Paris. Getting Around

The best way to get around is on foot or by metro, at least until you become familiar with the bus routes. Free maps are available at the Gare du Nord railway station and other metro or train stations. Buy a Paris Par Arrondissements (the Parisian A-Z) from any of the kiosks at metro entrances. This useful little book lists every street by arrondissement (district) and has maps with clear references. And you can always ask the locals for directions, of course. The Paris metro is easy to use, clean and fast Follow sortie for the exit and correspondence to change lines. Buy a carnet of ten tickets to save money and stamp your ticket in the machine before you get on. The bus is also a great way to travel with a view, once you are familiar with the routes. Remember to stamp (composter) your tickets in the machines just after you get on. Central Paris is compact and the best way to get to know it is on foot, particularly to feel the atmosphere change slightly as you go from arrondissement to arrondissement. However, driving in Paris is only for the brave or mad. The easiest way to get a taxi in Paris is to find a rank at train and large metro stations. The white light on the roof indicates the taxi is free. You don't have to tip taxi drivers but they appreciate it if you round up the fare. Finally, several companies offer river tours down the Seine. It may be a touristy way to get around but it's still fun.

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My African experience

There are so many life-changing experiences available that I had great fun researching options for my gap year*. Having always played sports, and especially football, ! thought teaching children to play football in Ghana (organized by Gap Sports Abroad) sounded different and amazing. Initially I thought that a girl football coach might not be respected, but as soon as I got to Ghana I realized that I was wrong. I worked with the Young Schweppes Football Club in Nungua, a poor area in the city of Accra. ! coached under-12, under-14 and under-17 boys from poor rural families. The training pitch was a dusty patch of land, and taxis and goats used to cross the pitch during matches! Many of the boys played in bare feet and without T-shirts, but their passion for the game was amazing. For thousands of Ghanaian children football is their life, a possible escape from poverty. The weather was boiling so I coached early in the morning and in the evening to avoid the midday sun, but after a while I didn't mind the heat any more. During the day I went home to snooze, sunbathe, or read on the balcony, or I looked round markets or went to the beach. I loved Ghana because of its hidden beauty, and the warmth and friendliness of the people. Being a volunteer is sometimes really hard because you get the feeling that what you are doing is not enough, but it is very rewarding both for yourself and for the children you meet.

Lucy Mills writes

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