Paris

Now, let's get started!!

Firstly, I will try not to complain about anything because after all, I had fun. But there is one thing that I have to point out so watch out for it.

Second, I will also try not to repeat the captions and pictures from my Facebook album. So expect some new pictures because I just stole some from my friends XP

Third, I will make a separate post on Disney. Point two applies here too.

I left the UK on Friday morning and endure four hours of that before we reach Dover, which is the port. We got on the ferry and that journey took one hour and a half until we reach Calais, France. I think Calais is an industrial town as it has lots of factories around. We basically just pass by Calais so I can only tell as much.

On the ferry. I got so sick that I need to get on to the deck.

Feeling much better in the sea breeze. Though the wind is cold too.

From Calais, it took us another four hours before we hit Paris.

Basically it's like this.

I am not sure about the exact route so don't rely on this too much.

We checked in at about 2200 and rushed out to get a proper meal. We stayed at this youth hostel near the Mairie de Clichy Metro (train) station. Apparently the restaurants closes at 2130 so we were unable to get into any nice place for dinner. We stumbled upon this kebab store and since it's still operating and we're too tired to search for more, we went for it.

Delicious!! Mine is on the bottom and I FINISHED it! Meal costed €7.

We were supposed to have the Bar Crawl that night itself but apparently since it has gotten quite late, they changed it to the next day. We decided to sell our tickets to the others because we don't want to be hung over for Disneyland. NO WAY. While the rest still goes out for drinks, we turn in as early as possible to get a good start the next day.

Breakfast at 0930.

Next, we get into business: FINDING OUR WAY AROUND. We found a useful brochure in the hostel and planned out our journey via the Metro, which is convenient as it hits all the tourist spots. We got to the train station and purchased a day pass which cost me €9.60 to travel within the highlighted places. Oh, note that France uses the Euro € so prior I had to go change some cash. Anyway!

With a good map and a day pass, it can get you anywhere!

Stop #1: Sacré-Cœur Basilica at Montmarte.

Supposedly the highest point of Paris with a basilica on top. We are allowed to enter the basilica and oh my, the pipe organ is the MOST MAGNIFICENT THING I'VE SEEN! It's located on top of the entrance, overlooking the mass and the Christ. The pipes were of silvery gleam with hints of age on them. If I hear it being played, I'll die of serenity.

There! The picture not on Facebook!

Moulin Rogue is apparently nearby where we were but we decided to skip it. I don't know why. Hahaa. We also encountered some of our firsts con artists where one managed to con €40 from my friend just for some stupid string and another pushed my friends for refusing to donate.

Wow.

No matter how civilized a place may be, there will always be people like them. I got harassed a few times too, nudging you and shoving the pen in your face so that you donate or whatever. The key point to avoid these is DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT. Once you do, BAM! Here they come and you'll have a hard time shaking them off.

Stop #2: Arc de Triomphe

Before we go on any further, I'm going to make a note here that all the places I went are basically those we see on TV, ya' know? Just that, instead of seeing it through a screen, I'm looking at it huge and real in front of me. Now that I've experienced it with my NAKED EYE! I can tell you the TV did not lie. These places ARE amazing.

Anyway! This. I remember this most when I watch Top Gear. Yes, yes, I know. I don't know why it was built, so look it up if you feel like. The arc overlooks the Rue de Rivoli, which is the spine to the Champs Elysees.

Stop #3: Avenue des Champs Elysees.

I have the most impression on this place because I first read about it in the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. The Count has a house addressed 30, Champs Elysees and at the time the story takes place (during the age of Napoleon Bonaparte), the place was one where nobles and the wealthy stayed. Living up to its history, the modern day Champs Elysees is still one where the word luxury floats. The street houses many designer brands and is flocked with tourists and locals, buying goods.

Along the way, we encounter Laduree. I'm told this place has the best macaroons in the world. Since I'm not a fan of macaroons, I waited outside as my friends QUEUE UP to buy them.

Hee :D

Stop #4: Winter Market

This place is along the Rue de Rivoli too. Just after all the designer brand stores. I love places like these! We have one in Cardiff too but of course, not as much of a big deal as this!

Christmas is near, folks!

Which reminds me, I expected Paris to be warmer than Cardiff but boy I am so wrong. With the same amount of layers, it's definitely colder in Paris and somehow, the air is dryer than it is in Cardiff.

Lunch! For, I think, about €7. Sausage! <3

So yummy and filling!

Stop #5: Tuileries Garden

I know I said I will not repeat things but here I just must!

The Tuileries Garden. I first heard of it when I was studying the novel The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux six years ago in English Literature. It was supposedly the meeting place of Christine Daae, the young singer from Norway and the young Vicomte, Raoul de Chagny. I am STILL wondering at which point in the garden did they decided to meet up. Anyway, this used to be one of the place where the nobles and royals come to waste their time when they have nothing better to do.

Wee~

Stop #6: The Louvre

I must say I feel regrettable that I do not have the time to visit the Louvre. If I do, I will not be able to go to other places because apparently you will need a minimum of 6 hours; ONE DAY if you want to do it properly. Such a pity. But I think I will come back someday, so I do not mind. I THINK.

The queue outside the Louvre is .. LONG. I would tell myself to come when it's not the holiday season but again, last weekend wasn't exactly the holiday season. So this goes to show that disregarding when you come, you'll be expecting the same amount of people.

Which reminds me, there are a lot of Japanese tourists here. 80% of the orientals I came across are Japanese. I heard that the Japanese likes France and vice versa. I do not know why.

Stop #6 ½: Palace of Justice

Please pardon me. I'm a law student, so I can't help but. Heeeee :D

Stop #7: Notre Dame de Paris

In English, it is known as Our Lady of Paris. Lady, if you are curious, refers to Mary who gave birth to Jesus. A Roman Catholic Cathedral. I just looked up Wikipedia and it says the cathedral has a Gothic architecture. Hmm *raiseeyebrow*

If I mention Notre Dame, what is the first thing that crosses your mind?

EXACTLY!!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame!

So yeah. I was looking for gargoyles when I was there XP

Stop #8: The Eiffel Towaaaa~!

OK, I'll do it properly.

The Eiffel Tower!!!

I know not why it was built but I remember baby Siong told me something about the Americans wanted to build something more awesome than the Eiffel Tower because it surpassed the Washington Monument and ended up with the Ferris Wheel during the Chicago World's Fair 1893.

ANYWAY. It really just looks.. metal-ish. Not that tall too. Hahaa. I think it's because I've seen taller buildings XP

But when night falls, the lights made a HUGE LOAD of DIFFERENCE!

It's like MAGIC!

I think I pretty much highlighted all the places I went. Was dead tired from walking by the time we found a restaurant with less people so we don't have to queue. SERIOUSLY!

Salmon for dinner!

World's best ice-cream for desert. I find it norm-*getssmacked*

The stalker in me came out! Hahaa!

Alright, that's it for Paris! Dear me, I took 3 hours to plan and pen this down. APPRECIATE IT!!

Next up, DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!! <3