Background: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
May 10th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris This Garden on the Left Bank of Paris, and is considered one of the best in the world.
It has areas for bocce ball, tennis, kids play, cafe, cards, chess, and many smaller settings with statues.
A ... 20 photos[full story]
May 7th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris
Paris in the spring
The photo above is taken from atop the Montparnasse Tower, in the area of the 6th arrondissement. You can take the elevator up to the 56th floor, where there is a spaci ... 27 photos[full story]
May 15th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris Today I had a cooking class prebooked in the morning. I was very excited about this, and I wasn't dissapointed. I met our instructor, Eric, at a metro station not too far. I found I was taking the ... [full story]
May 15th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris Today was the day for some more sightseeing around Paris. We started off the day by heading to the Eiffel Tower. We weren't going to climb it to the top, but just wanted to see it up close. It is a ... [full story]
May 15th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris My favourite food in Paris is baguettes and ham. You can eat baguettes for breakfast, lunch and tea. They also have real milk and very nice yoghurt.
We have been staying in MontMartre, the streets ... 5 photos[full story]
May 15th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris I'm actually just killing some time right now---waiting to have dinner with someone. I'm exhausted. I hardly slept last night because I had to move rooms, and was sharing with about eight 18 year old ... [full story]
May 15th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris I didn't mention one thing in my last entry about the 6th because I was waiting to see what would happen.
On my way back from Berlin (to Utrecht), I had to change trains in Druisburg, Germany. I had ... [full story]
May 11th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris Well you guessed it. We're in France. We landed in England and then we caught a train under the English channel to Paris.
Paris is awesome! The region we are staying in is Mont Martre. It is a lo ... 8 photos[full story]
May 14th 2008Europe » France » Īle-de-France » Paris Approximately 15 days until I leave Paris! It's really hard to think about. I've had so much fun here. Everyday. I never experienced the homesickness that they warned us would come (so i guess hopeful ... [full story]
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