france Keyword
Paris
My final stop in my European Adventure was Paris, but to get there was always going to be a mission.
After travelling through the very cool Liechtenstein, up in Germany to stay a night a Munich I jumped my final ever Busabout Bus. I was fairly lucky because, while it is a long bus, requiring a driver change I managed to get both Zoltan and Owen for my drivers: two of my favourites of the service. The drive from Munich to Paris took us from 8 am through till 9pm, nearly 12 hours of constant bus, punctuated by short rest stops with nothing really look at apart from boring flat french farmland.
It wasn’t until I got my gear into my hostel, had a rest and ventured out the next day that I really started enjoying Paris. While the disgusting smell of urine punctuates every corner of the city, the beauty of the place over powers it. The architecture, the city planning and the history combine to make for a wonderful city.
One of my favourite moments in Paris came in my second night and involved catching up with Sophia, Ben and little Max at a tapas restaurant in the heart of Paris. It was a great evening and Max has grown up heaps. Last time I saw him he was still pretty much just a poop machine!
During most of my time in Paris I wandered the city by day, did a walking tour with New Paris, made new friends and then more friends. We adventured to the Eiffel Tower at night, drank wine and enjoyed the lightshow. The next day I went wandering with some people from my room, checked out the Notre Dame and caught more of the city.
My final night in Paris I took part in a Fat Tire Night Bike, by far the highlight of my time in the city. Guided by the very cool, very chilled and very Californian Billy we wove through the streets of Paris in the gathering dusk. We saw the sun set through the pyramid at the Louvre, caught a boat cruise and drank wine as the Eiffel Tower lit up and still made it home before 12. Billy even taught me the ways of the Segway, something he said to keep on the down low.
The next day I caught the Eurostar First Class across the channel, waving a fond goodbye to Europe and the adventures I had there. I hope the US is just as exciting.
I was unfortunately feeling poorly for most of my time in Paris, so I didn’t get to do everything that I wanted to do, but I’ll be back again some day for sure. For those wanting to experience what was going through my head the whole time I walked Paris, just hit play on the video clip after the jump. I dare you to try and get that tune out of your head without a spoon!
Monaco
The French riviera is home to some of the richest people in Europe and the most elite of those live in Monaco. Apart from being the 2nd smallest country in the world Monaco is also a money haven, operating with zero personal income tax. It has its own Monarchy, headed by Prince Albert II. The amount of money getting splashed around here though is ludicrous. Massive yachts line the harbour with topiary gardens adorning their decks. Caviar features on menus at 350 euro a pop. Shorts, in particular the pair I was wandering the streets in, retail for 100euro, making the $30aus (~15euro) I paid for them seem a bargin! To live in Monanco one is required to “apply” for residency. The application carries a non-refundable fee of $1,000,000 if the application is accepted or not.
Monaco also plays host to the Monaco Grandprix, a car race that closes the streets. I didn’t manage to time my trip to be in Monaco for the race, but evidence of the event was still present. Bollards were still being removed grandstands still loomed and skidmarks on corners stood in harsh relief on the bitumen.
At night Monaco transforms. Buildings light up and terraces fill with socialites enjoying the scene. The Casino comes alive and festivals dot the calendar.
All in all Monaco is a wonderful place, especially if you have a little walking around cash you don’t mind parting with. Just a quick tip to Australia’s: wear all the Billabong, Ripcurl, Roxy and Quicksilver you can. They run PREMIUM prices in Monaco, making those pair of shorts you bought on special at 15 bucks look like their worth a million dollars. I had a great time in Monaco, heading there a total of three times, once with some busabout friends, once with Mum and Nonno, and finally at night with a few of the relo’s.
Oh, and if you’re wondering… yup: that’s my Ferrari f430. Trust me.