Early December we decided to take a trip ‘across the ditch’ being we are still living in London this referred to a weekend in Paris visiting our Friend Je, who we met while travelling through Myanmar. Much to our appreciation he agreed to put us to for the two nights and even spend a bit of time showing us his favourite parts of the famous city.
The weekend started off with a late arriving flight from Heathrow, and in true European style no early night – rather some mulled wine at the corner bar.
After a decent sleep we woke up to a treat of pasties and baguettes before being armed with a map book and set off into the sity. Though we visited the Eiffel tower the weather (being winter) was a nightmare and the highest parts were closed, so we opted not to go up. It was pretty disappointing not to get to climb, but that is the way sometimes – for one of many possible reasons you don’t end u doing something on many peoples ‘must do lists’ in various occasions. We also visited the biggest street in Paris with heaps of designer labels etc (forgotten its name) and the Arc that it descends from. And of course we went and saw the Louvre, again with our limited time we didn’t want to spend it wasted standing in line so only saw the outside. For anyone who does visit, it is highly recommended to hit this an hour or so before it opens to reduce your waiting time. I imagine it would have been at least 3 hours lining up to get in.
We hooked up with Je on the Sat evening to be directed towards a fantastic show – “How to be Parisian in one hour”, it is a one man show in English that he had seen himself and found great, a definite highlight of our short time in Paris. In my mind this would be the thing most recommended. So so funny and a real good sport about all the sterotypes of Parisian people (including the infamous attitudes!). It is shown in a small theatre of about 200 odd people and is on most nights. The star was told he would be unsuccessful by a number of theatres and no one would have him, but now he has done over 300 shows and is taking a one man act to the world. I have no doubt it will be a great success. He gets the audience involved too, which is a bit of fun. You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2fkM9VhE50
In true Parisian style we headed for a late dinner after the show (well it started out as a late dinner for us – about 9:30pm), however we were about 15mins late to the restaurant and our table was given away. Je was determined we eat there and at some crazy time later (around 11 I think) we finally got a table. It was well worth the wait. So much wine and cheese and fondue. Fantastic time.
Sunday we headed to Montmarte for a crepe brunch (something not very Parisian – but I really wanted crepes before we left). Great views, food and company.
Before we knew it was time for Eurostar home (the train system is a lot better in Paris than London, the trains don’t muck around closing doors etc.) But not without a trip to the supermarket to stock up and wine and cheese and the patisserie for some tasty treats (including the best pastries ever). Before we knew it the weekend was over. It was one of those times we reflected on to realise our favourite parts were when with/directed by Je – the impact of having a friend to stay with when you are travelling is huge. Your experience is completely different. There is no way we can repay him for such a great weekend (until he decides to take a trip to the southern hemisphere that is!).
The city of love. Dirt. Cheese. Wine. And anger J
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