Stop one: Paris
The Guides are flying to the French capital from Sydney International Airport via Air India. Excitement levels are high, especially around the shopping potential. Though Kev’s focus lies elsewhere - specifically baguettes and beautiful women. All of the boys seem more confident in his ability to actually attain a baguette.
Home for the night is the central Hotel d’Espagne, just north of the River Seine. One of 1600 Paris hotels, the unpretentious 3-star establishment is surprisingly roomy for a stay in the heart of the city. By local standards it’s huge say Kevin and Janetta. “A hotel room in the heart of Paris with room to swing deux chats”; says Janette, flexing her (minor) grasp of the French language.
Post-flight the Guides stretch their legs by getting acquainted with the local hip hop scene. The sport of breakdancing is making its debut at the Olympics this year - and the Paris Break Dance Crew show them the ropes. The experience was not a fond one for Dorian, who admitted he was a little too confident - his attempt at a backflip turned into more of a bellyflop.
Next up the Guides lean into cafe culture at iconic Les Deux Magots. While most enjoy the favoured French pasttime, the boys are less impressed. Confused by a lack of cereal on the menu, they make do with a classic French combo of croissant and coffee - paying for breakfast with their Travel Money Oz Currency Pass.
While the rest of the Guides peruse the Musée Rodin - home to 400 original works and iconic sculpture “The Gates of Hell”, Kevin and Janetta get arty in Montmartre. Local artist Jacques attempts to teach them how to draw the historic cathedral Sacré-Cœur, the iconic 1919 landmark with panoramic views of the capital. But while there’s heritage in spades her, natural talent is nowhere to be found - Kevin admits he’s about artistic “as an AFL player”.
In ode to the upcoming Olympics, the Fren family visit the oldest fencing school in Paris where all the gear, and no idea was an understatement. But a different kind of cardio called Matt and Brett - shopping. Matt was like a kid in a candy store with his personal styling session, but his brash fashion choices were called into question by the stylist. While Matt ran with his haul from the store, Brett was left to pick up the bill, paying with his Travel Money Oz Currency Pass.
For Karly and Bri it’s the Moulin Rouge that really tickles their fancy this trip. Welcomed in the 1800s the cherry red institution is what kick-started the can can. The dancers were dressed in a sea of sequins and sparkles and little else, leaving Kev, Dorian and Tang, for once, speechless.
Then the Guides sharpened their knives for cooking school Cook’n with Class, with chef hats compulsory. Snails were on the menu but the guides were dubious - especially Bri who claimed they smelt like dirt, while chef Dorian admitted he’d always wanted to try one but “I’ve never been brave enough.”
To break from the traditional, the Guides then visited the Paris Museum of Sewers, a visit underneath the street that explores some of the 2500km sewer system. But the smell of the waste water system proved too much for most of the guides. The Fren family began dry wrenching, but for Jono there was one positive - you could fart and no one would ever notice. Before their hasty departure they grabbed a memento with their Travel Money Oz Currency Pass at the adjoining souvenir store.
Costs
Air India: Australia to Paris via Delhi: Economy from $1376 return, Business from $5567 return
Hotel d’Espagne: Rooms from $485 per night
Break Dancing Lessons : from $26 per person
Musée Rodin: from $21 per person
Salle D'armes Coudurier: from $200 per person
Styled by Aneta styling session : 3 hours from $500
Moulin Rouge : from $146 per person
Cook’n With Class : French cooking school $314 each
The Paris Museum of Sewers : from $15 per person
