After Belgium, I took a (quite expensive) train to Paris.  I had no idea what to expect… certainly popular culture gives the impression that Paris is completely made up of rude waiters charging extravagant prices and refusing to help anyone who can’t speak French without a hint of an accent.  Fortunately, I found Paris (and France in general) far from the stereotype - except for the prices of course! - and probably would select it as my favorite European country so far.  It was one of the friendliest places I visited… well, except for the waiters who were pretty rude. (more…)