A FewTips

So as I mentioned my first trip to Paris was fantastic.  And so I would like to dedicate this post to the "must sees" in Paris. And surprise, surprise, it is not the typical, Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, although these are things you should see. But I think my favorite times were sitting on benches in the various parks, walking along the not so busy streets and sitting in those fabulous sidewalk cafes.

The Beginning

I am not sure what intrigued me about the posters, probably the Art Deco theme, but they were also cheap. I could buy four 8 x 10 pictures of old advertising posters in French for $1.00. And that began a journey of discovery involving Paris and led to all of France. I have always been a dreamer. Give me a "project" and I can turn it into a dream. For example, there was an old house outside of the small town where I grew up that was abandoned and for the most part, probably should have been condemned. But I saw it had potential and the dream of buying it, renovating the house and gardens into an oasis for me and my son, occupied my mind for years. So when I started researching Paris, due to my purchase of these posters, it is no wonder I fell in love with the city and the country.

My obsession became stronger as I started watching French movies. I love the language and the stories about life there. I bought Rick Steve's books on Paris and planned a trip with my son back in 2007. The trip, unfortunately, never came to fruition, but my love of the city did not stop. Last year in March, my daughter needed money to fix her car, so since I was pulling this money from my savings, I decided it was time for me to visit Paris. I bought a plane ticket, made my hotel reservations and hopped across the pond to the Charles de Gaulle airport. All by myself!!!!!!. And I had the time of my life.

Before the trip, however, I did my research. I did not want to be that "ugly American". I learned to ask, "Parlez vous Anglais". I learned to say " Bonjour" everytime I entered a store or restaurant. I learned that the Metro was the best transportation to use. I learned the safe and not so safe places I could go as a single person. I learned to dress french and fit in with the French. And it worked. I would be sitting on a bench in the Champs de Mars and people would ask me questions in French. Once I explained I didn't speak much French, they were happy to sit down and converse with me in English. I even had a delightful conversation via the phrase book with a gentleman named Andrew, who was playing boules with his friends in the Champs de Mars. 

And on the subject of the French being rude, let me put that myth to bed at once. I was never treated without respect my whole time there, and do you know why? Because I attempted to converse in French. Because I adapted to their way of life. I didn't try to Americanize anything. I love Paris. To me it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Each building is a piece of art. The gardens are spectacular. The Metro to die for. The food, I honestly believe that you could not get bad food in Paris, unless of course you go to the McDonalds or the Subway's. But why would you, you are in Paris?

So as I begin my journey toward retirement (9 short years) and towards my future home of France, I thought I would blog about all of the interesting items, places, food, etc I find so I could share them with you.

Until next time,
Au Revoir
Terri