Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Reminiscing about my favourite part of the world -Paris. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to see everything and would really love to return to Paris soon. I had slightly more than 48 hours and had to factor in travelling time, to and fro from the ryanair airport.

I walked around Paris and while trying to look formy hotel, I found The Arc De Triompe.


From a distance I spotted lights from the Effiel Tower. It was so pretty! The night view of the Eiffel Tower cannot be missed!


The Lourve is a landmark one shouldn't miss while you're in Paris. It's a total maze inside. As I followed the craze of looking for the Mono Lisa (over-rated), I took in the other paintings that were around me. After awhile everything looks the same (Paintings of Wars, animals, Christ, random people). Paintings would make a lot more sense if I had audio tour guide which explains the motivations and meaning behind the painting.






This is the Mono Lisa. I think it's rather over-rated as I've seen nicer (in my opinion) paintings else where which are far more magnificent/mysterious/eye catching than the Mono Lisa. She is surrounded by barrier and sits at least 1.5 metres from viewing. Tourist crowd around her, to get a picture, (yes including me) just to say, I've been there.






Free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month and on July 14 & admission is free for visitors under the age of 26 every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (except for exhibitions in the Hall Napoléon). (I thought you might want to know this Zhi! heh :)

The food is expensive- YES. Accomodation is expensive- YES. But the odd balance of peacefulness and bustling of the city appeals to me. I wanna go back! Here's what I ate when I was there..
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And of course.... Baguettes! The french mustard went really well with the meats in the baguettes! And have Wine!! Wine is so cheap in France! OOh! The french crepes were pretty good too! Have them with chestnut spread!! (Buy me one if you come across any?)


Syl recommended these areas which I didn't have a chance to go, but will definitely try to next time.

• st. germain area (also called the 6th arrondissement/quarter) or the marais area (the 3rd or 4th arr.)
• La Duree on the champs elysees, it's like a place for afternoon tea and pastries and salads and sandwhiches etc.
• for a typical french bistro can go to les deux magots in st. germain
• my(Syl's) favourite chocolate eclairs ever at Cacao & Chocolate, 36 rue vieille du temple in the marais

Lastly, there's no real need to buy maps. I thought it was rather silly to buy maps as hotels/hostels always gave away free maps that were sufficiently comprehensive. Becareful of people who shove roses to you or want to tie a piece of string around you wrists. (they may want 10 Euros out of it after)