If I Fell

~63~

European Vacation Tour. 2

As we flew into the French airport at Le Bourget a sense of excitement washed over the entire plane not just myself, although I was still bubbling with anticipation.

France was home of so many iconic places, history oozed from every street, every cobblestone and beauty abound. All promising to draw the eye in every conceivable direction, pictures I gazed upon from the book I borrowed from the library on France were about to become real.

We all couldn't wait.

George V Hotel was opulent and so classy, gold fixtures and many beautiful pieces of artwork had me ogling, and touching everything as we walked into the suite.

"Hey look at the size of this bathroom, I could get lost in here" John was right, the grand marble covered room was excessive in size just like the rest of the suite "Now Abbs don't you go thinking this is our usual digs. Brian's idea of a usual hotel room is a lumpy single bed and no bar heater!"

I'd followed John into the bathroom and sat on the edge of the tub beside which was a huge vanity overflowing with toiletries.

"Ok so thats why you were upset over the Paul and my bunking arrangement!" I leaned over and grabbed a fancy soap smelling the sweet jasmine scent, John however grabbed a towel flicking me on the backside as I leaned to put the soap back, making me yelp quietly although the acoustics in the bathroom made it rather loud.

The Beatles were booked to appear at Paris's famous Olympia Theatre in the Boulevard des Capucines for three weeks from 16 January until 4 February. There were ten acts on the bill and it was never quite clear who was the actual bill-topper: The Beatles, Trini Lopez or Sylvie Vartan so the boys were very laid back and relaxed about the whole tour.

John promised me walks by the Seine, Eiffel Tower climbs, coffee and chocolate cake at little secluded cafés and baguette, wine and cheese picnics. He spoke volumes of romance and time together.

I was hopeful and equally fearful as I watched the ever-growing tide of people that took the boys away from me.

The shows that ran twice daily made larger dents in their time and energy too.

I did feel blessed with a walk along photography session the boys had on the streets of Paris. Although I was always either, off to the side or a few metres behind. I made the most of the sunny day that had us walking blocks and blocks seeing the sights and people with the Arc De Triumphe looming over us, or in the background of many of the photos taken.

I gathered postcards of landmarks and tried to speak French making the natives laugh but nod encouragingly at my futile attempts. Miniature Eiffel Towers and Arc De Triomphe Statues were purchased and secreted in my bag for memories when I was home.

And Montmartre, a high hill in Paris covered in historic architecture, gave us sweeping views of the city and art history that seeped from its walls, with the number of artists that resided here or nearby, painting daily. A long list of who's who in the annuls of time, had us all entranced.

But the walk, the hill and the shows were public times- four boys, manager, assistants, press, fans, police officers, and me.

"I'm sorry luv not today. I'm completely knackered, what with the press and those shows. Tomorrow yeah?" John rolled over and I was left with a back in my face.

"Yeah sure" Climbing out of bed, I washed and dressed for another day of gazing at Paris from the balcony. I didn't think I was being mean encroaching on Johns sleep. I had been patient and waited over nine hours before waking him, but still it wasn't enough.