It's so weird that it's summer...when 5 days ago I was absolutely freezing in Sydney!! Paris put on a great display on Sunday (after raining for my arrival on Saturday).

I went to the Jardins des Tuileries which were really lovely. I never really got them before, with all those gravel paths that just get in your sandals/thongs/other open toed shoes. But I hadn't actually strolled all over the whole thing and sat in the comfy green chairs to have a real look at the whole place. Was very relaxing and a nice way to spend Sunday afternoon. There were lots of people there but somehow it didn't feel overwhelming or busy. I think my main issue is seeing all that lovely grass go to waste and no-one being allowed to sit on it!

Although there are a few gripes I have to put to you Paris. First of all can everyone please stop smoking?? It's really gross and hard for the poor tourists who aren't used to having so many smokers around. Next - crazy drivers, please stop trying to kill each other. I would suggest learning the road rules but there don't seem to be any so that might not work. The third one - what is with the shops not opening on Sundays??????? Everyone was pretty much at the Jardin des Tuileries or in the queue for the Musee Dorsay but the shops could have been packed! Just saying...

Monday wasn't great, I had my first French class so I was very tired, which I was expecting. But I've also had a few disturbing jet lag incidents where I have started waking up at 2am (because 2 is the new 6!) so I have tried to fit in extra walking so I should be exhausted enough to sleep through the night :) Let's hope it works.

Today I walked down Boulevard Housemann to the Arc de Triomphe then back to where I am staying (Opera/Galeries Lafayette). It was a nice long walk, about 2 hours and 10 minutes, some bits were really nice and the other bits with the massive shopping strip on the Champs Elysee not so nice! They've started setting up the stands for the final of the Tour de France as well, exciting!

Am planning on heading to the Louvre tomorrow...fingers crossed! Hopefully jetlag will be all gone and it will be nice.