Singapore to Dubai & Dubai to Paris.

I flew out of Singapore early Saturday morning. The flight was fantastic we flew over India and Oman, I spent just as much time watching the view as I did movies. The plane has exterior cameras which means even without a window seat you can see what’s below.

An extremely quick change of plane in Dubai. Oh my I had a ‘Toto we are not in Kansas anymore’ moment the scale of the airport is so amazing and the diversity of people it is literally a mixing pot of nations. I was particularly taken with the families all in matching leisure suits.

My next plane was an A380 a mind blowing experience. I managed to see an amazing view of the Swiss Alps as we flew over.

Landing in Paris about 8pm cleared customs and baggage collection by 9pm. I had pre arranged a pickup from the airport given the hour and first time in Paris. So was delighted to find this had all worked and for the first time ever my name being held up when I walked out of Arrivals.

We speed into Paris, getting to the hotel just before 10. I couldn’t see much from my window so this morning as the sun came up was thrilled to see this rooftop views.

The first thing that struck me was how quiet Paris is. There was barely a sound this morning first thing when I opened my window.

First stop breakfast which I managed to order without too much embarrassment full declaration I have about four words of French.

First tears of the day. I love Croque Monsieur, have had this French dish often in Sydney but to have it in Paris in a cafe looking over to the Luxembourg Gardens was enough to set me off. The waiter was fine about my terrible French and the tears!

I then embarked on a stroll around Paris. I took in the Luxembourg Gardens, finding a group of model boat enthusiasts, we had a great chat.

Somehow managed to get to Notre Dame (the long way) it took me about 3hours!

Spent the afternoon on the Hop on Hop off bus taking in the sites.

Then dinner, the most simplest of dishes sauce au saumon et au beurre avec linguine, perfect. Yes more tears.

Distance Walked;

4km

Distance Traveled to Dubai

5833km & to Paris 5244km

Distance walked in Paris Day One

18km

Pilgrims Spotted-None.

Paris Observations

Every man doth have a dog in Paris

Even the pigeons are pretty

Driving in Paris is for the brave

You don’t need a helmet when on a bike

There is no smoking in restaurants but outside is okey dokey

Crying in public at the site of a flower shop is rather cathartic

Am in Paris till Sunday.