I went to Paris, like you, after watching the film “Le Fabuleux Destin D’Amelie Poulin” (in homage my youngest daughter Gabrielle’s middle name is Amelie). Although I only spent 3 days & 2 nights there they are the most amazing and memorable moments I cherish to this day. I wish I could have stayed longer and hope to get back there with my children some day. They, should they wish, help be my translators, as I, living in Canada and loving Paris thought it would only serve them better to have a french immersion education. They speak french at 5 & 7 much better than I do.

I digress…

After reading your story I was taken back to Paris again and a smile spread across my face. I didn’t do the touristy things most would do but took pleasure in wandering off the beaten path and dining in bistro’s littered with the locals. One of the best decisions I made. They were patient with my broken french and shared stories in English with me. The french aren’t rude as we’ve been lead to belive, but rather, like most of us respond well to commen courtesy and a polite demeanor. I won’t hesitate to recommend Paris as a vacation destination for anyone.

Thanks for rekindling my memories and making the rest of my day more enjoyable.

Many good wishes to you and your travel adventures.

1. For the first time I made a mistake when I booked my Eurostar but didn’t book it as a package with my hotel! From not the best experience of not finding any hotel and finding 3* hotels which cost over 300 euros I would like to give you an important tip for any town that you might visit in the world – check that there is no big event or festival when you are going to be there! As if any event, such as Paris Fashion Week you will end up playing triple the price; if you can even get a room! But also if it’s a festival a lot of the attractions are sometimes closed.

2. Always go to an area that you know or have been recommended by someone. For me to recommend a restaurant in Paris is almost impossible as the food is always so good in any little café or a big restaurant. But I do have two recommendations. The first is the restaurant ‘Bel Canto’ which is a three-course meal with entertainment of opera, perfect for opera lovers! The second restaurant, where I ate the best omlette in the world, is on the rue Franklin Roosevelt which is opposite the Science Museum. There is only one place so sophisticated – you won’t miss it!

A new area which I discovered this time was the Latin Quarter which is full of life. It has a local market on a Sunday, with people playing music in the piazza and is a lot more authentic than the tourist orientated areas. Also, there is the Mare, which is my favourite area in Paris and it has the Picasso museum, a lot of trendy shops and cozy cafes and there’s always a great atmosphere.

I hope you can watch my video from Paris:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhdZ15TK-E

I have just launched a campaign for my new single 72 Names (Hallelujah) which will last for 72 days. Over the campaign I’m exploring the significance of the number 72 in lots of different situations and I would like you to be part of it!