730 days: April 2011

J'adore Paris

So after a quick breather from Rome Todd and I headed off to Paris the following weekend for a whirlwind stop. Got the early train from London and slept most of the way as had an unexpected adventure the night before! Arrived in central Paris and had a smooth journey to our hotel in the Champes Elyses area. Freashed up and the headed out to check out the city. Walked down through the shopping area towards the Galeries Lafayette – a massive shopping building, past some cute boutique shops and all the flash designers. Past the Opera palace a beautiful building, with all the famous composers and massive gold gilted statues.

Further down was the Palace Royal and then the long building of the famous Lourve around a busy intersection. Large arch ways direct you through into the courtyard of the museum. The Musee du Lourve wraps around the entire courtyard with the central pyramid. As you look down through the gardens everything is symmetrical through the Arc de triomphe du Carrousell (the smaller arch) the oblisk and the Arc du triomphe at the far end. Amazing. You can also see out to the Eiffel tower in the distance. We relaxed in the beautiful gardens and enjoyed some lovely French sunshine. Then headed in search of the island. The river Seine is lined with little market stalls filled with old books, paintings and antiques. We found the Notre Dame in the gorgeous Ile de la Cite after some delicious ice cream! As we walked back up the other side the clouds darkened and before we knew it there was torrential rain! So we ran for cover in a cafe in the St Germain district and enjoyed some yummy red wine. The district is full of cute little streets, cafes, and art galleries galore! After the rain eased we went on a mission to find the Arc de Trimphe. The gardens leading up the Champs Elysée were beautiful, filled with statues and spring greenery. The Champs Elysée itself has been transformed into a busy shopping district with swanky restaurants. Made to the top now in the dark, but looking very magnificent and with very tired legs and hungrey tummies! Headed north to Montmartre for dinner and stumbled across the Moulin Rouge. Found a cute bistro, and had an amazing meal. Beautifully cooked duck with french fries - mmmm. Knacked headed home to rest the legs before day two!

Next day started off with the most important – breakfast. Had a massive French style brekki – coffee, crossants, bread, crepes – delicious! And so filling! Then went to see the big ticket item – Eiffel tower. From the top of the Trocadero, the museum looks over the great tower and down the gardens. Very impressive. Had a break in the gardens and refreashed with some ice cream. Mmmmm. Then wandered back along the river, and city, a quick stop for some French fries and then it was back to the train.

Was a great weekend, such a beautiful city, very grand and pretty. Will have to return to explore all the lanes a bit more and for some shopping! Till next time Au Revoir Paris!

Paris

Opera

Louvre courtyard

Pyramid in front of the

Louvre

Arc, oblisk, Arc - all in a line :)

Jarden

In front of Notre Dame

The Grand Notre Dame

Ile de la Cite

Arc de Triomphe

Moulin Rouge

Eiffel Tower!

Todd and I at the tower

Spring time!

Check out the gold!

Breakfast - need I say more

Bellissimo Roma!

Well has been a busy few weeks, been jetting all over the place! On the 17th had four days in Rome with a friend Sonia. Had to roll out of bed ridiculously early to get to the airport for our 06:50 flight - good old cheep airlines. Flying into Rome you can see up the west coast and the lovely beaches. Got a bus into town and just as we were about to get off torrential rain started! Just our luck! First afternoon headed out for a wander into town, we stayed just near the Termini station, so fairly close to the central town. Found the Trevi Fountain as the rain continued on and off. Down a small ally way, you turn into a little square which it dominates. The square was chocca full of umbrellas! Continued down along the little ally ways to the Pantheon an incredible, massive building with large columns facing another square. Then on to the Piazza Novana a beautiful square with a central obelisk and fountain at opposite ends, filled with little market stalls. We then wandered north into the shopping district, and with very tired legs it was time for refreshments! Which don't come cheep at 5 euros for a coke! The coffee was amazing though - smooth, rich and just enough for a good hit. After recharging the batteries we went in search of a recommended pizzeria, only to find a massive que! With hungry tummies we headed down the road to a cute place called Mimi & Coco, and had amazing pizza. Then found a wine bar in the Pizza de Fori, slightly south, which was bustling with people at 11pm on a Thursday!

Friday we got up early to hit the tourist spots, and headed to the Vatican. Was slightly delayed by yummy breki at a cafe there, dining el fresco in some gorgeous hot sunshine! Then joined the cue to the Vatican Museum. Had an hour wait to get in, but it was worth it. The museum is in an amazing old building which takes you in and out of squares filled with incredible Roman sculptures, art and history. Saw Raphael's rooms, with his floor to ceiling paintings and the Sistine Chapel - which was magical. Enjoyed some classic spaghetti at a local pizzeria, then went down to the Piazza San Petro outside the entrance to the Vatican City (another massive cue) But a beautiful circular piazza lined with grand circular columns. That evening had some amazing ricotta ravioli in Spanga, not far from the Spanish steps, which we walked to the top of after dinner. And had an amazing view over the city.

Saturday started early to get to the Colosseum, another hour cue. And another magnificent historic landmark, with some amazing view across the Foro (old city) and the Arco di Costantino. For lunch wandered back to the centre and enjoyed some more amazing food and sunshine. The afternoon we had a further wander towards the river, which has many bridges across it, and the Castel - an old impressive looking castle. We attempted some shopping - to no success sadly. Our last dinner was not a winner, but the rest of the night made up for it. Found a cute little wine bar and cocktail bar, and had a fun night out, with not many hours sleep before we had to mission back to the airport and London!

Loved Roma, amazing city with cute little streets that go on forever and you just seam to get lost in, great food and wine. Next up Paris :)