After almost 23 days into our trip, it was time to say goodbye to yet another amazing city. I love Paris. I really do.
The day started with a quick breakfast before we had to make our way to Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras International. We had to hurry as we were got a bit late trying to find the right terminal and then had to go through customs before we board the train.
We made it just in time. And soon we realised the air conditioning in our carriage was not working. Shouldn't be that big a deal in Europe you say? Well you are wrong, the route to London is under the sea and with 100+ people seated it tends to got pretty stuffy.
The entire trip it was just Tan and me. I was glad to finally meet family. My cousin Ryan came to receive us at St Pancras International and he was a blessing. Or else we would have been lost a new city as usual. He introduced us to the Oyster card, it's a blue plastic card used for public transport - tubes and buses which you need to put credit on in order to travel. Wow! I loved it.
We then rode the tube, OMG this too is awesome, to his home which was at Clapham Common. We switched different lines on the tube to get there (more about the tube later) and the famous red bus to finally reach his home.There's a fabulous meal cooked. Chicken Xacuti, mashed potatoes and salad. Oh man am stuffed. Finally I ate a full meal.
Time-out! Will be back after my siesta...phew what a lunch.
Showing posts with label Paris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paris. Show all posts
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 22: Disneyland Paris… Wooohoooo!
I was so excited today. Super duper excited. We took the local train to Marne-la-Vallée. The moment you get off the train you land in Disneyland. The park has two theme parks - Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park. Now when at Disneyland, it's hard not to become a kid again. Tan officially disowned me, as I was a excited as a 5-year old, but OMG the place has sleeping beauty, Prince Charming, Dumbo, the Castle and loads of things more that you previously seen only in fairy tales. Wow! This was a dream worth not waking from.
Determined to have a blast, we rode almost all the rides before it was time for the Disney Parade. While at Disneyland you CANNOT miss this. Involving a spectacular display of music with all your favourite animated characters live in action, it really a dream coming true. We had to climb over fences to catch a glimpse of the parade and huge crowds.As soon as the parade got over, we made a quick dash to watch the Lion King musical. And man was it magical!
Time flew by so fast we just had two hours to explore Walt Disney Studio Park. Just one thrilling ride here in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Check out these park maps to plan your time better.
I was sad sad sad to leave Disneyland. But I will come back. Oh I also realized it was our last day in Paris or France for that matter. And I really sad to go. Bye Disneyland. Bye Dumbo. Bye Marie. Bye Mickey Mouse.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 21: Louvre in the day, Lido by Night
Today we decide to take the blue and green line to get to the Louvre. Big mistake. It took us almost two hours to get there.
Well the Louvre. I was very excited to get there, especially after all the hype the movie Da Vinci Code created and as an art student I was hopping like crazy desperate to get to the Mona Lisa.
The glass pyramid is cool, the rest is OK I guess. Even the Mona Lisa is so overrated. I was really dissapointed after seeing her. The rest of Michelangelo's artworks were amazing. We then made our way to Napoleon's chambers, and oh my the rooms were dripping in gold and royalty. From the grand piano to the chandeliers to the tapestry, everything screamed royalty.
Our trip to the Louvre was really short. Tan & I both did not find it exciting. Soon we headed back to the hotel to rest and dress up for the exciting night ahead.
Tonight we party. Tonight we sip on champagne in Paris. Tonight we see Paris by night. All dressed up we hurry to the night bus tour pick up on the other side of town, and... we are late. We miss the bus! Two pretty Indians girls stranded. There's where a kind French man helps us and gets the bus to come pick us up.
We soon make our way to catch the illumination of the Eiffel Tower. It happens every hour and involves a spectacular display of lights. 336 light projectors and 20,000 sparkling strobe lights make the tower come alive. It was a sight to behold.
From here we then are driven to the Lido show at the Champs-Elysee. We booked ourselves for 'Bonheur' and as they said it was a dream. For an hour and 45 minutes I sat glued to the performance and in awe. Everything was exorbitant, elegant, rich and classy. And we also got champagne to drink. The spectacular cabaret infused a lot of dance and pantomime touching different cultures and arts. They even had a cats performance. All in all the night ended on a high note. And in true Paris style. C'est la vive Paris.
Well the Louvre. I was very excited to get there, especially after all the hype the movie Da Vinci Code created and as an art student I was hopping like crazy desperate to get to the Mona Lisa.
The glass pyramid is cool, the rest is OK I guess. Even the Mona Lisa is so overrated. I was really dissapointed after seeing her. The rest of Michelangelo's artworks were amazing. We then made our way to Napoleon's chambers, and oh my the rooms were dripping in gold and royalty. From the grand piano to the chandeliers to the tapestry, everything screamed royalty. Our trip to the Louvre was really short. Tan & I both did not find it exciting. Soon we headed back to the hotel to rest and dress up for the exciting night ahead.
Tonight we party. Tonight we sip on champagne in Paris. Tonight we see Paris by night. All dressed up we hurry to the night bus tour pick up on the other side of town, and... we are late. We miss the bus! Two pretty Indians girls stranded. There's where a kind French man helps us and gets the bus to come pick us up.
We soon make our way to catch the illumination of the Eiffel Tower. It happens every hour and involves a spectacular display of lights. 336 light projectors and 20,000 sparkling strobe lights make the tower come alive. It was a sight to behold.
From here we then are driven to the Lido show at the Champs-Elysee. We booked ourselves for 'Bonheur' and as they said it was a dream. For an hour and 45 minutes I sat glued to the performance and in awe. Everything was exorbitant, elegant, rich and classy. And we also got champagne to drink. The spectacular cabaret infused a lot of dance and pantomime touching different cultures and arts. They even had a cats performance. All in all the night ended on a high note. And in true Paris style. C'est la vive Paris.
Day 20: Paris Calling
After a hearty breakfast, we head out to Gare du Nord to find the Tourist Office. Like any other city, we decide to take the city pass and the sightseeing package. You can find your tickets at the local tourism office. For more info, click here.
Collecting our passes we then made our way to the blue line bus stop. As usual we missed the one closest to us and walked quite a while down to the Place de la Bastille. The Place de la Bastille is a square in Paris, where the Bastille prison stood until the 'Storming of the Bastille' in 1879-80 and its subsequent destruction. Today at the centre of the square stands the Colonne de Juillet (July Column) which is dedicated to the 1930 revolution.
Across the road is an impressive structure. A huge block in the city and modern in every way, we later learned that this place is the opera house or known as L'Opéra de la Bastille, and is the home base of the Opéra National de Paris.
Observing all this we waited here for almost an hour and half before we called up information only to gather the fact that today there was a bus strike and the blue line was not plying. Grr! Lucky for us there was a Metro station right there. By now having got the hang of public transport in Europe we make use of it just right. We rode the metro to the Notre Dame stop. And from here we followed road signs to get to the Cathedral.
The Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris or commonly known as the Notre Dame is an amazing and beautiful cathedral. Built in Gothic architecture this catherdral caters to the Roman Catholic population of Paris. Well there were hordes of tourist waiting to enter and one needs to be reminded that this is a place of worship. The architecture is amazing inside and out. One has an option to climb to the top of the cathedral but we decided to skip it. We spent some time in the cathedral praying as well as admiring the architecture and stained glass windows. Situated on the banks of the Sienne, one must visit the Notre Dame when in Pars.
From here we hoped back onto the bus and rode to the Place de la Concorde, Musée d'Orsay , Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
The Place de la Concorde is one of the largest public squares in Paris. 86,400 square metres, it is situated along the Seine and separates the Tuilerie Gardens from the beginning of the Champs Elysées. We got down at the square, admired it beautiful fountains and the obelisk. The Fontaines de la Concorde are two monumental fountains located in the Place de la Concorde, the south fountain commemorating the maritime commerce and industry of France, while the north fountain c navigation and commerce on the rivers of France. These fountains are a must view for the sculptors and attention to detail. And it feels wonderful to be sprayed by the waters in the Paris sun.
The center of Place de la Concorde you will find a giant Egyptian obelisk 'Luxor Obelisk' decorated with hieroglyphics from the time of Ramses II. It is said to have been gifted to the French in the nineteenth century by the Egyptian government.
After a brief stopover at the place de la concorde, we get back on Paris L'Open Tour bus before we proceed to the Champs-Élysées. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées as it is known in France, is truly the most beautiful avenue i have ever seen in my life. Lined with cinemas, coffee shops and shopping boutiques, this drive confirms that you are in the heart of Paris. What you will also come to love are the beaitufully shaped tress and gardens.
Next stop the Arc de Triomphe. We got off the bus here and it started raining. Had to cross a really busy intersection to get some shelter and also reach the monument. The structure is impressive and was built in honour of all those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc, one can find the names of all the generals and wars fought. Underneath the monument is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I. A flame continually burns here in memory of all those who sacrificed their lives.
From here's, though we can see it rising up above, is the next stop that will get us to the Eiffel Tower. Woohoo. As the bus snakes through the lanes, getting closer all the while, you can get to see the Eiffel Tower from different angles. What wouldn't I have given to live in one of those homes that open up to this majestic beauty everyday.
We get off at the Trocadéro and walk towards the tower. I honestly cannot put into words how awesome, magnificent, breathtaking the Eiffel Tower is. I stood in awe and must have clicked a 100 pictures of this beauty. Standing underneath the tower you cannot but marvel at the way this structure had been built. It's an engineering perfection. We decided a trip right up the tower is a must. We walk to the first level are some 300 steps. A lift takes us up the second level, you also have the option of climbing up here. The third level however and the highest is accessible only by lift. So we rode up to the 3rd floor some 137 meter high. The ride in the open elevators can be freaky but it's a must do. The view from the top is simply mind-blowing. You can see the whole of Paris and as far as the eye can see. Also on this level is the office of the master genius designer and engineer Gustave Eiffel. It has been reconstructed to show him at work in his office. I wish I could stay here forever but I had to go. Bye bye Eiffel... I love you!
Back on the ground I purchased mementos for my family and self. I still have that key chain which brings back fond memories.
We get back on board the bus and indulge in some sightseeing. We pass the Musée Rodin and catch a glimpse of 'The Thinker' in the museums extensive gardens. Also on our route is the Musée d'Orsay, the tuilleries and the Jardin des Tuileries.
We get off at the Notre Dame stop and make our way to the metro station to get back to our hotel. I love the public transport system in this country.
Now back at Gare du Nord, we grab our lunch cum dinner and call it a night. What a day it was. Will remember it till I die.
Everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat
Who knows were it's at
Oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......zzzzzz
Collecting our passes we then made our way to the blue line bus stop. As usual we missed the one closest to us and walked quite a while down to the Place de la Bastille. The Place de la Bastille is a square in Paris, where the Bastille prison stood until the 'Storming of the Bastille' in 1879-80 and its subsequent destruction. Today at the centre of the square stands the Colonne de Juillet (July Column) which is dedicated to the 1930 revolution.
Across the road is an impressive structure. A huge block in the city and modern in every way, we later learned that this place is the opera house or known as L'Opéra de la Bastille, and is the home base of the Opéra National de Paris.
Observing all this we waited here for almost an hour and half before we called up information only to gather the fact that today there was a bus strike and the blue line was not plying. Grr! Lucky for us there was a Metro station right there. By now having got the hang of public transport in Europe we make use of it just right. We rode the metro to the Notre Dame stop. And from here we followed road signs to get to the Cathedral.
The Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris or commonly known as the Notre Dame is an amazing and beautiful cathedral. Built in Gothic architecture this catherdral caters to the Roman Catholic population of Paris. Well there were hordes of tourist waiting to enter and one needs to be reminded that this is a place of worship. The architecture is amazing inside and out. One has an option to climb to the top of the cathedral but we decided to skip it. We spent some time in the cathedral praying as well as admiring the architecture and stained glass windows. Situated on the banks of the Sienne, one must visit the Notre Dame when in Pars.From here we hoped back onto the bus and rode to the Place de la Concorde, Musée d'Orsay , Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
The Place de la Concorde is one of the largest public squares in Paris. 86,400 square metres, it is situated along the Seine and separates the Tuilerie Gardens from the beginning of the Champs Elysées. We got down at the square, admired it beautiful fountains and the obelisk. The Fontaines de la Concorde are two monumental fountains located in the Place de la Concorde, the south fountain commemorating the maritime commerce and industry of France, while the north fountain c navigation and commerce on the rivers of France. These fountains are a must view for the sculptors and attention to detail. And it feels wonderful to be sprayed by the waters in the Paris sun.
The center of Place de la Concorde you will find a giant Egyptian obelisk 'Luxor Obelisk' decorated with hieroglyphics from the time of Ramses II. It is said to have been gifted to the French in the nineteenth century by the Egyptian government.
After a brief stopover at the place de la concorde, we get back on Paris L'Open Tour bus before we proceed to the Champs-Élysées. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées as it is known in France, is truly the most beautiful avenue i have ever seen in my life. Lined with cinemas, coffee shops and shopping boutiques, this drive confirms that you are in the heart of Paris. What you will also come to love are the beaitufully shaped tress and gardens.
From here's, though we can see it rising up above, is the next stop that will get us to the Eiffel Tower. Woohoo. As the bus snakes through the lanes, getting closer all the while, you can get to see the Eiffel Tower from different angles. What wouldn't I have given to live in one of those homes that open up to this majestic beauty everyday.
We get off at the Trocadéro and walk towards the tower. I honestly cannot put into words how awesome, magnificent, breathtaking the Eiffel Tower is. I stood in awe and must have clicked a 100 pictures of this beauty. Standing underneath the tower you cannot but marvel at the way this structure had been built. It's an engineering perfection. We decided a trip right up the tower is a must. We walk to the first level are some 300 steps. A lift takes us up the second level, you also have the option of climbing up here. The third level however and the highest is accessible only by lift. So we rode up to the 3rd floor some 137 meter high. The ride in the open elevators can be freaky but it's a must do. The view from the top is simply mind-blowing. You can see the whole of Paris and as far as the eye can see. Also on this level is the office of the master genius designer and engineer Gustave Eiffel. It has been reconstructed to show him at work in his office. I wish I could stay here forever but I had to go. Bye bye Eiffel... I love you!Back on the ground I purchased mementos for my family and self. I still have that key chain which brings back fond memories.
We get back on board the bus and indulge in some sightseeing. We pass the Musée Rodin and catch a glimpse of 'The Thinker' in the museums extensive gardens. Also on our route is the Musée d'Orsay, the tuilleries and the Jardin des Tuileries.
We get off at the Notre Dame stop and make our way to the metro station to get back to our hotel. I love the public transport system in this country.
Now back at Gare du Nord, we grab our lunch cum dinner and call it a night. What a day it was. Will remember it till I die.
Everybody wants to be a cat
Because a cat's the only cat
Who knows were it's at
Oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......zzzzzz
Thursday, April 29, 2010
OMG the Eiffel Tower...we are in Paris!
On all my train journeys I invariably fall asleep. However this journey was different I stayed awake out of excitement simply because I had to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as we entered Paris. You could say I was bouncing in my seat like a little child, singing 'Everybody wants to be a cat' (Tanaya rolls her eyes here and pretends not to know me). Well that's a song from the animated movie 'The Aristocats' and it's from this cartoon lie my first ever memories of Paris. O'Malley romancing Dutchess on the roofs of the houses with the Eiffel Tower in the background.... Oh how romantic! As we approached the city, you could see the Eiffel Tower rising in distance. I was so overcome by emotion. Now this was a dream coming true!
It's quite late when we enter the city, but it looks like early evening. We disembark at the Gare du Nord, Paris and to our surprise the Hotel is next door. Awesome. No getting lost in the first few hours. After checking in and realizing how late it was decide to keep the sight-seeing for tomorrow. Goodnight Paris!
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