How do you put it into words? How do you properly explain the feeling of being fully rested after an 8-hour flight, or eating the best French breakfast, surprisingly similar to our own? How can I wrap in words driving along the countryside and feeling at home, while you hear and read something foreign. Or even the satisfaction of asking for directions from a security cop in his native language and being able to get where you want to go? Though the trip from Nice, over to Monaco and back, then up the Provence area to Paris may have only taken 9 days, the trip, and its many pictures, will stay in my heart for much longer. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, and yes, though the trip will happen again the following year, each is it's own adventure and nothing can compare to your experience that first time. Megan M.
France 2015 Slideshow & Memories
Paris & the Riviera (Nice, Monacco, Cassas, Eze & Provence)
Memories Made In France
I loved the ability I had to hunt for my food, as in search back end little streets and main avenues looking for whatever I had the craving for, often Delicious Crêpes. I am not a native speaker, my tongue will cut into the flesh of another language better than any butcher and will get lost in the instant double take of confusion, but I still wanted to try, to improve. I loved being able to stretch my French muscle and order for myself, buy things by myself, read signs, and speak to people (as best as I could manage). I’ve never been outside of the country before; in fact the farthest I had been from home was only a few states over, and France was my one and only destination. Now, having traveled to France and checked that off my bucket list, I know that it is somewhere I want to go back to again and again. Megan M.
What was your favorite thing about France? Your least favorite? How did it compare to Charlotte? My favorite thing about France was the architecture and culture. My least favorite was how overpriced some things were and having water restrictions. My favorite thing about France was the art and the architecture. My least favorite thing was the fact that everything closed early in the evening. In comparison to Charlotte it was more rich in history and culture because it has many years of history where as Charlotte is a modern and changing city. My favorite thing about France was being able to experience new parts of the world. My least favorite thing about France was the very limited phone use and long travels to get over there.
What was your favorite French food? Crepes; savory crèpes and sweet ones - both were simple but delicious; Nutella and strawberry crepe.
What was the strangest/funniest experience you had while there? Getting to know the group I went with was the funniest part of the experience. The funniest thing that happened while we were there was when Grant joined a line of young students who were going in to a museum. None of the teachers noticed him until he was almost inside, even though he was at least twice the children's size. One of the funniest moments happened in Monaco. We were waiting for the rest of our tour group and Grant would try to casually join the groups of the small french kids going to the aquarium.
Had you been to France before? Where else have you traveled? Will you travel out of the US in the next three years and, if so, where will you go? This was my first time in France but I have been to Mexico, many Caribbean islands, Spain and various states. I will likely visit Greece, Australia, and other Caribbean destinations within 3 years. Yes, I have been to France before on a school trip in the 8th grade. I have also been to Scotland with my family. Next summer my family plans on going to Europe to travel through France and Spain or Germany. I have never been to France before, and this was the first time i have ever been out of the country.
Are you a native French speaker? What other languages do you speak? I am not a native French speaker. English is my first language. I am not a native French speaker although I have been learning it since kindergarten, and the only language I speak other than French is English. No, I am not a native speaker.
What was the most interesting thing you saw in France? The Mona Lisa was interesting because it is so famous, yet all the other pieces of art were arguably much more beautiful. The most interesting thing I saw in France was the Papal palace in Avignon. It was interesting to learn the scandal behind this palace and how the pope who lived there was not accepted by all Catholics. The most interesting thing I saw in France was the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.
What was your favorite thing about France? Your least favorite? How did it compare to Charlotte? My favorite thing about France was the architecture and culture. My least favorite was how overpriced some things were and having water restrictions. My favorite thing about France was the art and the architecture. My least favorite thing was the fact that everything closed early in the evening. In comparison to Charlotte it was more rich in history and culture because it has many years of history where as Charlotte is a modern and changing city. My favorite thing about France was being able to experience new parts of the world. My least favorite thing about France was the very limited phone use and long travels to get over there.
What was your favorite French food? Crepes; savory crèpes and sweet ones - both were simple but delicious; Nutella and strawberry crepe.
What was the strangest/funniest experience you had while there? Getting to know the group I went with was the funniest part of the experience. The funniest thing that happened while we were there was when Grant joined a line of young students who were going in to a museum. None of the teachers noticed him until he was almost inside, even though he was at least twice the children's size. One of the funniest moments happened in Monaco. We were waiting for the rest of our tour group and Grant would try to casually join the groups of the small french kids going to the aquarium.
Had you been to France before? Where else have you traveled? Will you travel out of the US in the next three years and, if so, where will you go? This was my first time in France but I have been to Mexico, many Caribbean islands, Spain and various states. I will likely visit Greece, Australia, and other Caribbean destinations within 3 years. Yes, I have been to France before on a school trip in the 8th grade. I have also been to Scotland with my family. Next summer my family plans on going to Europe to travel through France and Spain or Germany. I have never been to France before, and this was the first time i have ever been out of the country.
Are you a native French speaker? What other languages do you speak? I am not a native French speaker. English is my first language. I am not a native French speaker although I have been learning it since kindergarten, and the only language I speak other than French is English. No, I am not a native speaker.
What was the most interesting thing you saw in France? The Mona Lisa was interesting because it is so famous, yet all the other pieces of art were arguably much more beautiful. The most interesting thing I saw in France was the Papal palace in Avignon. It was interesting to learn the scandal behind this palace and how the pope who lived there was not accepted by all Catholics. The most interesting thing I saw in France was the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.