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The Casino de Monte Carlo which is known throughout the world is located in Monaco. The casino is a complex place with gambling and entertainment options. This idea of a casino came about with the Grimaldi family who was in need of money to save the country of Monaco. This sparked an empire in Monaco and has been securing the economy ever since Princess Caroline developed this plan. The casino is run by the Société des Bains de Mer. The casino is known for its influential architecture. Not only is the architecture grand and beautiful on the outside it is as well on the inside. The casino takes on a different approach compared to the Las Vegas casinos. The Monte Carlo casinos are much smaller than the Las Vegas ones. This offers a much more personal experience. The casino also has clothing regulations. There is no shorts or flip flops allowed in the casino. There is an entrance fee of 10 euros when you enter the casino. The casino of Monte Carlo offers a different experience from traditional casinos.
Sources:
https://arttodaymagazine.com/library/663/history-casino-de-monte-carlo

https://www.aesu.com/france-travel-tips/history-monte-carlo-casino/

https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en

https://frenchmoments.eu/monte-carlo-monaco/ (photo

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This national park located in the Côte d'Ivoire is one of the last areas that contains a "primary rainforest in West Africa". The rainforest covers "450,000 hectares" and was established as a national park in 1972. Many endangered species live in this national park including the "pygmy hippopotamus and 11 species of monkeys." While traveling to the Tai National Park can be difficult it is one of the "most pristine forests in Africa" and is worth the travel. While at the national park tour guides can take you around in vehicles to see different animals. Guests will be able to see chimpanzees up close in their natural habitat. The chimps are tracked through GPS by the parks employees. There is also the option of a walking safari will you will be up close and personal with all kinds of animals. The park contains "1,421 species" so the possibilities on the tours are limitless.  The dry season typically lasts from November to March while rain is frequent between March through July. The rainforest is a beautiful place and without this park it wouldn't be preserved in West Africa.
Sources:
https://www.africatouroperators.org/ivory-coast/tai-national-park

https://kumakonda.com/tai-national-park-ivory-coast-chimpanzees-experience/

http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?15037/WWF-West-Africa-aids-Cote-dIvoires-Tai-National-Park

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/195

https://thedrewacorn.wordpress.com/2018/02/23/national-parks-tai-national-park/
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The country of Belgium is known for its classic and timeless Belgian waffles. The first Belgian waffle dates back all the way to 1874 in written recipes. However, many people believe that it has been around since the 1600s. In the beginning of the nineteenth century Belgium began to be known as the empire of the Belgium waffles. The waffles spread to the neighboring countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands. During the 1964 World Fair in New York is when the waffle gained fame in the United States. The waffles were originally leavened with yeast, but baking powder has now replaced that. The waffle is often covered in fruit, syrup and chocolate spreads. The Belgian waffle is called “gaufres” in French. The two most popular waffles are called “liege waffles” these are made from yeasted dough that has Belgian pearl sugar on the inside. The other type is the “Brussels waffle” which is made from a yeasted batter that closely resembles the US Belgian waffle. The Brussels waffle is much lighter and tends to be crisper. While the liege waffle is heavier and has much more sugar. A trip to Belgium must include tasting all the different types of waffles that they have to offer.
Sources:
https://www.vbt.com/blog/culinary/sweet-story-belgian-waffle/

https://www.tastecooking.com/waffle-town/

https://www.gounesco.com/the-history-of-the-belgian-waffle/ (photo)

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Lake Geneva is home to the Chillon Castle which is located on a rock of the banks of the lake. The castle is well known in Switzerland and is the “most visited historic building”. The castle was lived in for four centuries. The castle is visited by “more than 400,000 guests per year”. The castle dates back to 1150 where it was under control of the Counts of Savory. They were in charge of Chillon for over 400 years. This gave them control of critical trade routes from Italy heading to the north. Since then the castle has had two different groups in control. The most interesting part of the castle is the intricate dungeons. The dungeons are under the castle and “cut into the rock base of the castle”. The castle was ignored for centuries and didn’t begin restoration until the end of the nineteenth century. The castle is surrounded by water and is accessed by a “modern bridge”. Originally the castle was connected as twenty-five separate buildings and then merged into one castle. This impressive castle is a must stop if in visiting Switzerland.
Sources:
https://www.exploring-castles.com/europe/switzerland/chillon_castle/

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/switzerland/articles/a-brief-history-of-switzerlands-beautiful-chillon-castle/ (photo

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/switzerland/articles/a-brief-history-of-switzerlands-beautiful-chillon-castle/

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Throughout French speaking regions they celebrate the Christmas holiday with a visit from Père Noël. He comes in a “red cloak with a hood trimmed in white fur”. He doesn’t wear a bright red hat instead he wears his cloak hood up. Instead of opening presents on Christmas morning he delivers them Christmas Eve after they return from church services. Another difference from Christmas in the USA is that the children don’t thank Santa with cookies and milk. Also, the traditional stocking isn’t hung from the fireplace instead children leave their shoes out to be filled with different presents and treats. Instead of children fearing receiving coal they have the “fear of Le Père Fouettard” or Father Christmas. The punishment for being naughty at Christmas time means that Father Christmas can come and abuse the naughty children. He is an old man covered in all black that scares children, so he is less and less seen around now in French culture. It is very popular for service to end at midnight on Christmas Eve and then they open the presents from Père Noël.
Sources:
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/france.shtml

https://www.travelfranceonline.com/st-nicholas-santa-claus-pere-noel-origin/

https://www.frenchasyoulikeit.com/learning-french-5-things-that-make-the-french-santa-claus-different/

http://allears.net/epcot/pere-noel-france-world-showcase-storytellers-epcot/ (photo)

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Before the modern sewers were around Pierre Bruneseau mapped out the ancient sewer system. The police had been adamant about doing this, but he went ahead, and did it discover medieval dungeons and jewels. He began this journey in 1805 and concluded the expedition in 1812. In 1878 the sewer system was “373 miles long.”  Today the sewers are known for their detailed design and cleanness. In 1867 the sewers opened to give a tour to tourists. The tours used to take place on boats that would float down the sewer canal. The sewer system is a mini version of the streets of Paris with street signs. Today only 800 people have permission to be in the sewer system which includes the workers who clean the sewers. The museum is located in the sewers beneath the “Quai d’Orsay on the Left Bank.” The musical, Les Misérables was inspired on the Paris underground tunnels. The sewer museum holds one of the most unique sewer systems in the world. The sewer museum offers an unusual place for tourists to see history of the Paris culture.

Sources:
https://www.parispass.com/paris-attractions/Museum-of-the-Sewers-of-Paris.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/paris-sewer-museum

http://www.americansinfrance.net/Attractions/Paris-Sewers-Museum.cfm (photo)

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Palace of Versailles began in the seventeenth century. For the time it is known as the greatest Originally it was the royal residence which was located just outside of Paris. It was primarily a hunting lodge and also a retreat location for Louis XIII and his family. It is well known for its extravagant architecture and has been known also for its political history. Versailles is “located about 10 miles southwest of Paris”. The palace contains “350 living units” all of these units vary in size and which room you stayed in depended on your relationship with the king and your rank in society. The most famous room in the house is called “Hall of Mirrors” as the name says it is decorated with many mirrors and glass chandeliers. The palace is broken up into different wings with the north wing and the south wing. Also, in the palace is the gardens which were designed by Andre Le Notre and are the most famous piece of landscape architect. The palace is still well loved and visited among tourists. It is estimated that every year “5 million people” visit the palace and double that visit the gardens. The Palace of Versailles will continue to be admired by people and architects for years to come.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palace-of-Versailles

http://www.softschools.com/facts/europe/palace_of_versailles_facts/2366/

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/france-f.htm

http://parisbym.com/versailles-palace-castle-and-gardens/ (photo)

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In Quebec, Canada you will be able to find some of the most unique and delicious foods in the entire world! For years Quebec has been known for its famous Poutine. Poutine is French fries and cheese curds that are then topped with warm brown gravy. This dish is very popular among locals as well as tourists that come to Quebec. This dish is always served at the Carnival of Quebec. Another popular dish is Tourtiere which is a meat pie. Each region of Quebec fills this with different types of meats. Throughout Quebec one is able to find many different types of meats that are popular and very different compared to American meats. Quebec is also known for its bagels which are also different than your normal bagel from Starbucks. Another different dish that is available in Quebec is pig and pea soup which is made from “dried beans”. This soup is very popular especially because of the cold temperatures that are experienced in Quebec! Last is Quebec’s maple syrup. This syrup is popular throughout Canada especially Quebec. It is most commonly served on snow and you can indulge in this at Quebec’s winter carnival.
Sources:
https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/delicious-french-canadian-dishes/#!Pig-and-Pea-Soup

https://www.thrillist.com/eat/montreal/best-food-quebec-bucket-list

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/foods-to-eat-in-quebec/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/foods-to-eat-in-quebec/ (photo)

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For decades it has been seen as representation of France. The Eiffel tower is a huge part of life in Paris and throughout France. The Eiffel tower project began in 1884 but it was meant to be a temporary figure in Paris and it was supposed to be dismantled after twenty years. The Eiffel Tower was built in anniversary of the French Revolution and there were hundred and seven proposals. Out of these proposals, Gustave Eiffel was selected, and he had engineers and architect as a part of his team. In 1889 the Eiffel Tower was opened, and Gustave walked the 1,800 steps to the top of the stairs of the tower. Gustave then placed the red, blue and white French flag to the top of the tower. In the winter it is rumored that the tower shrinks by about six inches. Every year seven million people visit the tower. The tower is repainted every seven years and doing so requires “60 tones of paint”. When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you can either walk the 704 stairs or take an elevator ride to the top. To visit the tower can cost anywhere from two to twenty-four euros. The Eiffel Tower remains one of the most admired and well known buildings in the world.
Sources:
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/rates-opening-times

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/paris/articles/Eiffel-Tower-facts/

https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument/history

https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Eiffel-Tower/d479-a89 (photo)

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Every year in French Guiana there is a joyful ceremony that begins in January after the Epiphany and then concludes on Ash Wednesday. This ceremony is called the Carnival in French Guiana. The carnival involves many costumes, colors and music. The carnival has a reputation and it is the longest running carnival in the world. The carnival first began when the Italians celebrated the first day of Lent by “hosting an elaborate festival” this festival then become popular in other European countries. The carnival was brought to other countries when they began to colonize. The African influence is that they believed the masks to be a way to pacify angry spirits and bring good luck to the country by flooding the streets in these masks. The last four days of the carnival include special events and then Sunday holds the “Grand Parade” which features different groups dressed up in costumes to “fit the year’s theme”. On Monday is the “Marriage Burlesque” which features a reversal in roles where women will come dressed as grooms and then the men will dress as the brides. Tuesday is “Red Devil Day” where everyone dresses as devils. The final day is Ash Wednesday which is when you only where black and white.
Sources:
https://www.france.fr/en/happening-now-in-france/carnival-in-french-guiana

https://kreolmagazine.com/music-entertainment/events/amazing-festivals-the-carnival-of-french-guiana/#.W6fddRNKhmB

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-france-french-guiana-overseas-department-cayenne-carnival-6836178.html (photo)

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Post #3-Government in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Post #3-Government in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in central sub-Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the national language is French. In 2003 the entire government was redone, and a new constitution was established. The constitution established a government based off representation from different rebel groups, previous government, civil organizations and political opposition. In 2005 a new constitution was established which would pass power onto administrations based off of province. The president is not allowed more than “two five-year terms and must share power with the prime minister who is elected by the legislature’s largest party. The legislature consists of the “National Assembly and the Senate”. The Democratic Republic of  the Congo is divided into different provinces. There equivalent of a capital is the city of Kinshasa and there are 26 other provinces. When the new constitution was put in place it said that the provinces should be redone and instead of 10 there should be 26. On June 30th, 1960 The Democratic Republic of the Congo gained independence from Belgium. Citizenship in the Congo is that you are not a citizen by birth and you must have a least one parent be a citizen of the Congo for you to be a citizen.
Sources:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cg.html

https://www.britannica.com/place/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo/Government-and-society

http://flagpedia.net/the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo  (photo)

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The return to school is an exciting time for French families and teachers. However, this year from order coming from the French President there will be a serious change for students under fifteen. Students will not be permitted to use their phones in class, at lunch or during any breaks throughout the day. The purpose of this nationwide law is to stop kids who seem to have become overly addicted and dependent on their devices. The ban is a campaign promise that Emmanuel Macron now President of France had campaigned on. The ban extends to tablets and smartwatches as well. However, there is an exception for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are able to use their cellphones with permission from teachers. France is hoping that this will help students socialize better, exercise more and reduce cyber bullying. The enforcement is being left up to the schools to decide how to best implement the ban. Some schools will have students store the devices in their lockers and others will have the students turn in the phones at the beginning of each day which is legal. The ban is approved by many French parents.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/09/05/french-school-cellphone-ban-students-return-class-without-devices/1199937002/

https://fox61.com/2018/09/04/cell-phone-ban-in-french-schools-go-into-effect/

https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/1/17640476/france-bans-smartphone-cellphones-school-emmanuel-macron
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July 14th, 1789 marked the beginning of the French Revolution when the Bastille (“a medieval fortress and prison") was stormed by French rebels. The French rebels took control of the prison which was significant in ending the ruling of Louis XVI. Then France created “the three ideals which are Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” these ideals are celebrated every July 14th. On July 14th, 1790 France established a national holiday, known as Bastille Day. Every year on July 14th since 1880 there has been a parade in which the military march. The parade begins at the “Arc de Triomphe” and finishes at the “Place de la Concorde”. This parade is the oldest military parade in the world. Throughout the day people celebrate by watching the parade, thanking the military officers, eating various types of food and finish the night with fireworks. Along with hearing the French National Anthem, “La Marseillaise” and seeing many blue, white and red flags proudly raised. When the revolutionaries stormed the Bastille they changed the course of history and every year France celebrates this aspect of their history.
Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/bastille-day-2016-what-is-it-when-france-national-holiday-parade-say-in-french-a7136431.html

https://www.french-property.com/reference/french_public_holidays/bastille-day/

https://takelessons.com/blog/french-holidays-spring-and-summer-z04

https://www.google.com/search?q=bastille+day&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiburOQnJbdAhUvWN8KHS4dBdYQ_AUICygC&biw=754&bih=733#imgrc=reN0KyqYGfzrrM:
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