Premier Jour en France

Bonjour !

 After a long trip from England (which was unbelievably delayed due to an earlier suicidal accident on the train tracks) our group has finally arrived in Paris, France. From the moment of our arrival, you could sense the cultural differences amongst the two European nations. In England, it is evident that a lot of the architecture was constructed more recently; all of the buildings were symmetrical with modern marvels surrounding the city. Much of it was so picture perfect and extremely tidy (most likely because the country is anticipating the Olympics). France on the other hand, gives off a uniquely beautiful atmosphere by combining contemporary aspects with a much richer history.

Graffiti art was spray painted on the sides of underground buildings and used as advertisements on trucks. Artists behind Notre Dame set up their canvases by the rose gardens and fountains, avid to recreate. Musicians in the streets & even on the metro were ready to serenade a crowd with their accordions. Street dancers from Africa were impressive with their dances of capoeira, one performer even balancing a bowl of goldfish on his head while dancing!

Norte Dame was absolutely amazing. Hard to believe that everything from the stained glass to the detailed gargoyles, saints & kings was constructed without modern machinery. It was moving to tour the inside of the Cathedral while a mass service was taking place, whereas Westminster Abbey in England was a museum with a tour guide. The religious theme of most of the architecture in Paris contributes to the romantic vibe of the city, along with the notoriously picturesque Eiffel Tower, which is right across the way from our suites in the Pullman (that has free wi-fi btw :)

A three course meal for 12 euros was deliciously satisfying for lunch. Ordering in France for the first time didn’t prove to be an issue, as a few versions of the menu were in Anglais. French Onion Soup Au Gratin, followed by Salmon Pasta in a Lemon Butter Sauce & completed with Chocolate Mousse was the perfect way to take in the culinary arts of France. ( I am ashamed to admit that a couple of us stopped in McD’s in England ).

Enjoying a meal with friends in the outdoor restaurant setting where we could listen to a musician singing French songs was, by far, the most perfect way to experience the Parisian culture for the first time.

Au Revoir,
<3 Angela Rosario Potter 2014