There are so many amazing places to visit around the world that it can be tough to choose just a few destinations to recommend as "ultimate" travel destinations, especially since everyone has different interests and preferences.

LE VIE: Short getaway trips are something I love... The simplicity of packing a weekend bag and being spontaneous resonates with how important it is to just “be.” I get excited about arriving at a destination; ready to explore. One city filled with exploration, excitement and culture is Barcelona, Spain. The architecture, laid back atmosphere and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

LA VIE: I had a funny conversation with the self-designated “life in France” coach today. I met her in a French immersion class. I won’t use her name at this time… her opinions about people’s attitudes are the focus of this post. She revered the American adaptive mindset as “an absence of color.”

LA VIE: I work with a diverse group of people from all over the world. The office is comprised of 17 nationalities and a mix of over 20 languages. As I dive into my French lessons, my co-worker Denis (native French) has opted to send me 4-5 French words to learn every week.

LA VIE: With so many stores closed on Sundays, I rearrange my plans as needed. I am one of the few people who enjoys a lot of variety so I’ll continue exploring Paris and adjust my expectations… Bonne weekend!

La Vie: I enjoy media - all forms. When it comes to the ever-loving “idiot box,” I enjoy television shows, news broadcasts, and cable television originals. Watching television in Paris is quite interesting. I have to learn more… (Je dois en savoir plus).

LE MODE DE VIE AMÉRICAIN. At the time of this post, I am learning a lot about French culture from my co-workers (thanks Mehdi, Paul, Aminata, and Marie-Pierre) so depending on when you read this, my views likely have changed.

LA VIE: Exploring Paris reveals some of the traditional, yet pleasant things about the French. I adore their ability to be mobile and simply enjoy life. As I enjoy the thousands of people walking around the city, I’m still a newbie and wander around alone. Aside from a few friends as work, I’m very young in the meeting new people stage