Rocket French Review On My French Tour Blog

Celebrating The New Year Eve In France

2008-01-01T23:54:00.000-08:00

The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether it's clubbing in Paris or the sublime midnight grape-picking event in the Midi Pyrenees or an upscale, medieval celebration in a Loire castle.

Here are my four recommendations on basis of my personal experience. By the way life is getting busy so you might be finding less of my posts.

Have a fun night out in Paris' party district
Take a Seine River cruise, which is an ideal choice for couples spending New Year's Eve in Paris.
Avignon makes a great choice. This is a city that is vibrant yet smaller than Paris. Since it's in the South of France, it will provide a warmer spot to ring in the New Year
Although Monte Carlo technically isn't part of France, the principality is nestled inside France and is much like France. This luxurious city features a New Year's Eve gala at the opulent Monte Carlo Grand Hotel

How You Can Learn French In Less Than 8 Weeks With Rocket French

2007-12-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

I got my assignment letter for French posting just 10 weeks before I had to leave. So there was no time to muck around. I had to get everything in order as well as cross the biggest hurdle, mastering the romance language - French. Like you I initially thought I could learn it for free on Internet.

I wasted two weeks trying to learn French for free on websites. But not very surprisingly there was nothing really great out there. So I started searching around. After researching all professional courses I was left with three choices, Rocket French, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur French. The choice was fairly easy to make - Rocket French costs only 1/5th of Rosetta Stone and 1/10th of Pimsleur French. I am not against those package but paying 10 times the price for something that has only audio tapes makes no sense. There was no point doing things backward. For those prices I could have hired a personal French teacher.

Moreover Rocket French had something besides audio tracks that attracted me. It provided - Written Grammar Lessons, Vocabulary Software, Audio Software, Software For Verbs and FULL PERSONAL SUPPORT. As if that was not enough they backed it up with a 100% money back guarantee for eight weeks. This was too lucrative a offer to give up. The intelligent decision was to try it. Either, I Learn French In Eight Weeks Or I Get My Money Back. There is nothing to lose!

I think I hit a sweet spot with it. Prior to this my biggest two issues with learning French were how to master a new Vocabulary and native accent. Bingo! the software were designed specifically for these. They (you get three software) provided with proper native speaker audio clips, verbal recognition signs and I could just learn it as a game. I wished I had something similar while I was learning German. I can tell you that learning Vocabulary is a big pain.

The grammar lessons were provided in the same manner as a teacher would do. They have designed it as newsletter, so you get one topic delivered to your inbox. I used to pick them one a day, give it one hour for practice, then do some vocabulary practice with the same grammar rules. Fun and easy to learn!

If you ask me the reason I recommend it so strongly - I will say its the support they provide. You get access to email and forums that have both experts and students like you. It gives a class like ambience where you can raise your questions and doubts. You get the same kind of feedback and advice that you would otherwise get for a $50 per hour trainer.

Its over a few months since I am staying in France. I have had a good time testing my skills and evaluating the Rocket French stuff with the native colleagues. I showed it to my immediate French boss out here and he was amazed -Right now he is looking for a similar software to learn English ;).

I have had a few of my colleagues moving in the same time. They asked me the easiest way to learn French, so I thought putting up this post instead of repeating the same words to everybody. Frankly speaking Rocket French is the way to fly.

There are right now offering a discounted downloadable package for limited time (I don't understand how they are in business at such low prices). Use the link below to get the discounted version.

Click Here For Rocket French Official Site

Btw, they also offer a free six day course - Join it. Its better than most of the free stuff you get online.

Click Here For Free Six Day Course

Good Luck With Your French Learning Adventure!

International Airports In France

2007-12-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

Air France is the leading airline to and from France. Its hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle connects with many airports around the world. Air France has around 400 aircrafts in operation, services around 1,800 daily flights to around 185 destinations in 83countries. It is also a founder member airline of the SkyTeam Alliance.

Paris has two international airports which are Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, and Orly airport.

Both airports are accessible from Paris shuttle bus, taxi or metro (RER B for Charles-de-Gaulle airport; Orlyval for Orly airport). A car is a convenient and pleasant way to travel throughout France.

ALPE D'HUEZ

2007-12-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

If a bicycle can make it, then your car can certainly handle the sheer switchbacks en route to Alpe d’Huez, which are, after all, part of the Tour de France.

ALPE D'HUEZ is a great vacation ski spot for families,. The place has a compact lift system and myriad runs feed into the village. Although its a perfect spot for beginners & intermediates, the resort’s famous runs are black.

The main village of Alpe d’Huez is a varied assortment of hotels, shops and restaurants, a heated pool and skating rink.

Enjoying France - World's Best Pastry Shop

2007-11-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

One of the most striking thing in Paris is its confectionary. Right from the airport (hmm, I think right in the plane itself), you are made addicted to it. I won't be too different if I can call that France has the world's best pastry shops. The best pastries in the world are made in France, where layers of cake, as light as feathers, are molded together with airy, sweet buttercream and topped with curls of fine chocolate. Pastries in France are too beautiful (and too fattening) to eat but too delicious not to.

Within France, the most tempting Patisseries, or pastry shops, are in Paris where they adorn every corner. There are 2,300 of them! One of the best known and most honored Patisseries is Dalloyau, which specializes in morrons glaces (candied chestnuts), mogador (layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and raspberry confiture) and sherbet cakes. Dallayau shops can be found at 99 rue Faubourg St. Honore and three other locations. The king of pastry is Gaston Lenotre, who runs Lenotre shops throughout Paris. His 350 pastry chefs and cooks use at least 12 tons of butter and 300,000 fresh eggs each month. Lenotre also has the best chocolates in Paris. His shops are at 44 rue du Bac and three other locations.

The best ice cream in Paris - My favorite ice cream in Paris is sold at Berthillon, 31 rue St. Louis-en-l'Ile. The list of rich, homemade flavors is long; so are the lines. I think they should start home delivery like Dominoz.

Travel Around France

2007-11-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

One of the prettiest wine towns in France St. Emilion is one of the most picturesque villages in France. The medieval town is perched on a plateau looking over the valley of the Dordogne. In the 12th century, pilgrims stopped here on their way to the shrine of St. James of Compostela in Spain. While you are in St. Emilion, visit the seventh-century hermitage, which was hollowed out of rock. Nearby is the entrance to a chapel with a strange underground shrine. It, too, was carved out of rock 900 years ago. A subterranean passage leads to catacombs containing skeletons in ancient tombs. (You must have a guide to visit the shrine.) At the Syndicat d'Initiative, place des Crenaux, you can get a list of wine chateaux nearby. The Château Ausone produces the St. Emilion's vintage, among others.

Alternative Stay In Paris

2007-11-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

Rather than staying at expensive hotels, you can rent furnished apartments for their holiday lodgings. Short term Paris apartment rentals offer you more space for your Paris vacations. They are also very convenient if you travel with small children, considering that most of Paris hotel rooms are of a tiny size, costly and often with toilets in the corridors.

You can book up a fully furnished vacation apartment for rental. You are free to bring take-away food in or to cook your favourite meals. Most of the hotels don't allow you to do this which can significantly push up your bill.

Most of the city's main historical monuments and interesting spots on the Left Bank area as well. Most of the main and interesting events and festivities in Paris occur on the Left Bank side of the Seine river. You can find quite a lot of good quality aparments for rental basis there.

This will be relatively easier on your wallet as well as a good experience.

Best French Castle

2007-11-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

In France, there are so many castles that when you travel, you are literally surrounded by them. French "le chateau" for a castle may mean a medieval defense structure, a superb in size and architecture historical royal residence, an aristocratic residence which for a foreigner would be not less than a palace or just a winery building. The castles of France are today museums, hotels and wine producers seats. I enjoyed visiting each one of them. However nothing beats

Palace of Versailles

Château de Versailles (its local signature) is a French royal castle planned by Luis XIII but largely built under Louis XIV, into an amazing complex of palaces and gardens. This castle is a major tourist destination outside of Paris and I think if you visiting France, don't miss on this one. I will post photos of this one as well as lot of others in next post

"Comment allez-vous?" - French Pronunciation Perceived Issues

2007-11-18T03:36:00.000-08:00

If you don't know than that short sentence is French for saying "how are you?". Most people find learning French is more challenging compared to many other languages that people are becoming more interested in learning today. They reason that French is challenging compared to Spanish, German and Italian is because it has a completely unique way of pronunciation. I don't really think so. I think its more about getting into that mode. Like the shape you make with your lips define sound you are going to utter when you speak the alphabet 'Q' in French. Problem is that most people are not ready to make that effort to watch carefully the movement of lips and make sound accordingly. If you do that you will find it really easy to hit.

Another point to note is that when responding to French questions, you'll need to know the correct intonation. Much of the time, the rising tone is only applicable for simple yes or no questions, with other things or simple conversational patterns, the intonation is placed at the end of the sentence. But again, once you have stayed there for even a week and if you follow the native speaking style closely, this should be no issue. I don't want to sound advertising but yeah this Rocket French, helped a lot. I had prepared myself to the audio clips they provided of the local sound. I even asked my friend to help me by making similar lip movements while I tried to read them. It helps! You can find the course here -Rocket French. Definitely my topmost recommendation.

Paris - Romance Capital

2007-11-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

Paris the Capital City of France is in the Ile De France region and is an international capital for art, fashion, style and romance. With the romance that Paris perceives, it is the number one destination for UK tourists and with over 30 million travellers per year from around the world, it is no wonder that this city has so much to offer.

Paris entertainment has always been at the forefront of the world in terms of quality and variety and from film, dance, opera, jazz, concerts, ballet, rock festivals and cabaret, there is always some form of entertainment on offer to suit all tastes, no matter what the time of year you decide to visit this vibrant and cultural city in France.

Of course, there are the usual monuments and attractions which we all go an see when visiting Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, walking along the Avenue de Champs-Elysees with all its glitz and glamour and visiting the Bastille Square

However, for those of us who would like to get away from it all, the Ile de France region of which Paris is at the centre becomes an ideal place, offering a multitude of nature, history, art and culture, but all within only a short distance from the periphery. So, within the Ile de France region, you be able to discover more than 500km of navigable waterways, as well as many more kilometers of footpaths and historic sites along its beautiful rivers and canals.

And although Paris still tends to have that allure as a destination for lovers, there is also an enormous amount to do for children of all ages and the adults alike! Disneyland Paris with all of its magic is obviously one of those destinations, along with Parc Asterix, but there are also some great modern museums that provide interaction, making learning fun.

Mardi Grass

2007-11-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

One of the event I am really looking forward to the Carnaval. There are floats and paper-mâché, 10-foot-tall jesters and all these colorful and amazing things I have just seen in TV. It is supposed to be for two weeks and I can't wait for it!

Rocket French Free Trial

2007-10-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

I recently got my hands on Rocket French.

Learning French Number - Easy Tips

2007-09-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

This post has some tips on learning french number. I found it early days when I was looking on information on how to learn french. Read it through. I am providing this post as it is.

Learn French Numbers - French Numbers Can Confuse!
By Dennis Cordy

You would think that French numbers are pretty much the same as English, wouldn't you? 1,2,3,4,5... how can they be different? Well of course French numerals when written like that are exactly the same. However, when you write them out in full, for example one, two, three, etc., there are a few differences between the French and the English and a few little traps for the unwary. This article will teach you how to avoid them.

Everything is OK from one to ten: the French numbers are un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix. Of course "un" (one) can also be "une" because in French things have gender. "Un" if it's masculine, for example "un table" (easy one that, a table), "un chat" (a cat) but "une" if it's feminine, "une chaise" (a chair) and "une girafe" (a giraffe).

There are no problems from eleven to twenty either: onze, douze, treize, quatorze, quinze, seize, dix sept, dix huit, dix neuf, vingt.

French numbers have just a small change when you get to twenty one: "vingt et un". Literally translated they say "twenty and one". We're OK for the rest of the numbers though, the French revert to the same style as English for twenty two "vingt deux" and the remainder of the numbers until thirty which is "trente". Thirty one is like twenty one "trente et un" - you see, it's that "thirty and one" thing again.

Forty (quarante), fifty (cinquante) and sixty (soixante) give us no problems either, as long as we remember the "and one" thing: "quarante et un" is forty one but for forty four we just use "quarante quatre". "Soixante sept" is sixty seven but we use "soixante et un" for sixty one.

When we get to seventy, however, is when the French really throw a spanner in the works. There is no French number seventy! I'm not kidding. No seventy at all. So what do they do?

What they do is say "sixty ten". Now don't ask me why but that's the way they do it. Seventy is "soixante dix", sixty ten. Note it's not sixty and ten, it's sixty ten. Then sixty eleven, "soixante onze", sixty twelve "soixante douze" and so on.

So what do you suppose eighty is? If you've guessed sixty twenty you're way off! In fact it's four twenty, no not forty twenty, four twenty: "quatre vingt", like four multiplied by twenty I suppose. Again, don't ask me why. Someone once said that you don't have to like the rules, just understand them and if you want to learn French numbers the principal is the same. Don't worry about why, just learn them.

Then just when you thought you'd got the hang of the "and one" bit, the French change it. Eighty one is "quatre vingt un" and so on for the rest of the eighties: "quatre vingt deux" eighty two, and so on.

I bet you're really looking forward to ninety, aren't you!

Ninety is four twenty eleven: "quatre vingt onze" and afterwards we have four twenty twelve "quatre vingt douze" and so on, the same pattern as with the seventies, all the way up to a hundred "cent". Yes, that's where the word Cent comes from.

After that, it's mostly repetition. Two hundred is "deux cents" (note the 's' on the end of cent because there's more than one of them), three hundred is "trois cents" and so on. We don't do the "and one" thing for two hundred and one, we do "deux cents un". Same for the other hundreds.

A thousand is "un mille", a million is "un million" and a billion is "un milliard". So for example 243,586 is "deux cents quarante trois mille cinq cents quatre vingt six" that's two hundred forty three thousand five hundred four twenty six. Simple really isn't it!

In fact when you break it down and go over it a few times it's not that difficult to learn French numbers. It's a bit different, yes, and it takes a bit of practice, but that's all it is. Write down a few random numbers and practice. Whenever you see a number - we do it with license plates - just try to translate it into French. You'll soon get the hang of it and by the end of the year (2008 or "deux mille huit" - note not two thousand 'and' eight) you'll be completely fluent!
Get independent tips and advice about learning French plus six professional French lessons absolutely free: http://www.how2learnfrench.com

Again the course is being sold, and there was a time I considered it but I don't think it stands anywhere against Rocket French