We turned up on the stand on Saturday morning (after negotiating the Metro from the airport) to find Ali demonstrating Ribbon Embroidery with a crowd around her. We were both rather nervous, and had been practicing our little smattering of French, all the way across the channel!! But with so many French people around we came over all tongue tied and forgot everything!

Finally when Ali emerged from the stand she gave us an envelope each, tied up with ribbon – what is this? They were full of Euros – with a big hug she told us that we were not in Paris to work on the stand but to have some fun.  She told us to go and enjoy the show, have lots of fun and spend the money.  Wow Wee!!!!

So we did! We spent Saturday at the show, and what a wonderful show it was. We went on every stand, looked, touched and just soaked up the atmosphere.  Every so often we popped back to the stand with espresso coffee for Ali and Tony, we had exhibitor passes so could go into the exhibitors lounge and make our own, that would be cool for Hobbycrafts at the NEC!

By late afternoon we were shattered so went back to the hotel for a rest, we were shopped out! Once our energy had returned, we went back for another visit. Finally the show closed and we went for a delightful “French” meal.

Sunday a quick trip to the show to buy a few extra bits, then we ventured into Paris to see the sights!  Bet you cannot guess where our first port of call was?

Yep the Eiffel Tower. It was unbelievable,we went all the way to the top, although it was rather windy.

Next had to be the Champs Elysees for a little bit more retail therapy!  To our surprise there were little chalets lining the street and it was a proper “French Market”, awesome.  We had so much fun.  Ali and Tony joined us back at the Trocadero for a meal and to wait for the 9pm Eiffel Tower new light show for it’s birthday. It was unreal, the changing colours were amazing– it lasted about fifteen minutes and was just wicked. Shame the photo’s do not do it justice.

Monday our last day, boo hoo.  Another look round the show, we had found a favourite stand (apart from Crafty Ribbons!!!) and wanted to buy a few extra goodies. After saying a tearful goodbye to Tony and Ali we made our way to Notre Dame, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch!!!  Before we knew it, we had to go back to the airport, we had left all our purchases with Ali, so nothing to carry.  She had given us strict instructions not to leave France with any euro’s – so we headed to the duty free shop!!!

Ali and Tony, what can we say, we both had a magical time, thank you so much we loved it.

Bev and Rachie x x