Eifelsacrenotrerougetriumph

Eifelsacrenotrerougetriumph - my insanity riddled brain came up with this word as a summary of some of the cool things that Bel and I saw over our 3 day long weekend in Paris a few weeks ago.

Stéven and Emilie were kind enough to put us up in their appartment in the Montmartre quarter of Paris, and take the time to show us the sights, sounds, and smells of Paris. Not only did they do that, but they also fed us on countless occasions with great parisien croissants, chocolate croissants, sweet breads, cheeses, italian inspired salads, and homemade crêpes.

The back end of Sacré-Cœur on a cloudy paris day.

Half the European AE team working hard for the money.

Apropos Crêpes - if you ever get the chance, you have to try them with Confiture de lait, which is a combination of milk and sugar boiled into a spreadable caramel sauce - really to die for.

Also worth trying is the Côte de boeuf, which is a beef rib dish with the bone removed, charred on the outside, and medium (our choice) in the middle. Stéven and I shared this in some little back-water restaurant in Paris, and it was sensational!

Parisian life can be hard - time for a nap.

Back-water parisian café - unfortunatley couldn't seat us. :(

Pyramid and small arch at the Louvre.

In terms of things to see in Paris, I would recommend finding yourself a local (could post Stéven's contact details here, but that would be a little cruel) and get them to show you their favourite places. If you have to, or want to visit the sights (like I did), then it is worth climbing up to the dome of Sacré-Cœur to get a ripper view of Paris, including the Eifel Tower in the distance. Also the view from the front of the Louvre up the Champs-Élysées, and a stroll through the park adjacent are worth a look in. You can safely skip the Moulin Rouge, IMHO, as it is just dodgy looking and really nothing special - plus there is no massive elephant house on the roof. :( Climb the Eifel Tower? - I don't know, as we didn't do it, but I hear that the view from Sacré-Cœur is better anyway.

Spider sculpture in front of the Louvre.

I'm fond of the pond in front of the Louvre.

Oh yeah, try and avoid the cafes and restaurants that are set up for tourists. See if you can find some little "bobo" (Bourgeois Bohême) cafes or restaurants in the back-water where you can find some nice food at decent prices - but make sure you have a friend for help with the menus, and just for all round good company.

Paris put a spring in Brushy's step.

Grande Arche de la Défense

The tower from a small side street.

So, thanks heaps to Stéven and Emilie for putting us up, and putting up with us. You guys are welcome to come and see Frankfurt and surrounds with us any time you want.

Have to arch your back to shoot the Arc de Triomphe.	How you doin'? Brushy with Stéven's sunnies.
Cool statue with a pigeon problem.	Free Tibet!...and me from these skates!

Being towered over by the tower.

Crazy fishing guy at Pont Neuf.

Tulips at the back of Notre Dame.

Brushy's favourite shot of the Eifel Tower.

Tschüß,
'Brushy.