A journey of 1000 steps

French women don't get fat because they live in a city that is so easy to pace around - take today's experiences, for instance.

After a bit of a sleep-in, batreg and I took off on the Metro to climb the Arc de Triomphe. Last time I was here (in 2001), I couldn't work out how to get across the roundabout from hell and up the stairs. I was obviously dense back then because it was so easy. We came off the Metro, walked up the stairs, and VOILA - there was another set of stairs directing people to the ticket booth for the Arch. After paying our 7 euro entry fee, we turned to the bottom of the spiral staircase to be told that it is 285 steps to the top. Too late to turn back now, so up we went. I tell you what, with all this walking up and down stairs, we will be cracking walnuts or modelling for bikini commercials in no time. The view from the top of the Arch is quite stunning, and finally we had a decent weather day up there so we weren't contending with too much cold or frost. It was a bit windy, but OK for pictures and a quick look-around.

After descending the 285 stairs, we walked up the Champs-Elysees to take in some shopping experiences. We bought some baguettes for lunch and kept walking along to eat them. If you've ever seen a map of Paris, you'll know how long this road is, so the refreshments along the way were much needed. We stopped in at the Gap to fix batreg up with a coat (very chic), and wandered through the Jardin de Tuileries, through to the Louvre. A quick picture of the glass Pyramid, a coffee in a neat little Salon du The, and we were back at the Metro to come home.

My legs aren't tired now so I must be getting used to the walking around and admiring the view. There is certainly no shortage of either opportunity here. After last night's pizza dinner at Cafe Momo down the road, we're heading to an authentic French restaurant tonight to check the menu out there. At least I can be sure that whatever I eat or drink tonight will be walked off tomorrow!