Paris and Parisians

Paris has always been a city of fascination, whether it is the romance that many films or music videos depicted, or the amazing monuments that displayed in whichever magazine you come across. Yet spending a short amount of my time in Paris made me learn more than just the facades this city has been bearing through modern media - it is the attitude and rhythm of this city that really represent what the city really is. 

Get off the EuroStar and remember how Mr Bean's mishaps started 

in a Parisian train station just like this one

Unbearable heat, yet tourist flocked towards great monuments simply for a glance,

the line was way too long

One of my favourite places in Paris - Arc de Triomphe,

it represents everything this city comes forward as -

historic, proud, solitude, and chaotic roundabout. 

Looking at the beautiful bridge afar, it is simply way too easy to place all your focus on locking your 'relationship' in the overrated Point des Arts. 

Climbing to the top! 

Definitely the highlight of my trip in Paris. Not because I actually watched the show - for it is too expensive and the line was too long to wait. But I met two friends from Hostel whom I spend the evening walking, chatting and discovering new places in this area. 

It is a vast open space 

yet these buildings filled with some of the most important art works in the world! 

Hard to describe Momartre in 1 word - chaotic? sacred? tourist-oriented? or amazing? 

 Breath-taking beauty,  not because it is grand or anything, for its sanity and simplicity in this crazy metropolitan

Not that I can ignore the smog, but it truly one of the best views of any city I can imagine  

No it is not overrated, Tour Eiffel is amazing. 

Say that to a Southern French and they would beg to differ.

In conclusion, it was simply crazy and ambitious for me to attempt to get to know Paris (or talk to Parisian for the matter of fact). It was an illusion that finally came to realisation, that Paris, one of the most romantic places on Earth, also suffer from its by-products - tourist trap, forever long line, unfriendly locals, etc. Yet I love this city not because it's supposed to be what I imagine how it would be, but simply for an unique experience that I could never forget. 

Bezold-Jarisch Reflex

Interesting reading about vasovagal mechanism and came across BJR with its share of cardiovascular suppressing entities. This is basically a reflex which would leads to a marked increase in parasympathetic tone as a result of the activation of chemo- &/or mechano- receptors of the left ventricles; which leads to the activation of unmyelinated vagal afferent C fibres. The triad of resulting changes are hypotension, bradycardia and coronary artery dilatation (1). Natriuetic peptide receptors may modulate such response as BJR may be less pronounced in patients with hypertrophy or AF (1). It explains the sinus bradycardia in the initial phase of acute MI. It also happens in patients with nitrates therapy, serotonin agonists, and may explain circulatory collapse in spinal anaesthesia (2).

1. Miller's anaestheisa 7th edition.
2. Wikipedia.

Oxford

As part of my study, I am very lucky enough to do a small internship in Oxford, England. It has only been my 3rd week in this city, but I already loved it! 

Without the need of any introduction, this is one of the most famous buildings in Oxford. 

Students from the university study inside like others do in their uni library - so lucky!

The University consists of more than 30 colleges of various sizes of student population. 

Each college provides the platforms for social life, academic tutorials and mentoring.

The building and old High Street. 

 This is the west end of the city centre, looking across the beautiful English countryside.

The Museum of Natural History - amazing building on its own, let alone its collection.

 This pub exists since the 1300s. Its roof is quite low so make sure you dodge a little when you go in.

Any building in this city reflects the history and influence of religion.

Day trip on the Waiheke Island

  This Sunday Vivian and I went on a day trip on the Waiheke Island. We chose the 'Beach Lover Bike Route' which takes 3-4 hours of continuous biking. Below are some of the photos from the trip.

Onetangi Beach, a strand of long white sand. 

Looking over Parlm Beach and Little Palm Beach (nude beach)

Surfdale Beach, with low tide

One of the many vineyards on the Island

A look out to the vineyard and Onetangi Beach (far left). Love the colours of the horizon.

Little Oneroa, my favourite beach on the island. Accessible yet not crowded.
The colour of the water is like a pale yet radiant jade. 

Sunset on Blackpool Beach.