Paris-London Feb 2007 Photos

View them HERE!

Home Sweet Home

Although feeling jetlagged, sick and can only move around by hobbling, its glad to be home.

Touched down at around 1030 and went straight home. Its Valentine's day and I have a doctor's appointment at 1445. Both Wifey and myself were so tired out that we went straight to sleep after lunch. Unfortunately, I had to wake up 1 hour later to drag myself to NUH for the appointment.

Doc said I had to wait at least 2 years before removing my implants, so its another appointment in 6 months time.

On the way back, the roads were wet and slippery, and this guy in an army uniform had to skid and fall right in front of me as we were entering the expressway, luckily I was awake enough to stop in time!

London - Day 4 & 5

We took the 0807 EuroStar to London and arrived in a familiar English speaking environment about 2.5 hours.

The EuroStar stops at Waterloo Station so it was a breeze going to Victoria Station where our hotel was. The Tube tickets are pretty expensive so we decided to get the "Oyster" card (stored value).

We didn't really get a good first impression of London, especially the hotel which we stayed. Small, dusty/dirty and expensive. Everything is NOT INCLUDED and needed to pay extra. For example, the "cold breakfast" which essentially was just cereal, coffee/tea and toast cost 3.5 pounds.

Anyway, we managed to survive on our 100 pound budget for the 2 days, including paying for entrance tickets to the Tower of London and the Queen's Gallery. The rest of the sights are mostly free.

Paris - Day 3

Today was the day trip to the Loir Valley. This trip consists of actually visits to 3 Chateaus. They are:

- Chateau Chambord
- Chateau Cheverny
- Chateau Chenonceau

The morning was pretty dismal as it was cold, windy AND raining ... but luckily, as the day progressed, it got slightly warmer and the rain stopped.

Chambord was nice, huge but a bit old and run down. I think they are in the process of restoring it further. I guess it is also in this state because it is Government owned while the other 2 are privately owned.



Lunch was near Cheverny in a place called Le Grande Chancelier. Food was nice but wasn't particularly impressive.

I did enjoy the trip although most of the time I had to walk slowly because by now my left knee was slightly painful from all the walking. Anyway, we arrived back in Paris at around 8pm for dinner at ... Le McDonalds! :-D

Paris - Day 2

The day started off very early. Went for breakfast with Wifey and her colleagues. After that, we set off together at 0845, they went to work and I went walking again!

First stop, Musee du Louvre. As I was early, it wasn't very crowded. No need to queue for tickets or entry. Spent at least 3 hours non-stop walking through the huge museum and I think I only covered 70%!

Lunch at the Louvre was as usual, touristically expensive. Think my cold cous cous and orange drink cost me 9 euros ...

After that, I had only time to take a walk to the Notre Dame before returning to the hotel to plan/book for day trips for the next day. The Notre Dame was most impressive on the outside, and even more so on the inside ...

Back at the hotel, I had wanted to book for a day trip to the Mont St Michel Abbey on an island. However, I think the tour was very popular so its already full. In the end, Wifey and I finally decided on a tour to the Loir Valley just before we went out for dinner, this time with her colleagues at a nearby Bistro.

By now, I had clocked a total of almost 12 hours of walking time, and my legs feel like they are going to drop off any moment!