So much food everywhere...

Day 25: Did the New Europe Paris tour. I realise that I don't actually remember where I go on these tours. I just like to hear the history and the stories behind them, but I don't remember where I walk so I usually don't know how to get back. Tour ended at the beginning of the Champ Elysees, which used to be the most expensive shopping street in the world. It's still quite overpriced, and it's still home to all those high-name brands. Even Maccas is more expensive on the Champ Elysees - a meal was 60c more expensive!! Walked down the Champ Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Did you know that you are not insured if you have a car accident on the roundabout around the Arc? It has 12 roads leading into it, and has 10 "lanes", but there are no line markings in the roundabout. An accident occurs every half an hour apparently, but I assume a lot would be minor accidents.
After taking the usual touristy photos, I headed back to change and then head to dinner. Was putting on my skinnies, and found that they were extremely tight!! Last time I had worn them was on the flight over to Europe. I guess my 24 days of walking through Europe had built up my leg muscles so much that it was a struggle to get them into my jeans lol. Anyways, as a result, I couldn't fit my wallet or camera into my jeans and so I left them at home. I'm still kicking myself for not bringing my camera!! Dinner was awesome!! I had terrine and foie gras with warm baguettes for the entree, which was so delicious. I never knew that foie gras was so good. It was so rich and creamy, but I don't think I could have a lot in one go. My main was a piece of duck with salad and crispy potato slices. Tried a piece of pigeon, which my cousin had ordered, which was definitely better than my duck (even though the duck was still pretty good). Finally, the most important course was up!! Dessert was creme brulee which I loved so much!! Afterwards, they also brought us a plate of assorted chocolates and other sweets. Was so full but it was sweet and I had to eat it lol. Really wish I had my camera!! Being so ridiculously full, we decided to walk home to help the digestion, and I got to see a bit more of the city.

Day 26: My cousin took me out on another tour of the city. It was a beautiful day!! It was actually sunny which is apparently rare during winter. Went down to an area with heaps of markets (kinda like out Fairfield Showgrounds), but after a while, it all started to look the same. They all seemed to be selling the same thing. But after shopping at Primark, my perception of cheap has been altered forever, and nothing there seemed to be that "cheap" lol. Had lunch at a very busy crepe place which is apparently quite famous. Who knew that savoury crepes were also good? I've always had sweet crepes, which to be honest, I will always prefer, but the savoury crepes were still really good. I guess that's why this place is so famous and busy. After lunch, we walked around more, and strolled through Jardin du Luxembourg, before heading to Notre Dame. Quite a long line, but it moved really fast, and before I knew it, I was inside marvelling at the beauty of the carvings on the walls and ceiling, as well as the marble statues and the colourful stained glass windows. After Notre Dame, we headed to Rue Mouffetard which is an awesome street which sells so much food!! So many fromageries (cheese shops)!! I went in and bought some camembert and was able to have a complete interaction in French, which I am extremely proud of lol. I actually understood what she was saying and I could reply with my limited French as well. My cousin also bought some cheese (compti, beaufort and gruyere) - looks like we're gonna have an awesome cheese party soon lol. After our cheese rendevouz, we went to Berthillon which is a very famous ice cream place, which had the most creamy and delicious ice cream!! I am seriously going to become obese if I live here. I don't see how the French aren't all fat, when they're surrounded by all this delicious food. Anyways, ended up having dinner in the 13th District (ie. Asian place) where I was able to use my Vietnamese and for the first time, I was more fluent than my cousin in Paris lol. Dinner done, we headed back to get supplies for the hike that we were going to go on tomorrow (ie. today now lol). Got home and just relaxed, eating cheese and ice cream while watching Glee.

As for now, we missed our train and so we're not hiking today. It's also a really gloomy rainy day, so I guess maybe that'a a good thing we're not hiking lol. Had a croissant for breakfast, and am now just resting. Might go out a bit later, but the weather really just makes you want to stay indoors. We'll see what happens.

HBL signing out from Paris, France. Le temps de manger du fromage!!