Weekend of Music and Wine in Paris

This weekend, we went to Paris, a city of love (yeah... right!), music, food, good wines and French language. I have to say, that the main reason we went to Paris in first place, was Pianoamatures competition where my mother took 4th place (out of more then 110 participants from all over the world). This, of course, took some of the time we had to explore the hidden corners of Paris, but we enjoyed an excellent and very unusual (at least for me) evening of music and Parisian intelligentsia at one of the best houses of Paris (with magnificent view on the Eiffel Tower). How could imagine that people play "Guess the Composer" game with classic music as well...?

Instead of staying in the (very expensive) heart of Paris, we opted for a Hilton La Defence which is only 10 minutes journey by train to the very centre of Paris. La Defence is a modern neighbourhood made of steel and glass; very different from the historic centre of Paris. I definitely recommend spending an hour or two for a quick hop there , at least to see the Arche de la Défense.

Paris is a beautiful city, but “City of Love”? It is full of tourists staring at Eiffel Tower and Algerians selling fake copies of it to them (mind you, €1 is a very good deal!), but the food is so good! I know it seems that we are on a gastronomy-trip around the world, but I have to say that Paris will hold a special place in my hart (or stomach). So... buy cheese, vegetables, fresh baguette and a bottle of local wine and loose yourself in the city!

Check out our photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/20090329WeekendInParis#slideshow

Enjoy, John.

Cross Europe in 4 Days

I took my time... sorry for that.

As I mentioned before, I starded a new job at Verizon Business UK a few weeks ago and those guys keep me busy.

We have this multinational, multicontinental, multimillionaire client whom I cannot mention (of course) and last week, I had to audit their offices in Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Brussels. Of course, you can fly, but why to fly if you can take a Tranhotel?

There is not much to say about it; Restaurant was SUPERB, my (Grand Deluxe) cabin was small but comfortable with my own shower and toilet, but the best thing is that you don't have to get two hours in advance to the airport (which is usually located some distance from the city) for tedious security checks, and you arrive all refreshed to the very centre of your destination.

Well, check out my photo album at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/john.markh/20080613AroundTheEuropeIn4Days. Although most of it is Lisbon, you can still catch a glimpse of Madrid and Paris.

Enjoy, John.