PARIS: BIR HAKEIM BRIDGE - In 1990 I returned to the UK from Australia to see if I could live here. I was born in Australia, but couldn't settle. I was listening to Janet Jackson's album 'Rhythm Nation 1814' when the song 'Come Back to Me' came on. This swung the decision to return to the UK, and I have never regretted the decision. The music video was filmed on the beautiful Bir Hakeim bridge which crosses the River Seine in Paris. I try to find some of the spots where shots were taken.
PARIS: RER train to the city, D-Day commemoration, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower,Arc de Triomphe
Ever been to Paris and seen the African sellers of tourist tat? Do you know what happens when one sees the police approach? I had my camera running when it happened. The plan was NOT to visit any touristy sights while in Paris, but it's hard not to... so I did. It's a must to see the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and the burned remains of the Notre Dame. I also witness a D-Day commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe.
PARIS: CDG AIRPORT - Have you been to Paris CDG airport? If so, how did you find your visit? I haven't been to Paris CDG airport for years, but when I was last here, I got lost. In all fairness there was no CDGVAL train linking the terminals. Maybe it's just me. This time I am determined to find my way around this huge airport, discover the CDGVAL rail system linking terminals, and see the beautiful Air France Concorde for the first time.
PARIS: 12th Arrondissement - A fascinating day of exploring the huge Aligre Market in the 12th Arrondissment area of Paris. I then walk the length of the elevated Coulee Verte walkway (Promenade plantée) followed by a Paris Metro ride to the northwest part of the city to see the futuristic La Defense area.
PARIS: ORIENT EXPRESS - It only operates on certain days of the week, and so over the last 10+ years, every time I was in Paris, I would miss seeing the Orient Express. That changed today. I see the arrival of this beautiful, iconic train arrive and depart at Paris' Gare de l'Est station. I also visit a very historic spot used by Simplon Orient Express passengers in the past.
LISBON-HENDAYE-PARIS: - The TGV from Hendaye to Paris was taken in 1st class because I spotted a deal where the 1st class fare was only around EUR20 more than the 2nd class fare - a bargain. The Paris Metro from Montparnasse to Gare du Nord was train 5 on this trip. I only included Metro services if the distance to be covered couldn't be done on foot.
PARIS-COLOGNE-BERLIN: - I've always had a soft spot for Thalys, but I don't know why. I was a happy man travelling with the high speed Thalys train from Paris to Cologne. I was happier when I managed to get a curry bratwurst at Cologne station between trains. The next journey was on a high speed German ICE train to Berlin. The distance from Berlin Hbf to Alexanderplatz is just 3km in a straight line, and in theory could be walked, so this train wasn't included in the train tally.