Travel is a gift. The experiences that one faces and lives through while traveling, are the most valuable souvenirs one can acquire. These lessons and treasures can be taken, used, and shared wherever you go.
With limited travel experience, the Metro system in Paris was a big deal and a pretty good place to learn about a complicated transportation system. The EF tour company provided a Metro map in our packets, but most thought of it as a colorful souvenir to be looked at later. Who would have thought it would be crucial to pay attention to the names on the Metro walls or the colorful dot-to-dot patterns marked inside the trains.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
Furthermore, the tour group of thirty-six middle and high school students was not planning to independently know how to get from one destination to another without our guide. At each loading point, the EF Tour guide instructed the group to spread out, quickly enter, and make sure everyone gets on. After several attempts at this task, it was obvious as to why it was important to pay attention, watch, and listen for instructions. If not, you would be left behind in a foreign underground city.
On the third day of travel, a member of our tour group was held up by the local Paris police for jumping a ticket gate. This occurred because at times the gates would not open upon entering the billet. This situation caught the attention of all in our group, and we made sure to carefully time the placement of our billets and wait for the gates to open before passing through.
As mentioned earlier, you gain valuable knowledge and take it with you as you go. It was now my billet that got jammed in the slot, and the gate would not open. I had to back out and try again. It still would not open, so I tried another gate while members of the group waited patiently for me to pass through. No gate jumping for this fellow. I would rather be left in the underground then go to a foreign jail.
While the loyal members of my group waited for the gate to open, the unexpected mishap was developing. The roar of the train below indicated that we must hurry to get our places on the platform. With the billet through and the gate opened, my group is now running toward the steps and leans over the staircase edge to hear and see our guide yell to a chaperone with his hand up, “Ho!” The leader thought he said, “Go.” The masses quickly board and the doors simultaneously close. Our next site is our school leader holding a hand over her mouth in great distress while four inexperienced foreign travelers get left behind in the station of Iena.
Surprisingly, we had paid attention to the names and stations posted on the walls. We studied the map and could follow some parts of it. Tip at the moment: When in Paris, ask a Parisian that can speak English for help. We put a plan together and boarded the metro that would get us to the RER train station to take us to our final destination of Station Boussy-Saint-Antoine. Fortunately our guide had gotten off at the next stop and ran through the underground to find us. We were successfully reunited with our group and merriment could begin.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “4M: Metro, Maps, Mishaps & Merriment”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!