Paris ma ville

This latest installment is all about my trip to Paris. There was so much that went down... It's a pity I only have time to summarize it in this collage of images.

On the way from Singapore to Paris I sat next to two Australia/Italians. In front of us there were 3 Chilean marineros. These men had been away from their families and friends for nine months at sea. Needless to say they found my company rather interesting. One small problem, the men spoke no English and the women spoke no Spanish. That is where Ricardo came in. For the entire 8 hours of the flight I gave my services free of charge as a translator. The men were able to flirt with me in order to get their message across to the girls... The girls, however, they were able to deflect their advances through a beautiful thing called the language barrier.

Atilo the fish. This fish was nameless before I arrived to Paris. However, shortly after my arrival I baptized him in water as Atilo.

My drop dead French friend. I stayed with her for a couple of nights. She was very hospitable and she makes some mean salads. 

More cats for my sister... 

The grace and poised posture of the intimidating French police.

My favorite view Paris... marvel at the modern architecture of the Parisians.

L'Hotel des les Invalids is right at the end of the bridge. Paris is so beautiful, you can spend a week there, and never tire of it.

Is that the inspector from the pink panther...? 

My favorite picture of the Eiffel tower. I took it from the top of the Red Bus. The Red Buses, or the like, are found in any major touristy destinations. They charge you around 20 Euros to take you to the main sites of the place. In Paris all they are good for is the little Map they give. It is so easy to get around with the Metro, that I don't recommend getting the Red Bus :(

Notre Dam, in the island of the city.... there I met that gorgeous Venezuelan traveler. She was visiting her boyfriend. They had met on-line. It sounded like sob story of the sex slavery industry... but no, it turns out that it worked for them. The most memorable part of our time together was when she asked for the price of my camera. To give her an idea I translated it to American Dollars. The value of my camera came to $350.00, which is a little less than a week of work in my old job in Australia. For her this translated to 4 months of work in Venezuela.... small price to pay for a smile catcher!

After Parisian shopping, you may want to consider upgrading your travel luggage to something slightly larger. Perhaps this'll do. 

Just after this picture was taken it rained so heavily that the crowds of tourists run for cover. I on the other hand ran inside to the Louvre. An interminable museum. I spent 4 hours there and I saw pres que rien! 

One of John's better angles? That, in the painting, is John the Baptist. Who do you thinks is holding the platter?

Say cheese! A picture of our Lord... one of the many frescos that I saw in Europe. This is one of the more interesting ones. After a while, you don't want to see another painting of Jesus and Mary! 

To finish up Paris, I'd like to share with you this fashonista. He seems very interested in what goes on just outside his glass cell? 

Have you seen this man? He's got Nemo? 

My French guides arguing over me? I wish ;) 

Grenoble as viewed from the top of some big rock? 

Some bargain hunting at the local market at Grenoble. That lady was fully dressed for action, make up and all she could hold her own while bargaining for the price of cheese. 

Shortly after our pickinic in the Alps among the cow dung, we ourselves ventured into the woods to find a place to relieve our bladders. 

Cows frolicking? 

Success at the end of the hidden path? 

The Alps as viewed from Grenoble. What a site... 

Interlaken, Switerland. What else can I say. 

Voi la, the flame of my travels is ignited once again... Shot from some ruins in Interlaken. Beatiful city between two lakes in none other than Switzerland.