To Melun

So far, the biking is by far the most enjoyable part of this trip. Actually staying in town and in the hotels/apartments has been a hassle. Booking places to stay is far more difficult than it was on our previous trip, in Austria. Hopefully it'll get better, as we get to the more popular part of this trip, along the Loire. 
The route to Melun was mixed, some very nicely paved and marked sections, and then some sections that weren't so nice. We also took a detour (staying on the river, but on a path that was just a walking path) to avoid going on the main road. That was a bit of an adventure. Lots of beautiful, interesting looking houses and chateaus on the riverfront, some of them very nice and private on these little roads along the Seine. 
Arriving in town, we weren't able to get in to the apartment until 4 (we were originally told, we ended up getting in at 2.30). So we hung about in town, had a second lunch of chicken quarters (from an interesting storefront restaurant that sold mainly roast chicken), and went to a nearby old church, sat along the river, and ate. Then I saw a bank - BNR or something like that, and I rememberered that they supposedly had a deal with Bank of America for less expensive withdrawals. We went in to get some cash (so far we've just been doing credit card) and I was shocked that there was an exchange rate of something like 4.75% higher than the actual rate. At least they were clear about it. But still, that's crazy. I tried some of my other bank cards, and one of them was even higher - 5 point something. Anyway, we got the cash. So far it's been very convenient to pay with credit card, at every single location. I wonder what percent the merchants are getting charged. 
As we were walking around I stopped at what looked like a newly establised restaurant, to ask if they had ice cream. They didn't but were very friendly, and the owner asked around of some of the patrons, to see where we should go for ice cream. And he spoke English quite well, though I started out in french. We didn't actually go get the ice cream, but I appreciated the friendliness. We went there for dinner (large appetizer plate, I thought it was quite good, Peter was not as impressed) and I asked where he learned English. It turned out that he hasn't ever been to England or the US. He learned everything from watching the tv show Peaky Blenders. I never heard of it, but Peter had. Very impressive how well you can learn, just from watching a show. 
Turns out tonight was Music day. Concerts, etc. We went to the concert on the island just a little bit. 
This studio apartment we're staying in is not the greatest. There have been smokers in here, also it's right on the main street, so it's very loud. The windows insulate the noise very well, but unfortunately with the windows closed it's very hot. 

A typical old house here. Characteristic are the really narrow shutters, the stone, and also the glass covering over the front door. 

The very first signs I've seen, marking the route.
We saw this a few times, presumaly to prevent motorcycles from getting on the trail

A beautiful stretch. It's amazing how much you appreciate a smooth stretch after a bumpy section. 

Lunch #2, next to an old church.

The appetizer plate. Tasty. The accompanying foccacia was not fully cooked, doughy.


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