What makes you excited about traveling to another country or to France in particular? Everything. For a moment, let’s forget all about the packing hassle and travel nightmare. Let just imagine hearing and speaking French everyday or roaming the streets of hundreds years old and immersing yourself in the beautiful burden of time and history. Arts and architecture are surplus and did I mention the cuisine (with a personal emphasis on pastry)? But, exactly what makes me so excited about going to Aix-en-Provence – the lovely city in the south of France?
Of course, all of what I mention above, but the city has more to offer. Allow me to be practical and mention the beautiful weather in Aix. Statistically, on January 8th, at 10.17am, the temperature in Ithaca, NY is -1 degree Celsius and in Aix is 11 degree. See what I’m talking about! Besides, the size of the city is just perfect: not too big and at a same time, not too small. Therefore, I can enjoy the crowd and when I feel like it, I can snug into a small café and embrace a little quiet time. Speaking of café, I’m sure Aix has plenty of them. And imagine sitting in the pleasant Les Deux Garçons and thinking maybe you’re sitting on the same spot as Hemingway or Cézanne decades ago. A little romantic, isn’t it? For me, the best part of any trip is strolling around the place, getting lost and discovering some “hidden gems”. Somehow, I believe Aix is a nice place to do just that.
So, I’ve packed my bags and am so ready to get on the plane to cross the ocean in just one more week. Before that let me check what I’m going to bring with me: clothes, toilettries... boring... ah, let see... some gifts I’ve carried with me all the way from Viet Nam and maybe some Vietnamese snacks (if supply lasts). Last but not least my brandnew French visa proudly stamped on my passport. Since the nearest French Consulate is 5 hours away by car, it has been quite a hassle, but I believe it’ll worth it.
Of course, all of what I mention above, but the city has more to offer. Allow me to be practical and mention the beautiful weather in Aix. Statistically, on January 8th, at 10.17am, the temperature in Ithaca, NY is -1 degree Celsius and in Aix is 11 degree. See what I’m talking about! Besides, the size of the city is just perfect: not too big and at a same time, not too small. Therefore, I can enjoy the crowd and when I feel like it, I can snug into a small café and embrace a little quiet time. Speaking of café, I’m sure Aix has plenty of them. And imagine sitting in the pleasant Les Deux Garçons and thinking maybe you’re sitting on the same spot as Hemingway or Cézanne decades ago. A little romantic, isn’t it? For me, the best part of any trip is strolling around the place, getting lost and discovering some “hidden gems”. Somehow, I believe Aix is a nice place to do just that.
So, I’ve packed my bags and am so ready to get on the plane to cross the ocean in just one more week. Before that let me check what I’m going to bring with me: clothes, toilettries... boring... ah, let see... some gifts I’ve carried with me all the way from Viet Nam and maybe some Vietnamese snacks (if supply lasts). Last but not least my brandnew French visa proudly stamped on my passport. Since the nearest French Consulate is 5 hours away by car, it has been quite a hassle, but I believe it’ll worth it.