A Day in Paris…the Parisian way!

Hello everyone, Maria here! Today, I am going to write about how to spend a day in Paris the Parisian way, which means avoiding all sorts of mainstream tourist attractions where no real Parisian visits. In fact, many Parisians dread the Champs-Elysees, Eiffel Tower or Louvre. They even pray to never have to set foot in one of these places and some even find them tacky and cheesy.

My guide will include everything from breakfast to dinner as well as all sorts of morning and afternoon activities to make the most of your time in Paris. Full addresses and example prices are listed at the end of this post.

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The Rhine – Cologne’s wonderful waterway

Lake Toma, amongst the stunning mountains of Switzerland, is home to the source of the Rhine. Leaving here it continues its journey through to the Netherlands, where it flows into the North Sea. On its way the biggest city it crosses is cosmopolitan Cologne. Cologne would only be half as beautiful without this fantastic river running through it. The Rhine gives this city a unique and relaxed atmosphere. On its banks visitors to Cologne like to spend their time relaxing alongside the locals, known as ‘Kölner’! I am proud to call Cologne my home town and can speak to you at first-hand about life around this significant river of Europe. Hopefully I will also entice you to explore Cologne yourself!

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English in Liverpool – Friday – my last day

Start reading about my time in Liverpool from Day 1.

Following on from my Thursday post, my last day on an English course in Liverpool has arrived. I am reluctant to say I am sad, as it seems impossible to be sad in Liverpool!

As expected, the last English classes I had were amazing. The day before we talked about reading so, naturally, that Friday we talked about cinema!  Read more…

English in Liverpool – Thursday

Following the great day on Wednesday, Thursday’s class was also extremely interesting! A real generic English lesson! It started by introducing us to the Hemingway “six words” bet. Whether it was false or not, the story goes that the American writer won a bet because he could write a story in just six words: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn”. After we had discussed this short story, we read an essay about a journalistic venture that asked people to write their own story in six words. The results were fascinating. People will always surprise you!

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English in Liverpool – Wednesday

The next morning, as promised on Tuesday, our teacher brought back up the story with the random suggested words. He also spent some time going through our homework with us whilst we were engaged in other useful tasks. Actually, in the stories all the verbs were only at Past Simple or, (horror!) at Present Simple!

It was so satisfying to be able to edit and check that texts and it was useful to consolidate all the Narrative Tenses knowledge as well. IMPRESSIVE WORK!

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English in Liverpool – Tuesday

This follows on from my last post: Monday in Liverpool!

The lesson of Tuesday morning was really different from the class I had the day before. I asked to change to the Upper Intermediate level and I quickly felt that this level was definitely more suitable for me. Then, in the classroom, I found the South-Korean boy I met the day before and another friend who had the same accommodation as me. We already chatted (in English of course) and.. the conversations between us flowed nicely!

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English in Liverpool – Monday

This post follows on from: English in Liverpool – Day 1.

My first day of lessons has arrived!

I knew that at 8.15am I had to reach the school. I arrived in good time and, after a fast registration, I was asked to wait in the common room.

The school is very nice! It occupies the first and the second floor of a charming building in the city centre, in the Cavern Quarter in Liverpool. There is modern furniture throughout and even a Beatles and music theme!

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English in Liverpool – Day 1

At last, my first day in Liverpool, the Sunday before my English course starts, has arrived! I woke early as I was excited for my trip and, as they say, the early bird catches the worm! I prepared my luggage and jumped onto a train for 11:30AM. The journey from Loughborough to Liverpool was longer than expected: three hours and three changes in total, but it was impossible to get bored as the views were constantly changing! During the longer routes I was able to go over the Peak District’s pictures that I’d taken the day before. Make sure you go to the peak district if you get the chance whilst in the UK!

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Booking my English course in Liverpool

Read my first post here: Go learn English in Liverpool!

My English course in Liverpool is booked and I start next week! I chose the Intensive course (20 lessons per week) and accommodation in the Student Residence, which is close to the school. The famous and oh-so-popular Cavern Club is also in close proximity of the language school. What more could you want? Read more…

Go learn English in Liverpool!

I don’t know whether it is being cooped up in an office all day… or craving further challenges, self-improvement and a little more adventure… but I really wouldn’t mind a change! I have therefore decided to go to Liverpool with Apple Languages to study at their English school, attending a language course of my own. I expect to meet lots of lovely people, have a fun time and ultimately improve my English.

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