Greetings all - well, I have been a bit remiss and not posted anything since I started my trip - I have been very busy - firstly in London where things went by in a blur - I arrived on the Thursday, went straight out for breakfast with Sandra, a friend of mine who I was meeting up with in the UK. We then went for a long walk (longer than we meant, but we got a bit lost - something we seemed to have done with regularity - moreso in Paris I have to say). I had recommended a hostel (boutique I might add), to Sandra, in Swiss Cottage, which is perhaps 10 mins out from the centre of London - alas, it was different room than I last stayed in - two single bunks and a very small bathroom that you couldn't swing a cat in. The toilet danced around the floor and required a tradie to visit me whilst I was trying to get some sleep in the afternoon after 30 plus hours in the air and in transit - 3 visits later, he succeeded in his mission and we were not troubled again.
Sandra and I met up with friends of mine - Jacqui and Rita, who travelled down from Manchester for the weekend. We met at Trafalgar Square and went out for Italian, which is also a re-occuirng feature on my culinary adventure. The following day we caught a bus into London - which was re-routed because of road works and a crowd practising their football chants for that night's Wembley Cup Final between Arsenal and Barcelona - aaahhh, nobody has better crowds than England.
We met up at the Tate Modern Gallery - albeit a short visit - I enjoyed the photographic exhibition of the Afghanistan war - and a comparison of photographs from 80 years ago and one's taken recently. We then went to the 3rd floor for a dose of surrealism - for those of you who know me, surrealism is just not my cup of tea - I prefer reality. Alas, the Picasso's and Salvadore Dali's just didn't do it for me.
Off to another Italian restaurant for dinner then to a live show in the West End - We Will Rock You - the Queen tribute - what a great show it was - we thoroughly enjoyed it.
I took myself off for a spot of shopping in Oxford St - unfortunately although I was there ready to go at 9.45am, the shops didn't open until 12 midday - what a waste! I managed to make up for it in my purchases prior to meeting up with my friends Jacqui and Rita for a visit to Covent Garden and dinner. Bloody tube broke down so I had to catch a taxi home.
The following morning we got a taxi to Kings Cross-St Pancras International train station, and caught the 8.30am train to Paris - what a joy - very fast, very smooth - the world just whizzed by, and before we knew it we had arrived (2hrs 20 mins approx but it seemed shorter). We caught a taxi to the hotel - aaahhh bliss - 2 good beds, all modern cons - very modern rooms - I would recommend the place and will stay here again as it is close to 3 train lines and lots of restaurants.
First stop for lunch - French onion soup, wine, fresh bread and French butter - yum! Then off to do some shopping and explore. Gee - what else have I done in the last few days - I have been to Galleries La Fayette (bought some beautiful dinner knives), bought my de Buyer mandolin, which I have researched and read about, and was able to track down to a shop which sold it - it took my 2 trains and 2 lines but I got there!!! I have purchased some linen clothes as well. Found the best lasagne ever (have had it twice), have walked everywhere - no need for further exercise... Have caught a country train to Giverny to see Monet's garden and an exhibition of Bonnard's works. Have eaten my salted caramel macaroons, and so many cheeses - bliss for me!!!
Today we are off to walk amongst the bookshops and along the River Seine, and also the Luxembourg Gardens which are close by. Tonught we catch the overnight train to Barcelona - thankfully we have a sleeper compartment as we arrive at about 9am tomorrow morning.
I will try and download so me photo's from Barcelona as I have had a bit of difficulty doing it here. Hope everyone is well and Melbourne is not too cold!!!
Au Revoir for now
Helen
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