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“‘F¥ravelon ~ By Jonathan van Bilsen a | I Love Paris in the Springtime When Sinatra croons about Paris in the spring- time one has to wonder what the attraction could possibly be. Clearly he has never experienced the freshness of Port Perry at that time of year. Well, until you personally encounter this happening, it is difficult to appreciate the magic of the City d’ Amour. | have been to Paris several times, but never in the springtime and admittedly was pleasantly surprised during a recent visit. The city, with mild breezes warming my face, trees beginning to bud and residents appearing rejuvenated, was enchant- ing, as only the ‘City of Love’ can be. Inan effort to stay away from large, North American hotels, | discovered a small, forty room, courtyard property close to Notre Dame Cathedral. The owner, a sweet, motherly lady, spoke little English, but my sixteen words of French were enough to see me through. Each morning she ensured chocolate croissants and steaming coffee were there to greet guests. Hot chocolate was in order at the end of a busy day. The Hotel des Grandes Ecoles, is in the heart of the Latin Quarter. | should explain my initial appre- hension to staying in the ‘Latin Quarter’. | anticipated Noise, partying, Tango dancers and Spanish as the only language, but immediately discovered that my naivety once again blocked the truth. Most European cities have Latin Quarters. Their origin dates back a century or two when students from all over the continent came to a city to study. Everyone spoke a different language, therefore Latin became a com- mon catalyst for conversation. You will find that the University of most European cities is usually in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The hotel room was small, however, my intention was not to dwell inside, and no, there was no tele- vision. (Undeniably, the thought of not having BBC World at my beck and call was a little unnerving). A forty minute train ride from Charles De Gaulle Airport and two stops on the Metro brought me to within half a block of the hotel. And best of all, rooms are only 125 Euros, an unheard of rate anywhere in Europe, let alone Paris. Settled into the room | was now ready to explore. Map in hand and Nikes laced, | set forth. A short, twenty minute Metro ride brought me to the Eiffel Tower. Gazing skyward, along the metal girders 30 FOCUS - MARCH 2012 MARCH FOCUS.32.indd 30 i A The Eiffel Tower under a full moon in Paris. 42-02-20. 10:57 AM