Paris is full of amazing sights, adventurous activities and rich history. When I’m on a Parisian jaunt, I find that I see and learn more when I stray from the beaten path overwhelmed by tourists. This is where you find the hidden gems of the city – quaint little coffee shops, secret antique stores, and private taverns, only occupied by the locals. You’ll never hear about the real, raw details of life in Paris from a tour guide. Those books only provide a glimpse of all the obvious attractions. You really discover the intricacies of the city when you look to its heart – the true city dwellers.

The Eiffel Tower is amazing, but if you really want to see what Paris has to offer, visit the Canal Saint Martin and sip some café au lait at the corner shop across the way. That is Paris.

Even though they are large events that gather lots of spectators, you should do your best to catch the French Open results and Wimbledon highlights. The French Open is located in Paris and occurs every May. Wimbledon goes on shortly after the French tournament and is set a short distance away in a London grassy suburb. Look for tickets far in advance to make sure you get the best seats possible. Tennis is just too fun to pass up!

It’s important to plan when making a trip to Europe, but it’s also important to have flexibility and let the city direct you where to go.

How To Get Around in Paris is a post from: World Venture Travel

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1. Exploring The City of Romance

I love visiting Paris because every time I go, I always come away with a new and exciting experience. The city is so full of passion, vibrancy and romance – it is truly a pleasure to be surrounded by all its beauty.

From the mysterious, Gothic majesty of Notre-Dame to the intricate splendor of the Pompidou Centre, the architecture is rich and grandeur. One of my absolute favorite activities to do when visiting Paris is meandering through the many museums and galleries. The famous Louvre is a spectacle for the eyes and a great way to learn more about France’s rich history. Even simply sitting at a café, drinking coffee and people watching is an experience in itself. You have to stop by a patisserie and taste the delicious bread.

Another activity I love to take part in is the French Open. Although it is hard to find tickets and the crowds can be a bit overwhelming, the thrill of watching the French Open scores is too much to pass up. If I’m lucky enough to be in Europe for so long, I am able to make a visit to the Wimbledon live tennis matches. It’s a joy to see the tennis greats battle each other on the court. Both tennis tournaments encapsulate all the opulence and fancy that Europe has to offer – and the strawberries and cream are to die for!

Paris is brimming with history, art, culture, food, shopping, and so much more. If you ever make a trip to the city of romance, the best thing you can do is simply revel in its beauty. Take time to wander around with no purpose, sit on a bench in a beautiful garden, and allow yourself to be romanced by the city of love.

Exploring The City of Romance is a post from: World Venture Travel

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1. How To Get Around in Paris

Two poets of many, are connected to the beautiful city of Madrid.  From the times before five star Madrid hotels and fashion shows, from a time that makes these times now, possible.  For what is music or art or avant garde fashion or dance or painting or culinary delights, if there is no poetry standing behind it all, and holding it all up?  Antonio Machado was born in 1883 in the town of Seville.  After some childhood years spent there he moved to Madrid where he lived for quite a while.  And to ease financial restrictions, became an actor for a short time.  Now days, actors must find other ways to ease financial strife.  During this time he came into contact with writers, poets mostly, and after working with them and their publishers and being in their world, decided to move to Paris.  ‘Soledades’ was his first book of poetry published in 1903, and he continued to edit the book for a time.  While in Paris he studied philosophy and French literature, and wrote poems of social realism.  He became a member of the ‘Generation of 1927′.  This was a collection of writers promoting the avant garde in literature, the performance artists of today have much to thank and respect this man for.  He died just three days before his mother, on February 22, 1939, and in his pocket was a poem.  One only wishes to die with a poem in the pocket.

Garcia Lorca remained in Madrid, and joined with Pablo Neruda the Residence de Estudiantes.  In the college town these men held public readings, performances, and this led to Lorca becoming famous before he had had a bit of words published.  During this time, 1920′s, the artists as well as all the people, were hiding from armed forces.  Much like Michelangelo being held prisoner and painting the walls of his cell with angels, poets will not be stopped by military invasions.  Pride, violent death, love and passion are themes during this time, as well they should be.  As well they should be now.  While in hiding, he was being followed.  This poet, writing of love and mythology and beauty, was dragged from his flat.  The Nationalists shot him, without a trial, in 1936.  The Spanish Civil war led by the right wing, had him dig his grave, in which he was buried once they carried out their intentions.  He was an adversary to their purpose, so the men with guns shot the man with a pen and a piece of paper executed for his thoughts. Perhaps he had a poem in his pocket as well.

With a Poem in the Pocket is a post from: World Venture Travel

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