I visited France for the first time in June and it was incredible! I know that doesn't sound very original because most people who visit France exclaim something along the lines of, "France is incredible, it's an amazing, wonderful place and I can't wait to go back!" There were many, many things I loved in France, here are just a few highlights: I ate baguette every day and they really do make them differently- they make them the right way-they are so, so good that now I find it difficult to enjoy baguette anywhere, but in France. There's also the cheese and the wine, which are less expensive and better. The architecture is breathtaking and the feel of history is ever present, you just don't get the same sensation in the United States. The ocean in Nice is heavenly and I couldn't get enough of the beach, but there are many other things to see, so as challenging as it is, you do have to pack up and separate yourself from the turquoise water.
I could write forever on the subject of my love of France, but I want to get right to the point and say that what I love most is the lifestyle. One example of this, is that in France you get seven weeks off per year, as if that's not enough many companies will also give you money to travel, in the form of traveling certificates. I'm not even joking, it's amazing. I can't help but love a country that values quality of life. Another example, is how people eat in France; French people really enjoy their food, yes they still have fast food restaurants, but certainly far fewer than in the United States.
The energy in Paris is unlike any place I've ever visited. Sure, in New York you feel the crazy cool energy and it's a beautiful, architecturally significant, chaotic, glorious city. Then, there's San Francisco where my heart will always be and that's big, but it also boasts beautiful landscapes, truly original people flock there so you certainly feel the creativity and individuality. Paris, however not only has the feel of bustling energy and creativity, but it feels magical and as lame as that may sound, it's absolutely true. In Paris they try to make everything enjoyable, even the Metro stops have themes. Along the Seine, there are trailer-type things which you can rent by the hour and we saw people hanging out inside, playing games, eating, drinking; it was so cool and I wanted to run back to the US to share my discovery in hopes that some city would decide to do the same, because why not? Outside of the Modern Art Museum there's music, people sitting around and simply enjoying life. All over the city there are sprawling cafes where people linger for hours. In Nice there is an outdoor market every day and I found myself day dreaming of fresh tomatoes and basil to put on more baguette. Surrounding the market there are cafes where one spend an entire day and not grow tired, or bored. Another thing I noticed about the French is that the vast majority of them do not have phones in their hands constantly- even those sitting alone seemed content to people-watch and yes, many of them also had a cigarette in hand. In France I didn't have the feeling of being rushed, or the guilty sensation of being lazy because everyone around you is also relaxing and enjoying their free time.
Of course, I was in vacation and maybe I'd feel differently if I lived in Paris, or Nice, but I'd like to think I'd feel the same. I definitely cannot wait to visit France again!
