7 Things You'll Need When Visiting Paris for the First Time...

As we now have many home exchange offers located in Paris, and doubtless many American members will be interested in these offers, it seemed appropriate to include in the weblog the following article from Tourist Travel.com
by Thomas Schueneman


1 - Your Passport
Of course, but if you like to collect stamps in your passport, you'll have to ask...

2 - A Little French
Yes, it is true that many Europeans speak English... But you're in France, after all, and you'll go a long way in avoiding the famed "snootiness" of the French if you learn -and use - some basic French phrases... They'll love to help you as you stumble along in really bad French!

3 - A Map...
If nothing else, you can stand there, hopelessly lost on a Parisian street corner, and stare at your map... someone is sure to offer to help. Make sure you say "Bonjour and Merci..."

4 - An Umbrella...
"April in Paris" sounds romantic. It's an American myth that April in Paris is the most lovely time to visit. May is better, but always expect some rain and always be prepared for changeable weather! The sun might be shining when you leave your hotel, but it might start raining any time!

5 - Something besides jeans and sneakers...
That's fine for walking around and seeing the sights of Paris. But when dining out, show respect for the dining experience that the French take so seriously... Dress for dinner, and you're likely to get treated a lot better (remember those few French phrases you learned on the plane ride over...)

6 - Your Cigarettes...
Are you a smoker? Then you'll love Paris! Smoking is allowed pretty much everywhere... If you're not smoker, then you'll just have to put up with the second hand smoke... Don't even THINK of complaining about it!

7 - A Sense of Adventure...
Ahh... Paris, the City of Lights; the City of Love... All around are wonders of culture and history. Be a little curious and adventurous and you'll find no lack of wonderful things to see, do, and enjoy. Paris is arguably the most beautiful city in Europe, enjoy it's wonders with a sense of adventure...




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tom lives in San Francisco and works as a sound engineer, freelance writer, and entrepreneur. He enjoys traveling, nature, reading, photography, and music