…and 20 more minutes of taxiing and you have arrived at Charles Dougall International, Paris, France.
The approach to Paris can be likened to a modern French film – first the pilot descends to about 1000 feet above ground while you fasten your seatbelt, then the pilot cruises for another 30 minutes while you secure your tray table, when the airport is finally in sight -the pilot will give you another 15 minutes of circling the surrounding farmland, then the pilot gently lands the aircraft and does you a favor by taxiing the first 30 miles towards Paris. Once you reach the gate an hour has passed and you’ve had enough time for tea and crumpets, oh wait that’s English.
- And we’re in Paris, the most incredible modern city that still maintains it’s ancient vibes. While the approach to the city may be cause for another nap, the city itself is a loud, bustling, bright and beautiful place to be. Before I go any further, I must spill the beans… I am on a guided tour.
Ok, there, I said it, and I know what you are thinking. However, whilst only on my second (at the time of writing this) day of the trip – the guided part is proving to be an incredibly efficient way to travel this continent. Just in the last two days I have seen more sights, met more people and eaten more quiche than I would have ever done by solo. Plus I lost an internal $10 bet to myself that will be immediately recouped…there are actually a few people on the tour under 50. Incredibly they might actually be my age, and they are all fun no matter.
Now, I don’t speak French, except when I am mocking them while watching a foreign film – and even then it probably sounds like a mix of Chinese, German, and mockery. So when I am actually faced with communicating with these natives, my tongue swells up. They do not particularly like speaking English as you may know, but what you may not know is that this usually has nothing to do with their well stereotyped position of snobbery. In fact a lot of French will tell you that they do not speak English simply because they may not regard themselves as fluent, and they are all about perfection. Take for example the Eclair Chocolat I had today for lunch. Simply stated – it was perfection on all regards. And the sorbet made by Begullion (the most renowned sorbet company in the world), eaten last night, it was – basically the most perfect sorbet I have ever had. The wine tasting will reach my palette tomorrow, so I am hesitant to comment, but I know I will probably be blown away.
Paris is a city of love(at least the historic district is, I definitely won’t be wandering about the neighborhoods around the airport). You can walk miles in any direction and still be entranced by the details placed in every building, the care taken to provide parks every few blocks, the outdoor cafes where everyone sits facing the street, and the escargot on every menu.
Taxiing, Taxiing……Still Taxiing
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