Euro Travel & More

Besides the Eiffel Tower, I think no one gives the Arch of La Defense a missed .. when it comes to photo taking. This is a kinda monument to represent the business district of Paris.  So what is the Arche about..?? well … i hear it was build to represent not the military victories.. but for humanitarian reasons. You find the metro station and another kinda train station serving the suburbs there too. And two side of the Arches has got government offices as well.  An interesting structure.. i heard was more beautiful during the nights.

Do not mistaken this cafe with the one in Quebec. Yes. there is a Cafe de la Paix in Quebec too. I recommend a visit to this special cafe for those who are around this area. Located opposite of the Paris Opera, you cannot missed it. It is kinda expensive.. but definitely worth the visit as this is quite famous in Paris. I also noticed alot of tourists here.. and it does have a fairly expensive menu. For coffee alone, you can expect to pay between 4 – 10 euros.

If you are wondering if there are people in Paris that goes to Starbucks.. since there are so many cafes and outdoor eating places in Paris and all the little streets that they have in Paris. I’ll have to let you know that Starbucks in Paris is no different than any Starbucks in the world, they are packed..! and service .. friendly in every Starbucks.. and some friendlier.

Unlike the smaller cafes in Paris, at Starbucks .. you just gotta love their huge armchairs .. and reading a book or whipping up your lappie and work on it.. makes one feels like they are doing something important.. even if you were a housewife catching up on news from home.

The menu up on top of the serving counter .. unlike the ones we have back home in Asia.. where they are written in chalk boards.. in different colors. Whatever you favored that day.. a mocha, a latte or an expresso .. or just a green tea… and a biscotti.. they are ready to serve you . with smiles.. and shouting out your name loud when your drinks are ready. Very americanish..!

Many people choose to go by the EuroStar when they are traveling from London to Paris .. which takes only 2hrs and at the most 3.  But when you are young.. and with a group of university friends.. you tend to do things.. a wee bit differently.  We wanted to rough it out.. and to stop wherever we want. and whenever.  Little did we know that the heavy traffic in the tunnel caused by a truck accident would delay us so badly.  And looking at the accident area, I hope the truck driver had a truck accident lawyer because it involved many cars.  Almost reminded me of how Princess Diana would have been in that freak accident that caused her death.   So for everyone’s info, driving is fun.. but make sure.. you have loads of time.

When i left Paris, some years ago.. after a short work stint of 6 months.. i cannot help but wanna stay a wee bit longer.. and a soak in more sights and the scene and the food. I would roam the streets for hours.. on those last days… and get as many pictures and memories store in my then not digital camera.

Paris brings back loads of fond memories.. from romance along the Seine to landscapes on bus-sized canvases to the outdoor cafes. Paris is the essence of all things French. Take in the beautiful sunset and its breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, great works of art and magic lights. Savour its gourmet selection of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Feel the wind in your face as you rollerblade through Bastille, or a frisson of fear and pleasure atop the Eiffel Tower.

I love the food in Paris. You can find some pretty good food and cafes .. if you don’t mind the small. The Au Chien Qui Fume that serves great foie gras and smoked salmon, they are all made inhouse. Of course you have to try their oysters and shellfish that you can get all year round.  It was an awesome place to be.. and they didn’t make me speak in French.. that may be because i’m Chinese.