Jan 04, 2001 05:29 AM
3325 Views
I was preparing for my trip to France. It was my first trip to Europe and I was a little apprehensive about it. I must have asked 1000 different questions to my travel agent and read a lot of books and literature about France. I was told not expect much help from the local people and to be careful of pickpockets in certain parts of Paris. To add to my worry, some of my friends narrated their bad experiences in France. Most of them were pertaining to the rude behaviour towards foreigners. But I was very much excited about my trip and forgot all about it as soon as I landed in Paris.
My first destination was Dieppe, which is about 160 Kms. from Paris. And hence I just got the glimpse of Paris on my way to Dieppe. I was going to come back to Paris towards the last part of my journey.
Dieppe is a small coastal town in Normandy district and it has its own charm. People were very helpful and friendly contrary to my belief. Dieppe is a very historical town with small roads, Victorian houses and ancient churches.
During those few days in Dieppe, I met many wonderful people and made friendships for life. Most of them were fun loving, high spirited and very kind people. It was completely opposite to what I was expecting. As the days in Dieppe were nearing to an end, I started planning for my trip to Paris. I asked for the advice from friends living in Paris about the suitable and reasonable Hotel to stay. I wanted to explore the city as much as possible. To my surprise, one of my newly acquired friends invited me to come and stay at their place. I declined initially but they insisted. I could not believe it. It was the last thing on the earth that I expected. I agreed when I saw that they genuinely wanted me to come and stay with them.
I stayed with them for 7 wonderful days. And I was not the only one who was invited !!!!! There were 8 other friends whom we met in Dieppe. There was one person from Singapore and Australia each, a couple from Indonesia and 4 friends from India apart from me. Everyone was staying in Paris for a few days before going back to their respective countries.
I observed that they did not have a house big enough to accommodate all the people. But it did not matter. They had a heart big enough to accommodate many more. Each one of us felt at home. And it was not easy for them with a family of three small children, the youngest one being less than a year old. We all felt like one big international family without any barriers. It was a very emotional as well as enriching experience for me. We all had tears in our eyes when we left. Words were inadequate to express my gratitude. I will never forget those 7 days in my life. And I will never believe if anything adverse is mentioned about French hospitality. I always thought that the Indian hospitality was the best. But then I was proven wrong. Let me say what I was not able to say, as I was choked with mixed emotions, at the time of parting -
- Dear Karine & Ludovic, Thanks a million for everything. Angels like you keep the flame of hope burning, forever.
