I survived Ryanair!

I had been warned by everyone I knew that I should avoid Ryanair, at all costs! I wanted to experience the 'service' for myself. I was booked to fly from Berlin to Stockholm. First encounter with a Ryanair staff member was at the 'Bag Drop' counter. I asked if they had tags to place on your luggage to write your name and contact details; after literally 60 seconds of conversation I was told that Ryanair don't give those out (it was like drawing blood from a stone). I then dropped off my 20.0kg bag – exactly the maximum allowed :) After passing through airport security I looked at the screen to see which gate I was departing from – they don't display that until boarding commences:(  Finally, when boarding began the procedure was very similar to Southwest Airlines in the US; open seating with "first in, best dressed" priority. Overall the experience was actually a positive one. Once on board it was no different to flying Jet Star in Australia; they try to sell you beverages, food and other products. They were a little more commercial in that there were advertisements placed on the overhead compartments (pictured above) and they also not only advertised in their in-flight magazine, but also over the loud speaker (for example discounted rental cars). I would fly Ryanair again – if it was the cheapest.

Berlin

A summary of modern Berlin history:  the vast majority of Berlin was destroyed in the World Wars and then it was split into two parts following World War II – East Berlin (controlled by the Soviet Union) and West Berlin (controlled by the US, UK and France). The Berlin Wall served as a physical barrier; built to stop people fleeing East Germany to West Germany in search of a better life. I have been in Germany for a few weeks and had seen a little of central and south Germany, both were absolutely beautiful. Berlin was not! West Berlin (where my hotel was located) is okay – reminds me, a little, of parts of New York, but not as nice. It was rebuilt by the Allied forces following WWII. East Berlin is a 'dive'. It is a deserted horrible place. I am very glad I went to Berlin, as I enjoyed learning about the Third Reich, Nazi Germany and seeing what remains of the Berlin Wall (pictured above) on some guided tours, but it would be okay if I never returned.

Musée National d'Art Moderne

After visiting the Louvre on Wednesday, Thursday was time to 'hit up' a modern art museum (which is more  my thing). I have to say that I actually enjoyed the Modern Art Museum more than the Louvre. The highlight was a temporary exhibition from India. It had a heavy focus on the environment (particularly the treatment of e-waste) but also addressed on cultural issues (such as the suicide of young women from poor families not being able to come up with a sufficient dowry for marriage) and rape. It was all very well done and very interesting! I really enjoy art work that makes me think about an issue that is relevant in the world. Above is a  photo of a reflection of me in one of the art pieces!

Why aren’t all French people fat?

I am not going kid myself – I ate my way around Paris!! And loved every second. I feel I should dedicate this entry to my Mother and to Jenny – the people who share with me most the love of food. Okay, judgement time (for the cakes – not me!). In first place is the bottom cake - it was thick custard in between ridged flaky layers of pastry. Second place goes to top left, this is cream and raspberry with thick crunchy layers - it was 'to die for'. Final place is the top right - coconut with cream and pieces of crunchy meringue. Just for clarity, I still absolutely adored all of them and would kill for any of them – seriously, give me a name.
Disclaimer: the above comparison between the pastries and the Eiffel Tower is, unfortunately, not a life size comparison.

The Louvre

The most visited art museum in the world – and I could tell. There were people EVERYWHERE. It honestly almost ruined it. Almost. It was amazing – the highlight was the Napoleon Apartments (these original rooms of the palace made the interior of Neuschwanstein Castle look like a hostel). I honestly couldn't stay more than a few hours – fighting through crowds is not the way art should be viewed! Oh yea, I also checked out a painting you may have heard of - Mona Lisa!

Escargots Gratines a`l`ail (Snails)

Paris should be really called '5lbs per 3 days' – I have been eating so much good food (I can always diet once at home, right?) I just had to try snails. I had a half dozen at a traditional restaurant with some people I met on my tour. It was served with garlic and butter and came with some weird silverware that looked like a torture device. I ordered a glass of Riesling, as a chaser, in case they were as horrible as they looked. (I have developed a liking for sweet Riesling after the wine tasting a couple of weekends ago in Germany). I worked out how to use the 'scooper'(after being laughed at by strangers) and ate one. My verdict? Délicieux (Delicious)!

Walking tour of Paris

So after the mediocre walking tour in Munich I wasn't expecting much of the one in Paris (done by the same company – called 'New Europe' if I recall correctly). I was pleasantly surprised – it was really interesting and informative. My tour guide (also called Alex) was very knowledgeable – especially about the history of France and Paris.  He told us some of the history of the last 2,500 years in the 10 minutes before starting the tour. We visited all the top sites – Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame (pictured above), Le Louvre, the famous romantic bridge 'Pont des Arts' (the one where Big comes and finds Carrie in the end of the TV series of Sex and the City – don't judge me) and about a dozen other attractions.