The Inviting and Polite French People

France is a land of beauty in the sense that it does not only hold beautiful historical, cultural, and natural sites to visit but basically because the people there manages to keep it good and sharply fresh every single time as rooted from a principle of putting physical appearance first. French people amazingly keep their neighborhood, even those poor ones, clean and uncluttered, regardless of that place's economic status; it will not give any tourist an hunch that it's well-off or broke because every where you turn, you will find well-kept premises. Interestingly enough, French dudes keep themselves as uncluttered as possible as well, expecting others to take a look at them because that's what they exactly do: inspecting other people particularly how they dress themselves. They are not only sleek when it comes to clothing and keeping the house but more importantly in living their lives, taking a good mental note to be courteous and kind at all times while exhibiting such good manners to both locals and visitors. French dudes are also downright sincere, which clearly means that they just don't keep themselves and their properties tidy for a show, they do it because that is what they are accustomed to.

A Roundup of the Elite in the Movie Industry

Now that the 2006 Golden Globe Award has just culminated, Hollywood A-lists will soon be primping for the oncoming 2007 Cannes Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival is just one of the most waited for happenings in France. Established in 1939, the admired film festival is held every year during the month of May. The winners of the festival are decided on by a jury which is made up of movie masters from different countries. The 2006 Cannes Film Festival jury included Samuel L. Jackson, a great Hollywood actor, Zhang Ziyi, a skilled Chinese actress, and Monica Belluci, a gorgeous Italian actress.

The Cannes Film Festival is just like the eminent Oscars, except that the film contestants come from different countries. In fact, the Cannes Film Festival is believed as among the most renowned and celebrated film festivals in the world. The most wanted accolade in the Cannes Film Festival is the Golden Palm or Palme d'Or, which was formerly known as Grand Prix. Other marvelous accolades include Best Actress (Prix d'interprétation féminine du Festival de Cannes), Best Actor (Prix d'interprétation masculine du Festival de Cannes), and Best Director (Prix de la mise en scène). Last year's victor of the Palme d'Or accolade was "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" by Ken Loach. I can hardly wait to catch on who wins this year's Palm d'Or accolade.

A Regal Day Starts With A Flavorful French Breakfast

A Regal Day Starts With A Flavorful French Breakfast

Right before I left for France, my sister gave me a few tips on how to spend an exemplary day in the French land. I listened to my sister when she gave me tour advisory because I know she is a more experienced ourist than I am. Although my sister is quite a lavish traveler who stays in high-priced hotels rather than in inns where I normally stay, I willingly listened to her travel tips. She said that I should always call to mind to eat a grand breakfast in French style to begin a regal day. I did not discern then what my sister was saying, but when I got to France and smelled the breakfast fragrance, I understood what she meant.

Throughout my breakfast in a fanciful restaurant, I was given the redcurrant jam to spread over the perfectly toasted French rolls. The redcurrant jam is made from the berry-like redcurrant fruits that usually produce in the French localities. It was a surprise to discover that I completely cherish the sour taste of redcurrant because I am not really fond of fruit jams. For the span of my French journey, I have indulged in appetizing breakfasts with a redcurrant jam available within a reach.

A Chic Shopping Paradise Beyond The Great French Riviera

My colleagues and I used to tell each other how nice it would be to go to Nice (pun intended); we've heard so many cool things about the French city that we've always itched to see the sights. On top of its alluring sceneries and amazing historical backdrop, Nice is also excellent for a pastime that's just as fun as touring -- shopping.

There are certainly a lot of cool places to go for shopping in Nice, and the popular Ave Jean Medecin is only one of the streets that will astound every fashion bone in your body. You can take in its breath-taking view from Place Massena all the way to the city's heart, where several department stores and stalls are lined up to welcome you into their shopping arms. Just on the edge of Place Massena, you will find the most astounding shopping complex in the area -- the popular Nouvelles Galleries. If you don't know what to expect at this awesome shopping center, just think Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. Every floor, store, and corner of this cool mall has everything you can ever imagine ordering -- think dry goods, people. If you want to go shopping tax-free, this is the excellent place for you and your colleagues.

Journeying With Buddies

Cheap price, awesome hotel value, that is Hotel Albert 1er, and you will definitely not ask for more.

Hotel Albert 1 was the comely hotel where my hms and I stayed for our weekend escapade in Toulouse, France. I could never wish for a better exploration than being with friends, staying in a economical yet lovely hotel, and spending most of my time touring the magnificent city of Toulouse.

It turned out that our swift weekend Toulouse adventure would be such as an encounter of a lifetime. First, because it was the first time in five years that me and my seven devoted chums were together. Second, Toulouse was one of our fantasy sites. Last, we never had to spend a big sum for a delightful trip (we are saving for a longer vacation in another European country next year), and tavern accommodation.

On the other hand, our bedchambers at Hotel Albert 1er were expansive complete with closet, comfortable bed, nice lamps, functional desk, minibar, and television. Cheap laundry, respectful and helpful staff, and breakfast was delightful with fresh fruit juice.

And oh, scenic spots can be reached through feet, so no need for taxi- it saved us big bucks, again.