The France impression

Since my two-week trip to France in June, I start to understand why people make such a fuss after a trip to Europe. Well, I have to admit, I am one of those people now. It has little to do with the long duration of the flight from San Francisco (or other places of the world, for that matter) to Paris, or how expensive the trip is. It is all about the French experience.

In this trip, I had an excellent guide, Anne, who retired back to the mountains in Glenoble, France. She kept us away from doing silly touristy things, and let us enjoy the country as it was to a Frenchwoman.

Sure, Paris is an impressive metropolitan city with history, arts and architectures that you can't miss every time you turn around the corner of the city streets. The romantic Seine and its many bridges; the amazing number of museums; the famous monuments; fashionable shops and delicious eateries all added personalities to this unique place. Walking on the streets of Paris, I can't help but wonder how can all these amazing features even fit in one small city at the same time?!

Outside of Paris is just as impressive if not more so. The drive from Paris to Glenoble was very enjoyable. We passed by countless castles and historic buildings, some of them were just off the highway! The fields were so green and the forests were so lush. I saw a field full of fiery red poppies off the side of the highway, it was bloody and bold, just being there to put passersby in awe.