I am so, so, soooo glad I went! I found the French very warm hearted kind people, and some of them are quiet the first time you meet them, but when meeting them again, they warm up to you quickly. They really like it when you try to speak french and to drive like maniacs on the roads, especially in Paris. I personally like France better than America, but that is just my opinon. I am tired, just got back yesterday,and will write more tomorrow. <BR> <BR>Becky!

I can feel your enthusiasm. Do tell us more about your trip. I'm glad you had such a great time. <BR>

Hey Becky, good to have you back! <BR> <BR>Impressions of France? I'll love to hear your perspective on Paris. I have a nephew/godson that's been a really great kid and we are thinking on taking him to Paris as his HS graduation present in a couple of years. What did you like the most? What about the food?

Hi Becky, <BR>Welcome back and along with the others I look forward to more details when your jet lag simmers down. One thing is pretty clear to me though---at least part of the reason the French (or anyuone else, for that matter) were so nice to you is you come across as an enthusiastic, interesting young woman. It's a two way street and I bet they were delighted to meet you. Tell us everything and never lose your enthusiasm!!!

Glad you had such a great experience Becky. Looks like you may become a regular here. Look forward to hearing more.

Becky-Now that you've seen Par-ee....Sounds like yu're hooked like the rest of us! Congratulations!

Uh oh, Becky, just 17 and your life has changed forever...you'll be begging Mom and Dad for plane tickets instead of a car; you'll read National Geographic instead of Mademoiselle; you'll go shopping for a dress "will this roll up and not get wrinkled?" instead of "wow this is so cool"....ruined, ruined, ruined...poor dear....

Bravo Becky!!!!! I wish all 17 year old were as mature and open minded as you. Looking forward to your trip notes.

More info: To my great surprise, I tried escargots and LIKED them, while after one sip of some red wine, I secertly dumped the rest under the table. I love the country. I love the people. I felt so much safter and happier there. Also I liked it because I am short and I feel like a munchkin in the USA while in France I feel more at home. I also like how open they are about the human body, and how they have 2 hours for lunch. I belive that Americans work too hard and are more stressed- our 2 week vacation pales in comparison to thier 4 or 5 week vacation. I will write more later, I promise!!!

Dear Becky, <BR>Congratulations!!!! You have just been bitten by the travel bug! I am so happy for you that you will never see your life here in the USA as the same once you have left. My 16 year old daughter is in Spain now taking advantage of a reciprocal invitation from the family of the Spanish foreign exchange student we have had with us for 2 summers....she was so reluctant to go and nervous about her language skills but we insisted that it was an opportunity that she shouldn't miss so she headed off with not a little trepidation. We talked to her on the phone on day 2 of her stay and she was positively glowing about how wonderful everyone is, how helpful they are with the language, how cute the Spanish boys were and, needless to say, she is planning her return trip for next summer!!! She is so happy to hear the words "I told you so!" <BR> <BR>Welcome back, Becky, and we are all so happy that you had a great trip! <BR> <BR>Maria

Becky, <BR> <BR>You go girl! Have you planned your next trip?

You are not required to like red wine (or anything else), but if you don't just leave it--don't dump it on the floor/sidewalk! Yuk.