Cannes Vacation

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Learning French in France – Why It’s not Necessarily the Best Way to Learn French

Learning French in France is a great thing to do and I wouldn’t want to put you off it for a second. There is perhaps no better way to improve your French than to be surrounded by the language and the sights and sounds of French life.

Paris, for example, is a beautiful city and you can imagine the joys of a French lesson followed by a walk along the Rive Gauche of the Seine, stopping at a riverside café for a coffee or a glass of something and just watching the people go by – to my mind it’s a marvellous way to pass an hour or two. What about Nice or Cannes? Places rightly renowned for their style and glamour. “Immersion Learning” is one of the current buzz-words when learning French so what better way to immerse yourself than to go to France?

If that’s the case, you might ask, why on earth would I suggest that learning French in France might not be the best way?

Well if you’ve got deep pockets then I’d thoroughly recommend it. As I said there’s probably no better way to improve your French. But the important word there is “improve”. If you haven’t got deep pockets and you’re just starting with learning French, I’d have to say there are not only much cheaper ways to learn but ones which, given your situation, are actually better for you, easier and will help you learn French faster.

The drawback with learning French in France if you’re just starting out is the pressure you’re almost certainly going to put on yourself. Many of us learn French long after we’ve left school, and we’re not all together comfortable with going back into the classroom situation. OK, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and it’s going to be a bit different to when you were fifteen, but it’s still a classroom.

On top of that, you will have travelled a long way and paid a considerable amount of money to be amongst four, six or eight people you probably haven’t met before and who almost certainly all have different levels of French language skills. It can therefore be quite difficult for the teacher to give you adequate attention and you won’t be able to get the best out of it. The result is that you might well feel dissatisfied with your progress, you’ll put more pressure on yourself and end up trying to study outside of class time when you should be enjoying the many pleasures and beauties of France!

Now if you’re thinking of going to France on vacation, don’t let me put you off in the least. You’ll get on better if you can speak a few words of French, but if you’re in one of the larger towns or cities you can probably get by just fine with English. Go, you’ll have a great time!

But if you’re thinking of learning French in France – and I mean going there specifically to study the French language – I’ll offer a small piece of advice if I may, as someone who’s been there and done it. Before you invest a thousand dollars there, invest a few dollars – and I mean around $100 – in a good home study course which gives you computer-based exercises, interactive games, written texts and MP3s that you can listen to at your PC or copy to a player to carry around with you.

Do that first, get a bit of a grasp of the basics, then go to France. Trust me, you’ll be so much better prepared and you’ll enjoy the whole experience so much more. As I said at the start, learning French in France is a great thing to do – a little work before you go can make it the trip of a lifetime.

Get Into Angelina Jolie’s Maternity Pants Only at Queen Bee Maternity Australia

Get Angelina’s celebrity maternity style only at Queen Bee Australia!  While vacationing in Cannes, France, preparing for her summer twin delivery Angelina was spotted wearing our Juliet Dream shirred tank PLUS Seraphine London straight leg trousers…..

Juliet Dream Shirred Black Tank

Step out in effortless style – simple maternity tank in black by Juliet Dream.  Thin shoulder straps with gathers at the neckline so the fabric drapes over your belly.  Banded underbelly fit in a light cotton jersey fabric.

Designed by Seraphine London – Straight Leg Black Trousers

Design: Straight leg, with a low waist and discreet adjustable side stretch, no one would guess these are maternity trousers. They fit comfortably under the bump and have all the details of a regular pair of trousers like a front zip and back pockets.
Material: Made in light-weight, comfortable superb quality cotton stretch. Machine washable. 
You said: “The Séraphine black maternity trousers are a perfect fit” – Nifa McLaughlin, Glamour magazine.  “The most flattering pants I have ever worn”, QueenBee.

Celebrity spotting

This week weâ??re â??celebrity spottingâ?? and weâ??ve got a whole range of items that have been worn or bought by your fave celebs! The new sex and the city flick premiereâ??s this week and we spotted good girl charlotte in this cute polka dot dress! Our maternity inspired version by Childish Clothing â?¢ comes in black or pink with white polka dots â?? a HOT price at only $76.95. Perfect worn over jeans or leggings!

We just have to mention the ever popular Seraphine Crochet Dress worn by actress Halle Berry. She looks stunning seen shopping in LA just 2 days before she gave birth. Great news is that we will be re-stocking this exact dress in all sizes mid June 08 so get in quick and snap one up before they sell out again! The empire line is ultra flattering to the bust and the dress hugs your bump whilst the skirt part is A-line and does not cling on your hips and thighs so you get a very slimming effect.

Angelina was seen buying these cute baby lovie mini security blankets for her children. Available in â??fuzzyâ?? or â??flannel polka dotsâ?? trimmed with luxurious soft satin your baby will love holding the blankie when they sleep. I have one for my little 7 month old son Koby and it never leaves his side! The size is perfect for travelling and when youâ??re on the go, and the blanket and comes in handy for little milk spills â?? so your best to grab two when one is in the wash!!

The long sleeve hoodie by 1 in the Oven is now available (sorry about the wait!) and was worn by Jessica Alba. Great for this chilly weather itâ??s sure to keep you and your bump super cosy and comfy! Available in gorgeous winter colours â?? black, faded black, brown, baby blue and navy (coming soon!)

And last but not least are our BEST SELLING maternity henleyâ??s by 1 in the Oven. Famous model Heidi Klum was seen wearing her navy one shopping when pregnant late last year. Made of beautiful soft waffle weave cotton â?? many women rave about the comfy fit and buy at least 3 in their fave colours. Iâ??m still wearing my maternity ones as they are so easy to breastfeed in and look great with a tank layered underneath.

Thanks for your patience last week whilst we were upgrading the backend of our site. The â??frontendâ?? will be up soon and shopping with Queen Bee will be BIGGER and BETTER than ever…..!

Have a wonderful week,
love queen bee
xxx

Check out more articles by Queen Bee! 

www.QueenBee.com.au – the hottest place to shop maternity!

DERMASTIR CANDLE MASSAGE OIL – GRASSE QUALITY

Pamper yourself like royalty as if you were in Grasse itself. Grasse??? Never heard of it? Oh dear, oh dear!!!
Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world’s perfume capital (la capitale mondiale des parfums). Many “noses” are trained or have spent time in Grasse. It produces over two-thirds of France’s natural aromas (for perfume and for food flavourings). This industry turns over more than 600 million euros a year.

Grasse is a sunny little refuge that hangs 1,148 feet high on the hill of Roquevillon, about 12 miles north-west of Cannes. Its exceptionally mild climate and fertile soils yield an abundant wild and sweet-smelling flowering. The local people transform the beautiful coloured petals into subtle and delicate perfumes that have made Grasse the perfume capital of eastern Provence.

Legend has it that Catherine de Medicis was behind this newfound enthusiasm for perfume. While staying in Grasse, she was greatly impressed by the profusion of fragrant multicolored flora that filled this area of Provence, around the Mediterranean sea. Bored with the exotic perfumes that she was importing from the East at great cost, she chose Signor Tombarelli, a native of Florence who was a member of her entourage and perfumer by trade, to create a workshop in Grasse where he could make delicate essential oils from the local flowers.

The aromatic frangrances of Dermastir Candle Massage Oil are made in Grasse. This candle when heated, besides providing you with a home fragrance system, will  also make available a warm body oil ideal for a massage treatment and a natural moisturizer for hands, feet and other dry skin areas of your body. 

Massage is a complementary therapy that, when applied with love and care on affected area, can evoke many beneficial changes within the body, mind, and spirit of the whole person. Massage is a powerful treatment precisely because it works on both the physical and psychological levels. While the hand strokes of massage can ease pain or tension from stiff and aching muscles, boost a sluggish circulation, or eliminate toxins, the nurturing touch of the hands on the body soothes away mental stress and restores emotional equilibrium at the same time. Especially beneficial is thus a massage with the pure massage oils of Dermastir Candle Massage Oils.
 
Alta Care Laboratoires is offering you products designed to give you the ability to pamper yourself as if you were vacationing in the worlds most luxurious spa. Experience the vibrant fragrances and silky feel of our massage oil candles. They may also be the perfect gift for yourself or someone special without spending a fortune.
 
The rich and famous from all over the world travel to the most luxurious spas and resorts to be treated like royalty. Fortunately, with the help of spa candle, you don’t have to be wealthy or “know someone” to treat yourself the same way! Just get a beautiful massage candle. However it is important that the candle’s essential oil is of an excellent quality. Grasse, the place of origin of Alta Care Laboratoires’ candle provides ample proof for this. The mythical Chanel No.5 was created here and France has always been a world authority in the industry – the first guild of perfumers was established in the 12th century by Philippe-Augustine of France. The texture and smell of these candles will make all the difference.

Finally it is good to know that essential oils, work in different ways. At the scent level they activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. When applied to the skin in the form of “massage oils”, besides moisturizing, toning and relaxing it, they also activate thermal receptors. Many have tried to copy Dermastir candle massage oils but the secret lies in the aromatic scents found in Grasse and the quality of the Alta Care massage oils.

www.altacare.com

Fine Suggestions for Mediterranean Holiday

Ferry rides are exciting. Riding in a boat in the middle of the sea, on the way to a different land, these are the stuff of adventure. Add to that the blue waters of the Mediterranean Seas, the sun, sand, the spectacular sights, the promise of good food, and the excitement of the other travelers in your group, and you have a holiday made in heaven.

A Mediterranean holiday with ferry boat rides can be a reality. Islands in and around the region have become popular tourist destinations, come summer. Places such as the Côte d’Azur and St Tropez on the Riviera, Cannes, Corsica, Croatia, Malta, Sardinia, Sicily, Capri, Greece, Mallorca, and Ses Salines on Ibiza. These tours are good for family groups as well as solo travelers. Seen in some of the trips around the islands are adventurous traveling couples, groups of friends out for some fun and sun, and some scuba diving buddies out to explore the deeps. Accommodations cater to low budget backpackers as well as to high-end travelers. There are foot passenger ferries, ferries that can load vehicles on them, cruise ferries, as well as the high-end charter yachts for private sailing around the Mediterranean islands. There are crowded beaches and secluded coves. Some destinations have become more popular than others, but all offer the same Mediterranean experience of sea, sights, sun, and sand.

This popular vacation place also offers a grand historical and cultural experience. Aside from the great beaches around, the islands are dotted with Greek temples, ancient ruins, and archeological sites. Island hopping most likely means continent hopping as well. Europe, Africa, and Asia straddle the region. Experience and wonder at the ancient cultures of the Mesopotamians, the Levantine, the Greeks, the Romans, the Moors, the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, the Carthaginian, and the Turks. All of these important civilizations developed in this region.   

Online transactions for bookings are possible with the many ferry boats on route to the islands. There are particular routes for the ferry services. Timetables, schedules, fees and rates, and other relevant details are provided by these ferry services. It is also advisable to ask for accommodation and tour details, as well as other things to expect. These might be recent weather reports, the prevailing language in your destination, currencies and exchange rates, as well as the best sites for tours and beach bumming. A map and a tour handbook guide would help much, but so would a talk with a local.

A New Way of Learning Life Through Summer Camps in France

Summer camps offer a world of opportunity to the participants to socialize and develop new skills. Besides, they are the ideal place to help the children understand and appreciate the value of independence, friendship, team work. More and more parents, these days, are encouraging their children to participate in summer camps providing an informative way of spending summer vacation and having fun simultaneously. With so many organisations around offering summer camp services, it may be confusing for the parents to select the best one for their children. A traditional summer camp will offer the options like sports, swimming, art and craft for children. But a language summer camp is a unique way of enjoying vacation along with learning a new language.

ESL offers language summer camps in France where the prime goal is to revitalize the dormant skill of the students and develop their interest in French language. ESL selects the subject that catches the interest of the students by creating a dynamic and youthful environment. Various aspect of the program is developed carefully to motivate each participant of the camp. The French course offered during the summer camp is not merely any other language class. Students at the camp are guided for the various areas of language study such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. Learning grammar of the language is made easy to give the young learners the feeling of not being in a formal language class. The students have to appear an entrance test for the admission into the language classes which determines their level. Accordingly they are trained as beginners or new learners.

The centre for summer camp in France is situated in Cannes. The two buildings built at the end of 19th century are surrounded by a magnificent park. A self-catering restaurant, a play ground and a projection hall are the main parts of the school campus. Students are provided with special accommodation with 2 -4 beds in each room. The efficient supervision of the staff ensures complete security of the student during their stay. Web access and telephone facilities allow the students stay in touch with their parents. Students can enjoy a very unique facility of pocket money service of the summer camp that operates like a mini-bank.

The summer camps in France by ESL is not just a camp of learning language, it is another way of making children self-sufficient. The participants come from different parts of the world and share their culture and values while familiarize themselves with the French culture apart from learning a new language.

North India Tour – Exotic Destinations in the lap of Nature

India is a country of various kind of land. In south there are oceans and rivers. This coastline area have different climate. Rajasthan is deserted area. In north several lakes and rivers add the beauty of high spreading mountains. Some area is famous for fertile land. 

If you have planned for north India tour, you may go with the option of north India tour. Mathura, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amritsar are renowned pilgrims. In India people have a great devotion in religious works. North India tour package is just to explore Indian states as Delhi, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir is the heaven of India. The beauty of this place cannâ??t be explained in words. Since last two years some area of this state is affected badly by terrorism. Therefore tourists do not feel at ease to travel there.

The main cities of north India tour are Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarhh, Jammu and Ludhiana. These cities are known to rich historical and cultural heritage.

This is one of the best tour packages of India tour. North India tour includes the great mountain series with glaciers beside this, the great historical rivers of India flows here. These rivers help us in farming that is the main business of India.

North India is famous for its natural beauty. During the summer vacation, you can enjoy the cool and soothing atmosphere of hillside. The main hill stations are Nanital, Mussorie, Dehradun, Shimla, Chail, Manali, Laddakh, and Jammu. These are the places where you can spend your vacations in the lap of nature.

 A lot of religious places are here in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Haridwar, Rishikesh, north India tour package begins with Delhi, capital of India. Various spots are like Redford, Qutub Minar. Raj Ghat, Parliament house and India gate. Delhi is connected with rest of India by various transport modes. Agra, wonderful Tajmahal city on the bank of river Ramuna tells its history of mugal time. Fatehpur Sikri nearby Agra made by mugal emperor Akbar, famous for its architectural art. Rajasthan is popular fort its majestic and exotic forts, palaces, monuments and temples. No one can deny seeing this unexceptional art of ancient time.

 

What To Do And See On A Western Mediterranean Cruise

Planning a Western Mediterranean cruise? Lucky you. While most of your friends are stuck laboring at their 9-5 jobs you’ll be sailing the sunny seas, eating world class food and visiting some of the most fabulous destinations on the planet. In fact, there is so much to see and do, coming up with an itinerary can be quite a challenge. With magical destinations like France, Italy, Spain and Portugal to choose from there are enough options to fill half a dozen vacations. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best of the region to help you plan your Western Mediterranean cruise.

If you’ve always wanted to tour the magnificent French Riviera then a cruise is just about the most perfect way to do so. Take a shore excursion to the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and see the beauty that inspired the art of Matisse and Picasso. In Marseille you can see the Notre-Dame-de-Guarde. Take a journey to Cannes, the home of the world renowned international film festival. And in Nice the Opera House and Old Town await your pleasure. There is so much to see and do in this region that it will be hard to drag yourself away to see the delights the other countries on your itinerary have to offer.

In sunny Spain Barcelona is the port where you will almost certainly dock. If you have an appreciation of architecture you will be completely blown away by the stunning Gothic architecture of the buildings here. Again, you have the opportunity to see the works of the legendary painter Pablo Picasso in the Museu Picasso, where one of the world’s most extensive collections of his work are showcased. Another popular Spain cruise destination is Mallorca. Spain’s largest island features the massive Palma Cathedral, and if you want to relax for awhile the island offers upwards of 70 magnificent beaches for you to lay back and soak up the sun.

In Portugal the ports of Lisbon and Funchal await. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city has something for the whole family to enjoy. Explore St. George’s Castle, Jeronimo’s Monastery, or Belem Tower. Ancient curiosities abound in the Gulbenkian Museum. If you have kids you must make time for a visit to the Oceanarium where all manner of marine life from sharks to cute Antarctic penguins can be seen. One of the world’s largest aquariums the Oceanarium stands out against the ancient stonework of the rest of the city, and is one of the most state of the art facilities you’ll see anywhere in the Western Mediterranean.

On Funchal you enjoy a different sort of adventure. Arrange a shore excursion to climb Picos de Barcelos. This peak is 1,200 feet high and offers a magnificent view of all of Funchal. If you don’t want quite that much exertion on your cruise vacation (and who can blame you?) why not make a visit to see Colombo’s Statue in Santa Catarina Park or take a relaxing stroll through the botanical garden of Quinta das Cruzes.

Last, but certainly not least we have Italy. The choices here are too numerous to describe at length. Rome will be at the top of most people’s itinerary with The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain and the Arch of Constantine just a few of the major highlights of this historic city. If you’ve been to Rome before why not take a trip to Florence instead? Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Museum are must-sees in this beautiful city, and if you are this close you shouldn’t forget to take the tour to Pisa where you can see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in all its glory.

Again, these are just a few of the highlights of a Western Mediterranean cruise. A trip through this spectacular region will only whet your appetite and you will find yourself wanting to return again and again to further explore the culture and history of these magnificent ancient cities.

Your Advices for my 20 days vacation accross europe?

hello there,
finally i think im getting this eurotrip for 20 days starting from october 13th,
I will start with
Germany: Frankfurt, Munich —–
Italy: Turin, Milan, Venice, Florance, Rome —–
Spain: Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid, ———–
France: Paris, Cannes, Nice —— to milan and return to dubai
any other places i missed please let me know
and also if you having any advice like where to see and what to do and how to made it more economy or any other comments,
P.S. im iranian and resident of dubai (UAE) age: 22 male, and this will be my first big holiday time
Thanks