Simply put, it's because everyone is just so damned gorgeous. I had completely forgotten how incredible looking these people are (come on, it was over 10 years since I was last here!!!) and it's not all in their genes - although that does help.

I feel like a bag lady, walking around in my TopShop dress & my Wittner shoes. Why did I have to through those Chanel flats in the bin back in Earls' Court? I mean they did have a hole in the sole and were starting to fall apart, but still! Me thinks I need to head down to the Champs-Elysees to get myself another pair just to fit in.

The hot person per capita ratio here is astronomical & here's what I've learnt about how they do it:

1. Drive a Vespa - a red one if you can get it
2. Get a deep tan, but not from a bottle
3. Spend so much time in the sun that your mouse brown hair gets blonde flecks in it
4. Don't really brush your hair, just let it hang loose but not scruffy. Soft curl is best
5. Let the bones on your chest area show through - ribs are good apparently. This makes clothes hang off you in very flattering ways.
6. If you are a girl, bare your legs. Always. (But make sure they're tanned)