Two days of Paris is never enough to see all the amazing sites but we managed to climb the Eiffel to
wer, visit the Louvre, walk the Champs Elysees, photographed the Arc de Triomf and ate enough baguettes and crossaints for at least a year. 
Most amazing so far has been the weather. When we left Holland the aiports around Paris were closed because of strong winds and heavy rain but we strolled around in the sun. It was also nice to be welcomed by friends Hacene and Caroline with daughter Norah who live in Poissy and where we managed to get a room for 3 nights. Thanks for your hospitality!
Raclette
Our first night at Hacene’s involved a French meal called Raclette, which is a soft cheese that you melt in a small pan and you mix it with certain cold meats like salami and cooked potatoes. Something different and very tasty. It wasn’t enough cheese yet: after dinner Hacene showed of his French cheese collection. From stinky to extremely stinky! 
Yesterday was our first full day in Paris with climbing the Eiffel tower as the absolut best. At the top we found out it is only 7183 km to Suriname! Strolling the Champs Elysees in the sun and checking out some of the most luxurious shops was another favorite. Hacene then took us to Chatelet de Halle and Centre de Pompidou for a beer, its a very lively area with many bars and restaurants.
– ALL PHOTOS OF OUR PARIS TRIP ARE IN THIS ALBUM ON FACEBOOK!
At the Louvre
Today we visited the Louvre museum that just keeps amazing every time. For three hours we watched not only the Mona Lisa and other paintings from famous artists like Delacroix and Rembrandt but also the Greek sculptures like the Venus of Milo. The Egyptian art was amazing, the inside garden and obviously the building itself.
Since we didn’t know where to catch a train back we started walking towards the Seine river. Luckily we took the right turns and we ended up in lovely little Saint Michel where there are tons of art galleries, eateries and where the streets are just buzzing with friendly French people (that seems to be unique). We visited a tiny cheese shop, had French tartelets and happily left back to Poissy.
– ALL PHOTOS OF OUR PARIS TRIP ARE IN THIS ALBUM ON FACEBOOK!
Flying out tomorrow
Its time now to prepare a warm meal for Hacene and Caroline. The French eat late, which takes time to get used to, also because they start early with the wine. And tomorrow we fly to French Guyana! We arrive in the afternoon and really have no clue what to expect. Time for adventure!
Love,
Elvira and Brian
– ALL PHOTOS OF OUR PARIS TRIP ARE IN THIS ALBUM ON FACEBOOK!
on Feb 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Great to read that you are having such good hosts, and a great time!
Hope this will continue through the rest of your trip!
XJ
on Feb 13th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
What a wonderful start to three months of travel. And I am green with envy
You’ve also made me want to visit Paris again.
Looking forward to videos of Wood the puppet(!).
x Omar