I like to plan trips to new places with wiggle room for wandering and allowing myself to get lost, not relying on guide books or Google maps. I've discovered some real gems and had some unexpected encounters. Just wondering what other folks have experienced.
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Before the days of cell phone map app and much spending money in my pocket, I had the good fortune to stay with relatives outside of Paris one summer and would take the train into the city most days to wander about with little more than a meal and a notebook in my bag.
One day after enjoying the discovery of a beautiful shaded garden and reflecting pool in the heart of the city, I realized I was on the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg with the famous corridor of trees featured in so many movies.
A crowd was gathering near a group of soldiers in unique uniforms with matching beards and asymmetrical leather aprons. A slight, elderly man with enough medals on his uniform to tip him over in a gust of wind, led a ceremony in front of the soldiers. I watched the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony and discovered that they were the French Foreign Legion, becoming naturalized citizens right then in exchange for their service to France.
One day after enjoying the discovery of a beautiful shaded garden and reflecting pool in the heart of the city, I realized I was on the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg with the famous corridor of trees featured in so many movies.
A crowd was gathering near a group of soldiers in unique uniforms with matching beards and asymmetrical leather aprons. A slight, elderly man with enough medals on his uniform to tip him over in a gust of wind, led a ceremony in front of the soldiers. I watched the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony and discovered that they were the French Foreign Legion, becoming naturalized citizens right then in exchange for their service to France.
The next day on TV, I saw the elderly man in full military regalia heading up the whole Bastille Day parade through the streets of Paris, followed by France's newest citizens.
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