Took the ferry from Dover to Calais, and hopped on a train to Paris. I stayed at the "Woodstock Hostel" the first night, situated in the middle of Pigalle - a very colourful area of Paris.

Journal, May 13: "The metro always creates a new smelling sensation, as it did today."

If I had to pick my favourite European cities, from the few that I have visited, Paris would be in a tie for first place. Pictures are on the way....

This picture is me standing just below the Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral, visiting on a day trip from the city. I was joined by Keri, from Oregon, a friend I made at breakfast in a Paris Hostel that morning. I found that you can backpack by yourself, but if you stay in hostels you're hardly ever alone.