip to the head of the line. This is a life list trip, after all, so I'm going for it. Don't know if or when I'll ever be able to return so will try to experience as much as I can this time around.

Our time in London needs some plans as well...I seem to have Paris on the brain right now though. Could be because I have more to plan.