Just Back from Paris & Rome

by Simon Alcaraz

A whirlwind 10 day trip to Europe - just as it begins to shake off that drawn - out winter chill. A night in Paris, three in Rome, two in Florence. Sounds like madness? It probably is.

If there is one thing this trip has taught me, is that you need to devote more time to that side of the world - there’s a lot to take in, slow down, sip your coffee, don’t gulp it down. Forget what you hear about rude Parisian waiters- open up a conversation with a French word or two, close it the same way, and you’ve got yourself a delicious lunch, a great wine and fantastic service. I have 2 spare hours to dash across to the Eiffel Tower, head up and down it and catch my breath. We get glimpses of the Louvre, Notre Dame and Arc De Triumphed. We are being teased and we are getting grumpy, but the plane waits for Rome...

My advice for Rome? Don’t wait for the traffic lights- there aren’t any. Well, I exaggerate slightly, but you get the idea. Chaotic, a bit messy, weighed down with far too much history, but it will charm you, always does. Don’t worry about looking like a tourist, sometimes it seems everyone in Rome is a tourist. Enjoy the food, the Beautiful People and the culture- it’s a good combination- not that many cities have all three.

Florence was my highlight. Smaller- less intimidating, medieval - has aged well, and your doorway to the Tuscan countryside. All those vineyards, converted Villas, 5 course lunches, lazy afternoon naps and fresh air- I am finally relaxed...

So why do we have to leave now? It really was too brief, too rushed, and leaving me wanting for more. Hopefully it won’t be too long before an extended visit is on the cards.