Créteil
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 83, Créteil: It’s a breezy 14.45°C – though it feels like a chilly 13.65°C on my stony cheeks! Only a few clouds scudding across the sky, like runaway cotton candy. Humidity’s at 65%, makes my pointy hat feel like a soggy biscuit! Wind’s whizzing at 6.17 m/s, flapping my beard like a flag in a storm, I tell ya, gnome aerodynamics aren’t what they used to be!
Créteil Trails and Gnome Tales
I just completed a 17.7km trek from the bustling city of Saint-Denis to the vibrant, cultural haven of Créteil. An interesting observation from my journey was the stark contrast between the urban sprawl of Saint-Denis and the green spaces in Créteil. It was a refreshing change of scenery, to say the least.
There’s a saying in these parts, “Paris est toujours une bonne idée” (Paris is always a good idea), but I say, “Créteil est un souffle d’air frais” (Créteil is a breath of fresh air). The green parks and tranquil lakes offered an entirely different charm compared to the bustling Parisian streets.
Speaking of which, I walked by the Lac de Créteil, a visual treat for worn-out travelers like yours truly. “A walk by the lake gives the mind a break,” as the old gnome saying goes. The lake, with its sparkling waters reflecting the French sun, was a sight to behold indeed.
I’ve now been on the road for 82 days, and my little gnome legs have carried me a whopping 2241.1 kilometers. My recent stops, aside from Saint-Denis and Créteil, include Argenteuil, grand Paris, and quaint Melun.
Before I sign off, here’s a little philosophical musing for you: “Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page” (The world is a book, with each step we open a page). I’m excited to see what the next page holds for me!
A bientôt, mes amis! (See you soon, my friends!) Keep on trekking, and remember, the road is always open.
Wandering Créteil’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Pondering
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Créteil.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Créteil: Cathedrals, Tennis and Monet’s Envy!
The cathedral, constructed during the 12th century, is a testament to the city’s rich history and a beacon of its resilient spirit. Now, here’s a little secret: inside, there’s a “petit coin de paradis”—a little corner of paradise—where the soft glow of the stained glass cast a kaleidoscope of colors that would even make Monet jealous!
The city is also home to the L’Open de tennis de Créteil, an annual tennis tournament that has seen some of France’s finest athletes. It’s a spectacle that makes one exclaim, “Quel jeu incroyable!” (What an incredible game!). From the echoes of history to the thrill of modern sports, Créteil truly has it all. A bientôt, my friends!
Crêpe-tivating Créteil Cuisine!
Bonjour from Créteil, a city known for its rich history and diverse cuisine! Today, I’m sharing a local favorite: Galette Créteilienne, a savory buckwheat pancake.
Here’s the recipe, mes amis (my friends):
Ingrédients (Ingredients): 250g of buckwheat flour, 2 eggs, 50cl of water, a pinch of salt, and your choice of filling (ham, cheese, egg, etc).
Préparation (Preparation): Mix flour, eggs, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the batter rest for 2 hours. Heat a pan, pour a ladle of batter, and spread it thinly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, flip, then add your filling. Fold the pancake, and voila!
As the locals say, “Manger est un besoin, savoir manger est un art” (Eating is a necessity, but knowing how to eat is an art). Bon appétit!
Gnome’s Guide to Créteil Curiosities
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 