Versailles and more Paris!

On Wednesday (i think...days seem to join together) we took the train to Chateau de Versailles, to join the crowds in admiring the incredible architecture and extreme extravagance of Louis XIV. The Chateau itself was something you have to see to believe, gold is used as just another decoration material and the gardens are so massive it would take days to truly explore. After a lunch of baguettes, brie and gelato, we found Marie Antoinettes small farm with goats, chooks and the fattest pigs that ever lived. Kimmie couldn't believe her eyes! Wed was probably our biggest day of walking we have had so far.

 Wed night we caught up with a friend from Bishops, who lives Paris. Jerome cooked for us (yummiest omelette ever) in his home not far from Versailles. We even cracked a bottle of Australian red wine. Perrrrfect!!

Yesterday we hiked to Montmartre, an incredibly impressive cathedral which sits on a hill overlooking Paris and its surrounding suburbs. Although it was very busy with tourists, there was still a sense of calm within the cathedral. We then walked the cobblestoned streets around the side of Montmartre picking up a few postcards along the way. Towards the bottom of the hill, we found the Moulin Rouge. The surrounding area was a bit of a let down, I probably wouldn't like to walk down an alley way after dark that is for sure!

Last night, we headed to the top of one of the oldest department stores in Paris (again, incredible luxurious) for a rosé on the rooftop with our local guide (cheers Lo!). Lo pointed out all the sights of Paris whilst we watched the sunset. Probably the biggest highlight so far! Then we headed to a crepe restaurant, again with no tourists...yay, for a goats cheese, walnut and honey crepe and then a pear, creme and chocolat crepe, very french indeed. But seriously, they were pretty amazing!

Today we headed to the Louvre for some quality time with Mona Lisa and the Egyptians. The building itself is incredible, let alone the art and sculptures! After lunch on the banks of La Seine, we headed home to rest our legs. There is a park around the corner from where we are staying, and every after noon there are retired men playing chess and botche with local crowds watching. It is such a nice feeling to get away from the crowds and discover something Parisian!

Above is the Notre Dame, only 25min walk from where we are staying! xox

Paris!

Hi!

We have finally arrived in Paris after 21 hours in the air! The flights were smooth sailing, although very long. A quick stop over in Doha was certainly an eye opener, the landscapes from the air was unlike anything I have seen, the buildings seem to grow from the arid desert that surrounded the city, an incredible cite indeed. Paris is beautiful as expected. We are staying at the home of a friend, and what a warm and welcoming home it is! After a homemade banquet of traditional Parisian food, we jumped in the car for a trip around the city by nightfall. If there is anything more breathtaking than Paris during the day, its Paris at night! The city lights and buildings are stunning, and we managed to stay alive during the drive around the Arch de Triomphe and its 12 roads which lead off the roundabout! Today we walked for hours to see the Arch, have lunch over looking the Eiffel Tower, and Kimmie even managed to squeeze in time for more than 100 decent photos. Withdrawing money from the bank seemed to be the problem of the day, however after some arm waving, attempts at some broken french and a little patience, we got it all sorted. Another yummy homemade french meal has set us for what should be another great night sleep 

xox

The BBT has begun! For all of my family and friends who are following me around the world, this is probably the best place to track my journey. My partner in crime and travel Kim, and I, will backpack our way through Europe and Canada together, with some time apart where I head to South America. Starting here in Melbourne, we will jump on a plane tonight heading for the capital of France, onwards by train to south of France, Spain, Switzerland and Italy (hanging out for some incredible pizza!). From there I will head west to South America for 3 months, and finally to the beautiful landscapes of Canada, where Kim and I will be reunited for a working holiday.

Please keep me updated through email with all the goings on of Australia, and I will do my best to continually update you with my experiences and adventures

So here goes...