Not a certain heiress but the city. Paris! It has been one of my many destination dreams to come to Paris. Seen the city in many movies and of course Travel shows and I cannot believe that I have made it to the city of lights! Before moving on cutting long story short, returned to Kléber for the remainder of our stay in Paris, unfortunately still couldn't stay there so they transferred us to the Best Western Victor Hugo Hotel (which I have to admit was better) and with free wi-fi!
Paris, when thinking of Paris its the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve, Moulin Rouge and of course the cliché of rude people, dog poo, people wearing stripes etc... . Okay you may get the odd rudeness (which I have had my share of rudeness), all in all it has been fantastique!
I am in awe of everything here in Paris. The streets, architecture, monuments, food, mulled wine and people. Sometimes I think I have stepped onto a postcard or movie set, but no, it's the real deal. Seeing Paris is amazing. People here are so stylish and even if it doesn't match, they find a way to match it! Crazy hats that look like fluro green road kill, still looks stylish.
L'Arc de Triomphe is a huge monument built during Napoleon era (and not going any further to anymore history, look up on wikipedia ha!). It is in the middle of a very busy roundabout and to get to the middle is underground to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You have to be fou to cross the road to the middle. It looks nice during the evening with the lights on and the lights along the Avenue des Champs Elysees.
Eiffel Tower according to my Lonely Planet Paris book (thank gosh for lonely planet books) over 250 million have ascended the tower to date. I got goosebumps when I saw the tower from crossing a bridge, over the River Seine. Walking through the beautiful streets/Rues in Invalides Rémy and I were getting closer and closer to the Tower. Finally got there and WOW! Two options to get up there - 1: Elevator or 2: The Stairs. We opt to climb the stairs, the reason was that the line was shorter than the elevators. LOL. Paid about 9 something Euros to climb the stairs. Tough work, huffing and puffing to the top, partial top. Six hundred and sixty-nine steps and during that it was getting dark, cloudy and then finally snowed! Beautiful view from the top and even more when it snowed. The rooftops of building covered by the white powder, despite it being cold at the top, it was brilliant! I can tick off my list that I have visited the Eiffel Tower.
Afterwards, more walking then the métro then walked back to our hotel to rest for another day of Parisian adventure.
Until then
à bientot
V
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Touch down in Paris
The flight from Incheon Seoul to Charles de Gaulle Paris was an 11-hour flight. Ate, slept, listened to music on my iPad-seque screen and watched movies (in between slept while watching Inception, then watched it again since I missed the other part). Once the plane touched down in Paris a mixture of excitement and nervousness crossed my mind. Happy to be here and see Rémy, since 5 months ago, Paris, the food, scenery, the monuments and nervous as I only know "un petit peu français."
Touch down at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Thursday evening of Nov 25th, went through customs (woo hoo got my passport stamped!) and then got my suitcase and then information center about how to get to Paris via A. the taxi, B. Bus or C. Train. I took the cheaper option and took the train. Took about 1 hour to Chatelet Les Halles to change over to next train. Oh gosh, I found myself below the métro lost through the winding maze to the next train.... Yea spot the lost tourist! Finally got on the next train thanks with the help of the train staff member reached Charles de Gaulle Etoile stop. More stairs up to the wonderful Champs Elysees Avenue and L'Arc de Triomphe. I am in awe! AMAZING.
Now, the challange to catch a taxi. Hailed one, unfortunately he finished his shift, tried hailing another one, til a man told me to catch it on the other side of the road. Thanked him kindly then went to the direction he told me to go and caught one to the hotel I booked called Kléber Hotel Champs Elysees Tour Eiffel Paris. Unfortunately was not able to stay there and for their reason "water issues/pipes." They kindly made me un café, while I waited for Rémy to come. The staff member explained it again to Rémy what happened and then they transferred us to another hotel for the night. Went to the other hotel and lets just say it was a down grade to what i stayed at Incheon. Couldn't complain much, at least it we had a place to stay. The view from the window of the room, is wht I expected though, very French - the window balcony, the buildings, streets, trés belle!
Until then,
à bientot
V
Touch down at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Thursday evening of Nov 25th, went through customs (woo hoo got my passport stamped!) and then got my suitcase and then information center about how to get to Paris via A. the taxi, B. Bus or C. Train. I took the cheaper option and took the train. Took about 1 hour to Chatelet Les Halles to change over to next train. Oh gosh, I found myself below the métro lost through the winding maze to the next train.... Yea spot the lost tourist! Finally got on the next train thanks with the help of the train staff member reached Charles de Gaulle Etoile stop. More stairs up to the wonderful Champs Elysees Avenue and L'Arc de Triomphe. I am in awe! AMAZING.
Now, the challange to catch a taxi. Hailed one, unfortunately he finished his shift, tried hailing another one, til a man told me to catch it on the other side of the road. Thanked him kindly then went to the direction he told me to go and caught one to the hotel I booked called Kléber Hotel Champs Elysees Tour Eiffel Paris. Unfortunately was not able to stay there and for their reason "water issues/pipes." They kindly made me un café, while I waited for Rémy to come. The staff member explained it again to Rémy what happened and then they transferred us to another hotel for the night. Went to the other hotel and lets just say it was a down grade to what i stayed at Incheon. Couldn't complain much, at least it we had a place to stay. The view from the window of the room, is wht I expected though, very French - the window balcony, the buildings, streets, trés belle!
Until then,
à bientot
V
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Seoul Sleepover
Twenty hour wait for next flight to Paris is not fun at all. I can stay up for 10 hours (the fact that I can stay up that long thanks to shift work!), but when its at the Airport it won't be fun when duty free stores will be closed till morning. I could obviously do an a la Tom Hanks from the movie The Terminal, nah.
A huge thanks to Korean Air I have a layover at a hotel. I am lucky enough to stay in a 4 star hotel ' Hyatt Regency Incheon. I was in awe when the staff member at Incheon Korean Air Service Desk told me. SCORE!!
After getting a hotel voucher and sat down next to the other people waiting for the Hyatt Bus to take us. Followed one of the ladies outside the airport for the bus..brr outside was 9 degrees but it was nice and refreshing... . Guess it was making me accustome to the cold weather in Paris *LOL.*
Got onto the bus and a 10min drive to our hotel. Wow! The entrance is nice. Filled in form like the rest of the people then headed to the hotel receptionist to get my swipe access card to my room. Just like work had to swipe into the elevator to get to level 12. I stayed in Room 1205. Whoa the room nice and I was stoked I even have a phone in the bathroom and even a speaker so I can hear the TV (and have it on MTV ) so I can dance while having a shower :P.
Settled myself down in my room and of course had to go straight onto Facebook :P. Had to sign in on a couple of things and then bam internet for 24hrs (only 20,000korean wons, equivalent to $18 Aus). Wireless (How I love you!)
Felt a bit peckish so headed downstairs to have my dinner. Handed my dinner voucher to the restaurant staff member and asked me what I wanted - either Italian or Korean dinner. I opt for the second.
Had kim-chi and anchovies for side dish then followed with rice, miso soup and beef. Delicious. Unfortunately I couldn't finish because I was still full from the food off the plane! Grr. Finished with fruits for dessert. It was nice. Afterwards, went outside just to be all touristy and take photos at the front of the hotel
. Later headed back to my room, channel tv surfing, facebook, blogging and just resting it up in my 'free stay.'Next morning, woke up 30mins before my alarm set off (1. my iPhone alarm and 2. the 'wake up call' system on my personalised
Hyatt phone!). Did the usual get ready and then went downstair for my free Buffet Breakfast. Ate cereals, bacon, traditional Korean food and then fruit and yoghurt (mango yoghurt that is, which was more like mango smoothie).
With my trust Sony Camera went outside to take a few shots by day (FCK it was cold!) then back here to blog and get my gear ready before heading back to Incheon Airport.
Next stop Paris.
Until then
A bientot!
V x
On a Big Jet Plane
Okay so it's not the current A380 plane. But a 330 plane. Only a 9hour or so flight to Seoul, South Korea. Firstly at the start.... I set my alarm at 4am and didn't get up till 4:45am. Got ready and ate breakfast. In between compulsive obessively checking in my handbag for my passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance and money, finally got everything and then family and I went on the way to Brisbane International Airport.
Some may not know or have heard a bit, but North Korea and South Korea are on some kinda biff up about something. I didn't hear much on the news, but read online (more like scan through the article), however Mum was frantically saying "Don't go they are at War," "Change your flight to Hong Kong instead..." bla bla bla...Didn't hear anything else.
Apologies to Mum, but actually snapped at her saying that I was getting annoyed about the "war this; war that." Anyway haven't heard much, except for the up-coming royal wedding of Prince Williams and Katie Middleton. BORING.
On a funny note, Dad goes to me..."Well if so, that means you can be part of history." Then I go into a 100 year old granny impression saying..."Back in my day....." Then Mum added "Well take pictures if they are missilling each-other." XD. Reached the Interanational section of the Brisbane Airport and family decided to come along with me just in case it got delayed. So I go and check in my bag, then ask at the service counter if I have a complimentary overnight stay in Seoul (as I have a 20hr layover there before heading to Paris), and yes I have. Yay! Thank you Korean Air.
When that was organised we all sat down to have something to eat. Can't get enough of Red Rooster Chips. It seems that I always have it whenever I head over to the airport (and remincising back in the days). Have 45mins till boarding said a quick farewell to family and then headed downstairs to customs and boarding flight. Never got the chance to have a look at the Duty Free because I had less than 10mins before boarding.
Went through to Gate80 and headed to the concourse connecting to the plane into Row 50C. Yes! I have an aisle seat. I prefer aisle seats now than windows. A good thing about window seat is the view you see when you take off and touch down (unless your flight takes off at night). Then the hassel of saying "sorry/excuse me" to head to the restroom or just walking round the aisle so you don't get DVT (deep vein thrombosis)... and that the aisle you get access to the food and drinks cabin hosts bring around tehehe.
Korean Air - I have been on Korean Air 8 years ago and personally, I like Korean Air. The Ecomony (regardless you get premium economy or not) I feel you have more space and I the seats have very nifty screen to watch movies, cartoons (currently watching Despicable Me), games and seeing how far the plane is travelling etc... .
The plug for the headset suits any earphones i.e. apple earphones and not the 2 plug outlet back in the days....hrm I think I'm going to watch Inception again...I'll just have a look at my 'in-flight' programs. The screens also touch screen..whoaaa technology nowadays :P and the firstclass looks soooooooooooooooooooo awesome and spacious. :P If I had the extra money yes. There is an empty seat next to me and the other two are occupied with a couple. I mean I could use it, unfortunately the lady has hogged it and used it as a bed..but not too long.
Food on airplanes can be good or bad but the thing I like about airplane food is how compact and organised it is set in front of you. Either way you can start at the dessert and work your way to the main or just do it the normal way.
Ha! Now I'm watching a French film called L' Arnacoeur. Looks interesting ooh and theres Romain Duris (from Spanish Apartment). Learing my 'listening' skills in French. It feels as if I have been on this flight for a long time and it's only been 2 hours of sitting on my 'cul.' About time I move about now. Do those leg stretches, deep breathing exercises, just like patients at work..Work???I shouldn't be thinking about work!
"D'accord, a bientot tout le monde." V.
Some may not know or have heard a bit, but North Korea and South Korea are on some kinda biff up about something. I didn't hear much on the news, but read online (more like scan through the article), however Mum was frantically saying "Don't go they are at War," "Change your flight to Hong Kong instead..." bla bla bla...Didn't hear anything else.
Apologies to Mum, but actually snapped at her saying that I was getting annoyed about the "war this; war that." Anyway haven't heard much, except for the up-coming royal wedding of Prince Williams and Katie Middleton. BORING.
On a funny note, Dad goes to me..."Well if so, that means you can be part of history." Then I go into a 100 year old granny impression saying..."Back in my day....." Then Mum added "Well take pictures if they are missilling each-other." XD. Reached the Interanational section of the Brisbane Airport and family decided to come along with me just in case it got delayed. So I go and check in my bag, then ask at the service counter if I have a complimentary overnight stay in Seoul (as I have a 20hr layover there before heading to Paris), and yes I have. Yay! Thank you Korean Air.
When that was organised we all sat down to have something to eat. Can't get enough of Red Rooster Chips. It seems that I always have it whenever I head over to the airport (and remincising back in the days). Have 45mins till boarding said a quick farewell to family and then headed downstairs to customs and boarding flight. Never got the chance to have a look at the Duty Free because I had less than 10mins before boarding.
Went through to Gate80 and headed to the concourse connecting to the plane into Row 50C. Yes! I have an aisle seat. I prefer aisle seats now than windows. A good thing about window seat is the view you see when you take off and touch down (unless your flight takes off at night). Then the hassel of saying "sorry/excuse me" to head to the restroom or just walking round the aisle so you don't get DVT (deep vein thrombosis)... and that the aisle you get access to the food and drinks cabin hosts bring around tehehe.
Korean Air - I have been on Korean Air 8 years ago and personally, I like Korean Air. The Ecomony (regardless you get premium economy or not) I feel you have more space and I the seats have very nifty screen to watch movies, cartoons (currently watching Despicable Me), games and seeing how far the plane is travelling etc... .
The plug for the headset suits any earphones i.e. apple earphones and not the 2 plug outlet back in the days....hrm I think I'm going to watch Inception again...I'll just have a look at my 'in-flight' programs. The screens also touch screen..whoaaa technology nowadays :P and the firstclass looks soooooooooooooooooooo awesome and spacious. :P If I had the extra money yes. There is an empty seat next to me and the other two are occupied with a couple. I mean I could use it, unfortunately the lady has hogged it and used it as a bed..but not too long. 
Food on airplanes can be good or bad but the thing I like about airplane food is how compact and organised it is set in front of you. Either way you can start at the dessert and work your way to the main or just do it the normal way.Ha! Now I'm watching a French film called L' Arnacoeur. Looks interesting ooh and theres Romain Duris (from Spanish Apartment). Learing my 'listening' skills in French. It feels as if I have been on this flight for a long time and it's only been 2 hours of sitting on my 'cul.' About time I move about now. Do those leg stretches, deep breathing exercises, just like patients at work..Work???I shouldn't be thinking about work!
"D'accord, a bientot tout le monde." V.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Packing
Okay packing for an overseas trip is not my forte. I know I have been a jet setter several years now, and you would think I have got it under control. I'm a girl...come on...us girls (and yes I am generally speaking) would LOVE to pack the whole closet, BUT with limited kilograms and shopping overseas for MORE souviners, clothes etc..., its the crunch time as to what to bring and what not to bring. How to fold or roll it up? Suitcase or backpack or no 'check-in' luggage at all.
Okay sometimes I don't mind packing but the dilemma I am having is what clothes to bring and that will it match with each attire day-by-day as well as how often will I wear it before it starts becoming icky and covered with alcohol. Bare in mind I will be heading to a cooler climate and the chances it will snow!
Yes common sense of course! Well I would be stupid to wear a halter neck dress when outside is -2 degrees celcius regardless it's a beautiful sunny day!
Currently I am staring at my clothes I have unpacked out of my suitcase (packed it 2 days ago, however it was just clothes 'I would think' will be wearing while in France, but since it felt more than 20kgs, I have to really take a look at what I will be packing. Also importantly the souviners and new clothes and/or accessories I buy over there..I need space.
I have had in the past packed things I 'thought' I was going to wear, but never did, packed too much and obviously didn't have anymore space for my new items! Yes its a big no-no. I am not too fashion concious, obviously can't wear the same clothes for 3 days...mix and match (as long as its clean! Ha!).
Yes I do have that voice saying to me "but you might need it..just pack it..." I must bite my tongue and live without it, for that time being.
Until then...
Adios
Vx
Okay sometimes I don't mind packing but the dilemma I am having is what clothes to bring and that will it match with each attire day-by-day as well as how often will I wear it before it starts becoming icky and covered with alcohol. Bare in mind I will be heading to a cooler climate and the chances it will snow!
Yes common sense of course! Well I would be stupid to wear a halter neck dress when outside is -2 degrees celcius regardless it's a beautiful sunny day!
Currently I am staring at my clothes I have unpacked out of my suitcase (packed it 2 days ago, however it was just clothes 'I would think' will be wearing while in France, but since it felt more than 20kgs, I have to really take a look at what I will be packing. Also importantly the souviners and new clothes and/or accessories I buy over there..I need space.
I have had in the past packed things I 'thought' I was going to wear, but never did, packed too much and obviously didn't have anymore space for my new items! Yes its a big no-no. I am not too fashion concious, obviously can't wear the same clothes for 3 days...mix and match (as long as its clean! Ha!).
Yes I do have that voice saying to me "but you might need it..just pack it..." I must bite my tongue and live without it, for that time being.
Until then...
Adios
Vx
Friday, November 12, 2010
Lady Gaga
No matter whether she is a hermaphrodite or not, Lady Gaga is amazing. Love or loathe her, she is a very creative artist in the music scene. Of course Madonna, Elton John, David Bowie, Cher, Britney and others before her, have entertained people with their dazzling shows and costume changes, Lady Gaga just goes a step further... . Well would you be wearing a Red PVC dress when meeting the Queen of England???
She burst into the music scene round end of 2008 with "Just Dance." At first I wasn't interested thinking "oh great another pop star!" But listening to it over and over started liking her music.
She then toured around Australia with the Pussycat Dolls concert and she was great and her costume OMG I wanted to wear that bubble attire!
She's just amazing!
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