Just arrived in Istanbul after a really nice weekend in Paris (although it was over too quickly). We managed to beat the worst of the strikes with a combination of taxis or walking, although we did have to wait ages for a taxi to take Aude to the train station – it was looking a little touch-or-go as to whether she’d make her train in time, but in the end she made it with time to spare.

I spent most of the weekend craving steak at inappropriate times – my body clock is still set to Singapore time, so I’m starving at breakfast and lunchtime but not hungry at all for dinner. What time I didn’t spend starving, I mostly spent freezing. It was hovering around freezing for most of the weekend, and despite having purchased a new coat, I wasn’t wearing nearly enough to keep me warm.

Aude and Gratiane at lunch on Saturday afternoon

Matthew and François at lunch on Saturday afternoon

Caught her mid-gulp!

We had a really nice lunch with François and Gratiane on Saturday at a restaurant around the corner from our hotel, hampered only slightly my the fact that I managed to step into a pile of dog poo on the way – I suppose that’s one of the pleasures of Parisian life I must learn to get used to.

Aude and Matthew at the Cafe Bibliotheque for her birthday

Matt sits at the kids’ table on his own…

After a late night partying, we managed to drag ourselves out of bed around mid-day on Sunday, and spent most of the afternoon exploring the city and trying to figure out where we’re going to live.

Matt on the streets of Paris (with obligatory tourist trap of €3 popcorn)

Matthew’s impression of a rabbit doesn’t impress the locals. Parisians, it appears, aren’t an easy bunch to impress!

Aude seems happy to be back in Paris, and looks right at home…