Pomme C in English
Reviewed/Translated by John Elkhoury
COMPREHENSION DIFFICULTY: EASY
J'ai son image
I have her image
J'ai son email
I have her email
Son coeur au bout du clavier
Her heart at the tip of the keyboard
J'ai son visage
I have her face
Et l'envie d'elle
And the desire for her
Sans jamais l'avoir touchée
Without having ever touched her
Dois je sauver ?
Must I save it ?
Ou bien abandonner ?
Or very well abandon it ?
Is Paris Overrated?
Is Paris overrated? Paris is often known for its history, art and culture, French gastronomy, famous monuments, and love. I know this is a French based website which promotes the French language, however, I do dare pose the question : is Paris overrated? Just so you know, this article is coming from a guy who has lived within the Île-de-France area, worked in Paris for two summers, and visited Paris on multiple occasions.
Why do people have the preconceived notion that Paris is a perfect city?
The assumption that Paris has no trash, no crime, no beggars, no noxious odors and no traffic is just plain wrong. Paris is a city with a metropolitan area of over eight million inhabitants (numbers per source varies), known as Parisians. Parking is difficult to find, the buses rarely run on time, emergency vehicles are loud, and it's no surprise when there is a bazillion other people (tourists?) on the streets. At night, drugs, violence, and prostitution all get involved. Paris is like every other city in these regards.
Over-attracted?
The monuments and museums at Paris are amazing, without a doubt. In fact, if you are a cultured individual who likes art or music, Paris is for you. However, you have to be witty enough to avoid the zillion other tourists who plan on visiting the same attraction. In Paris, expect lines, long lines. Don't take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Don't go to the Louvre Museum or the Chateau of Versailles on a Saturday. Don't try to go shopping on the Champs Elysees; you'll wait in a line just to get into an overpriced store... Avoid using the metro during rush hour. Actually, if you want to avoid the other 28 or so million tourists who flock to Paris each year, avoid tourist attractions all together and try to find events which French people tend to go to. Skipping the tourist-trapped, tourist-filled McDonalds and opting for real French cuisine is a great start. Another alternative is to not visit Paris during peak months (May, June, July).
Why do people have the preconceived notion that Paris is a perfect city?
The assumption that Paris has no trash, no crime, no beggars, no noxious odors and no traffic is just plain wrong. Paris is a city with a metropolitan area of over eight million inhabitants (numbers per source varies), known as Parisians. Parking is difficult to find, the buses rarely run on time, emergency vehicles are loud, and it's no surprise when there is a bazillion other people (tourists?) on the streets. At night, drugs, violence, and prostitution all get involved. Paris is like every other city in these regards.
Over-attracted?
The monuments and museums at Paris are amazing, without a doubt. In fact, if you are a cultured individual who likes art or music, Paris is for you. However, you have to be witty enough to avoid the zillion other tourists who plan on visiting the same attraction. In Paris, expect lines, long lines. Don't take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Don't go to the Louvre Museum or the Chateau of Versailles on a Saturday. Don't try to go shopping on the Champs Elysees; you'll wait in a line just to get into an overpriced store... Avoid using the metro during rush hour. Actually, if you want to avoid the other 28 or so million tourists who flock to Paris each year, avoid tourist attractions all together and try to find events which French people tend to go to. Skipping the tourist-trapped, tourist-filled McDonalds and opting for real French cuisine is a great start. Another alternative is to not visit Paris during peak months (May, June, July).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)