Would you like some cheese with that wine?!

This past weekend I left the Emerald Isle one final time to sample the culture of France. I landed in Bordeaux, France--home to some of the most famous wine vineyards--Saturday morning. My first encounter with a French citizen was the bus driver. He kept speaking to a group of Americans and Irish in fluent french while we loaded our bags on the bottom of the bus and lined-up to board.

Just like any other bus trip, right? Nope. This bus driver (decked out in a fashionable suit and sunglasses) continued to raise his french orders an octave louder until exasperated, he took our luggage out himself and threw it back in front of the questioning and baffled looks on our tourist faces. He then waited ten minutes while we whispered to each other if anyone knew what he was saying. Upon the correct scheduled time, he reopened the bus, allowed us to pack our luggage and said "Bonjour Mademoiselle" with a forced smile as I handed him my ticket. This first experience pretty much foreshadowed the rest of my trip: an embarrassing language barrier with fashionable, proud people who have created a beautiful and enriching culture. 

hellooo French pasteries

one of the many outdoor markets in Bordeaux

streets of Bordeaux

government center in Bordeaux

I only had 7 hours before I caught my train to Paris that night, so I could not visit a wine vineyard on the outside of the city (I'll hopefully come back for that experience next go round!), but was fortunate enough to join in on the Bastille Day festivities occurring around the city. It was a beautiful day and people were picnicking, cycling, and relaxing everywhere. I walked around the city center for a few hours, just taking in the culture and the sights before sitting at an outdoor cafe by the river for a baguette and a glass of wine supplied by a local chateau. It was a quaint city that looked similar to a mini-Paris; it was all the glamourous architecture and gastronomic pleasures without the oppressing lines of tourists.

I hopped on my train that night and winded my way through a Paris lit by the fireworks of its national holiday to find my hotel. The next morning I woke up to a breakfast of a croissant and cafe au lait (a great way to start the day, I'd say!) before meeting a small group of tourists in front of the Notre Dame cathedral for a bike tour. I absolutely loved the bike tour! On a day with beautiful weather that's just the right temperature, there's no better way to see a new city. An Australian art student guided us through Paris to view not only the major sights, but also the behind-the-scenes parts of Paris that really gave it character--the Medieval section of town, the oldest buildings in the city built in the 1200s, the favorite cafes of famous artists and writers, a cannonball from the French Revolution, and down a cobblestone street that led to the oldest restaurant in the city. This restaurant was established in the 1600s and the neatest thing was it had paintings of famous people who visited before photographs became popular. After the bike ride, I had a jambon et fromage crepe before visiting the famous Angelina's chocolate shop to pick out  a few treats to enjoy in the Tuileries garden. After the divine food refresher, I made an express trip through the Louvre (somehow entering a side door where there were no lines...they need more security) to see the Mona Lisa and a few other rooms. The day closed with a Seine River boat ride and a bus tour around the city at night to see the "City of Lights" in all its shining glory! The Eiffel Tower was amazing when it sparkled every hour.

Oldest restaurant in Paris, founded in 1686

I loved the flower stands everywhere!

the Louvre 

oldest buildings in Paris, they date back to the 1200s

One of my most favorite things about Paris...along with the gorgeous buildings, rich history, and delicious food, of course....was the cafe culture. There were rows of tables set up outside each cafe and everyone drank their coffee and ate their food facing the streets so they could people-watch! I understand now why there were so many great thinkers, writers, and artists who came up with their masterpieces in the cafes of Paris. 

one of the many wonderful cafes

So, France wasn't the welcoming and friendly culture of Italy and Ireland, but can you blame them for being so proud when they have mastered the art of cooking, creating art, and building gorgeous cities?? It was all-in-all a great trip and next time I'll work on learning the major French words so as not to get the disapproving eyebrow lift from every waiter I speak with. 

I have one more week left in Ireland before returning home for a few days and then back off to school. I plan to work on last minute projects for the internship, visit the English Market every day, and soak up the things I've come to love about Cork. I'll work on a final blog before I leave, but thanks to everyone for taking the journey with me throughout the summer!

Much love, 

Hayley