Paris
I’ve been to Paris 3 times – first in Spring 1999 with Arni (photo) on a group tour (which is the proper way to see any city because you are guided) and twice on my own backpacking trip – in Summer 2001 (which I will comment on later) so the city feels familiar to me. Accommodation is very expensive so if you’re underbudget book for youth hostels in advance.
When you reach Paris, you have this instant sense of chic because everyone looked poised and fashionable (minus the immigrants of course) so you tend to dress up a bit (that’s how I feel) in respect of the whole ambience. I had my leather jacket on the whole time – it instantly gives you a stylish feel. Paris could get very cold in Spring, like -4 degrees so do bring layers of clothes. Best is to travel during summer. I got there on a bus from London, costs me 70 pounds but if you’re flying from elsewhere, it could get expensive. Be prepared that typical French don’t like to speak in English (they have a volatile past with the British and Americans) but if you speak your mother-tongue, they would strangely react to you in kind and start speaking English! :O) Funny right? Every instructions is in French so it’s wise if you bring a small dictionary with you to aid your journey.

I’m sure the first thing anyone would do upon arriving is to see the famous Eiffel Tower, ultimate icon of Paris.Oo la la, it was a very very tall sight;

and here are always chokeful of tourists. You couldn’t get a picture of the whole tower unless you bring a very good camera or you stand far enough because the tower is huge. You have the option of climbing to the top to view whole of Paris, via lift or stairs but lift is often crowded. So we took the stairs instead, a very tiring long way up! But the view was worth it.

We then adjourned on a small trip around the Champ Elysees (gateway). I always see this in movies – so I thought I could stroll my way around it but it’s actually a busy two way street but there’s a small parking spot for buses to drop their load of tourist for photo-snaps. I bet it’s more awesome at night!

I took lots more pictures around the River Seine. When you walk along this river, a sense of melancholy grips you – I don’t know whether due to weather or what, but I guess there’s a lot of history here thus the grim feeling. Plus, the sight of Eiffel tower is everywhere! It is really an icon to the city.

Next, Notre Dame, Museum De Louvre and Sacre Couer..to be continued…