Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Li Xiao also feels the same way: "Indeed, the combination of food and wine is unforgettable."

As night fell, the two walked along the river in Bordeaux, admiring the lights and reflections on both sides of the river. They talked about their experiences of the day and shared their feelings with each other.

"Brother Xiao, this trip has broadened my horizons. I feel we have learned a lot and experienced a lot," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao responded with a smile: "Yes, Pengfei, this trip is a precious treasure in our lives. Tomorrow, we will continue to the next destination and continue our journey of exploration."

Under the starry sky of Bordeaux, the two made a new travel wish, looking forward to more adventures and discoveries.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei's next stop was Alsace, a region full of fairytale colors. They took a train through the French countryside, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from vineyards to rolling hills and ancient castles.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that there are many well-preserved medieval towns in Alsace. I can't wait to go and see them." Huang Pengfei said with anticipation.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "I have heard that the town there is very charming, and Alsatian cuisine is also a major feature. We must not miss it."

They first came to Colmar, a colorful town famous for its unique half-timbered houses and canals. The streets of the town were lined with colorful houses, which were reflected in the calm water, like a vivid oil painting.

"The buildings here are so unique, Brother Xiao, look at those wooden houses, they are just like little houses in fairy tales." Huang Pengfei exclaimed in admiration.

"Yes, Pengfei, the scenery here makes people feel like they have walked into a fairy tale world." Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery in front of him.

They strolled around the town, visited local museums and art galleries, and learned about the history and culture of Alsace. For lunch, they tasted Alsatian specialties such as sauerkraut pork and flambée.

"The taste of this sauerkraut pork is really unique, Brother Xiao, what do you think?" Huang Pengfei asked while eating.

Li Xiao nodded: "Well, the food here is a fusion of French and German flavors, it's very delicious."

In the afternoon, they visited an ancient castle. Standing on the castle tower, they could overlook the entire town and the surrounding pastoral scenery.

"Brother Xiao, looking from here, the whole town looks like a painting." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

“Yes, Pengfei, the scenery and culture here are impressive.” Li Xiao responded.

In the evening, they attended a traditional market in the town, which was filled with various handicrafts and local specialties. They picked up some souvenirs to take home as gifts.

"Brother Xiao, look at this wood carving. I think it has a very Alsatian style." Huang Pengfei said, holding an exquisite wood carving.

"Indeed, this wood carving is very artistic. Our friends will definitely love it when we take it back," Li Xiao agreed.

As night fell, the two tasted local wine in a tavern in the small town and listened to the locals tell the legends and stories of Alsace.

"Brother Xiao, today's experience is so enriching. I think this trip has given me a deeper understanding of France." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Pengfei, every trip is an opportunity to learn and grow. Tomorrow, we will continue to our next destination and continue our journey of exploration."

The two made a new travel wish under the starry sky of Alsace, looking forward to more adventures and discoveries.
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Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei's journey continued southwards, and they arrived in Nice, a coastal city in southern France famous for its Cote d'Azur and warm sunshine.

"Brother Xiao, look at the sunshine, it's so comfortable!" Huang Pengfei sighed as he took off his coat.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, Pengfei, Nice is famous for its sunshine and beaches. Let's go to the beach first and feel the charm of the Mediterranean."

They strolled along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a seaside promenade filled with people enjoying the sun and sea breeze, the waves gently lapping against the shore, and sailboats in the distance slowly sailing on the sea.

"The beach here is so beautiful, Brother Xiao, how about we go swimming?" Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea, Pengfei. The water here is crystal clear, it's a great place for swimming." Li Xiao responded, and the two walked towards the beach.

After a dip in the sea, they laid on the beach to enjoy the warm sunshine before deciding to explore Nice's old town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings.

"Brother Xiao, look at these buildings. The colors are so bright and they feel so vibrant." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the surrounding buildings.

"Yes, the old town of Nice is full of Mediterranean style. Let's go and try the local cuisine. I heard that the seafood here is also very fresh." Li Xiao suggested.

They tasted Nice's specialties - Nicoise salad and seafood risotto - in a small restaurant, and were full of praise for the delicious food.

"This salad is really refreshing, and the seafood risotto is also very unique. Brother Xiao, what do you think?" Huang Pengfei asked while eating.

"Well, the seafood here is very fresh and tastes great." Li Xiao replied.

In the evening, they attended a local market filled with handicrafts and local specialties, and picked out some souvenirs to commemorate their trip.

"Brother Xiao, the pattern on this ceramic plate is very Mediterranean. I want to take it back as a souvenir." Huang Pengfei said, holding an exquisite plate.

"It's really beautiful, Pengfei. We collected a lot of souvenirs on this trip, all of which are wonderful memories." Li Xiao said with a smile.

As night fell, the two enjoyed dinner at an open-air restaurant by the sea, while admiring the night view of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea breeze was blowing, the starry sky was shining, and the whole night was full of romance.

"Brother Xiao, this trip was so wonderful. We went to so many places and experienced so many different cultures." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Pengfei, this trip has deepened our friendship and broadened our horizons. Tomorrow, we will end this trip to France, but I believe you and I will have more new journeys."

The two made a new travel wish on the beach in Nice, looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in the future.

As the French trip came to an end, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood on the platform of Nice Railway Station, looking back on this unforgettable journey. They were filled with emotion and at the same time full of anticipation for the new journey that was about to begin.

"Brother Xiao, this trip was so wonderful. We went to so many beautiful places and experienced different cultures and food." Huang Pengfei said with emotion. Li Xiao nodded, his eyes flashing with cherishment of this experience: "Yes, Pengfei, this trip has deepened our friendship and taught us a lot. But I believe that this is just a stop on our journey of life, and there are more places waiting for us to explore in the future."

The train slowly pulled out of the platform. The two looked out the window at Nice gradually disappearing into the distance, their hearts filled with reluctance.

"Brother Xiao, where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "I have already planned it. Our next stop will be Italy. There are the ancient monuments of Rome, the water city of Venice, and the art of Florence. It's exciting just to think about it."

“Wow, Italy! I’ve always dreamed of going there. Brother Xiao, you’re awesome!” Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

As the train sped along the tracks, the two began planning their trip in Italy, discussing which cities to visit, which attractions to see, and which food to taste.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that Italy's pizza and pasta are very famous. We must try them." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

“Of course, Pengfei. There are also tiramisu and cappuccino, which are representative Italian delicacies.” Li Xiao added.

As the train crossed the border, the two felt the atmosphere of different countries. They knew that every trip was a new beginning and a baptism of the soul.

"Brother Xiao, this trip has made me love life more and cherish our friendship more." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao smiled and responded, “Me too, Pengfei. Traveling makes us grow and helps us understand the world better. I believe that no matter where we go, this friendship and love for travel will not change.”

The train finally arrived at the Italian border, and the two packed their bags and set off on a new journey, knowing that there were more surprises and challenges waiting for them ahead.

"Brother Xiao, let's create more beautiful memories in Italy!" Huang Pengfei said with anticipation.

“Of course, Pengfei. Let’s continue our journey and let’s continue our story.” Li Xiao said firmly.

Hand in hand, the two set foot on the land of Italy, their hearts full of curiosity about the unknown and desire for adventure.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Rome, the capital of Italy, a city known for its long history and spectacular monuments. They stood on the streets of Rome, looking up at the ancient buildings, their hearts filled with awe.

"Brother Xiao, the buildings here are so spectacular. Every stone is full of stories." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, Rome is a treasure trove of world cultural heritage. What we are going to visit today is the Colosseum and the Roman Forum."

They first came to the Colosseum, a relic of ancient Roman architecture that shocked the two of them. They imagined the fierce battles of gladiators in ancient Rome here, and felt the weight of history.

"Brother Xiao, standing in this arena, I seem to be able to hear the cheers of ancient audiences." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

"Yes, Pengfei, every inch of land here has witnessed the glory of the Roman Empire." Li Xiao responded.

Then, they strolled through the Roman Forum, which was once the political, commercial and religious center of ancient Rome. They walked among the ruins and imagined the prosperity of the past.

"Brother Xiao, look at these ruins. They used to be such magnificent buildings." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Indeed, Pengfei. These ruins allow us to get a glimpse of ancient Roman civilization." Li Xiao said.

In the afternoon, they tasted traditional Italian food - pizza and pasta. The fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods made them full of praise.

"This pizza is so delicious, Brother Xiao, I think it's better than any pizza we've eaten before." Huang Pengfei said while eating.

"Yes, Pengfei. Italian pizza and pasta are world-famous, and we finally tasted the authentic flavor today." Li Xiao replied with a smile.

In the evening, they participated in a local cultural event and enjoyed the performance of Italian opera. The music and singing echoed in the ancient theater, bringing them an unforgettable artistic experience.

"Brother Xiao, this opera is so shocking. I feel like I am surrounded by the music." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

“Yes, Pengfei. Italian opera is part of the world’s cultural heritage, and tonight’s experience is very rare.” Li Xiao said.

As night fell, the two walked the streets of Rome, discussing what they had seen and felt that day. They had a deeper understanding of Rome's monuments and culture, and developed a deep affection for the city.

"Brother Xiao, this trip gave me a new understanding of Rome. I feel that I love history and culture even more." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Pengfei. Traveling broadens our horizons and nourishes our souls. Tomorrow, we will continue to Venice, where the water city scenery is equally attractive."

The two made a new travel wish under the starry sky of Rome and look forward to continuing their journey of exploration in the water city of Venice.

When Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set foot on Venice, a city floating on water, they were deeply attracted by the unique scene before their eyes: canals replaced streets, gondolas shuttled through narrow waterways, and ancient buildings cast reflections on the water.

"Brother Xiao, this place is so amazing. The whole city is built on water." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao was also moved by the charming scenery: "Yes, Pengfei, Venice is unique. The waterways and bridges here form a beautiful picture."

They decided to take a gondola to explore the city first. With the melodious singing of the boatman, the two slowly moved along the winding waterway, admiring the buildings and scenery on both sides of the river.

"Brother Xiao, look at those buildings, their reflections in the water are so beautiful." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the reflections on the water.

“Indeed, Pengfei. The beauty of Venice lies in the harmonious coexistence of water and architecture. Every corner here is full of poetry.” Li Xiao responded.

In the afternoon, they visited St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica, which was once the political, religious and commercial center of Venice. The pigeons flying freely in the square added a touch of liveliness to this ancient square.

"Brother Xiao, the architectural style of this cathedral is really unique. Look at those mosaic decorations." Huang Pengfei pointed at the outer wall of the church and said. (End of this chapter)