Easter in Paris

Kia Ora everyone,

It's hard to believe that Shaun & I have both finished up work in London and are about to embark on our trip home! The last two and a half years have flown by, it's been an incredible experience and it hasn't really sunk in yet that our time here is just about over. I think perhaps this deserves a blog post in itself!

Before we pick up the Wicked Camper and head off on our road trip around Europe on the 15th of April, we decided to fit in two more trips - an Easter break in Paris, and a trip to see my family in Germany and the Netherlands.

Paris

We set off on the Eurostar and arrived in Paris in the afternoon and checked in to our hotel near Republique. We spent the evening walking along the river to the Eiffel Tower where we watched the lights come on over the city, it was worth the queues! We then had dinner at a lovely Parisian bistro/cafe.

The next day, fuelled on coffee and croissants, we took a look at Notre Dame, and the catacombs. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, I got sick before going on holiday (again) and was not up to standing for hours in the cold waiting in line to go into either of these attractions, so opted to admire the outside and then go back to the hotel for an afternoon kip... Don't worry, you're not the only one wondering how we're going to survive the next six months!!

Monument at Republique

Notre Dame

After our nap we went out to another bistro for dinner, and struck up a conversation with the bar man; he was telling us that during the 2007 Rugby World Cup he hosted the All Blacks and New Zealand TV presenter Mike McRoberts in his other bar in the area and how much fun it was. He was kind enough to give us a couple of drinks for free at the end of the night - I'm not sure whether that was because he likes Kiwis or because we bought the €9 terrine in a tin that looked (and smelled) like cat food...

Terrine in a tin

The next morning, after getting completely ripped off for an average coffee and croissant, we whizzed around the Louvre, admiring the masterpieces behind swarms of other tourists...

The Louvre

The reality of viewing attractions in famous museums!

Our final afternoon and the following day before our train home included more croissants, wine, cheese, afternoon naps, and taking in the sights or Paris.

The Sacre Coeur in Montmartre 

Very happy to be eating flan!!

Strawberry tart!

Pantheon

Inside a very fancy shopping mall!

Overall, I thought Paris was a nice city, but the kind you need to spend more than a weekend in to really get a feeling for the place and begin to scratch beneath the surface. Paris had a noticeable contrast between the beautiful buildings and landmarks against a side that came across a bit dirty and unsafe, despite the soldiers patrolling the streets with machine guns.

After a few days back in London staying with friends, Shaun has finished up at work and we've had a great time celebrating his 30th, we're heading off to Germany tomorrow to see my great uncle Rob. 

Until next time,

Catherine & Shaun