Travel Blob

As of now, I have settled down and lived in Paris for 2 weeks. Finally, I have some time to explore this beautiful city. While unlike in Australia or other Asian countries, on Sunday, most shops in Europe are closed except major tourist attractions such as the Louvre. Hence, it was quite a cultural shock when I first landed in Europe that even supermarkets are closed on Sunday.

However, in Paris, you have many other ways to spend your Sunday even if the shops are closed. There are many undercover and outdoor food markets open everyday in the different arrondissements and it has been on my bucket list to visit them. This weekend, I finally have the spare time to visit one of the biggest food markets in Paris located at Bastille.

Bastille Marche is one of the biggest Parisian markets located in the 11th arrondissement, they sell everything here fresh and cheap. Going to the market reminds me of the traditional outdoor markets in Hong Kong, it is a bit messy and nothing like a fancy supermarket but they sell everything fresh with many things that you just won't find in a supermarket. As a food lover, I have totally fallen in love with the Parisian market.

Bastille Marche is only open on Thursday and Sunday from 7am till 2:20pm, while I can assure you this is one of the best place to be on Sunday mornings for some grocery shopping or to feel the true Parisian food. The Marche located between Metro Breguet Sabin and Metro Bastille, it is very big and it took me about an hour just to walk around.

Basically, there are stalls that sell fresh food such as vegetable, fruits, meats, cheese to kitchen appliances, clothes, and hot food. While all stores sell different stocks and prices can vary for the same products, therefore it's worth shopping around before you start putting some money down. In general, there is a lot more variety than the supermarket and at a much cheaper price. Seasonal vegetables and fruits can probably be bought at half the price compared to the supermarket.

The market experience is fun and interesting, I figured the most popular stall is seafood and the variety of seafood is unbelievable. They have all different kinds of shellfish, oysters, lobsters and fish, they all look very fresh and most are not available at supermarkets.

Even if you're not up for grocery shopping, there are still many reasons for you to go to the market. There are plenty of food stalls inside which sell crepes, baguettes and also other ethnic foods. Since I went with an empty stomach, I had a marron (chestnut) crepe which is delicious and only cost 2.60 euro, and it's not always easy finding a crepe at such price yet so delicious in Paris.

Hopefully, I would have a chance to visit other markets during my stay and discover more Parisian styles.

A bientôt.

Marche Bastille

Transport: Metro Bastille Line 1, 5 and 8

Opening Time: Thursday and Sunday 7am until 2:30pm

High Tea @ Mandarin Oriental

Assorted sandwiches and cakes 

HKD 398 (menu says for one but it was enough for the two of us)

Food from left to right, top to bottom:

Fish balls and dim sim @ 渣哥
30 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay
HKD 12

Roast Goose Noodles @ 一樂燒鵝 

34-38 Stanley Street, Central

HKD 48

Pork Cheek Cheese Noodles @ 新記芝士麵

3 Burrows Street, Wan Chai

HKD 40

Fish ball and Fish Spring rolls Noodles @ 南記 (Various locations)

Beef Yakiniku (Bbq) @ 牛角 (Various locations)

10am - Hike up to Arakurayama Sengen Park (Alight at Shimoyo Shida station)

Weather was cloudy but could still see Mt Fuji as a shadow. However, the crisp cold air was very refreshing after climbing around 200 steps of steep stairs. This is definitely worth a visit as you are able to see the whole of Mt Fuji in the background. 

12pm - Kawaguchiko 

The station and the lake is quite far apart so would recommend taking the local bus onto the far side. We went to the Art museum by the lake where we were able to settle down for a drink and slowly wonder on the lakeside to admire the views of Mt Fuji. The clouds have then decided to part us (WOOOHOOOO!) so we were able to take a clean shot of the lake with Mt Fuji in the background. If time permits, cycling around the lake would be a marvellous idea to tour the area. 

3pm - Lunch @ Tempura Restaurant

This small restaurant was a gem! They had very cheap set tempura meals where the chef would deep fry the food right in front of you. A big recommendation from us as it’s only a 5 minute walk from the station.

5am - Arrive Tokyo Haneda Airport

Was very keen for a shower seeing I haven't washed myself for over 24 hours!

8am - Train to Ofuna to buy Kamakura-Enoshima Pass

9am - Kenchoji Temple @ Kamakura

10am -  Tram to Enoshima for Octopus biscuit!

Enoshima tram station to Enoshima island is quite a far walk (~30 minutes) but if you’re interested in trying some seafood then it’s worth the trek. Seeing I had barely any sleep on the plane, the trek felt awfully long and cold boooooo. The octopus biscuit is freshly made on the spot where the octopus is pressed flat on the cooker (sounds so cruel!) along with batter to become a crunchy biscuit. 

12pm - Hasedera Temple @ Kamakura 

Finally got to see Maple leaves, the weather wasn’t perfect but the scene was unforgettable and breathtaking. The leaves were bright red on the trees and gave the temple a refreshing lift in colour in the gloomy weather. Would recommend this to visitors, as you are able to hike up and see the view of Kamakura and its surroundings. 

1.30pm - Big Buddha Hase @ Kamakura

Bit disappointing, the Buddha looked a lot bigger on the website than real life. There was also nothing else apart from the Buddha. Unless you’re keen on seeing the statue, I think it’s safe to give it a skip. 

5pm - Back in Tokyo for late afternoon tea (RAMEN!)

8pm - Dinner @ 鳥貴族

One of our favourite restaurants in Tokyo. It is an izakaya (Japanese style pub) that serves plenty of food and drinks including our personal favourite, chicken skin (not the healthiest of options!) and many other types of bbq skewers. To help us wash it all down, they also have a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. To top this, all the food and drinks are 280 yen each!

10pm - Xmas lights @ 汐留

To end the day, we went to see Xmas lights at Shiodome. We made it just in time before they turned the lights off! It was a small exhibition but enough to give us the winter Xmas spirit.