bank account

Finally after much pestering
Okay didnt pester too much
since I needed my visa
Before I can open a bank account
so we went to the bank!

Most transactions in paris
Is done using their debit/credit card
From buying metro tickets
To shopping
To ordering macdonalds
So far I have been using my sg card
But I do incurr some expenses
From the sg bank exchange rate
Since I do not have an official document 
Of my home address
A bank account can doubles as that document
Or I will always need the huaband
To write a letter that im stayimg with him

Anyway we made an appointment
To see the bank consultant
On saturday morning
To complete the many tasks:
- open an account for me
- open a joint account
- new cheque book and card for him

Some difference compared to sg banks
1) An appointment is required
- It seems we cant just walk in
2) we were assigned to a bank officer
- where we met her in her office and she can reply us whenever we email her
3) need to pay extra to have points collection
- Probably every credit card in sg provides the ability to collect points when you spend and exchange for stuff, here you need to add on few euro/ month to enjoy the benefit (like a membership)
4) non-investment / fixed joint account needs to be reviewed for tax
- Maybe is the same in sg but only affects those with many zeros in their account
5) self collection of card
- A letter notification will be received to return to bank for card collection at bank
6) personal internet pin
- internet pin provided via post, no extra toggle
7) overseas bank transfer
- Has to go down bank to meet with assigned officer to add overseas account for transfer
8) giro is payable
- monthly charges of euro1.25 per automatic transaction

Seems to be a big difference 
From sg banking
maybe im not well versed in sg banks
But im glad everything can be done online
And less visits to banks in sg

Since thursday is a public holiday
I do hope to collect my card tomorrow!

my baking adventures

Been baking this week
Thank god for internet recipes
And my sister's whisk machine
That I can try more recipes!

So I made:
Chocolate & pecan cookies
Eggless vanilla cake
Macarons

They dont look fantastic
But husband says they taste great
So does his colleague & friend!

I guess I need to practice more
But constant eating sweet stuff
Is not good for the weight
-,-"

marathon in paris

We didnt run a marathon
But watch and followed the marathon
Is the annual paris marathon
And they will bypass our apartment
I was a little bored to think that
We will be standing there
And stare blankly at people running
But I was so wrong
The street was full of people cheering
Musicians, bands, clowns,
Firemen using their ladders to watch and cheer
And people holding strange items to cheer
Eg a really big teddy bear

Is nice to know all these
Were not arranged by the organizers
But people who volunteered on their own
To perform and cheer the runners..
So the moment we step out of our building
We were staring at the runners!
So cool for the first class view..

I was very surprise to see the water station
They have sliced oranges and bananas
Freshly cut for them
I only remember having banana
After my yellow ribbon run 
Haha

We followed the trail for about 3km
To Bastille
Where we got distracted 
By a big sunday food market
Hehe

Thereafter I took my first bike ride in paris!
Basically bikes are on street
And you can rent them
I think to promote less driving
With most roads closed for marathon
I decided it was a good chance
For me to try cycling in paris

Not a good experience for me
Im scared to squeeze on the right side
Whenever a car pass
In the 1 lane street
And you need basic traffic knowledge
Eg cars from right has right of way
As bicycles are only to be on road
Not walkway
Despite really few cars
I was so nervous
And happy when we were home
After 15mins 
-.-"

I think cycling on roads
Is not for me..
I shld stick to walking
Or learn skateboard
Or get a skate scooter

Good sunday!