Final Destination: Lille

"Welcome to Paris!" the first time I arrive in France
I have to visit the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre...

Although....

We didn't stay that long in this beautiful, famous city. We have to catch a train going to Lille in few hours but I know we will come back for you Paris!

Goodbye Paris!!!!

On our way to Lille, looking at the window, I can see how different the environment is. The blue sky, farms, houses and trees. The simple beauty of it is nothing compared to what is waiting for us in Lille...

When we arrived , my eyes feasted with the beauty of french architecture and art. Everywhere you look is a masterpiece. The buildings, paintings, churches, boutiques and even the roads are work of art. People in Lille are also very friendly, helpful and polite. A very different scene from China! The building here are about 3-6 floors high with different architecture and design. You can see how French people love the arts. It is epitomised in their architecture, music, fashion and food. I can just walk around this small city and enjoy every step of the way!

It was easy to find the hostel we were staying at. Lille is not so big! There are no taxis, only buses and subways. Cars here are small which more convenient for parking and lesser carbon emission. Everything is accessible by foot from one location to another!

With all the fun and excitement, here come the downfall... Everything here in Europe is expensive... OMG!!! A meal in a restaurant approximately costs 8 to 15 euros... That is so expensive... Just imagine the things I can buy with that in China or the Philippines with that much money... Although I know that when going to another country, it should not "always" be the case to compare prices due to couple of reasons:
1. This is not your home country.
2. Everything for the first time is an experiment. As you stay longer you learn how much everything cost here so you can budget everything later.
3. Lifestyles in other countries are different from your home country.
4. One should not hold back for any possible experience...

I believe it is just a matter of perspective. Life is full of endless possibilities and at first glance you turn it down, it may be too late to be turning back later. My mother would always say, "Opportunity knocks only once!" So grab it before it will turn its back on you.