After a rather frantic week in London visiting friends, recruitment agencies and potential jobs, we flew to Paris on Saturday the 18th.
When they talk about Paris as being the city of love and you see all those romantic shots of little alley ways with Frenchmen in berets painting on the side of the street, you'll notice that it isn't pouring with rain. Well, it seems that it does in fact rain in Paris and we have the photos to prove it. Out of the four full days we had there, three of them were pretty damp. Much of our time was spent dodging the showers while the last day was just plain wet.
Now, we didn't let this stop us. We saw a lot including The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Champs Elyse and the Eiffel tower (well sort of). One day (the sunny one) was spent at Disneyland and a lot of time was spent walking (Sam has the blisters to prove it). We didn't however finish everything we wanted to do. The weather was so poor that we never went up the tower. There didn't seem much point in going all the way up there when we could hardly see the other end of the Champs Elyse!
The real highlight was Sacre Coeur. It's the little artists area on the highest hill in Paris. You get a great view of most of the city (all of it if you go for a wander), there are great little restaurants, street stalls and the church rocks! It's a great little spot and when we go back to knock off the tower we will be sure to spend a bit of time up there again.
When they talk about Paris as being the city of love and you see all those romantic shots of little alley ways with Frenchmen in berets painting on the side of the street, you'll notice that it isn't pouring with rain. Well, it seems that it does in fact rain in Paris and we have the photos to prove it. Out of the four full days we had there, three of them were pretty damp. Much of our time was spent dodging the showers while the last day was just plain wet.
Now, we didn't let this stop us. We saw a lot including The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Champs Elyse and the Eiffel tower (well sort of). One day (the sunny one) was spent at Disneyland and a lot of time was spent walking (Sam has the blisters to prove it). We didn't however finish everything we wanted to do. The weather was so poor that we never went up the tower. There didn't seem much point in going all the way up there when we could hardly see the other end of the Champs Elyse!
The real highlight was Sacre Coeur. It's the little artists area on the highest hill in Paris. You get a great view of most of the city (all of it if you go for a wander), there are great little restaurants, street stalls and the church rocks! It's a great little spot and when we go back to knock off the tower we will be sure to spend a bit of time up there again.
Disneyland was pretty cool too. It is very well done with some serious structures built in and around the rides. Although everything is made to look plasticy it's all done in serious materials and is as 'authentic' as you can imagine. Now the rides! Space mountain rates highly. We've never done the ride in L.A. but we imagine it's the same. Completely black and you can't tell whether you're going up, down or somewhere in between. Indiana Jones provides a briefer experience but at least you can see where you're going! Disney Parade, ice cream, hotdogs, french fries (that's right in their country of origin!) and lots of small kids at various stages of exhaustion all played their part in the experience.
Finally, just a note that on Thursday the 16th, Sam's grandmother, Joan Fickling, passed away. For those of you at our wedding you will remember her as the incredibly strong and wonderful woman who read a small piece during the ceremony and later joined us on the dance floor! She will be sorely missed and our thoughts have been at home for the last week or so.
Finally, just a note that on Thursday the 16th, Sam's grandmother, Joan Fickling, passed away. For those of you at our wedding you will remember her as the incredibly strong and wonderful woman who read a small piece during the ceremony and later joined us on the dance floor! She will be sorely missed and our thoughts have been at home for the last week or so.
We are currently in Rome and will post another update soon.
M+S
Architectural highlight (and total museum/gallery visits):
The Eiffel Tower. Even though we didn't get to go up it, it is a great structure, landmark and urban space all at the same time.
Total museum and gallery visits = 6 (Just The Louvre! It probably counts for more than one)
Shopping highlight (and total black strappy shoe purchases):
Spending 30 Euro (NZ$60) on a light lunch and a snack at Disneyland.
Total number of black strappy shoe purchases = 2
Lessons learnt:
It rains in Paris.
Don't have an ice cream just before queuing for Space Mountain – you will feel sick.
Despite all the warnings on their website, it would be very easy to smuggle your own (and therefore much cheaper) food into Disneyland.
Yes, someone does think it's a good idea to put built-in 'his and hers' ashtrays in hotel bathrooms.
Stopping smoking in public places is one of the best things New Zealand has ever done.
Fear Factor:
2/10 The language challenges were numerous but the Parisians were actually really good at putting up with our very limited French and then speaking to you in English. There's nothing better than feeling completely ignorant to remind you that you are a long way from home.
Funniest moment:
So often this section refers to Sam in some way or another. This time is no different. Sam is making notes about little cultural differences she picks up on our travels. It's a great idea and it will be a great resource to look back on and remind us of things we noticed at the time. A little gem however is the one that says – "McDonalds is the same, M&Ms are different". You can tell we have been immersing ourselves into the culture here.
Total number of Thai meals so far:
None. We are looking at living in Bayswater in London and that's chocker with Thai restaurants. Along with Chinese, Russian, Turkish and Indian. We hope to report a Thai meal soon!
M+S
Architectural highlight (and total museum/gallery visits):
The Eiffel Tower. Even though we didn't get to go up it, it is a great structure, landmark and urban space all at the same time.
Total museum and gallery visits = 6 (Just The Louvre! It probably counts for more than one)
Shopping highlight (and total black strappy shoe purchases):
Spending 30 Euro (NZ$60) on a light lunch and a snack at Disneyland.
Total number of black strappy shoe purchases = 2
Lessons learnt:
It rains in Paris.
Don't have an ice cream just before queuing for Space Mountain – you will feel sick.
Despite all the warnings on their website, it would be very easy to smuggle your own (and therefore much cheaper) food into Disneyland.
Yes, someone does think it's a good idea to put built-in 'his and hers' ashtrays in hotel bathrooms.
Stopping smoking in public places is one of the best things New Zealand has ever done.
Fear Factor:
2/10 The language challenges were numerous but the Parisians were actually really good at putting up with our very limited French and then speaking to you in English. There's nothing better than feeling completely ignorant to remind you that you are a long way from home.
Funniest moment:
So often this section refers to Sam in some way or another. This time is no different. Sam is making notes about little cultural differences she picks up on our travels. It's a great idea and it will be a great resource to look back on and remind us of things we noticed at the time. A little gem however is the one that says – "McDonalds is the same, M&Ms are different". You can tell we have been immersing ourselves into the culture here.
Total number of Thai meals so far:
None. We are looking at living in Bayswater in London and that's chocker with Thai restaurants. Along with Chinese, Russian, Turkish and Indian. We hope to report a Thai meal soon!
1 comment:
sorry to hear about your grandma.
i remember talking to her about the 'village' at your house warming. she certainly was plucky!
paris sounds a bit blech. i guess you'll have to go back. stink, bro.
take care,
v
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