London-Paris solo trip
May 22nd, 2015, 10:14 PM
#21
The Ministry of Education website for British Columbia appears to be entirely in English, with no option to switch to French. I don't remember encountering any French to speak of when visiting there.
The curriculum requirements are on the website, there is a second language requirement for grades 5-8, but it doesn't have to be French unless the student is in a French immersion program. (This is separate from the constitutional provision for francophone schools for children with francophone parents.) In Vancouver maybe the choice would be Mandarin...
Since education is a provincial responsibility the requirements are no doubt different in other provinces.
[Just because the OP is leaving from Canada doesn't necessarily mean she is Canadian or was educated in Canada.]
The curriculum requirements are on the website, there is a second language requirement for grades 5-8, but it doesn't have to be French unless the student is in a French immersion program. (This is separate from the constitutional provision for francophone schools for children with francophone parents.) In Vancouver maybe the choice would be Mandarin...
Since education is a provincial responsibility the requirements are no doubt different in other provinces.
[Just because the OP is leaving from Canada doesn't necessarily mean she is Canadian or was educated in Canada.]
May 24th, 2015, 07:00 AM
#22
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Guys, maybe you all could agree to disagree and let Kristine's thread get back on topic.
Kristine, one of my most favorite things in London was seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. We bought our tickets ahead of time and was there before it opened. We went straight to the jewels and were the only ones in there. Very cool.
The British Museum was great as well, especially as it is free. You don't feel like you have to rush and get your money's worth.
In Paris, Sainte Chapelle was an unexpected favorite. The windows are amazing. And then Notre Dame was just indescribable.
Have a great time. Do a ton of research ahead of time and learn how the transportation works and you'll have a blast.
Kristine, one of my most favorite things in London was seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. We bought our tickets ahead of time and was there before it opened. We went straight to the jewels and were the only ones in there. Very cool.
The British Museum was great as well, especially as it is free. You don't feel like you have to rush and get your money's worth.
In Paris, Sainte Chapelle was an unexpected favorite. The windows are amazing. And then Notre Dame was just indescribable.
Have a great time. Do a ton of research ahead of time and learn how the transportation works and you'll have a blast.
May 24th, 2015, 09:41 PM
#23
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Wow! Thank you for all your help,guys. I have a cousin and a friend in London too. So I'm pretty sure I'll have a good time there. I'm just a little bit worried about Paris, since I don't speak French. Although I have an employee discount on hotels I found out that airbnb is still a lot cheaper. Any thoughts about it?
May 24th, 2015, 10:29 PM
#24
>>I found out that airbnb is still a lot cheaper<<
airbnb isn't a rental agency . . it is a listing site -- so sure some are cheaper and some cost more. You can't generalize saying airbnb is cheaper . . . cheaper than what?
And many private rentals in Paris are essentially illegal. The authorities are starting to crack down. For a first time visit I personally don't think airbnb would be the best option. You would need to know the various neighborhoods and pitfalls to watch out for - plus might want to have the services of a front desk/concierge etc.
>>It's been many years since I was in London, but I know it is expensive. <<
Just about every major museum and galley in London is free -- which you can't say about Paris. So it all evens out. And there are just as many if not more places to get a good/cheap meal in London as in Paris. Sure London <i>can</i> be expensive but it definitely doesn't have to be. (I visit at least 2 or 3 times a year and sometimes splurge, sometimes pinch pennies)
airbnb isn't a rental agency . . it is a listing site -- so sure some are cheaper and some cost more. You can't generalize saying airbnb is cheaper . . . cheaper than what?
And many private rentals in Paris are essentially illegal. The authorities are starting to crack down. For a first time visit I personally don't think airbnb would be the best option. You would need to know the various neighborhoods and pitfalls to watch out for - plus might want to have the services of a front desk/concierge etc.
>>It's been many years since I was in London, but I know it is expensive. <<
Just about every major museum and galley in London is free -- which you can't say about Paris. So it all evens out. And there are just as many if not more places to get a good/cheap meal in London as in Paris. Sure London <i>can</i> be expensive but it definitely doesn't have to be. (I visit at least 2 or 3 times a year and sometimes splurge, sometimes pinch pennies)
May 25th, 2015, 07:34 AM
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Kristine.. please believe me.. the majority of tourists to Paris do not in fact speak French.
And there are millions of tourists to Paris every year.
You will be fine.
Learn to say, bonjour( hello) please ( si vous plait) and thank you ( merci) and you will have conquered as much French as you absolutely should minimally to be a polite human being.
Also.. just an aside.. but an important one, when you approach anyone to speak to.. a ticket seller, the admission taker at a museum etc.. ALWAYS start any interaction with "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur".. before you say anything else.. it is considered extremely rude to be abrupt and start a conversation like " I need a ticket to..." or "how much is ?" ..
I have no idea what you budget is.. but I would not bother with an apartment rental at this moment.. I have done both , apartments and hotels.. and like both.. but right now they are cracking down on illegal rentals... why bother.. Get a hotel .. I looked on best western website, entered dummy dates of Oct 25-30 and the rates for the Jardin du Cluny are only 136 euros.. which if you get that for half price you have a STEAL and I would snap it up.. great location to be in.. some of the BW are more expensive, but I found about 4 or 5 others with reasonable rates.. . and I doubt you will get anything as convenient ( location wise ) for 65 euros a night in a VRBO or Airnub.. you will find something.. but perhaps in less central areas or really tiny.
And there are millions of tourists to Paris every year.
You will be fine.
Learn to say, bonjour( hello) please ( si vous plait) and thank you ( merci) and you will have conquered as much French as you absolutely should minimally to be a polite human being.
Also.. just an aside.. but an important one, when you approach anyone to speak to.. a ticket seller, the admission taker at a museum etc.. ALWAYS start any interaction with "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur".. before you say anything else.. it is considered extremely rude to be abrupt and start a conversation like " I need a ticket to..." or "how much is ?" ..
I have no idea what you budget is.. but I would not bother with an apartment rental at this moment.. I have done both , apartments and hotels.. and like both.. but right now they are cracking down on illegal rentals... why bother.. Get a hotel .. I looked on best western website, entered dummy dates of Oct 25-30 and the rates for the Jardin du Cluny are only 136 euros.. which if you get that for half price you have a STEAL and I would snap it up.. great location to be in.. some of the BW are more expensive, but I found about 4 or 5 others with reasonable rates.. . and I doubt you will get anything as convenient ( location wise ) for 65 euros a night in a VRBO or Airnub.. you will find something.. but perhaps in less central areas or really tiny.
