Paris, at last!

I can't believe it took me so long to visit Paris but I'm definitely glad I have and it looks like it will be the first of many visits.

Not only is it extremely easy to get there from Birmingham - particularly if you live within easy reach of Birmingham airport - but it also provides the kind of relaxing atmosphere that is hard to find in England.

Maybe it's simply to do with being 'on holiday' and not being constantly reminded of the ever-increasing to-do list that seems to stop easy weekends at home being as peaceful as they should be. Even so, the plethora of sights available, interesting places to visit and things to do, and the abundance of street cafes selling great food and drink don't half help.

Personally I enjoy spending time in London (when not on work duty anyway!) and, for me, Paris is very much like a more spacious, more relaxed, less populated version. It still has the hustle and bustle of a capital city, but with room to breathe at the same time.

One day I'll definitely be returning with full camera kit to make the most of the sights - in the meantime I'm still quite happy with these holiday snaps taken with my Canon Ixus 50, the perfect travel companion (as long as you have a spare battery to hand as well!).