Graduation and first anniversary present!

[NDiddy]

After a quick visit from Maya to collect the apartment keys, she called us an Eko Taxi and we were off to Zagreb airport for our flight to Paris. Journey takes about 25ish mins (no traffic) and costs about $15AUD. We left the apartment at 10:00am for a 12:45pm departure but because we arrived so quickly the check in counter was not open. Not to worry - a quick coffee and a toasted sandwich and it was time to get cracking:

Check In

Even though this is an "International" flight the check in remains open about 35 mins before departure and no one rocks up early. It was no surprise that there was no queue and check-in was quick and efficient:



We pottered around the main part of the terminal waiting for the security lines to ease back a bit and it was quickly through to the gate. The flight was delayed by about 15mins (no reason given and it had arrived on time) although it seemed a few planes were delayed for the same reason - whatever that was. Boarding again was via bus and in winter don't be too quick to board the bus as you'll be waiting for everyone to jump on before you leave....in the cold!

Boarding:



Boarding with bus:



The bird:

 

[NDiddy]

Flight Details

AF2161 - ZAG -> CDG
Aircraft: CRJ 700

Scheduled departure: 12:45
Actual departure: 13:00

Scheduled arrival: 14:50
Actual arrival: 14:55

Seats: 9A/C - Nice of them to sit the Diddy's together this time round

Pretty similar to our flight into Zagreb from Paris except this time there was a meal service. Meal was a ham and cheese baguette which fine for the 2 hours of flying. Coffee and drinks were served and could be requested at any time during the flight.

Meal:



Seat:



Landed slightly behind schedule but boy am I over CDG airport. They seem to love the lines that go into other lines and the airport layout is just conducive to walking around parallel to where you want to go but there are no easy access points. If I thought CDG was bad then boy was I shocked when we tried to catch the RER train into Gare du Nord. Whoever wasn't in the airport was here. Here's a tip, make sure you have some euro coins (about 10Euro per person) so that you can use the ticket machine (which don't accept notes). There is a coin changer machine but we fancied the line to buy tickets as opposed to the line to get change to then stand in the line to buy tickets. Anyway rant over and once on the train we arrived at our apartment:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/257016

Didn't do much the first night but spent the day at the Louvre yesterday which was just terrific. Still a huge crowd was there even for winter but it didn't deter us. I lost myself for about 6 hours and I'm looking forward to the Musee d'Orsay tomorrow.

I do have a small treat for the foodies among you. Tomorrow night we're having dinner at Le Cinq and I intend to do a report on that just like we did at Jaan in Singapore. Until then mon ami's!! Happy New Year to you all!

 

[whatmeworry]

Views along the way:

The bus trip was very comfortable and definitely a great way to travel for short distance destinations. Seats were nice and I even managed to doze off for a couple of hours at the start. There are a few stops along the way at certain towns and there is a small section that you actually cross over into Bosnia & Herzegovina which was pretty interesting. There was only a Croatian border check at either side and no B&H immigration control (and I so would have liked another stamp). As I found out later from the German fella (born in Yugoslavia) they try and make the crossing as easy as possible but that will change when Croatia joins the EU in July 2013.

Arriving at the Dubrovnik bus station, we took a 10 min cab ride to the Hilton Imperial which is just outside the old city walls. What a tremendous place to stay. I didn't take any pictures and the ones online will do it more justice. Wonderful time was had by the Diddy's and some great people were met whom I'm sure will remain friends.

You can see why Dubrovnik is the jewel (outside of may be the Plitvice Lakes) of Croatian tourism. You can't help but be in awe of this city. Powerful walls, marble everything and a striking coast make this one of the best cities I've ever been too. The walk on the walls is a must and I encourage anyone who's been thinking about coming here to bite the bullet. Apparently summer can be crazy but shoulder season (may be just after the cruising season finishes) would be the best time to visit.

That little part of Bosnia and Herzegovina goes back to the medieval times, complicated story but Croatia might construct a bridge to avoid this strip if some resolution cannot be found.

I would recommend visiting Dubrovnik in Sept/Oct, the weather will still be warm and for the next couple of years you might to see filming of the Series "The game of Thrones".

 

[LadyC]

You did well at the Louvre then! We went yesterday, the queue was at least 90 minutes long at 10am. Going to get there a little earlier tomorrow in the hope of getting in. Eiffel Tower queues are crazy too - certainly many of us tourists here in Paris!

 

[NDiddy]

That little part of Bosnia and Herzegovina goes back to the medieval times, complicated story but Croatia might construct a bridge to avoid this strip if some resolution cannot be found.

I would recommend visiting Dubrovnik in Sept/Oct, the weather will still be warm and for the next couple of years you might to see filming of the Series "The game of Thrones".

You're not wrong. I heard the bridge had to be 50m high over something so as not to deny B&H port traffic. It all becomes more interesting in July this year once Croatia joins the EU. You can already see the building works for the new border crossing.

 

[NDiddy]

You did well at the Louvre then! We went yesterday, the queue was at least 90 minutes long at 10am. Going to get there a little earlier tomorrow in the hope of getting in. Eiffel Tower queues are crazy too - certainly many of us tourists here in Paris!

We got there at about 9.30 I think I we waited in the 1.30hr line (or so indicated by the board). In reality it took us 35 minutes to get in so persist and you shall be rewarded. Meanwhile don't know which line you entered through but try the Carousel entrance - at least you'll be indoors and warm.

Bought tickets online today for the Musee d'Orsay so hopefully no more lines (or at least very short ones).

 

[JessicaTam]

We got there at about 9.30 I think I we waited in the 1.30hr line (or so indicated by the board). In reality it took us 35 minutes to get in so persist and you shall be rewarded. Meanwhile don't know which line you entered through but try the Carousel entrance - at least you'll be indoors and warm.

Bought tickets online today for the Musee d'Orsay so hopefully no more lines (or at least very short ones).

There is a multi day Paris museum pass which does allow access to the express lanes. You can still get stuck at the security check, though.

 

[NDiddy]

There is a multi day Paris museum pass which does allow access to the express lanes. You can still get stuck at the security check, though.

It was the security line that was the 1.5 hour wait. The ticket line was over and done with pretty quickly. The museum pass is handy but not so much @ the louvre where that line was nearly 1 hour

 

[JessicaTam]

It was the security line that was the 1.5 hour wait. The ticket line was over and done with pretty quickly. The museum pass is handy but not so much @ the louvre where that line was nearly 1 hour

Oh dear, that would be frustrating. On one visit I did notice that people without any bags were being ushered past the rest of us who were waiting for the bag 'glance'. If you can travel sans bag it may help.

Also, I think the security queues from the Metro entrances seemed to be smaller than the one from the pyramid entrance. (I can't remember their proper names).

 

[NDiddy]

Oh dear, that would be frustrating. On one visit I did notice that people without any bags were being ushered past the rest of us who were waiting for the bag 'glance'. If you can travel sans bag it may help.

Also, I think the security queues from the Metro entrances seemed to be smaller than the one from the pyramid entrance. (I can't remember their proper names).

That is terrific recollection JessicaTam. We entered through Carousel which is supposed to be one of the smaller entrances. Alas, I think all the guide books have now caught onto this and the jig is up. Didn't see anyone get ushered past us but might ask the wife to leave her handbag home tomorrow

It wasn't too frustrating. It is a bit demoralising to see the line that long though so early in the morning. That being said, it was nothing like the room in the Louvre that houses the feast of Canan and the Mona Lisa. The number of "selfies" people took was astonishing. It's dog eat dog there but thankfully the rest of the Louvre is much more civilised. Gosh I could stare at the Feast of Canan for hours. The number of allegories is right up there.

 

[amaroo]

Bought tickets online today for the Musee d'Orsay so hopefully no more lines (or at least very short ones).

Hope you have better luck than us - this time last year we spent an age snaking through the forecourt in the rain Well worth the endeavour, one of our favourite museums.

If you are looking for a place to eat after viewing all that wonderful art - can recommend a fantastic little bistro a short stroll away, AU 35 https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&cid=12166197621202538337&q=Au+35&iwloc=A&gl=AU&hl=en

 

[JessicaTam]

That is terrific recollection JessicaTam. We entered through Carousel which is supposed to be one of the smaller entrances. Alas, I think all the guide books have now caught onto this and the jig is up. Didn't see anyone get ushered past us but might ask the wife to leave her handbag home tomorrow

It wasn't too frustrating. It is a bit demoralising to see the line that long though so early in the morning. That being said, it was nothing like the room in the Louvre that houses the feast of Canan and the Mona Lisa. The number of "selfies" people took was astonishing. It's dog eat dog there but thankfully the rest of the Louvre is much more civilised. Gosh I could stare at the Feast of Canan for hours. The number of allegories is right up there.

I must have visited before all that french wine kicked in!

The Venus De Milo can be quiet if the crowds are elsewhere.
(hvr - insert 'armless joke here)

 

[NDiddy]

Le Cinq - Four Seasons Hotel

The Diddy's don't claim to be food critics but we do love our food and wherever we fly we always try a special dinner at least once during our trip. Our aim is to get through the San Pellegrino top 100 list but since it's everchanging we try and do what we can.

This was our early 1st anniversary dinner out and we chose Le Cinq. Before I get to the dinner has anyone stayed at the Four Seasons in Paris? It look wonderfully opulent with a fantastic front service team. A quick check online showed about 850 euros a night :O Would love to hear from anyone who's stayed here. Anyway moving along, our dinner reservation was for 7.30 and the Diddy's were decked out for a very classy affair. I dragged my suit around this trip just to have dinner here (men are required to where a jacket).

On arrival you know you're entering a posh hotel/restaurant when you have 2 of these beauties sitting out the front:



We were escorted to our table to begin what was an incredible culinary journey. Gluttony personfied!! The photo's unfortunately have not turned out as well as I liked due to the mood lighting but be assured that the place was magnificent and the food incredible!

The setup



The menu:



We chose the winter gourmet tasting menu:



But before we even started you can't begin without having a glass of Bollinger Rose champagne (yum!):

 

[NDiddy]

We chose the accompanying wine matching to go with our tasting menu and chatting with the sommelier we were astounded to find that Le Cinq has a cellar of over 50,000 wines and 600+ varietals. It's located about 3 floors beneath the hotel.

To start with we had a complimentary serving of salmon tartare, baked parmesan and black olive brochette:



The bread with olive oil and a terrific seaweed salt butter:



Another complimentary starter was then served which contained fried prawn heads, a chicken broth and shrimp with mango:



Now we get to the tasting menu First up is the Mediterranean Red Tuna Belly tartar with Gold caviar, green apple jelly and wasabi:



Next was The Black truffle from Richerenches - assorted root vegetables, chestnut brioche - warm hen jelly with foie gras (simply amazing):

 

[NDiddy]

I was already starting to feel full at this stage but we soldiered on - Next was the Sea Scallops from the - BAILE DE SEINE - sauteed with cashew nuts, mango and passion fruit sauce and timut pepper. Unfortunately I was too eager to eat and did not take a photo (TR fail) but this was an ingenious dish. The passion fruit sauce jumps at you first but the palate is finished with the brilliantly cooked scallop. Hail the mad chef who came up with this combination!

The Celery Consume was next:



The main was just stunning - Trap Fished Blue Lobster roasted with rosemary, crunchy calf head, sweet fennel, kumquat and black olives:



Then the unbelievable fromage selection :O



Sugar Crust with Pineapple - PAIN DE SUCRE - jasime tea granita, fresh lycee jelly:



Followed by the Blue Mountain Coffe & Lime, ginger/pear sorbet, coffe yoghurt sauce:



But wait there's more....

 

[NDiddy]

A complimentary dessert, the name of which I can't recall as I was on my 8th glass of wine:



And finally the petit four came out after this but by then I was too stuffed to move and couldn't manage the picture. But imagine the cheese display in the previous posts filled with all of life's indulgences and that's what we finished up with.

It was a truly magical evening spent with the better half. A great way to celebrate our anniversary and an even better occasion to mark the lovely wife's graduation. I'll always remember this restaurant fondly and would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone wanting to enjoy incredible food in a phenomenal location in Paris.

 

[NDiddy]

Lazy and sad last day in Paris and the Diddy's decided to just take in this beautiful city before we jumped on the metro, RER & CDGVAL to get to terminal 1. Left a little later than we expected but the Paris PT is wonderfully reliable so we didn't have anything to worry about.

About 40 minutes later we arrived at Terminal 1 and for those AFFer's who are using Lufthansa to get out of CDG, you'll be pleased to know that once you come up the escalators from the CDGVAL stop, the check-in was right there. Check in for business was empty so we waltzed straight to the counter and quickly chatted to the lady behind the desk to re-assign Mrs Diddy's seat from 2F to 2C as we had been allocated seats separately. This was quickly done and with nothing of worthwhile mention in Terminal 1 we made our way to the Lufthansa Business class lounge.

The Lounge

German sterility at it's finest. Very practical but nothing inspiring. The food offerings were slim with no hot food to speak off. Alcohol was again slim pickings but covered the basics.

 

[NDiddy]

F&B Photos:









The Diddy's settle for some champagne and chips for the hour or so that we were in the lounge.

 

[NDiddy]

Sitting in the Senator lounge in Munich at the moment and about to board our flight so I'll continue the TR when I get to BKK. I'm still hoping that we've managed to get on the new F with this flight but something tells me it'll be the same as the SYD-BKK leg. Anyway keep your fingers crossed for me and I'll see you all on the other side.

 

[NDiddy]

Well looks like the flight has been delayed. Scheduled departure was 21:50 but has been revised to 23:15 - We have 4 hours in BKK before our flight to Sydney so hopefully no impact to our lounge/spa time.

Hope you have better luck than us - this time last year we spent an age snaking through the forecourt in the rain Well worth the endeavour, one of our favourite museums.

If you are looking for a place to eat after viewing all that wonderful art - can recommend a fantastic little bistro a short stroll away, AU 35 https://maps.google.com.au/maps?ie=UTF8&cid=12166197621202538337&q=Au+35&iwloc=A&gl=AU&hl=en

amaroo thanks for the terrific recommendation. We did indeed visit AU35 based on your post and lunch was positively delightful. Lovely service and pretty much a full house. Gorgeous little place, thanks again!