I turned 34 on the eve of Halloween. For a decade now I have not celebrated my Birthday i.e. ever since I left my family and friends behind in Singapore.

This year, we happened to be in Crépy-en-Valois, near my MIL’s place. Hubby bought me a cake from the Pâtisserie St Thomas (or more popularly-known as “chez Robert” after its owner) and it was really marvelous. France is THE country for delicious cakes and pastries and I have eaten quite a few really good ones. And Robert is a master among masters.

It was a really fine cake, with a crispy base and chocolate mousse filling. Rich and yet light at the same time. And finally I have a cake for my Birthday, haven’t had one in years :-(.

43 wouldn’t accept Crépy-en-Valois as a new place entry, so I’ll mention it here briefly.

It’s an old little town about an hour away by train from Paris. Some of the houses here date from hundreds of years ago. It’s not a very interesting place, but like almost everywhere else in France, it is very pretty and has character.