Me by some anonymous tower

Paris

Paris! The name itself conjures up all the preconceptions of romance, history, wine, baguettes, museums, and of course the Eiffel Tower. Are all these preconceptions justified? a big WEE!!

I'm strolling down a anonymous back street in the centre of Paris and I come across a monument that's older than civilization in NZ.
I'm sitting in the metro (which in itself is a museum) and an busker suddenly starts playing a typical French tune in the background.
Sitting down for dinner, a street seller offers to sell you a dozen red roses...

All these examples seem so cliche now that I'm back in the land of cheese, but once you're immersed in the intoxicating atmosphere of Paris - all these things seem so novel.

I did have one major disappointment - the Mona Lisa. I was underwhelmed by it seemingly A4 size - I imagined that the most analysed painting in the world would have a bigger footprint.
However, I was impressed by how the background was actually an extension of the models state of mind (plus the half smile\smirk)...

And on the Eiffel Tower... yes it's tall, old and surrounded by some impressive architecture. However I was more astonded by the surrounding lights that seem to extend to infinity when you're up the tower at night.

One major recommendation I have for future traveler's to Paris: Take a significant other - unless you're going for the history/architecture, Paris becomes like any other old European city.

On to London...

Me and Mrs. Woon

Bridesmaids + stranger

One down, three to go...

La Roisre - French Alps

My sister could not have chosen a more serene location to have her wedding. Surrounded by peaks on every side and with Mount Blanc in the background, the wedding was perfect.

My speech went well, I managed to get a few laughs (tip: speeches are more warmly appreciated after everyone has had a few glasses). My Father and the best man also gave great speech's, with each one revealing a little bit more of the brides/grooms history.

Apart from the celebrations, I managed to run the 8 km to Italy. The only hard part was the steep windy roads that were used for the beginning of the "The Italian Job" film.

So la Roisre - thanks for the memories, weather and experience. I promise I'll be back :)