‘’Salut, c'est encore moi! Salut, comment tu vas...’’ croons Joe Dassin’s song in my mind with memories of my first French lesson. I thought that one lucky day I will visit my dream city. I did not believe how much adventures I would find in miraculous Paris...
On 25th of February, 2007 I was ready to start a school trip to Denmark (Aarhus) and France (Paris). My lovely fairyland- I was coming! France’s delightful capital is one of the world’s most visited cities, crammed with cultural monuments, landscape, art, literature, fashion and history.
‘Bonjour,’’ I saluted a waiter in French. We stopped to have breakfast in a charming little café next day.
‘’Bonjour,’’ he answered. ‘’ Puis-je vous aider?’’ (Can I help you?) young Frenchman kindly asked me as I speak French since my childhood.
‘’Je veux un café, s’il vous plait,’’ (I would like to have a coffee, please) I was not sure if I was grammatically right. The French are polite, warm-hearted, helpful and always smiling.
The weather was sunny and beautiful in February. It does not usually warm up until mid May but that morning Somebody made it special for a good mood. I was impatient waiting to see Paris, will the weather change there? Usual summer temperatures are around 77 F and 45 F in the winter. Temperatures rarely dip below the freezing point. However, for the period of the winter it rains frequently, sometimes with hail. It is wonderful in the springtime while the flowers are in bloom. Paris basin lies midway between Brittany and Alsace, and is affected by the climates of both. Paris' average yearly temperature is 12°C (54°F).
Dreams always come to fruition if we believe heard enough. So, welcome to the most romantic city in the world! Paris is more than 2,000 years old, known as Lutetia in ancient times. It played a major role in revolutions and wars, also today maintains its importance, character, and charm. The largest city of France, the capital of the Île-de-France region is situated on the banks of the River Seine.
We moved to a cosy hotel close to the Notre-Dame. Accommodation there is no problem because you can choose either one or five stars hotel, guest house or rent a small flat. For example, Hôtel Saint Honoré, situated in the heart of Paris, near the Louvre museum (3.), Notre Dame and offers a warm welcome ambiance.
After changing I flooded in appealing streets speckled with trendy cafés, bars and restaurants. French language buzzed around my ears. My eyes were running to the right- left and I still could not catch all beauty and assonance roundabout me. My heart was beating like thunder of happiness but stomach prayed to tread for some food.
Dining in Paris was a pleasant and tasty experience. I found most of France's regional dishes - Breton crêpes, Provençal ratatouille, bouillabaisse... There are cheeses of thousands varieties with house wine red or white which can be cheaper than water in most restaurants. Life in Paris is more expensive than anywhere else in the country but it is possible to find cheap shops (1.bag) and cafes too. It is better to ask local people about low-cost areas.
In the evening I found positive experiences in some pubs, jazz club but soon I went to hotel because next day supposed to be full of events. Early morning already granted with occurrences. After breakfasts I forgot my bag. We could not find a bus but anyway I was in a funny mood and bound to go to the Eiffel tower (5.) - one of the most famous buildings in Paris. It crept its way into the list of the 7 wonders of the world and has had more than a quarter of a billion visitors. In a little while we were near the symbol of the beauty. I could not breathe of joyfulness when I saw this miracle with my own eyes. Taking a lot of photos of a fantastic view of the cities’ panorama, Latvian flag inside I did not feel how fast time runs. Looking around about five minutes I got that we two are lost in the top of wonder! Unwillingly we left the tower. Fortunately, I found leader’s phone number. They walked to Musée d'Orsay (8.) but we did not realize them there as well. Probably it is because we were faster. We took a metro (6.). There are a lot of variants how to move in Paris- Métro, RER, trains, buses, trams or bicycle rentals.
After amazing and sententious museum we went for a shopping. In next days we went to the Louvre (7.) (I saw Mona Liza’s’ smile), Champs-Elysées (9.), Notre Dame, Montmartre, Défense, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon and Centre Georges Pompidou (2.). I saw unforgettable sunset in the cruise on the Seine River, the shiny Eiffel tower at night... In Paris I let a lot of things for which I did not have time but I definitely will visit Paris again.
You should be alert there. Look watchfully after your stuff, careful of the sidewalks, some things there are dirty. Do not walk alone, especially at nights. Look after your money- where to change it and what to order in restaurants, some food can be too expensive...
Anyway, it is a must to see romantic city- Paris. You can get there easily by plain, by train (EUROSTAR), bus or car. Bon Voyage!

20.02.2009