Day 1 Paris

Arrived at 6.30am to 0 degree weather; misty breath is fun :)

Trip into Paris by cab took a while as we were stuck in early morning rush hour traffic. Oh, don't mess with Parisienne drivers, they are very aggressive and not only was our cab in a minor fender bender, but we also saw a motorcycle rider knocked down by a utility van (but he was certainly a-ok, he popped up to angrily confront the van driver). The ride took abt an hour plus. The cab driver though not good in English was friendly and quizzed us on basic French words when he heard us practising in the cab.

Finding the apartment was easy and check in was a breeze. Apartment is nice enough and well sound and weather-proofed. Location is good as well being just parallel to the shopping belt of Rue de Rivoli and steps away from the major metro exchange Chatelet Les Halles.

Took a much needed rest for an hour or 2 then out to look for lunch. walked along Rue St. Honore and finally stepped into Cez Gladines - a canteen like bistrot serving Basque cuisine. I had the Poulet Basquisse and Bran the Entrecôte with herbs. Mains were about 10-13eur, decent food with delicious Rioja wine.

Then off we went strolling along Rue de Rivoli all the way down to Louvre and on to Jardin des Tuilleries and Place de Concorde with the obelisk and Eiffel Tower & Arch de Triomphe shimmering in the distance in setting sunlight. Louvre even from the outside is magnificent (You almost don't need to go in as it is covered with engravings/mouldings, sculptures and grand doors)

Jardin des Tuileries in sunset is such a lovely wide open space with petit fountains surrounded by iconic green lounging chairs filed with Parisiennes (and tourists) catching the last rays of sun while braving chilly weather. It's an idyllic space and I can see why the Parisiennes love it. Despite being winter, it seems likes it's autumn in the city with many trees still clinging on to their golden leaves. The sunrise and sunset colours are also magnificent; all pastel pinks and purples and soft yellows and oranges. With the short winter days, sunset begins at around 4pm with the city getting dark by 5pm. Kind off disorienting at first since we feel like it's dinner time by 5 but the restaurants only open for dinner at earliest 7.30pm.

4 hours in the cold took it's toll on me and I had freezing hands an hour into our walk which leather wool lined gloves could not thaw. And yet everyone else looks so comfortable and not at all cold - hm, must figure out warmer 'strategy'. So we we're pretty tired after our long walk and on the way home stopped by Pattisserie/Bolangerie Gossellin and Julien just doors away from us for pastries. They are not much for browsing it seems as the customers seemed to walk in knowing exactly what they wanted. We had a canelle and apricot tart from Julien and a framboisse pastry and Roquefort quiche from Gossellin with wine from the neigborhood supermarche for dinner. Only later did I discover that we should have ordered the Baguette une tradition that all the other customers were getting. Well there us another 7 days! Right on our doorstep is also a charcuterie/tratieur, fruit & vegetable vendor and a Boucherie just waiting to be explored :)

Retired by 8.30pm, completely shattered.

Paris Museum 4-day pass: eur54 each
Cab ride eur65.30

Notes:
- Must be braver in going into restaurants,cafes, bistrots, pattiseries etc - who cares if the French laugh or roll their eyes at us?
- Warmer gear is essential! Keep bundled up even at the beginning when it seems pleasant and not so cold.