Bon Voyage!
“Je suis désolé, me ne sais pas comment parler français!” This means: I do not speak french fluently! This is the one phrase that is a must learn before traveling to Paris. Do not even think about traveling there without learning that phrase beforehand.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with jaw dropping architecture and many famous landmarks including the Louvre, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and many more. However, if you do not know any French it can be quite difficult to get much respect from the natives, let alone getting around the city itself. Unfortunately, we learned this the hard way.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with jaw dropping architecture and many famous landmarks including the Louvre, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and many more. However, if you do not know any French it can be quite difficult to get much respect from the natives, let alone getting around the city itself. Unfortunately, we learned this the hard way.
Walking down the street to the Eiffel tower, seeing the Mona Lisa, walking through Notre Dame, it was all so surreal. It felt as if we were in a movie. I had seen all of these things on TV but I had never imagined I would actually get the opportunity to be at them.
Even though we were given very little respect--people scoffed and walked away from us quite frequently-- seeing the sights made it all worth it. What a thrill to see the Eiffel tower all lit up at night; and Notre Dame through the haze of clouds; and the Louvre with that famous lady who charms the world with a half smile.
Running into some road bumps on the way to Paris , the experiences once we got there, all make for some great stories to tell. With two flight delays, every hostile with no vacancy, getting ripped off by taxi drivers because we do not speak french fluently, doing our best to at least try and speak french, not getting much respect, and still being able to make it around the city, see beautiful sights, and make it back to Italy in one piece made us not only feel accomplished, but very independent. It made us realize that we are growing up and getting more and more opportunities as we do. Not taking advantage of chances we get or letting little things ruin a once in a lifetime trip to Paris would not be our style. How can anyone complain when they are in Paris, France, walking around, sipping some wine with their friends at the age of only 19 or 20?
As long as you make sure to check your flight status a couple of times, check into the airport early, book a place to stay ahead of time, brush up on your french, and do not say you are from America unless you absolutely have too, going to Paris should be a stress free trip!
Jessica Shroka
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