Jo and Andrew Marjason first met on a Qantas Boeing B747 flight from London on 23 February 1976 – that’s 40 years ago this month!

In 1976, a Qantas flight from London to Sydney made two stops to refuel, flying from London to Bombay (now called Mumbai), to Perth and then on to Sydney.

It was on the Perth to Sydney leg of their trip that Andrew switched seats to sit next to Jo and struck up a conversation. At the baggage carousel, Jo asked Andrew for his bag tag so she could write to him.

This year they will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, and of course have been loyal Qantas customers ever since.

We caught up with them to find out how love really was ‘in the air’ 40 years ago and ask them how you too might meet your special someone onboard a Qantas flight.

As keen travellers, Andrew often makes travel guides for friends with their top tips and tricks for the destinations he and Jo have visited together. To coincide with Valentine’s Day, Andrew shared with us his top five things to see and do in Paris, the city of love.

Paris is just made for walking, especially hand-in-hand with your special someone. Each of the following suggestions is within easy reach of central Paris. Enjoy your stay! – Andrew

1. Pompidou Centre
The Pompidou Centre is a quirky building full of mostly modern and contemporary art, which is rarely crowded. Go up the escalators to the top two floors to experience a fabulous view of Paris. Step outside onto the balcony for the best aspect. If you are there towards dusk, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower lights switched on – very romantic! There is also a great view of Sacre-Coeur Basilica at Montmartre.

2. Musee de l’Orangerie
This is a lovely gallery, much smaller than the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay and renowned for large Monet water-lily murals displayed in especially designed curved rooms. Our favourite pictures are portraits by Soutine (a pupil of Modigliani) on the lower ground floor.

3. Place des Voges
This park is a beautiful, peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle, an easy walk from the Hotel de Ville (Paris’ City Hall) and Notre Dame with lovely trees and a shady colonnade around the outside. It’s a perfect spot to sit, relax and share a baguette, Camembert and a bottle of Bordeaux!

4. Jardin du Luxembourg 
Watch the Parisians relaxing in this stunning park, especially the youngsters around the boating pond and the students from the nearby Sorbonne. It’s an easy stroll up the Rue De Seine from the fashionable St Germain precinct and a very romantic spot in the late afternoon.

5. Promenade Plantee
This is a decommissioned, elevated railway line near the Place de la Bastille which is now a popular walking and jogging track in a beautiful garden setting. A great spot for an intimate stroll.

For more travel tips and destination reviews, check out Qantas Travel Insider.

For more stories behind the scenes at the flying kangaroo, read more Roo Tales