W.A.T.W. ~ France...The Most Visited International Tourist Destination

Recently, my fellow blog partner (not to mention one of my favorite persons in the whole world :)) Christina, participated in Mama Kat's Writing Workshop and shared with us a photo story of her most recent trip to the beach.  The whole process seemed like such fun that I thought I'd try it myself!  My writing prompt:

 "A country you would like to visit"

I'm passionate about 2 things - well, there are more than 2 things that I'm passionate about, but I'll address just 2 of them here- Travel and Celebrity Gossip.   Because this is a Where Are They Wednesday post, I'll start with a little celebrity gossip and Paris.  Recently Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris made it's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.  'Midnight in Paris' was filmed over seven weeks in France's capital. According to the festival director Thierry Frémaux, “Midnight in Paris is a wonderful love letter to Paris. It’s a film in which Woody Allen takes a deeper look at the issues raised in his last films: our relationship with history, art, pleasure and life. His 41st feature reveals once again his inspiration.”  Although I'm not much of a Woody Allen fan, the idea of seeing 7 weeks of Paris filming on the big screen puts that movie at the top of my 'must see' list!  Secondly, it was recently brought to my attention that John Travolta and his family celebrated Father's Day in Paris.  They spent the weekend seeing the sites, posing with fans and enjoying each other.  I mean, if it's good enough for Kelly, it's certainly good enough for me!

Now back to the task at hand.  France and all it has to offer!  Earlier this week, The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released the top 4 International tourist destinations for 2010.  World tourism is ranked both by the number of tourist arrivals and by the tourism revenue generated.  The #1 destination was France and in fact, France has held the #1 spot the last 3 years.  I've never traveled to France but for years have dreamed of what my visit will be.  I started preparing at a young age when I took French in High School with the hopes of some day speaking the language of love.  Unfortunately, I can only remember a few random words and phrases...
Ouvrir le porte (open the door)
Taisez Vous! (be quiet! - recited in a stern voice by Madame Weinstien to inattentive students)
Vous êtes gros (you are fat)
Je suis très jolie (I am very pretty!)
Bibliothèque (library), Amie (friend) and most important of all...Baiser (kiss).  I have a feeling my limited vocabulary will not serve me well, nonetheless, my desire to travel to France and all it has to offer has never lessened.

Compiling a list of what France has to offer is difficult as the list of top attractions is long and luxurious. From outdoor activities, to historic sites, to great food and wine, the city of Paris is at the top of my list. But wait, what would a visit to France be if I couldn't experience Normandy and it's picturesque coastline, with the solemn D-Day beaches. Or better yet, Versailles, Paris' own political center.  I can't leave the country without a visit to the French Riviera home of some of the best beaches in the world!  The opportunities are endless!!

The Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame

The Louvre

I'm exhausted and I haven't even shared with you yet how to get there, when to travel or where to stay!  Never fear, any of us at Midwest Travel Service would be happy to assist you with your dream vacation to France.  Who knows, you might want to bring me along as your guide.  You never know when you might get stuck in the 'library', with people talking so loudly that you'll need to tell them to 'be quiet' and 'open the door', because 'you are pretty' and want to 'kiss' your 'friend'!  (I left out the 'you are fat' part because I don't want the French thinking Americans are rude!)  Should that happen, you're in luck.  I can speak that fluently!!   Until next time...