We were all dressed in warm clothes but the walk up to Montmartre was hot, as it was such a sunny day. We did some shopping along the streets as we walked up. There were a lot of people sitting on the grass listening to the street musicians and just chit chatting and relaxing. We sat down by the street and had a some drinks. As we were drinking a lot of street artists approached us wanting to sketch us. We declined but they kept coming. So you couldn’t really enjoy your drink and view. But it was still a nice experience for the family to enjoy a cup of drink on Paris streets.

Some other photos of our last few days in Paris that I wanted to show. Went to the different tourist attractions in Paris. Also did some shopping at Galeries Lafayette. No shopping in Paris just sounds weird, so we made a quick stop by the department store. I got myself a bag which was half the price in Taiwan. So it was a well worth purchase.

This isn’t some random photo that I am posting. So the data looks to be on some skateboard with a baby seat attached to it. I haven’t something like this before, so I thought I would share this pic. Kind of cool, right?!

Took the metro from our hotel and transferred to the RER train to get to Palace of Versaille. It took around 1 hour to get to the palace. The palace was huge and the gardens were gigantic. Marie Antoinette’s apartment was also a distance away. You basically need a whole day at Versailles if you plan to see the castle, garden and where Marie Antoinette stays.

The whole place was beautiful and the gardens were well maintained. It was interesting to see the how the bedrooms look like in the old days along with the furniture and decorations. Everything was just to shiny in gold colors. A lot of bling. But I guess thats how kings like it back then.

Here are the large gardens that we walked. I felt like I was having a workout just walking the gardens.

The walk to Marie Antoinette’s apartment. My brother and sister in law walked with me. The other’s were too tired or maybe lazy to walk. So they paid 4 euros to sit on a train car to Marie Antoinette.

I have been wanting to post something but somehow I never make it to posting. I guess I have to many excuses and never ending up posting. So today the excuses will stop! Recently, I took the family on a trip to Paris and Barcelona. I the planned the whole trip and looked for places to stay. It was like doing homework. Had to make sure every part of the trip suited everyone. The planning was tiring and leading/guiding the family was also tiring. Would I do another trip again…probably…but maybe with less people, so there will be less opinions. Haha.

So here are some photos of Paris. We stayed at Hôtel Elysées Opéra. The receptionist was super friendly. She showed us our way around the map and pointed out direction. So immediately I felt welcomed. The location was actually great. Around 5-10 minutes walk to restaurants and the metro. A 3 minute walk to the supermarket. Also it is near the Moulin Rouge. Before your arrival, the hotel will send you a survey to ask some basic questions if you need anything. Also, after your stay you will get a customer satisfaction survey. Overall, I would recommend this hotel for people who are traveling without a tour guide as the metro is close and transportation is easy.

Here I am at the famous Time Square. I had to force my friend to take a photo with me. Since my friend lives in in NY close to Time Square, I don’t think she was excited as I was during photo time.

Time Square day time

Walking through downtown. The streets were less crowded during the weekend compared to midtown. There was so many financial buildings and made me wonder what it would feel like to work in a financial area. I guess it would be a lot of stress but then what work has no stress, right?!

I love the architecture of the building. The style is so New York and that’s what I love about it. As I was walking I saw a building with a fire escape outside of the building. This reminds me of all the movies I see filmed in New York. This is definitely something you won’t see in other countries.

Later the afternoon we went battery park. We bought some coffee and sat at the park. We could see Statue of Liberty from afar. While sitting at the park drinking coffee and chatting felt so peaceful.

Fire escape

New York Stock Exchange

Battery Park

Statue of Liberty

St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne was another tourist spot on my list. The cathedral looked small on the outside, but it was actually bigger than I expected. I love the cathedral architecture. It gives this European atmosphere.

Happy belated New Years! I was busy traveling during New Years so I’m only managing to post this now. I guess New Years is pretty much the same everywhere. Fire works and more fire works. I did not make any new year resolutions. Hope I don’t regret. Well… I do have a goal which is to get fit and start going to the gym. So far I have not made it to the gym yet. I feel like I am still on holiday!

It was really dark and I had a difficult time to taking a selfie on my phone as you just couldn’t see my face. So my friend and I stood on the same spots taking lots and lots of selfie trying to get the right angle with the right lights. Then suddenly this old guys says to us ” girls how many selfies do you want to take.” At that I realized I must have taken too many selfies! Here is my so called selfies!

Everyone waiting for fire works!

Everyone leaving after fire works are over