Paris is an amazing city and we have really enjoyed our time there…in fact, one week was too short to see so many sights and try so many new things.
It’s even better when you have friends to show you the way and introduce you to how Parisians really live. Lucky for us, Louise and Jossya were there with us for most of our stay. They were our helping hands on how things worked and introduced us to so many of the local things that make Paris a community.
Louise and Jossya belong to a peach association in Montreuil which is suburb just at the edge of Paris. The association focuses upon using the old Medieval walls to grow peaches as well as other organic produce. In earlier centuries, the Montreuil region used to supply the royal family with the fruit.
Here is a video with more information, (it’s in French)
http://www.ina.fr/video/PAC9707171281
It’s incredible to see how the community works together to use the old walls to produce incredible tasting fruit. There is something about how the walls absorb the suns rays and give the peaches warmth during the evening as well as protection from the elements. School groups visit the gardens to learn more about the history and how to continue this important work.
Another evening, we were at their flat and had a great dinner together. The kids went off to play – and what did they pull out Monopoly – the European version! The girls had to work in Euros which is great for fast mental math. It was also neat to see the markers which are famous European landmarks or monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Windmills, Manequin Pis etc… Also, the gameboard had a number of European cities where we have been – like London, Dublin, Edinburgh etc… Boardwalk in this version, is Paris, of course!
Another day we visited la villette parc for a picnic dinner and to play. The kids had a great time using the “zipline” and jumping castle areas. There were lots of kids and families enjoying their time together and just relaxing.
This is the best part about being a traveller and not just a tourist…we’re taking our time to be part of the story and learn more about the community. Thanks to our wonderful couchsurfing friends Louise and Jossya!
Comments
6 responses to “Paris with Friends!”
Love that you are enjoying the French culture and the whole family is taking part in drinking red wine on a picnic 🙂
Was that bottle from the Rhone Valley? Burgundy? Or a Bordeaux? Hope you try them all! Mikhaila will have to tell us which one she favours 🙂
HI Mae,
Well when you don’t have to go to school or work in the morning – why not enjoy the red wine culture? Just joking…here the kids start drinking cider at around the age of 5 – very low alcohol – but that’s how they are introduced to it. Mik and Zoe willingly try everything but do not like wine or the beer…we don’t have anything to worry about yet!
Hi Katina,
I enjoyed reading this post a lot – I’m so glad you are taking time to get to know locals and how they live and sharing those experiences with us. The peach wall is so cool and that park looked so fun for the kids. You’re really making the most of your short time everywhere you go to get to know a place as deeply as you can. Very impressive and inspiring.
Harriet
Hi Harriet,
We’ve been so lucky to meet lots of friendly and kind people that have really added to our trip. We find the people inspiring – we’ve learned so much from them, which is what we were hoping for!
Cheers!
Paris is one of my favourite cities as well, not to mention the amazing food!
Glad to see your having a great time!
Hi Brian,
It is such a beautiful city….the food is beyond belief! Everything tastes so good…Renee would love it here – lots of fantastic inspiration for cooking incredible food.
Cheers!