What I learned during my week in Paris

Hi! So this is my first blog post, and I'm really excited about it. In this post, I'm going to be talking to you guys about the things I learned during my week in Paris.

My family and I went to Paris in December 2019. I had really no idea what to expect, but let's just say I was amazed at how things went.

#1: Be prepared to walk.

Upon arriving in Paris, we were immediately met with a HUGE problem: The strikes were going on, and most of the train services were closed. We were able to take the RER until about 2 stops before our hotel, as the stations were closed in that area. My dad had to try really hard to get a taxi from the station, but we didn't manage to get one.

Then began our long, arduous walk to the hotel. We ended up walking for around 45 minutes, all the while dragging our heavy suitcases behind us!

A picture I took while walking to the hotel. The ground was quite slippery, so that wasn't fun. 
The view was stunning, though. 

The strikes continued the entire time we were in Paris. We had to edit our itinerary as we couldn't go anywhere that couldn't be reached by walking or by the trains that WERE working.

(On a brighter note, I was able to easily hit my daily steps goal as I was walking upwards of 20,000 steps a day!) 

#2: The French are actually really friendly.

I know, the French have the infamous reputation of being rude, arrogant...whatever. Before the trip, almost everyone I knew warned me that I was going to be treated extremely rudely. However, this was not the case.  

We were treated really nicely by everyone we met during the trip. The locals were really kind and friendly when we asked for help/directions, and many of the waiters we met volunteered funny stories about life in Paris. Of course, I did make a serious effort to employ my French-speaking skills wherever I could, so maybe that helped. That brings me to my next point...

#3: Learn some French.

I cannot tell you how surprised and happy people were when I (a somewhat questionable Singaporean girl), asked them questions, and even maintained basic conversations in French! 

Knowing a little bit of the spoken language in the places you visit is a big lifesaver. It really helps you navigate the area, as well as interact with the locals.

#4: French food is AMAZING.

Croque Madame

Before you attack me and say duh, we already knew that, let me just emphasize the importance of this statement.

I don't think I had a single disappointing meal the entire time I was in Paris. Bread, cheese, meat, fish, vegetables...the list goes on and on.

Charcuterie board

(Tip: Use Google Maps or any other app to check out the ratings of nearby restaurants. My general rule of thumb is: If it's 4 stars or higher by at least a hundred people, you should be good to go.)

#5: Visit every single place you can.

I mean, you're on HOLIDAY. Go everywhere you want to, and then some. Chances are you aren't going to be returning anytime soon, make the most of it.

(BONUS - #6: I really don't like the cold.)

Having been born and brought up in Singapore where the weather is continuously around 30°C, it's no wonder I'm not used to the cold. I loved Paris, but words cannot express how happy I was to finally breathe in the warm Singapore air.

Final thoughts:

Going to Paris was a dream come true, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Visiting a place so rich and full of culture was an out-of-this-world experience that I will never forget.

Have you ever visited France? If so, please feel free to tell me about your experience in the comments!