Happy Easter...

I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter...I'm enjoying myself, so it would be really good if everyone else is too.

Update on the poaching...lets just say I got screwed over. At the end of the day, its just business, but it doesn't change the fact that it was poorly taken care of from the start. Simple civility was ignored, or should I say non-existant. But it is over and I will move on.

I just found out something really interesting about Mum. When we were kids and wanted a puppy, she was adamantly against it. I always thought it was because she didn't like animals. That was the way she sold it to us. Yeah, there were the typical sentiments about who would look after the puppy, who would take it on walks, who would clean up the poop, etc? But I was never told the underlying reason.

It was only this morning that I learnt why she never wanted us to have a puppy.

The revelation was only because my Aunt's dog just gave birth to 3 cute pomeranians and my nieces wanted to visit their Great Aunt and see the new borns today. I asked Mum, what would happen if the girls insisted that they wanted a puppy after holding them in their hands??? Is my brother going to allow them to have a dog? Because i'll be tempted...

Mum then told me about how when she was young Grandfather had a dog and the dog obviously died. She told me about how the dog was part of the family and she was really sad when it passed on.

I guess what she was really revealing to me was the fact that she didnt want us to be traumatised by a pets death. I think this is a better reason, other than she simply hates animals and who would take care of it. And she had every right to protect us when we were kids, from the same trauma she felt when she lost her dog.

Mini high school reunion tomorrow night...how weird is that? 10 years after high school...I haven't seen most people since the last day of school.

When I was younger, especially when high school finished I wondered if anyone would ever organise a reunion and after watching movies like "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion", I wondered what I would have achieved to share, when someone asked about my 10 years after school.

I had a list of things I wanted to achieve, to show that I was successful. But right now, I don't know if you can say what I have done so far equates to "success". Yeah, I finished uni. I have a mortgage. I'm a professional. I have business cards - 2 types to be exact. My expenses get paid by the company. I have a work mobile. I have a laptop and wireless broadband, also thanks to the company. But all of this doesn't quite amount to "success" for me.

I'm single, with no real hobbies. My profession takes up a lot of my time.

I have 2 gorgeous nieces, with another niece/nephew in the oven...but they aren't my kids...not that in the greater scheme of things, would I really want 2 kids at almost 27 y/o.

I guess I'm just in a contemplative mood now because I reconnected with a friend from high school via facebook. I think I could say that she was the dark horse who has come from the sidelines to win the race.

In an email she basically gave me the condensed version of her last 10 years.

Went to uni, studied design. Finished uni and married a pharmacist. Worked as a graphic designer for a year. Stopped to help her hubby open shop for a year. Had baby #1, became at home mum for a year. Went back to work, operating a company from home. And now has just had baby #2. Recently, she and hubby are building their dream home near Hornsby at the moment.

Compare my life to hers...I feel like I haven't achieved much.

Okay...this is a negative note to finish on...so forget about what I have said and just think about your 4 day long weekend...and enjoy.

Aggressive poaching...

This is a story about the aggressive head hunting that never happened.

I was about to make a farewell speech for a workmate on Friday afternoon. Why was I making the speech, I don't know. Its not like i'm in charge or anything. The person leaving was a manager of his own team, you would think one of them would have said something...pfft...engineers!

Well, before I could start the speech, I get a phonecall on my mobile and I am told by the person on the line that "so&so" will be contacting me over the weekend because the "poaching process" needs to be finalised by Monday.

I think to myself: "Who calls on the weekend for business?!" and I also think: "I hope when they call I am not sleeping off the night before, because I need to be alert to negotiate!"

But the call never came. I know for a fact that they do need to finalise things today...well, they really needed to finalise it by the last day of February, with me anyway. Its not a very good start. I'm disappointed and I'm sure the end person is disappointed too. On so many levels, it leaves me to be ruthless and business like for negotiations. Which is a plus.

I'm supposed to go to the dark side in a month's time...but there is no formal commitment at this point in time.

I gave my manager the heads up (the manager that pays me) that due to the circumstances, if I was offered an exceptional offer by "so&so" I would be moving on. I think he freaked out. He probably thinks that he can convince me to stay...funny that.

Lets see what will happen throughout today...

Just my luck...

I was on the guest list for The Ivy on Saturday...but trust me to have a bout of food poisoning Friday night!

I felt better Saturday lunch time, and messaged a girlfriend that I found going to the same birthday that I would meet her before the party. 30 minutes later, the symptoms I was suffering all night had hit me again and again and again...

So, I called back to cancel.

Late in the evening another girlfriend calls...pity i'm fast asleep exhausted from the food poisoning. I call her back in the morning on Sunday and she tells me she was on the guest list for The Ivy for a Chanel party and was looking for someone to go with her.

I tell her that I had plans to go too but for a birthday...but my stoopid food poisoning prevented me! We make plans for the next party that is held there...

Its unbelievable that I get hit with this now. I saw my doctor today and i still feel really bad...

I can take today off, but tomorrow and the rest of the week is vital to my project. I am supposed to have an important meeting tomorrow at 1pm too and there is a heap of financials that needs to be completed tomorrow!!!

On the up side, my aunt from NYC has selected a date for her wedding, so I will be heading off to visit her and attend the special occasion. And thankfully enough, its within a 10 days of my friends wedding in Mauritius...

I get to spend time before the wedding in NY and I get to spend time after the wedding in Mauritius.

Tickets arrived today...

My Cirque tickets arrived today...and once again im happy!
hehehe...

*^_^*

I'm also going to the Jason Mraz concert on March 25...thanks to M for buying the tickets for us.

I've got Michael Buble tickets, which i'm still waiting for, to arrive in the mail...

I've got Phantom tickets in my hot little hands too.

I sooo can't wait!

Dralion in Sydney!

I just scored 3 front row seats to Cirque du Soleil in Sydney for Mum's birthday!!!

Her birthday this year is on a Monday, so I bought tix for the Sunday at 1pm. We'll do a brunch and then go watch the show. Bought a tix for Dad too...I have a tendency to do an all girls thing, but as he has never seen it either, it will be a good experience!

I can't believe it, seats 1-3 in row AA.

Its made me all giddy and i'm smiling ear to ear...

Bluetooth...

My older bro just swapped my 6 cd stacker car stereo to a newer model 6 cd stacker car stereo that has handsfree Bluetooth connectivity.

Reason: So, I can pick up my mobile phone calls while i'm driving.

I didn't realise it was such a big deal.

I just don't pick up my mobile if it rings while i drive. I'll ring back after I get to my destination. But obviously, I have missed one too many of my brother's calls that he has taken drastic measures. *LoL*

In some ways, its good...in case I get work calls while im driving...since my mobile has a way of ringing at least once every 10 mins when we've made some changes in the change window on Monday mornings.

***

My Cuz' 21st at World Bar, Kings Cross...oh what can I say...

We managed to get out to Kings Cross and find parking by 11:30pm. Since we were on the guest list, we were in by 11:45pm. Our other cousins who were there from 10pm got kicked out by 11:20pm because one of them was drunk and vomitted...so they were walked out by security.

When we were inside, I was about to buy my Cuz a drink...but there was this Mother Hen instinct that washed over me...I just witnessed her blatantly flirting with an unknown guy who was trying to buy a pack of cigarette at a vending machine...and she has a boyfriend...so, she must have been wasted to be acting that way.

The thing is, I never went out with my cousins before...for a drink or clubbing...so, I didn't know if they drunk alot or not. I think it was just a shock to the system. I'm the oldest of all the girls in my family and obviously I would feel as though I would want to protect each and every one of them.

Its funny...the more I hang around my cousins and my younger brother and his friends for their birthdays or special occasions...I understand a mother's concern for her children. Its completely different to when I get drunk...

Its pretty controlled around me when I drink. Its not in a predatory environment like World Bar where all of my friends are completely pissed off their face either. I'm glad that my friends are reliable. I didn't want to leave my Cuz' 21st, but the cousin I went with and her bf were really tired and were my ride home...so, when they wanted to leave at 1:00am I followed suit.

Did I dance? I barely managed 1/2 of Kylie's latest - Wow, Wow, Wow! remixed in a horrible way...

***

Chloe and I bond over "So You Think You Can Dance"...she use to watch the American series with me when my lil bro's gf downloaded it for me...and now we watch the Australian TV series together. Its quite cute of her...

We also bond over Simpsons, Barbie cartoon movies, Futurama, and wildlife documentaries...oh, and cute Studio Ghibli cartoons.

21st Birthdays...

I remember my 21st birthday...it was pretty big with 100 guests...50 people were friends...50 were relatives...the restaurant gave me a 3-tier birthday cake and we shared the restaurant with a couple who were having their wedding, but I had more guests.

I made a short "Thank you" speech, but no one else spoke about me.

I guess there are some things I wish I could change, but overall, I had a fun time. Especially at the Karaoke after the dinner...

There are a number of people I know who are celebrating their 21st this year. I went to one of my cousin's 21st the other week. It was at Emperor's Garden and because her uncle on the other side of the family is a photographer, it looked as though she was having her wedding. *LoL*

She had a book for everyone to sign it, it was a photo album with professional shots when she went out with the family to Watsons Bay...very similar to a wedding book for signatures...there were name cards for the tables and to top it off, she had a birthday cake that had proper icing!!! (Which I happened to miss out on, because I had to leave early!) =(

I spoke to her the next day and she had an absolute blast...she didn't intend on going out after the dinner, but her friends coaxed her and they did something afterwards.

Tonight I'm going to a club in Kings Cross for another cousin's 21st birthday. Why is she having her party there? I'm not sure...but i'll be there tonight to help her celebrate it! I just hope the rain stays away for the night.

Meanwhile, I asked her what the dress code was and she told me to wear a dress....I asked her what music was going to be played and she said "ugly dance music"...???...I had a complete blonde moment and asked her "is that a new genre that I don't know about because I haven't been clubbing in years?" *crickets in the background*

Then something clicked and I was like "ohhh...ugly, dance music"...*LoL*

And then she warned me that it was Mardi Gras tonight...but I checked online and because of the rain during the day, the Launch party has been moved to 5pm indoors at the Supper Club...I was worried that there would be road blocks, etc...

My younger brother is also turning 21 this year, but in October. Everyone has asked what he would be doing for his birthday...but since my older brother and I had our birthday at the same restaurant, I doubt Mum will organise anything different. Its all about being fair and even with my Mum. The question is, does he want to celebrate like that?

So, back to tonight...I'll be donning my dancing shoes and hopefully the music won't be so "ugly".

Resolutions for the Year of the Rat...

Happy Chinese New Year to those who celebrate it! I wish you good health and immense joy for the new year.

I didn't make any resolutions for 2008 on the 1st of January, so I figured I would make some now.

Lately, I have been feeling as though my mind and heart are in a bitter battle. And I realise that I'm at a crossroad.

I have decided to push on with what I have...with the direction I have started with...and hope that it will all work out sooner or later. Its the same scenario with my degree. I struggled with it, and I battled with myself on whether I should change or just keep at it. And keeping at it ended up being the solution...because of it, I found my direction after all.

So, I'm hoping the same thing will happen here, again. I am hoping that if I continue with what I am doing now and continue to grow with it...then one day it will pan out and I will see something shine on the horizon and I will finally see that I have made the right choice...and realise that it has been the right choice all along.

Truth be told, as always...if I had to make another choice, I wouldn't know what else to choose.

But that bitter battle with myself, that I mentioned earlier, not sure if that one will pan out. And seeing that I am sticking to my guns, well the bitter battle will just have to struggle silently in the dark while I fight on - saving the world! Well, my world at least...

I have been slack with exercising since after being a bridesmaid. I think it took a toll on me. I still really enjoy running, but I just need to get my act together and actually put my running shoes on. So, I will ensure that I exercise at least 4 times a week.

I'm also going to learn how to be calm. I learnt patience while in Europe last year...its time to learn how to be calm in a stressful situation. Lately, I just vent...and venting isn't always healthy.

I'm also going to try and be 50% more of a "yes" person. I can't commit to being a 100% "yes" person...I know I will fail at that...so, I will try to say "yes" at least half of the time.

*^_^*

Paris je t'aime...part quatre...

Last full day in Paris before heading back to Sydney...

We were going to make the most of it. The weather was pleasant, so we walked around more and it was on this day when I realised that I was just seeing the true Paris...on my final full day.

=(

We started the day by visiting the Musee d'Orsay and then we walked through the Jardin des Tuileries. After the garden we went to see the Petite and Grand Palais and I fitted a spot of shoe shopping, before we headed back to the apartment to meet up with the owner to get our security bond back.

Musee d'Orsay was really big and it took up half of the day. We only left because we both got hungry. Its like one of the best galleries if you are interested in Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, et al. I was in awe and was busy taking photos of the paintings (without flash) and statues...as you do...

The most stand out feature I noticed when we walked through the Tuileries was a large tree with gold/orange/brown leaves, all ready to drop off the branches if some strong wind whipped by. It was the true symbol signifying Autumn was in full swing in Paris. It was what I wanted to see. Yes, I saw similar trees at the Luxemburg garden, but this tree was on its lonesome against a backdrop of green grass.

We walked through the garden and exited to Place de la Concorde to see the Obélisque de Luxor. Before we took our happy snaps we had lunch. I got a hot dog and my friend bought waffles...sorta weird to be eating such things in Paris...but thats what we had. *LoL* After stuffing our faces, we became trigger happy and took multiple pictures of the Obélisque.

After taking the photos, we walked down the Champs-Elysées towards the 2 palaces.

The Grand Palais wasn't opened to visitors, so we went to look at the Petite Palais...and we were reluctant to walk around thinking that we had to pay an entry fee, but it was free. We just needed to get a ticket to give it to security guard. I don't quite understand this, but it was free after all, so who am I to complain about their weird procedure?

After walking around the palace and admired in awe the beauty of simple things like the ceilings...we headed off back to the apartment to collect our bond...it was getting late.

We me up with Christophe and asked about places to go for dinner that was moderately priced and opened late on a Sunday night? He suggested Cafe Marley at the Lourve. So, we called and made a reservation and after scoring a table for two, we started to madly pack. We'll more "madly" for me, since I was the one who bought heaps of things.

After packing most things, we headed out to go to the Lourve for dinner. Since it was a clear night, we decided to walk to the Lourve. In total, it took us about 15-20 minutes to walk there. But you don't feel the time, you're too busy absorbing the beauty of the locality.

It was at this point that I noticed the cool stores that were in the area that I didn't get a chance to visit...thats what you miss by catching the Metro to get around. Mental note, have to shop in the stores in the area - next visit!

When we got to the Lourve and found the restaurant, we realised that we didn't even notice the restaurant on the night we came to take pictures of the pyramids. It was right along the courtyard beside the pyramids. We were given a seat facing the pyramids, which made both of us regret the fact that (1) I didn't bring my camera & (2) my friend didn't bring his DSLR.

Can I just recommend, if you ever get the chance to eat at Cafe Marley and feel like something delicious and utterly comforting, please order the risotto with prawns. You know how Americans feel about cheese and macaroni...? Well, this risotto was the best risotto I have tasted in a long time. Mind you I spent a week in Italy and I didn't taste a risotto this good, over there. The risotto was perfect. The right consistency of creaminess, chew and cheesiness. OMG! Really to die for!!! And they didnt scrimp on the prawns either. They were big and fresh and really sweet!

I think i cleaned the plate. The risotto really hit the spot and i was soo full after dinner, but every bite was worth it!

We walked back to the apartment after admiring the pyramids all night and catching the Eiffel glittering once in a while.

Last night in the apartment was pretty sad. Sad in the sense of my own grief...grief that my magnificent holiday was coming to an end. Its a real downer knowing that the next time you wake up from dreaming, you will have to rush to go to the airport.

The holiday was overall travelling at a good pace, but Paris was jam packed and went by in a blur...yet i remember it as decadent and colour...

Struggle...

You see, I have this thing with climbing the ladder. I don't mind working hard. In some ways I don't even mind the stress with dealing with incompetent people, even though I do complain about it very often...but at the end of the day, I have to accept that I will forever be dealing with incompetent people...so I had better suck it up sooner rather than later.

What I don't like about climbing the ladder is when you are put in a challenging position and realise that maybe this isn't what you want to do with the rest of your life...is it really worth it? It will only be tougher...

Yes, I need the money...thats the whole point for me...the money. If it wasn't for the money, I wouldn't be working so hard to further myself. There is that little incentive to further myself personally. But for me, at the end of the day, I need to make more money to pay off the mortgage and have the sense of financial freedom that I crave.

I have had moments recently where I have caught myself wondering if it is all worth it? Is my hardwork now going to get me to that happy place that I want to reach later?

I have been thrown in to take over a project that is of highest priority to the client. It was meant to be easy, but I'm working with ever changing requirements, and therefore the scope is so skewed I don't even recognise the tasks at hand in comparison to the Scope of Work. I'm also dealing with people who want this implemented yesterday, but they are not delivering sufficient information for me to do my job today.

Lately, while my Program Manager has been on leave, I have been doing a lot of things that were his responsibility. I was sitting in a whole heap of meetings. I have also been managing this project...What this ultimately meant, was that my own work was jeopardised and to compensate I was leaving work way later than usual. I have been driving to work because it would save me 1 hour of travel time, but saving an hour to only spend 2-3 hours more isn't a good way to save time.

I don't want to be a single woman for the rest of my life. Drained by work with no social life. Only ever wanting to go home after a hard days work to rest up, so I can face the challenges of the next day.

Right before catching up with M&D to head off to Jervis last Friday, I found myself having difficulty switching off from thinking about work. I don't want my life to be like this for the next 35-40 years. I don't want to consciously tell myself "Now its time to think about something other than the implementation that is supposed to go through tonight..."

I'm struggling. I don't know if I have made the right decision. Maybe I just need to be managing other projects...anything other than network security...*sigh*...

On my way to Jervis Bay...

Well, not quite yet. Later this afternoon, after work...i'll head off with M&D and drive down to Jervis for the long weekend.

My Program Manager is still on leave and won't return until Tuesday week. And the stand-in finished his 4-weeks notice yesterday to pursue greener pasteurs. I'm it!

I'm the one everyone is sending their bloody emails to. I'm the one everyone is calling. Its a mad house and I don't really have the authority or knowledge to approve half of the things! On top of the project with #1 priority being thrust upon my shoulders, I have the billing and financials to deal with, which is due today. But i need to ensure an emergency change the customer wants goes in tonight!!! There is noone around who can do the billing and financials. I'm it. On top of all this, I keep getting invited to attend 1-2hour long meetings, where i'm required and not optional. If i go, its such a waste of time. If i don't represent myself...i'll be used as the scapegoat.

pfft...

I can't wait for 4:30pm today. I'm out the door. I am not going to stay back as I have over the last 3 weeks. I can't...or I miss my ride to Jervis and then my whole weekend will be screwed!!!

>_<

*touch wood*

If you have gotten through my above rant, I hope you have a lovely long weekend!

Paris je t'aime...part trois...

Musée Rodin wasn't my choice, but i'm glad I visited. I should know better by now...I love art. I love being surrounded by creative pieces - no matter what media is used to create it. Rodin was never appreciated as a great artist while he was young and alive...nothing new...but he sure is appreciated now.

It was delightful. It may have been a gloomy day but the statues looked lively. The "Thinker" draws a crowd, similarly "The Gates of Hell". The two being his most famous statues. But what I love the best is the angel diving south...which reminds me of another angel diving south in Madrid.

After the Rodin, we walked around the Latin Quarter in search of Pierre Hermes, Gerard Mulot, and Christian Constant. As we were searching, we came across Cacao et Chocolat and stopped to pick up some chocolate eclairs...as I was continuing my search for the best eclair. The eclairs here, were pricey and really really really rich. I can recall my teeth were aching from the sweetness. There wasn't a balance of pastry/custard/chocolate, like the eclair from Henri in Biarritz. So, it was disappointing...

So, when we got to Gerard Mulot, I bought another chocolate eclair along with a bunch of macaroons. This was also a tour to taste test a variety of macaroons. Which is also the reason why we wanted to go to Pierre Hermes...we lined up to buy a bunch of macaroons from there too. And if you ever get the chance to...if it happens to be on the list the day you visit...try the white truffle & hazelnut, the green tea & chestnut, the passionfruit and there was a lily (i think) flavoured macaroon. I just love the way it is crispy on the outside and crumbles to a gooey mush because of the ganache centre. *yum*

As we made our way to the Jardin du Luxumberg, we stopped at Christian Constant. What i liked best about Christian Constant, is the total and utter respect for quality chocolate that they have. The way you are served. Its with patience. Its like there is a sense of serenity. The chocolates are handmade and the range of exotic flavours...oh...my...gosh! Earl grey...saffron...ceylon...heaps of tea variety...oh so refreshing. I adored the fact that when it was my turn to be served, when I asked about each different flavour I had never even heard of before that day...I was responded to with a "would you like to try one?"

My jaw dropped. I get to stand in this poshy store of handmade dark chocolates and try them. It wasn't just one. If I wanted to try 5, they were cool with it! (But I didn't forget my manners! So, I didn't push it that far...maybe 4).

For a small gift box (approx. 10x10 cms) was 10 Euros. You are charged per box, not weight, so they really pack the box as full as they can and with all the little gaps, they fill it up with chocolate covered orange peels...hehehe...I think I ended up with about 16-18 pieces of chocolates...not including the orange peels. What you end up with is a pretty black gift box with a pretty pink ribbon around the box.

After picking up my choccies, my friend and I head off to the garden.

I think its a must to go and visit the gardens if you are in Paris. Go on a Saturday, as I did, and appreciate the mellowness of the occasion and just relax. There are plenty of seats...take a moment to sit down and watch the kids launch their boats in the fountain. People watch. Just observe the beauty that surrounds you. The kids that are smiling and having fun. Couples canoodling under a tree. How big that tree is on the corner. The variety of flowers that are growing right before you...

If I wasn't trying to cram so much into my day, I would have sat there and drawn some pictures.

For lunch we had crepes. A savoury one to begin with and a sweet one for dessert...I had a nutella one for dessert...enough said! *LoL*

I also managed to buy two pairs of heels...don't ask...just accept that I was tempted and couldn't help myself. Thankfully my friend was there to prevent me from buying more than 2 pairs.

After our lunch of crepes in the Latin Quarter we headed back to the apartment...but not after a detour past the Pantheon. I think they charged us for entry, so we didn't actually go in. And since it was pretty clear in the sky, by this stage, we decided to walk home from here. Which was a pretty good idea...since, after our crepes I bought a massive 4 flavour gelato cone and pretty much had it myself...I also, couldn't help myself. They made it into a pretty flower!!! *LoL*

The day was filled with gluttony and I really did intend on going to a jazz club after dinner, but we didn't make it. I think we were too full to do much else but sleep! It was still satisfying and I'm glad that we covered so much during the day.

Paris, je t'aime...part deux...

Lunch at La Tour d'Argent was booked a month or so ago. I asked Reservations if I could get a table with a view, and they delivered.

It was a miserable day to be roaming around Paris...it was raining, but I couldn't have been anymore excited than I was at that moment...to walk thru the rain to get to a big feast. Not tres chic to turn up to such a restaurant looking like a water rat...but oh well. You make the best of such an occasion.

We walked in and I thought I would try my best and advise the MD that I had reservations for two - all in French. And because I had done so, he proceeded to ask me further for clarification something else in French...it took me a moment, but he was asking for the name...

We were asked to wait in the sitting room for a moment before we could go upstairs for lunch.

When we were ushered to the lift, we went upstairs and were pleasantly seated by the window. I had placed a bag I was carrying on the floor and a waiter grabbed another seat for me and placed my bag on top of it. *LoL*

The service was exceptional. The bread was delicious and the butter was to die for!

Now on to the duck that you can only have at this restaurant and no other...

We ordered the pressed duck with blood sauce. Now it sounds a bit *ick* but its actually quite delicious. And La Tour d'Argent is the only place in the world in which you can have it because there are only 4 press machines in the world. Two are in museums and the other two are owned by the restaurant. One they use and the other is a reserve, in case the one they use breaks down or something.

A plump duck gets brought out for inspection, like you would for a crab or lobster at a Chinese restaurant. We were also asked how we would like it cooked...and we went with medium spice. Since we ordered the duck to be prepared this way (that is the blood sauce), we will end up with 2 main meals for lunch. But before we have the duck we have a couple things to enjoy...

We had a plate of 3 bite sized things: 1 triangular pastry, 1 bite of fois gras, & 1 mussel with semi-dried tomato. Then we had a bread crumbed thing with a sprig of rosemary stuck into the centre of it, I can't remember what it was now, but it was delicious none the less. Nothing I ate that day was short of exceptional.

The red bordeaux we had was wonderful, and I think it was a turning point for me...because I now like drinking reds.

For the entree, my friend orderd a scallop and sea urchin ravioli dish that was light and tender. I had ordered a dish of pike dumpling, which was creamy and mousse like.

While we enjoyed all of this, our duck with blood sauce was being made on a stage in the centre of the restaurant. We saw the alcohol being lit and the sauce being reduced, it was quite a spectacle. It was really fun and interesting, considering we were the only couple in the restaurant at the time who ordered this, so everyone else on the floor were watching our duck being cooked! *LoL*

We took a photo with the chef who made our main meals.

When served it looked dark...of course, due to the blood sauce. But trust me when I say that the duck was yummy!!! The sauce was yummy and the pom frittes was really fun to eat!

After the duck with blood sauce came out and while we waited for main meal #2, our postcard for the duck arrived. La Tour d'Argent gives out duck numbers, for each duck served at the restaurant. Our duck was #1059054 and we have the postcard to prove it. I think this is one of the novelties of eating at such a restaurant.

I'm not sure how the second duck dish was made, but it was also yummy! By this point, i'm stuffed and appreciate that they serve each thing slowly for digestion. I also can't help but eat the bread with butter...because I have never had this bread, with such to die for butter in my life!!!

For dessert, I ordered waffles with licorice ice cream and fig, while my friend ordered some creamy thing with madeline. I often harp on dessert, because I adore sugar, but I won't this instance. Dessert was nice, but the mains was the reason why I went to the restaurant in the first place.

After dessert, we were given petite fours: dark choc tart, friand, macaroon, and some nut waffle thing. And after the petite fours we were served with some dark rum truffles and gelee pastilles.

By this stage, forget about grace...I had to roll my bottom out of there.

My friend and I decided that we should stroll to Notre Dame and walk some of lunch off, but the rain started to come down heavily and so we managed to walk past the Notre Dame, but did not stop and just proceeded towards the Metro to get back to the apartment and sleep off the lunch! *LoL*

It was an experience at La Tour d'Argent, that I will never forget. It may have cost me 2 days of wages, after tax, but it was worth every cent.

After sleeping it off, we went out to roam about again and went to La Fayette to check out the centre piece that was hanging off the glass dome ceiling - which is an architectural feat in itself. I bought Chloe's birthday present from there and I bought a gorgeous red coat from Zara just outside of it.

We took photos of the Academie Nationale de Musique and then walked to the Lourve to take the photos of the Pyramids by night. After the Lourve we walked to the Notre Dame to take a photo of Zero Point and of course the Notre Dame at night.

After that we called it a night. Dinner was back at the apartment. We weren't even hungry because of lunch. So, we called it an early night and went to bed so we could get up early the next day to visit the Musee de Rodin and go chocoletier & macaroon hunting through the Latin Quarter and see the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Vous semblez beau...

After work last night, I was heading towards King Street Wharf to meet someone at The Loft. I was on George Street and thought if an available taxi comes along i'll get into that...or if the right bus comes along i'll get on that...whichever comes first.

A 412 bus to King Street Wharf comes my way...totally forgot there was a bus that could take me directly there. So, I hop on. The ticket machine on the right was out of order, so i had to use the one in front of the driver.

As I put my ticket into the machine, the driver said to me:

"You look beautiful!"

It took me by complete surprise, I don't recall anyone ever saying that too me. EVER.

Keep in mind, the bus driver is a female, not a dirty middle age man...Asian...and she said it with the utmost sincerity. I'm surprised that I managed to be gracious towards her. I gave her a warm smile and said "Thank You!"

I walked to a seat and was glowing from the compliment.

Its not every day a girl gets told she looks beautiful.

Paris, je t'aime...

The morning the rest of the tour made their way to London, was the day I spread my wings...

The night before we celebrated at Nouvelle Eve and enjoyed the champagne...returned to the hotel and drank some more...took farewell photos and made promises to see each other again.

I got up just in time to say goodbye to the ones that really became my friends during the 24 days I got to know them.

I then went back to my room to sleep. I later got my proper wake up call from the front desk so that I could prepare my check out and meet up with my friend.

My friend messaged my mobile to say that they had arrived and was in the lobby waiting for me. We then proceeded to the Metro to make our way to the apartment we had rented for the next 4 nights.

It was a bit of a trek, going from Porte d'Italie (where I was staying with the tour) to Arts et Metiers, but we made it in time to meet the representative from Lodgis.

Thankfully the apartment is right next to the Arts et Metiers stop. This made it really convenient for us to travel via the Metro. Its about 15-20 minutes walk to the Lourve, about 5 minutes to Site du Centre Pompidou. So, its central enough...but when its raining, who really wants to walk around when the train is just underneath you.

The first day we met up and went to the apartment, did some laundry because we had a washer and drier, and then just relaxed for an hour or two - because up until now, it was a whirlwind for the both of us. Me with my "24 days, crossing through 9 countries" - tour...My friend's 5 weeks backpacking through Eastern Europe via Eurail. We just really needed to stop and revive.

After taking stock of where we were, we started to think about whether we would eat out all the time or whether we would cook some meals, and the most obvious, which sites, museums, or galleries we wanted to see the most! And then, we discussed the specialist culinary stores we should visit. My friend was ultra keen on Pierre Hermes for the macaroons and me, I wanted to go to Christian Constant for the chocolates.

We decided that we should cook a couple of the meals as we were going to La Tour d'Argent for lunch the next day and that would really take a lot out of the pocket. So, we should be conservative and have brekky at home and dinner for a couple of nights. So, we found our want to a supermarket. Weird thing is, we couldnt find fresh milk for our cereal...we had to get a bottle of the long life type of milk. The fruit and veges weren't as fresh as back in Sydney, and at this point I was really missing fresh produce. It seems like there is a shortage in Western Europe for fresh fruit and veg.

After getting the groceries we went to go see Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and we climbed the stairs to get to the top. After watching the Snowpatrol video clip for Open Your Eyes so many times at the gym, I had wondered how the girl walked up to the top to meet the guy in the car? And there I was, walking up the same stairs as she did in the clip. Its not that i'm completely dopey...I'm just ignorant! My perspective of Sacré-Cœur was skewed from the clip and I wasn't sure from which direction was she coming from.

I like the fact that, similarly to the park in Madrid, there were people just chilling on the steps of Sacré-Cœur. You know how if you smile, others will smile too...? Well, I like seeing people relax around me...it makes me feel relaxed or at least start to relax too.

After visiting Sacré-Cœur we headed over to Arc de Triomphe. At this stage, it was late into the afternoon and the sun was beginning to set. We decided that we would climb the Arc. I'm really glad i did. I know that its one thing to climb the Eiffel, but the Arc seemed more intriguing to me. I had climbed the Eiffel with the tour and it was "the thing to do". But climbing the 284 steps of the Arc was more of an achievement for me.

Its chaotic on the road around the Arc. Its a 12 exit roundabout with about 4-5 lanes of traffic. But up above, its quite serene, or maybe I just felt as though I had reached a summit and it was very still for me. I know that I was surrounded by people up on top of the Arc. I had to wait to take photos of each exit. Its weird, I felt as though time stood still for me.

The best moment was when i tried to take a "creative" shot of our shadows against a wall. I really felt at peace.

When we decended the Arc, and got to the road the ceremony for the unknown soldier was completed and I witnessed these men of war hobbling back to the Metro to make their ways home. My friend told me that they do this every evening. I felt horrible for the man who had a crooked leg and carrying the flags walking underground in front of us. To do this every day, without fail...how admirable.

It was starting to get dark around us but there was one thing that I didn't get off the coach to see and regretted it while on tour, that i really wanted to see that night (it was also convenient and on the way home). It was the view of the Eiffel from Musée de l'Homme...when we got there, it started to sparkle again with the green and gold lights (for the Rugby World Cup - not for Australia). And it just soo had to start sprinkling and dampen my parade.

We were meant to see the Lourve at night too, because we both wanted to see the Pyramids illuminated in the courtyard, but with the rain, we decided to go back to the apartment and rest up for our big feast tomorrow.

...and I miss you...

Reflecting upon 2007 last night, as i didnt get a chance to while I was on holidays...I recognise that there are a couple of things i miss.

I miss those nights where you are in your pj's, but you're flirting like crazy with someone you crush - all via the phone...having a deep and meaningful conversation into the wee hours of the night and only managing to get about 4 hours of sleep and yet you get up at the usual time to go to work, but its all okay, because your still buzzing from the really great conversation you had with that someone special. And from somewhere you don't know, you have the energy to power on throughout the day!

I miss the liberating feeling of wandering the streets of a city you have only just arrived in and manage to get to and from your hotel after a binge shoe shopping spree at a local mall that happens to be next to a really HUGE glass penis-looking building. Succeeding in buying 4 pairs of shoes and this is all done with only knowing how to say "hola", "por favor" and "gracias". [Referring to Barcelona]

I miss the moments where I feel completely passionate about a personal endeavour, whether it be running a race or painting a picture. I want to know that I am not wasting a moment of my life. I want to be sure that any time (outside of work) will be spent on doing something I love and feel passionate about.

I miss having the confidence to say and do anything i feel like. I'm actually a very quiet (reads: boring) person now. My interests are much more subdued than they were when i was 22 y/o. The last time I partied was actually when I was 22 y/o. The type of confidence I carry now is more in line with the fact that i'm older and it comes from maturity and practice. I'm still not glowingly confident...its a type of quiet confidence.

I miss being the child in my relationship with my mother - without the awkward sense of knowing that i am now an adult and should be treated like one. There is a weird resistance on both sides of the party...its really odd. We used to travel and Mum would take care of everything. She'd keep our passports, she'd fill out all the forms, she'd hold on to all the money, she'd get the bags off the carousel, etc. This last trip, the tables have turned. She didn't have to worry about anything, because I had our passports, I filled out all the forms, I took care of the money, and I schlepped all our bags for the both of us. I was the leader, the navigator, the fearless. I don't believe she is quite comfortable with the knowledge that I am now 100% independent of her. I don't believe that I am quite comfortable with the knowledge that I will float and not sink without her.

2008...

Its been 3 months since returning from my European escapades and only a day since my short stint in Asia.

I spent the end of 2007 in bed asleep while in KL and woke with the first *boom* from the fireworks to ring in the start of 2008. I got up and opened my blinds to see the Petronas Towers glittering from its own lights, as well as from the reflections of the fireworks display.

Its by no means as pretty as the fireworks we have in Sydney, but it was special in its own way.

I spent the last moments of 2007 ringing up a huge credit card bill by shopping away. I basically spent more than the average monthly wage of a local in a matter of 1 hour. Fun for me, but a bit harsh for the locals to observe while they watched, waiting in line behind me. Malaysia is great for spending like you are royalty without having to actually spend like a real one, after currency conversions and all.

I actually feel more tired returning from my week in Asia than i did returning from my month in Europe.

I slept well on the trip, i just didnt sleep well for the last 48 hours, which is the real reason why i feel soooo tired.

I'm wishing that I was at home right now, in bed.

2008 is going to be a year of more travelling. Lets hope i can save!!!

Bye European Heritage Tour...Hello 2008!

I have finally summarised the actual Tour I was on for 24 days.

I will write up my individual Paris trip soonish...I guess.

I can't believe its only been approximately 3 months since I returned from Europe and to think that on Monday I will be in Malaysia and then Singapore, and when I return from that, it will be 3 months since I returned to work.

I'm not really excited about KL or SG. Even though its my shopping trip. Guess shopping doesn't give me a BIG buzz anymore.
=(

I got really annoyed about 30 minutes ago when the stupid SGAir website wouldn't let me get back into the section to change my seats...that functionality should be revised. And then I called them to check if there was another way of doing so, and the guy TRIED to be helpful but all he could do was F#$%EN write a note to request what TYPE of seat I wanted.

-_-"

Helpful...very helpful.

On another note, HAPPY 2008 to everyone I won't get to see or celebrate with.

I can't believe that the first time I receive 3 wonderful invitations to various NYE parties, I am unable to attend any. Please remember to invite me for 2009.
^_^

Paris

Day: Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Wellbeing: Decongestant is required!
Weather: Rainy
Highlight: The Lourve and Versailles (Day), Can-can dinner (Night)

It was a struggle to go to Versailles because there was a taxi strike, where all the taxis would literally stop in the middle of the road wherever they are. Fortunately, our bus driver knew in advance and we managed to avoide the strike by 10 minutes of when it was meant to be. We drove past as the taxis as they started to park in the middle of the road.

The rain really dampened the glory of the palace at Versailles. The interiors were lush and obviously covered with lots and lots of gold. I really loved the various themed rooms. The Indian room, the China room, the Glass ballroom...and the garden! Oh I wished my nose wasn't blocked and I could stop to smell the fragrant roses.

After Versailles, we went back to the hotel to get ready for the Can-Can dinner and show at the Nouvelle Eve. When we got to the restaurant, Marese took Lauren and I up the road to a chocolate shop and which is situated between the Nouvelle Eve and Moulin Rouge. The lady who owns it, sells the special chocolate that Juiliette Binoche requested for her movie - Chocolat. So, what else would we do, but buy the same chocolate and the chocolate lady wrapped it up in some special paper and pretty ribbon. I chose the choc hazelnut.

Champagne is good for such a night. And the performances between the actual can-cans and the boobies been thrusted around made it quite an "interesting" night. Most entertaining things were when Craig and Roger got called up on to the stage. Craig was called to help with the jugglers and they barely missed his nose. While Roger was called up to compete in a dancing competition. Mind you, Roger is like over 55 y/o and he only won because our tour group REALLY cheered for him.

It was a brilliant final day and night on the tour. I am SO glad that this tour has gone really well, except for my spending!

I think I have over spent by $1K and there is still 4 nights in Paris...

Bordeaux & Paris

Day: Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Wellbeing: Okay
Weather: Rainy-ish
Highlight: Eiffel Tower and the cruise on the River Seine and the view of Notre Dame at night.

Paris is really a city of lights. The Eiffel sparkled on the hour for 10 minutes, but because of the Rugby World Cup, it was coloured green and gold. We went up to level 2 and took a look at the city as the sun was setting. Need to make my own way to the "Musee de Homme" to take a photo of the Eiffel in its completeness.

Bought a stirling silver charm of the Eiffel for Chloe and Aimee. Need to find a little love heart or flower for myself for the little purse I bought in Leichtenstein.

So tired. The optional excursion finished at 10:30pm.

Got my own room for this last hotel as I am staying on in Paris.

It is Marese birthday today. She was born in 1949. What a shocker!!!