International flights into Switzerland usually arrive at either Geneva or Zurich airports. Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland. It is also a global city, a financial center, and a worldwide center for diplomacy. As I looked around I could pick out people from Japan, China, India, Italy, France, Germany and many other countries. Listening to them speak was a real treat … a melody of languages. Both of these airports are very convenient to traveling to Zermatt, Switzerland, a gateway to the Matterhorn. But don’t miss taking a little time to visit the azure blue lakes; Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne with their castles. Then it’s on to the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain of 14,692 feet; the mountain that movies have been made about. It is located in the Penninie Alps on the border of Switzerland and Italy. In German “matte” means “meadow” and “horn” means “peak.” It is the tenth highest peak in Switzerland.
There were seven of us, four adults with three children, in our Honda Odyssey making our way towards the Swiss Alps. The morning was sunny with a few white billowy cumulus clouds making their way lazily across the wide expanse of blue. The road was very straight most of the time with a few curves intermingled. Looking out the window, we saw green fields dotted here and there with acres of yellow flowers that looked like sunflowers. The beauty took my breath away. It was so picturesque, just like in the travel magazines I had seen.
Off in the distance, I could see mountains rising up from the green plains we had been traveling through. At last I could see them … the Swiss Alps. This was the home of Heidi, my favorite childhood novel. I can still remember some of her adventures. Her grandfather lived here and cared for her in these wondrous mountains. The Heidi book is among the best known works of Swiss literature and well worth reading to your children.
As we drove into Zermatt, a beautiful, little tourist town at the foot of the Alps, we parked our car on the outskirts and walked from there. No cars or big tour buses allowed in the village. The train stops here and goes no further. This is one of the great ski and climbing centers in the world. This deep valley is nestled between two steep, sculptured mountains. The air is crisp and clean with an Alpine flavor. Summer flowers drape themselves from each building along the way. Its cobblestone streets and pathways take you back in time to a simpler way of life. It is beautiful. It is exhilarating. It is special to be here; to see this great mountain and walk the cobblestone streets of Zermatt.
The Matterhorn is truly a magnificent mountain. A dream comes true, just to be here.
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French is spoken in over 40 countries. French and English are the two most widely spread languages in Africa. French is spoken in more countries and on more continents than any other language except for English. French is spoken in all the border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan (bordering with France and Switzerland). French is spoken in west and southwest Switzerland, the region being served by Geneva airport. The French language is the second most widely spoken language in Switzerland. Approximately 20% of people in Switzerland speak French as their first language. Many international organizations use French as their official language. It is also used along with English and German in some of the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles around the world.
The French culture is diverse and pervades many aspects of our daily life. The French language is the first foreign language taught in Nigeria. The demand is strong from various sectors of the Nigerian society, including administrations which feel the need to have French-speaking civil servants to better communicate with Nigeria’s French-speaking neighbors. French and English are the two most widely spread languages in Africa. The French language is also the official language of Quebec.
French is spoken in France (in metropole and in overseas departments) but also in Belgium and Switzerland (besides other official languages), in Quebec, and most importantly in Western Africa. West Africa has been a French colony until the 60s and French has stayed the official language in most of the countries. French is spoken in Wallonia, the southern part of Belgium. The Walloons account for 32 percent of the Belgian population. French is spoken in the non-native community of La Romaine. Federal government employees are expected to speak both of Canada’s official languages.
The French language is a key that unlocks the doors of division like no other key can. French has been called the language of romance, fostering a relationship between two people like none other. The French language is the vehicle of a rich philosophical and literary tradition. Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau greatly influenced the world and their writings still hold great relevance for evolving issues. French is a romance language, the language of literature, art, cinema, music, cuisine, fashion, science and medicine.
France is also well connected to the major international rail lines that run through Europe. France is a country full of dramatic geographical variety, from the Alps in the south to the valleys in the north, and it provides an ideal environment for adventurous overseas students to experience new and exciting activities. The mountains provide fantastic skiing in the winter, the beaches on the Mediterranean attract sun worshippers in the summer and the deep valleys and hills are home to France’s numerous vineyards.
Plan a visit to France today! Save on Pimsleur Method French language CDs and downloads.
France is very good travel destination. There is an abundance of cafés, restaurants, bars, and museums. And the best thing about this is that they are cheaper compared to other European countries. France is actually the most visited country in the world. It has Paris which is a very great city, it also has good beaches, plus, it also has beautiful natural scenery. It is a very good place to stay for it has good food, great wines, and people there just enjoy their lives. If you are planning to explore France, you can find a lot of information about the country. You can either go through online travel guides or you can contact a travel agency to help you out with the necessary information you need.
Transportation services are good enough. The train services are extensive in the different areas of France. There are also a lot of comfortable places with good ambiance such as restaurants and other places where you can relax. There are a lot of cyclists in France. Some places even offer free bike rides. Road system in France provides access to all parts of the country. Expressways are actually still in the process of expansion. Passenger cars, buses and trucks, are also everywhere. They also have ferries for those who want to cross the waters.
The people in France are very courteous and they go direct to the point. They usually speak whatever is on their minds. When you get to know them better, you will know how polite and friendly they are. They love to put a lot of importance on their appearance. Fashion has become a great influence on them all. The French put significance on their fashion and good cuisine.
Famous tourist destinations in France include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Mont-Saint-Michael, Musee Picasso, Disneyland Paris, Rhone Alps, Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, D-Day Landing Beaches, Musee Rodin and a lot more.
The French cuisine is known for its exquisite taste worldwide. It’s complicated technique is the reason why most culinary schools have taken it as their base model for cooking. French people are very careful in preparing every detail in making a dish even if the recipe is quite simple. Traditionally, French chefs only stick to the old techniques but through time, they have become more experimental.
These are a number of reasons why France is a good place to visit. Aside from great shopping, wonderful dining experiences, lovely beaches, and an interesting culture, it is one of the most romantic places on earth. Go visit France and see it for yourself.
Please take me along!
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