The Serpent's Shadow

In continuation of the Kane Chronicles, Rick Riordan once again weaves an intricate story of Ancient Egypt with a touch of modernization. The Kanes are back- with their usual apocalypse situation. With the world coming to an end in three days, Sadie and Carter are probably around the only godly children that are thinking: 'not again'. In a battle between Chaos and Ma'at, the odds are as slim as ever for the two children with destiny in their hands. And it doesn't help that they seem to be juggling people more dangerous than chainsaws in their hands. As Carter and Sadie go along with their own personal lives, make disputes, and try to save the world, they end up to be closer than ever, and guarding each others backs. Because that is the only way that they can survive. With help from friends, gods, their uncle, and of course, each other. However, when they find that they have to go separate ways in order to accomplish the restoration of Ma'at within the deadline, things get a little more tricky. And like magic, they need a few miracles. It seems that some people get all the bad luck. After all, it was less than a year ago since Carter and Sadie entered the Brooklyn House without any knowledge of their capabilities- and now they are leading it, with their magical abilities (which indeed have improved a lot). I guess they work well together with magic under stress like, perhaps, the world ending and Chaos eating away Ma'at by the day. But as dire and depressing and that may sound, it really isn't. Okay. That may have been a little stretch of the truth, but they have friends that are there to back them up. Friends that will be there for them even if the world is being torn apart. Especially if the world is being torn apart. And then they have their gods and goddesses. Whom are offering their help. Not all, but some. Yet it's going to take more than brute force to win this war. And brute force is all that Apophisis has. It's up to them, again, to defeat Apophisis, again, and restore peace to the world. Again. The question is, will their brave no-plan follow through? Or will they just become Apophisis' appetizers?

Rick Riordan is an amazing writer and he humours us once again through the mishaps of Sadie and Carter Kane as they travel through the Duat, Hell, and the Land of Demons. Really. It just gets better and better. The two siblings are in a tough situation as ever, and they always ponder about right and wrong choices. They certainly have a lot more on their minds than a regular twelve-year-old. And with all this magic going on, it seems like they have no time to be normal kids- to experience a day when they are not saving the world, or seeking scrolls that have a 99.99999% chance of sending them to their deaths. How lovely.

If you are a great fan of Rick Riordan books, I completely advise you to read this book. Alas. May the Gods look down your path and find good fortune, and may the stars light your path. Let the adventure commence!

**** I give this book a 9.8888889 out of 10. Amazing!*****

Garfield Lard of the Jungle

Well well. If it isn't America's favourite cat. Trust me. If I made my own dictionary, I would have a definition of Garfield in it and it would go somewhat along the lines of this. Garfield. Noun. The fattest, laziest, funniest cat in the world with the appetite of an elephant. Possibly one of the descriptions of the seven sins. Sloth. He suits the definition perfectly. In Jim Davis's 52nd book, Garfield is as crazy, fat, and lazy as ever. Personally, I am a huge Garfield fan because he is hilarious and manages to keep the jokes appropriate at the same time. With Garfield, Odie, Jon, Arlene, Liz, and the World's Cutest Kitten (Nermal), the comic only gets better. Unfortunately, I have to say that the cover corresponds with nothing in the book. He never even steps outside to anywhere grassy. ONCE! When Jon decides to go miniature golfing with Liz and Garfield, Garfield comes up to be the most sympathetic cat in the whole universe. He is so kind and caring that he lifts up Jon's spirits every single time something bad happens to the ball, which is every time. Now if you believed a word of that, I pray that you go on dictionary.com and make sure you search the word 'sarcasm' up. I am positive it will give you an answer. And when Garfield's birthday comes along....... Well, it's a 'honking big number' (as Jon says) and Garfield doesn't seem to appreciate the honking big number his age is. And with Odie, Jon, the Mouse, and the Spider getting in all their laughs in, the only thing that keep Garfield's spirits up is the presents. And the cake. Really. What are taking those time machines so long to develop?!

Garfield is a great book for laughs and can really get your spirits up..... In a page!

For more fun, comics, games, and other hilarious things, go to garfield.com for a little laugh or two!

***I give this comic book a 9.889 out of 10. Funny.***

The Time Travelers ~The Gideon Trilogy~

Is traveling back in time really what it is hyped up to be? If you fell in a hole and found yourself in 1763 without your parents, would it really be that exciting? Sure- it would be nice to see history and to be like: 'I know what your future is going to be! I know what you're going to do and what country will take over what!' or to go around experiencing things that you would never have done in your present life. But some things have changed for the better. Wouldn't you miss that? 

With no way to turn back and no understanding of how they got there, The Time Travelers are plopped into 1763 through the sky. Literally. Gideon, who was running from a sinister, evil man called the Tar Man, insists that he saw the sky being peeled back and the two being levered onto Earth like puppets on strings. Added to that, it has magically turned into near Christmas when it had been summer only a few moments ago. Dazed, bruised and demanding answers, The Time Travelers were an unsightly mess as Gideon found them.

Who are the Time Travelers? The Time Travelers are the main characters of the story- Kate Dyer and Peter Schock. Kate Dyer is a strong, brave girl of a strong mind, but one that you can find in tears easily. Peter is more of an independent boy that likes to be on his own and is used to being on his own. He, unlike Kate, is a 'townie' as Kate calls him. Unfamiliar with country life, he find himself wishing to be somewhere else. But be careful what you wish for- it may not turn out exactly as expected.

Between family relationships and their differences, Peter and Kate don't find themselves at ease with one another at the beginning, but turn out to develop a strong friendship at the end. However, will they arrive back home safely?

*** I give this book a 8 out of 10. It had an interesting plot, but I think it could have used a bit more action......***

Once he said se wished that I had been his father. Then it was my turn to be angry. "What madness is this?" I cried. "What crime has your father committed that you would trade him for a cutpurse?"

"He has committed no crime," Peter replied, "Unless a father can be punished for not loving his son."

~ The Life and Times of Gideon Seymour,

Cutpurse and Gentleman , 1792

Death Note

Hi! I'm going to start off with a few questions. First off. Is anyone familiar with Death Note? The manga? Also- for people who do know Death Note, what do you think you would do if you had a Death Note as well? For one- would you have the nerve to kill someone if you were going to kill them? For two, if you had a death note, how would you use it? Would you go all out as Light did to hide the Death Note and to throw people off trail if they came to find it? Now. Enough questions. I know all my answers!

If I had the ability to caption anything, I would caption this Death Note Manga 'A Genius Kind of Manga'. Really- the author really made Light and 'L' two genii! But before I decide to get you into this complicated world of genii, death, and gods, let me give you a slight intro to the actual characters and book.
First off, I thought I would mention the fact that I bought the black edition. It has two Death Note volumes in one, and it is black. Literally. Other than the occasional white, when I got this book, the first thing that crossed my mind was: 'wow. They sure must have used a lot of black ink.' Also, this manga is T+, meaning it is meant for older teens. The actual death note is a diary. A diary of a shinigami, meaning death god. A death note is basically a notebook, and it comes with a set of rules. Basically, it is a killing diary. When you write a person's full name into the note, it will kill the person. And there is a bunch of other rules involved but really- it's better if you read it.

Now a little about the actual characters.....

Light Yagami is seventeen years old, incredibly smart, and a very studious teenager. His father is the head of the NPA police, and he lives with his father, his mother, and his sister. The manga starts with Light being very bored in school when a note book drops out of the sky. That's right. It is the Death Note. Light Yagami is the main character in this story and one that I admire very much for his brains.

'L' (he never gives his full name in the two volumes), otherwise known as Ryuzaki (although I am sure that that is not his real name, either), is another genius. Really. This book is loaded with genii. A rather thorough and amazingly exact detective, he is spectacular and again, I admire his loads for his brain. However, not that much is shown about Ryuzaki, as he always keeps to himself for the prospect of 'Kira' (killer, otherwise 'un'known as Light) having a part in the task office. Ryuzaki is very very cautious and I admire him for that as well as Light who is equally cautious not to let any clues slip!

Those are about the two main characters in the story....... Perhaps the shinigami? Well, known as Ryuk, he isn't quite so smart and tends to ask a lot of questions to his human, Light. He is definitely an interesting character, and........ I think that's all........ Oh yeah. Death gods love apples.

Death Note is a mind squalling book/manga, and I hope you read it because it is really a brain-teaser!

***** I give this book a 9.9999999 out of 10. It's really spectacular!!!!!******

Artemis Fowl- a word or two

Okay. I LOVE ARTEMIS FOWL (yes, I love the character too, but I meant the series in this particular sentence). Let me get that clear. Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian, the last book in the AF series, just came out. Available in Costco, Chapters, and bookstores worldwide, it is an amazing ending book to an amazing series. I JUST LOVE ARTEMIS FOWL SERIES- I CAN'T EXPRESS IT ENOUGH!!!!!!! It is a must-read and I just have to say, it's awesomeness is right up there with the Harry Potter series! Undoubtedly, Artemis Fowl is one of the best sci-fi series ever written so far for children, and has the right amount of humour, romance (yes- even that- and I'm not a very lovy-dovey person, but in this, the romance was..... different), and other things. I just cannot express how awesome it is, and I just have to say...... READ IT PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! If you wish to find out more about this awesome, epic, legit series (I usually don't use this kind of vocabulary, but pardon me- the situation calls for it), go on

http://www.artemisfowl.com/
or

http://www.artemisfowl.co.uk/site/Home.php

to read more about this series that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!! I will love this series for forever and a day, and I am sad to see that it is done, finished, capishe, but it had a stunning ending, so that's okay!

************** I rate this book a million and one out of ten and I hope you read it because I LOVE IT!

The House At Pooh Corner

Winnie the Pooh was one was one of my very dear and favourite classic children's book character when I was young, and it still is! I absolutely love Pooh and I think that the world of Christopher Robin is absolutely magical. From Owl's (or Wol, as he calls himself) Wisdom, to Rabbit's Organization, and Eeyore's (or Eor, as he calls himself) grumpiness to Tigger's bounciness, it is a lovable tale from the finish to the end. And you can't forget little Piglet, grand Christopher Robin, and sweet-as-honey Pooh (which makes sense from the amount of honey he eats)! 

The House at Pooh Corner is not all that is in the Winnie the Pooh collection- there are many books that are also there. Many more books to enjoy and enthrall in reading. Pooh may seem to be a little 'young' for some people, but I am not that Young, and I find that I take great love in reading these anyway. It is a grand book, with grand characters, and a grand couple of chapters. I cannot say much because most, if not all, people know about Winnie the Pooh, and I just have to say that Winnie the Pooh is just that sort of book that a youngster wants to read to them at night. A cozy little story to top off a day.

What characters are in this book? Well, there is Pooh, Piglet, Christopher Robin, Rabbit, Tigger, Small, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, and the all too many friends and relations of Rabbit! As it is an ideal bedtime story, Goodnight!

*** I give this book a 9.6 out of 10- it love Winnie the Pooh!!!!!!!!!***

Galeries Lafayette

A lot of people know about the 'grand' Galeries Lafayette Department Store. However, I have to say that when I went, it was really crowded. There was hardly any breathing space! Lafayette is a grand store- it almost looked like an opera center! The ceiling was  nice and high, and if you make your way to the center of Lafayette, you will be able to view an amazing-looking ceiling. But you won't be able to stand there staring at the sky for very long before the crowd jostles you along, and eager shoppers stomp on your feet. I think that it is a great place- if you keep moving and avoid getting stepped on! The crowds there are huge, but I think that it is mostly the worst on the first floor- it gets slightly better as you escalate up the floors.

Ceiling of Lafayette

In Lafayette, I bought my most treasured souvenir from Europe- my Waterman fountain pen. It is really nice, in my opinion, and it cost quite a bit of money. However, I tried it out, and I have to say that it runs really really well and I think that Waterman fountain pens are awesome! A recommendation from me to fountain pen users- use Waterman or Mont Blanc!

There isn't really that much to say about Lafayette, except for the fact that there is a lot of people, and even though it is very large, (or at least looks very large) that many people inside? Way too crowded. Perhaps they should add some expansions.... Very stuffy..... But if you can ignore all the noise, you will find somethings you love, like I got my fountain pen! The rest of the mall store place is pretty self-explanatory. It's nice and some will love it while others not. I hope you get the chance to look around it and poke at a bit of fun in the grand Lafayette- perhaps you would like to pick a day when there aren't that many people- a weekday? After all, all the people could have been there because we picked a weekend instead of a weekday. I wouldn't say that this shopping place is a must-go in Paris, but if you're interested in shopping, by all means- check it out.

Musee D'orsay

Outside Le Musee D'orsay

Here we come to another great Museum- Le Musee D'orsay. Again, there are great artworks, and well as great statues to view and admire. Some paintings include the artwork of Renoir, Degas, Monet, Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin, Rodin, and other famous as well as less well-known artists, sculptors, and so forth. The paintings were amazing- all the detail that was put into it was almost like a photograph. From dark, gloomy paintings to light paintings that fill up with light, to the grand and powerful Gate to Hell to the smallest of small paintings, they all tell a story, whether about themselves, the things that they believe in, or the things that they know, learned, or love. Musee D'orsay is large- far larger than the Musee De L'orangerie, and perhaps in check with Le Louvre. It would take more than one day to see through it all in detail, actually appreciating it. The artwork that is there is definitely amazing- you will gape at both ones that you have heard of before and definitely know as well as the ones that you have never seen before. Because there is a beauty in seeing ones you have seen before as well as ones you haven't. Because everything is different- even if fifty artists paint the same sunflower, each artist will have a different perspective towards it- and a different way of drawing it. One may use dark colours, and another one may wish to make it bright and neon. I think I like looking at the ways that each artist expressed their thing, or things- that is what makes a painting worth seeing and enjoying. One may copy another, but it may be completely different from what they copied. Because everyone has a different style. There is no 'same' in this world- everyone is unique.

Inside Le Musee D'orsay

If you wish to look at a few more paintings, click the site below:
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/painting.html
or type 'paintings in the Musee D'orsay' on Google. First one is probably it.

If you wish to look at a few sculptures, check out;
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collections/works-in-focus/sculpture.html
or type 'sculptures in the Msuee D'orsay' on Google. Again, the first one will be it.

if you wish to visit the Musee D'orsay home site, please check:
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html
or type 'musee D'orsay' on Google. First one!

Musee de L'orangerie

Compared to the Louvre, or the Musee D'orsay, Musee de L'orangerie is small, almost insignificant. But never judge a book by its cover. Inside the Musee de L'orangerie were eight paintings that I have to say I enjoyed looking at the most of all the paintings I saw in Paris. However, before we look at what is inside, let's look at the outside first.

Inside of the Gates of the Musee de L'orangerie

Located in the middle of a forest-like park, it is surrounded by trees, woodland, and birds. It is a small building that looks much like a greenhouse, almost, with its clear windows and structure. When we went, there was a slight line up, not too long, but a line all the same. They go through a slight security check up, and there is a place where someone is collecting money- the admission fees. Again, if you have a Museum Pass, access it 'free'. For me, I went underground first, as there are paintings there as well. However, I wasn't as impressed about the bottom level as I was the top. All I have to say: the top floor hid wonders.

Have you heard of the Claude Monet's famous Water Lily Pond? It's a very famous painting, and very well-known and supposed to be very breath-taking. Personally, I am not a very big fan of art- I respect the artists' will to paint and their exceptionality in it, but I have to say that I have never been quite an 'arty' person. However, Claude Monet's Water Lily Pond changed my view on art just being art. It is a way to capture a moment or to tell a story. It is a way to express oneself. I knew that. I mean who doesn't? Every time that you go to the art gallery, they tell you: 'art is a way to share your knowledge, and to express your feelings in a creating way...' But that has never shown me what art an artist can weave. Water Lily Pond is a definite must see in Paris- it will blow your mind to see the water lilies floating out of the water. I cannot express how beautiful it is. It captures the lilies, the pond, and the seasons, all in eight cuts. BRAVO!!!!!!! I loved it, and the paintings get better the longer you stare at them. Slowly, you will see the lilies rising from the pond, and make it seem like a 3D movie. Except better! However, you are not allowed to take any photos of the actual painting, so a 'borrowed' a few from others that went against the rules and took some. Below are the eight paintings. 

Arc de Triomphe

This majestic structure is one that is should by viewed by Paris tourists. Whether you view it by day, when the sun gives the structure a marble, white, colour, or whether you visit it by night, when the dark cloak of shadows and the shining light give it a beautiful, enriching, golden colour, it is is masterpiece. A great big arc of a masterpiece! However, if you wish to climb the some 284 steps, be warned that the arc closes at ten o'clock or ten thirty in the night. 

Arc de Triomphe by Morning

How to get up to the Arc de Triomphe. Well, let's start at the very beginning. (A very good place to start...) First, how to get to the Arc de Triomphe, across the busy, bustling street of honking cars and 'vroom'ing motorcycles? Well, across the subway station that emerges from the front of the path Champ-Elysee, there is a set of stairs leading underground. If you read the inscription above, you will find that it says Arc de Triomphe written above the stairwell. Follow the stairs down, and it will soon lead you to another separate set of stairs (on your left). Travel up, and you will find yourself at the direct bottom of the Arc de Triomphe. If you look at the picture, specifically the right corner section of it. When you surface from the stairs, right on your left will be stairs that lead right up to the top of the arc. There is an admission fee, but if you have a Museum Pass, well, it's all on your pass. The climb that comes next is not a hard climb, nor a very long climb either. However, I wouldn't recommend it to people that have moments of troubled breathing, or have heart problems. I have to say that it may look like a long way up.......

One Snail Shell of a Stair!

But it really isn't! It will be over in a few minutes. Once you get up the final few stairs of the first stairwell, there is a flat floor where you can catch your breath and have a drink of water, or wait impatiently for family to come up. If you reach this place, good for you! You have climbed 235 steps! From now, there is an elevator for the impaired to go up the rest. But exercise is good for you! When you get up to the top of the arc, you will be energized with a spectacular view of Paris below. Now........

Let's go down!

If you take an interest in climbing the Arc de Triomphe, check out
http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/
or just google arc de triomphe and it will be the second, if not first, one!

Museum Passes in Paris

If you are thinking of going to a lot of Museums, I have to say that the Museum Pass is a great pass for you. Not to mention the gigantic line ups that you can pass, you're definitely not going to regret the choice. Once again, the Museum Pass should only be bought if you are thinking of going numerous times to different Museums- I for one bought one because I decided to go to a lot of Museums, and I was also thinking of going to them more than once. I didn't regret my choice. Museums are really large- some are, anyways. You won't be able to look at some all in one round. For example, I went to the Louvre around twice- once to the see the Mona Lisa solely, and the second time to see a bit more- but even then, I didn't get to see it all because my legs got tired!!!!! So the Museum Pass is great for people who are going to go to Museums Multitudes of times!

Down below is the official Museum Pass site- or you can type in Museum Pass Paris, in Google, and it's the first link there!


http://en.parismuseumpass.com/

The Louvre- Mona Lisa

On my second day in Paris, France, I decided to pay a visit to the Louvre, targeting one certain piece of artwork in general: the Mona Lisa by Leonardo DaVinci. It's a very, very, very, famous painting, and one that is very well-known. However, I was a bit unsatisfied at the fact that number one, the Mona Lisa was smaller than I had expected. It was hardly the size of a poster board- not even. Also, they put several panes of glass up, so that getting a clear photo of the Mona Lisa was impossible. Of course, they had two guards standing next to the Mona Lisa at all times, not to mention a wooden bar around it. Due to that fact, you could not get very close to the Mona Lisa, and even with a professional camera, taking a great photo wasn't an easy task. If you use the quick-snaps, you won't be able to see it- the actual screen goes black- there is not enough light that enters the camera to make sure that it is seen. I was a bit mad because they didn't even let you go up to the photo to see the actual picture, so it may have been a fake, even (however sure I'm pretty sure that it isn't a fake, there was no way I could make sure). Did you know that DaVinci even printed his initials in super tiny letters into parts of the picture? In the original printing, they would have the letters, and therefore, I would know that it wasn't faux. Due to the fact that it was so far away, and we were positioned around five feet away from the picture, not to mention around five panes of glass in between, it was very hard to get a good look at the supposedly real picture, and the initials that would have proved it real. Yet having said that, I wonder that even if I had looked at it up close, would I been able to spot the tiny initials? Also, I see why they would want to guard the Mona Lisa so fiercely that no one could come less than five meters to it, after the many incidents that had happened with it getting damaged or stolen. After all, even if it isn't that large and it is fiercely guarded, it is the Mona Lisa, with her lopsided smile, and I have to admit, Leonardo, you were an epic drawer!!!!!!!!

Perhaps you will go to the Louvre one day and get to see the Mona Lisa for yourself.

Bateaux Parisien in Paris (Seine River)

Have you ever heard of the Bateaux Parisiens? Well, in Paris, I took the gigantic boat- the Bateaux Parisiens, down the choppy waters of the Seine River. However, be contended. The waves splash up the sides of the boat a bit, but really, you can't even notice. It's perfect for both tourists that get seasick easily to the people that enjoy and have a bit of experience with the sea. For me, I fall into neither of those categories of people. I'm not a person with much experience at sea, but at the same time, not one to get sea sick from a boat. Meanwhile, one of my family members get seasick quite easily, but she was fine and fared well on the trip. She even comments that since it was rather slow, it wouldn't be quite easy to get seasick. While saying that, no guarantees that you won't get seasick. Perhaps you are a little more apprehensive of the water than getting seasick. For that, I would recommend that you stay off deck and not board ship.

What is the Bateaux Parisiens? The Bateaux Parisiens is a one story cruise ship, (or a tourist ship, as I call it) that sails down the waters of the Seine River. That being said, I would rather call the motion of moving downstream 'floating', due to the fact that it moves at such a slow pace. Do you know what the English translation of Bateaux Parisiens is? It's The Boat of the People of Paris, or something close to that. This cruise even has a little 'phone' that has eight different languages that tell you about the cruise and acts like a tour guide. However, be aware that some , of not most, languages are not there- again, there are only eight. There is English, French, German, Chinese, and a few more. It takes you on an hour long cruise, starting from very near the Eiffel Tower, under twelve bridges of magnificent structure, and passing eight very important and very famous sites: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dam, the Louvre, and Muse D'Orsay included. Not to mention the fun of waving to other strangers and having them wave back at you. Some one hundred and fifty people waved back at me on the way back from the end, and back to the starting port. Can you beat my record? (Just a friendly challenge!)

The Seine River cruise is a must in Paris for any tourist. If you wish to find out more, click the link below or just type in Bateaux Parisien in Google, and the official website will be the first one!
http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/

The Eiffel Tower (Le Tour Eiffel)

When you think about France, what monument do you see the most in your mind? I find with most that their minds wander to the Eiffel Tower. Many of you are familiar with the Eiffel Tower, or Le Tour Eiffel. After all, there aren't may that do not know about it. I found that in Paris, if you went relatively close to the Eiffel Tower, you weren't able to see the top of the actual tower. Therefore, there is another platform built right across the Eiffel Tower that gives you a magnificent view of the actual tower. I tried taking a photo right at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, touching one of the legs of the Eiffel Tower, and believe me, it didn't work. When I look at the photo now, I would only know that that photo was taken under the famous Eiffel top because I was there. All I could see was the bottom part of the tower (and barely at that) and people. People in line ups. People eating slurpees. People with blue tongues. People with green tongues. Pigeons. Ducks. And more pigeons. Thankfully we knew about the hill that gave off a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, or that meager, pitiful picture would have been all we had from the 'grand' Eiffel Tower.

Front View of Le Tour Eiffel

The lines. The lines of the Eiffel Tower are really really really long. They look like they will take just about forever to get through. Also, you have to pay admission fees to get in. I thought the stairs wouldn't have a line up and that we wouldn't have to pay admission fees, but no such luck. At the end, we ditched the idea. However, you may be very eager to get on the Eiffel Tower. If it is for the view of the Eiffel Tower, I wouldn't recommend it. After all, it is rather difficult to take a picture of something that you are on, unless you wish to take a video of you going up. Meanwhile, if it is for the view of Paris, I think it would be a wonderful idea- especially if you wish to master the virtue of patience on the way!

Bottom View of Le Tour Eiffel- You can barely see the top

Le Tour Eiffel is marvelous, no doubt, and I hope you have the luck to see it, like me!

Some Important Information for the Paris Gare du Nord Station and French Taxis

Unfortunately, my final day in Koln came, and we started to head back to Paris on the Thalys. We boarded to Thalys on our way to Paris, on the two hour trip back. However, I was pretty contended on the way. When we reached Paris, France, we hurriedly tried to hail a taxi. Yet, going through this now, I warn you. There are phonies in the market, even the taxi market. If you exit directly out of the Gare du Nord, you will find that there are a bunch of people lined up right at your front. The line up is about an hour line up- you will wait around and hour to get on the taxi. Also, the people there offer at very high prices. If the money is that high for all of the rides, I am not certain. However, from the Gare du Nord to the Novotel montparnasse, they asked for around 130Є. That's a lot of money! Therefore, across the street and a few lengths down, you will see a smaller line. If you line up there, It will take you much less time to hail a taxi, not to mention that it will certainly be a lot cheaper for you! Here, the taxi drivers will charge you by the time, or the meter, but at the other line up, I do believe that they have a fixed rate for you! However, I have to say that if you have a large family, or a large amount of suitcases, it is slightly hard for you to find a large taxi, so as my family and I did, we spit up into two taxis.

A slight note about taxis- the certain taxi that I rode is was a rather fast driver, and I do think that we were over the speed limit around...... all the time. We nearly had collisions with three pedestrians, two cars, one bus, one lamppost, and heard our driver cursing at a car that hadn't stopped at red light, when half the time, we didn't either. A rather enjoyable car trip, wouldn't it have been? However, we made it to our hotel in one piece, and even under 30Є! It was worth the jostling, I would think. The driver even took liberties to point famous things out. Personally, I wouldn't have minded him not pointing the things out because his eyes kept straying from the road..... Constantly! Personally, I found it a miracle he even got his driver's license. But I shouldn't be complaining. I'm not dead yet!

All in all, it was an *cough* enjoyable taxi ride and I *cough* had fun! I hope you get to experience the heart-stopping sight of nearly crashing into three people, two cars, one bus, and one lamppost in a matter of ten minutes...... And survive! Anyone going to Paris? Have fun! (I may have made it seem like Paris is horrible and that the drivers are bonkers, but it's not like that!....... Well, to some extent. Paris is lovely!!!!! The drivers are bonkers (not all, most), but Paris is lovely!!!!!)

Koln (Cologne) Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

After riding the Eurostar to Paris, France, I took the Thalys to Cologne (Koln), Germany. I had an okay time- it only took around two hours. Again, I was buried in a book.

In Koln (I'm just going to say Koln), I saw the Koln Cathedral (I believe that the Germans call it Kölner Dom) and had to agree that it was indeed a masterpiece. The building itself was massive and I can see why the army bombing Germany did not wish to harm it. The Koln Cathedral is located right outside of the station that we got off the Thalys and when you first exit, your eye will land upon it. At first, it looks like a building with fifty shades of black on it (does anyone know that book 50 Shades of Grey? It's an adult book, and I haven't read it, but it is supposedly good), but on closer inspection, it is rather a grand and formal-looking building. It is so massive in size that if you wish to take a photo of yourself and it, it would be recommended that the person who is taking it crouches down and takes a picture of it as if you take a front photo, only so much of the Cathedral will come out. It is massive and nice and dirty in colour (did you know that it was supposed to be white?), but beautiful all the same. However, you just haven't gone in yet.

Ouside of the Kölner Dom

What is inside the Kölner Dom? Well, stained glass for one, some statues as well. But the stained glass in not just  'stained glass'. It's amazing- it's artwork on glass. It's artwork that I can barely do well on paper, done perfectly on glass. It's amazing, it is beautiful, it just takes away your breath when you walk in. Thought cathedrals were boring? Think again. I have decided now that if I had a pair of binoculars, and I was inside of the cathedral, I would be able to stare at the window for hours. The 'wowness' of those stained glasses cannot be put into words, nor pictures. I hope that it is a sight that you are able to see one day! The Kölner Dom is a masterpiece outside and inside. Once you get inside, you will see the beauty of stained glasses that you wouldn't probably have ever felt before!

To any German readers: One question.... How do you say Koln or Cologne? How do you spell it? I personally don't really know- I only spent two days in Germany- it was quite nice. I just don't want to call Koln or Cologne the wrong way....... Is in said 'Quelehn'? "Colone?" Thank you and please don't think badly of me!

The Eurostar

I was lucky enough to have the chance to ride the Eurostar. But before looking at the Eurostar Train, I would like to tell you a little bit about the London Eurostar station.

The London Eurostar station is located within the St. Pancras station. The St. Pancras station is located next to the Kings Cross Station, and it is a large, grand building. If you wish to shop for London souvenirs, I recomend that you not check in and go into the train-waiting area due to the fact that there are close to no shops once you get in. So come early and mingle around at the shops- there is more than one place that you can eat at, not to mention a lot of places that are great for souvenirs. There are also bookstores and much more. I personally didn't have that much time to spend looking around and didn't even get to explore the whole place, which was a bummer. I really really really really love the St. Pancras station, and I ended up buying my friends souvenirs all from a certain Cath Kidston store that I loved! All in all, I loved London!!!!!

Now, the actual train is really nice as well. It's pretty long, and it moves really fast. With some people, I find that they believe that the Eurostar travels mostly underground, but that's not true. It only travels underground for around twenty to thirty minutes in total in the three hours that it takes to get from London to Paris. I was very pleased at the niceness of the Eurostar- even when you head underground, you can barely feel it except for a little pressure on your ears. It really helps if you have a good book, as I was burrowed in my own book for most of the trip. Also, you don't stay underground for twenty minutes straight- you bob down, then resurface a few minutes afterwards- one to two minutes at a time. It was quite comfortable and the train even has a snack cart, which I found immensely helpful. It does get rocky at some times but personally, I don't find it too bad. There are some intervals- it isn't a straight route to Paris- they stop sometimes. If you find that boredom really gets into you, I recommend that you bring a book, just in case. But the scenery outside is really nice, not that I ventured a lot into looking out into nature on this trip that much, and there is a lot of green- I'm sure you will be just fine.

I hope you have as much of an enjoyable experience in London and on the Eurostar as I did!

Afternoon Tea

Having afternoon tea was definitely one of the highlights of London for me. I drank afternoon tea in the Radisson hotel close to the British Museum. It was an amazing experience for me- the tea is really, really, good! My favourite tea has to be the English Breakfast tea. Mixed together with the right amount of sugar, it has a taste that seems to meet well with my taste buds. I tried it at the hotel and now it has become my favourite tea!

English Breakfast Tea

They also served us delicious sandwiches, scones, and tarts. It was quite tasty, and I definitely enjoyed it a lot! Did you know that apparently, you're supposed to eat from the bottom to the top? I certainly didn't..... I ate from the top, then the bottom, and hardly touched the middle!

Sandwiches, scones, and tarts alike- they were all absurdly tasty!

If you wish to check out the hotel that I had afternoon tea in, please click the link below- it is the main site for the Radisson hotel.
http://www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/london-hotel-gb-wc1b-3qd/gbmarlbo/home;jsessionid=1g7qP0WLGzl8yHyBpTJClqMdtltxQDXF29QywJhpyw17VCkS7sJL!-1301771134

Billy Elliot the Musical

I have to say that Billy Elliot was the most breathtaking musical that I have ever seen (not that I have seen too many)! It is amazing and really touching. What makes it even more amazing is that Billy has the power to express so much through dancing. Maybe the special effects make a difference as well..... But he's an amazing dancer (and amazing at tap as well- I've never seen someone's feet fly so fast!) and so are pretty much all the characters in that musical that dance. All of the cast is really really really good at expressing themselves, through language or dance, it is, and the musical really shows to pursue your dreams. When I saw it, the actor for Billy was twelve years old, and I was really surprised because the show is actually very long, and if I tap for two hours, I'm road kill! The actual show was around three hours long. And that is a long time to dance for! I have to say that my favourite character was Michael, the boy that wished so much to be a girl. Billy Elliot was an amazing show and I hope you get the chance to see it if you ever go to London!

Billy Elliot is a MUST- SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot emphasize how awesome it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, which is close to the heart of London, is located moderately close to Trafalgar Square, and is currently the administrative office to the Monarch. It has been the official residence of British sovereigns since 1837.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is a beautiful and enchanting palace, with a park right to it's side that looks perfect for a stroll on a cloudless, sunny afternoon. Swans, finches, ducks, and an assortment of birds to wonder after and to entertain you are there as well. I took a lot of photos here, as the pathway was all decked out in Union Jack flags- due to the fact that we had just missed the Jubilee. In the park was this huge Crown of Flowers, and it was a great sight because if you looked closely, you could see all the different flower patterns that made the crown to actually symbolize a crown!

The Crown of Flowers next to Buckingham Palace

There also was this soldier, we later learned that this particular 'group' of soldiers were called Queen's Guards or Foot Guards. The hats that they are wearing are bearskin hats. Don't they look funny? The hats look really big! In the link below, you can find more about these soldiers. Apparently, when the Queen is here, there are usually four guards on duty, but when the Queen is not here, then there are only two on duty. Never knew that before. Did you?

The Foot Guard with the Big Hat :)

We also got to see a bunch of horses that had soldiers riding on them. The horses were pretty much all black for the most part, and they pooped like a lot. They were cute, and didn't really move really fast. They just trotted along. They looked pretty contented and their fur was definitely sleek and pretty!

Horses Trotting down Buckingham Palace Pathway

If you wish to find more about Buckingham Palace, I recommend that you check out these two sites.
http://www.royal.gov.uk/theroyalresidences/buckinghampalace/buckinghampalace.aspx
http://projectbritain.com/royal/footguard.htm

Borough Market

The Borough Market is really similar to the Granville Island in Vancouver. It is basically a little market which people go to pick up little goods and other things as such. When I stayed at London, I stayed at the Novotel that was pretty close to the market. So on the first day, I made liberties to go to the Market and just browse along. I found the Borough Market to be a nice and sheltered place to be on a windy day, and also full of activity. If you get to see the Borough Market sign, be sure to pop in and have a look.

Entrance of the Borough Market

 

However, I do warn you that much like a mall, the Borough Market has a schedule of its own. From Mondays to Wednesdays, they are open from 10am to 3pm, on Thursdays they are open from 11am to 5pm, on Fridays 12pm to 6pm, and on Saturdays, 8am to 5pm. We only got to visit the Borough Market once because of the schedule.

When you step inside of the Borough Market, there are many things to see and eat. When I went in, the first thing that i saw was this:

First Shop that I saw

Most of the shops are selling food- healthy pistachios that taste like candy, and much alike. The people there are really generous- if you wish to talk to them about their products, they will be more than happy to!

 Inside the Borough Market, There is Tons of Food

If you wish to go to the Borough Market someday, check out this site: http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ or type in 'Borough Market' on Google and it will probably send you to this site! I hope you have as much fun as me in the Borough Market!