Paris…

My time in Paris is a bit more business than fun, arriving for the WONCA 26 conference, which is the international conference for GPs.

I did manage to sneak in a morning water colour painting tour, which was a great introduction to the city in the beautiful Luxembourg garden.

WONCA is not a conference all about chocolate, but the congress of World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians. WONCA clearly easier to say. There are thousands of us here, from 124 different countries. Presentations, posters, debates and importantly the chance to connect to colleagues with ideas about how to improve the way we practice medicine for our patients. Between countries some of the issues we face are different, the resources vary, but there were more similarities than differences. Ultimately, the passion for quality General Practice came out in the rooms again and again.

Thankfully the sun sets late in Paris, so there was plenty of time in the evenings to explore and get to know this city. Seeing the sun set over the Seine and the Eiffel Tower sparkle was the icing on the cake.

My final day here was a Saturday, and I made my way back to Luxembourg Gardens, found a chair in the shade of the trees and enjoyed my baguette and book. A perfect relaxing end to the trip.

From here I head keep heading North and soon get to meet up with friends as I explore Scandinavia. Time to bring out the warmer clothes.