Paris was the first stop in our round-the-world project and while waiting for the backpacks at the airport, we were more than enthusiastic. This excitement eased a bit when we tried to lift the damn thing and was reduced to the acceptance with our decision of choosing a backpack over a suitcase. This backpack will be our best friend some times and the worst enemy other times. Well, after helping each other mount it on our backs and with the stark realisation that we resembled either two turtles or better, two agile snails, we let the train take us to the nice Parisian boutique hotel. 

Our hotel was located right in the heart of the red-light district of Pigalle, next to Moulin Rouge and quite close to Montmartre. At first, we were not entirely sure if we arrived at the hotel or if we time traveled (like in “Midnight in Paris”) to the Roaring Twenties. When we opened the door, some 30 people, dressed in dazzling 20s costumes were dancing to a loud Jazz song. Stepping into the cafe, it’s needless to say that we didn’t quite fit in. Luckily, we were quickly assisted by a very friendly staff member, who was interested in Dubile (the monkey companion) and had some very curious hand gestures. He took us to our small but cozy room, where we spent two lovely nights.

The following day we did our tourist duty by visiting the imposing Sacré-Cœur and by watching the serene view from Arc de Triomphe, before finding a little peace and quite in “Marcel et Clementine”, a very lovely cafe. In the evening we drank some Xiang tea and a coke (like the ultimate alcoholics) and filmed a water condom rip in slow motion. After a half-slept night, we “gathered” some stickers and waited patiently for our Taxi to take us to the airport. The Emirates A380 was already keen to meet us.