Paris is the city of eternal love. Paris city of lovers (10 photos) Why Paris is the city of lovers

Paris is so many-sided that it is impossible to get to know it in one visit, or in ten - each time it opens up a different side of its original world. Paris is woven from history, art, fashion, business life, street cafes, cabarets and, of course, romance, and there are countless romantic corners in this city, and everyone can find their one and only. Paris is often called the city of love, and this is no accident, because the city has absorbed love stories for centuries, its stone walls still keep someone's heart secrets and love dramas entangled in intrigues.

Place of pilgrimage for all lovers in Paris - tomb of Heloise and Abelard on the Eastern Cemetery. The strength of their love is admirable even 900 years later. Abelard, a famous philosopher, scientist and theologian of the 12th century, fell in love with his student, 17-year-old Eloise, who reciprocated his feelings. Eloise was famous not only for her beauty, but also for her subtle mind, she spoke several languages and had a deep knowledge of the natural sciences, which was very rare for a girl in those days. The happiness of the lovers did not last long, the difference in estates and the post of bishop did not allow Abelard and Eloise to meet openly. They fled from Paris to Brittany, where they secretly married, and Eloise gave birth to a son. But their happiness ended there. Eloise voluntarily sacrificed her feelings so as not to interfere with the scientific activities of Abelard. She became a nun (after an angry uncle castrated her secret husband), and Abelard was stripped of his spiritual title and entered the service of a monastery as an ordinary monk. But, as you know, love cannot be sharpened, and it resulted in the famous correspondence between Abelard and Eloise. Their joint grave was moved to Paris in the 19th century, where their love story began. Lovers from all over the world leave notes with wishes and requests for eternal love in the crypt of Abelard and Heloise.

The Eastern Cemetery, better known as Pere Lachaise, is perhaps the most famous tomb in the world. Here O. Balzac, P. Beaumarchais, J.-B. Molière, O. Wilde, F. Chopin, J. Bizet, E. Delacroix, Maria Callas, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and others. Quiet alleys of Pere Lachaise keep other stories, real and fictional. The most famous and most tragic love story of Paris belongs to the pen of Victor Hugo - Quasimodo and Esmeralda. The hunchbacked bell ringer was inflamed with love for the beautiful gypsy. The beautiful soul of Quasimodo, chained in an ugly body, managed to touch Esmeralda's heart, but this was not enough to save her. The bell ringing of the cathedral still spreads love vibes over Paris. Walls Cathedral of Notre Dame witnessed many real heart affairs. Here, for example, Napoleon and Josephine were married.

But Paris is not only full of sad love stories. It gained the fame of the city of love thanks to its numerous cabarets, which centered around hill of Montmartre. Located near the red-light district, the cabarets attracted not only love-hungry and flirtatious fashionistas, but also talented artists, poets and musicians at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The sweet "gypsy" life of the bohemia, immersed in endless revelry and carefree fun and "roaming" in Parisian cabarets, still inspires. The doors of the very first cabarets - Moulin Rouge, Lapin Agile, Folies Bergere - are open to visitors to this day, and although you will not meet Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec here and you will not hear songs performed by Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf, you are guaranteed a great show, and numerous souvenir shops around Montmartre sell reproductions of posters for the Belle Epoque cabaret.

Another reason why Paris is hailed as the city of love is fashion. French tailors were famous back in the Middle Ages, but it was the Parisian masters who achieved the art of dressing women in such a way that the opposite sex always wanted to undress them. Provocative lace, puffy crinolines concealing secrets and a bold neckline are proof of this. A walk through fashionable shops with your lover cannot be called romantic, but the peaceful alleys of parks are the most suitable place for solitude.

One of the most romantic parks in Paris Bagatelle park(metro station Pont de Neuilly). The park owes its appearance to a bet made between Marie Antoinette and the Count of Artois. As a result, a magnificent castle grew up on the site of an abandoned hunting hut in two months and a park with lakes, grottoes, bridges and waterfalls spread out. Since the 18th century, the park has undergone only minor changes, and today you can plunge into its romantic aura.

Another reason why the French are considered a nation of love is the beauty of sound French, to the music of which the heart melts by itself, and a declaration of love in French can conquer everyone. It is no wonder that a special place has appeared in Paris, which has become a Mecca for all lovers - Wall "I love you"(mur des je time). Reminiscent of a blackboard covered in chalk, the wall does not separate, but unites all lovers in the world. Declarations of love are written in 311 languages of the world. The wall was only built in 2000, but has since become a favorite dating destination. And on Valentine's Day, a symbolic act is performed near the wall - the release of white doves. But on any other day, you can enjoy the silence and birdsong in this secluded place, being a stone's throw from Montmartre and at the same time away from the bustle of the big city (square Jehan Rictus).

There are unexpectedly many romantic quiet places for walking in Paris. One of them - Place des Vosges(Place des Vosges) in Le Marais. The impeccably square square, surrounded by ancient buildings, is considered the oldest square in Paris and was once called the Royal Square. The arcade along the perimeter of the square makes it an ideal place for arm-in-arm walks. The spirit of intricate love affairs also hovers here: at one time, the courtesan Marion Delorme, praised by Hugo, lived in one of the houses; Victor Hugo himself also lived on the square (albeit in a different era), a museum is now organized in his house. Cardinal Richelieu and Théophile Gautier also spent several years of their lives in the Place des Vosges.

The fact that the way to the heart lies through the stomach is known to every Frenchman, perhaps that is why french cuisine so sophisticated and sophisticated. Scientists have also scientifically confirmed that some dishes are real aphrodisiacs, and the first place among them is occupied by champagne and the famous French oysters. And what could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner with a view of Paris illuminated by the moon at night to the quiet French chanson! Prices in Parisian restaurants often bite, but you can enjoy a glass of wine, taste divine French cheese and drink a cup of aromatic coffee in any street cafe.

The romantic spirit of Paris is so fragile and ephemeral that the modern bustle of business and the noise of the streets can simply frighten it away. Fearing to lose the proud title of the city of love, the mayor's office of Paris even organized the so-called Love Patrol, whose task was to set an example for couples in love (kisses at the metro, hot hugs in squares, etc.). But love, as they say, is blind, so nothing can prevent true lovers from feeling the spirit of Cupid hovering over Paris.

Paris can be compared to an obstinate beauty: it is worth making a lot of effort to open a generous soul. That is why the first meeting with Paris is disappointing for many, and the Japanese even have a disease called "Paris Syndrome". Paris cannot be conquered by a blitz tour in a few days, you need to return to it, each time discovering new sides of its character and falling in love with it more and more. Try to discover his romantic side and find your intimate corner!

The place of pilgrimage for all lovers in Paris is the grave of Heloise and Abelard in the Eastern Cemetery. The strength of their love is admirable even 900 years later. Abelard, a famous philosopher, scientist and theologian of the 12th century, fell in love with his student, 17-year-old Eloise, who reciprocated his feelings. Eloise was famous not only for her beauty, but also for her subtle mind, she spoke several languages and had a deep knowledge of the natural sciences, which was very rare for a girl in those days. The happiness of the lovers did not last long, the difference in estates and the post of bishop did not allow Abelard and Eloise to meet openly. They fled from Paris to Brittany, where they secretly married, and Eloise gave birth to a son. But their happiness ended there. Eloise voluntarily sacrificed her feelings so as not to interfere with the scientific activities of Abelard. She became a nun (after an angry uncle castrated her secret husband), and Abelard was stripped of his spiritual title and entered the service of a monastery as an ordinary monk. But, as you know, love cannot be sharpened, and it resulted in the famous correspondence between Abelard and Eloise. Their joint grave was moved to Paris in the 19th century, where their love story began. Lovers from all over the world leave notes with wishes and requests for eternal love in the crypt of Abelard and Heloise.

The Eastern Cemetery, better known as Pere Lachaise, is perhaps the most famous tomb in the world. Here O. Balzac, P. Beaumarchais, J.-B. Molière, O. Wilde, F. Chopin, J. Bizet, E. Delacroix, Maria Callas, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and others. Quiet alleys of Pere Lachaise keep other stories, real and fictional. The most famous and most tragic love story of Paris belongs to the pen of Victor Hugo - Quasimodo and Esmeralda. The hunchbacked bell ringer was inflamed with love for the beautiful gypsy. The beautiful soul of Quasimodo, chained in an ugly body, managed to touch Esmeralda's heart, but this was not enough to save her. The bell ringing of the cathedral still spreads love vibes over Paris. The walls of the Notre Dame Cathedral have also witnessed many real heartfelt deeds. Here, for example, Napoleon and Josephine were married.

But Paris is not only full of sad love stories. It received the glory of the city of love thanks to its numerous cabarets, which centered around the Montmartre hill. Located near the red-light district, the cabarets attracted not only love-hungry and flirtatious fashionistas, but also talented artists, poets and musicians at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The sweet "gypsy" life of the bohemia, immersed in endless revelry and carefree fun and "roaming" in Parisian cabarets, still inspires. The doors of the very first cabarets - Moulin Rouge, Lapin Agile, Folies Bergere - are open to visitors to this day, and although you will not meet Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec here and you will not hear songs performed by Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf, you are guaranteed a great show, and numerous souvenir shops around Montmartre sell reproductions of posters for the Belle Epoque cabaret.

Another reason why Paris is hailed as the city of love is fashion. French tailors were famous back in the Middle Ages, but it was the Parisian masters who achieved the art of dressing women in such a way that the opposite sex always wanted to undress them. Provocative lace, puffy crinolines concealing secrets and a bold neckline are proof of this. Walking through fashionable shops with your lover cannot be called romantic, but the peaceful alleys of parks are the most suitable place for solitude. One of the most romantic parks in Paris is Bagatelle Park (Pont de Neuilly metro station). The park owes its appearance to a bet made between Marie Antoinette and the Count of Artois. As a result, a magnificent castle grew up on the site of an abandoned hunting hut in two months and a park with lakes, grottoes, bridges and waterfalls spread out. Since the 18th century, the park has undergone only minor changes, and today you can plunge into its romantic aura.

Another reason why the French are considered a nation of love is the beauty of the sound of the French language, to the music of which the heart melts by itself, and a declaration of love in French can conquer everyone. It is no wonder that a special place has appeared in Paris that has become a Mecca for all lovers - the Wall "I love you" (mur des je taime). Reminiscent of a blackboard covered in chalk, the wall does not separate, but unites all lovers in the world. Declarations of love are written in 311 languages of the world. The wall was only built in 2000, but has since become a favorite dating destination. And on Valentine's Day, a symbolic act is performed near the wall - the release of white doves. But on any other day, you can enjoy the silence and birdsong in this secluded place, being a stone's throw from Montmartre and at the same time away from the bustle of the big city (square Jehan Rictus).

There are unexpectedly many romantic quiet places for walking in Paris. One of them is Place des Vosges in Le Marais. The impeccably square square, surrounded by ancient buildings, is considered the oldest square in Paris and was once called the Royal Square. The arcade along the perimeter of the square makes it an ideal place for arm-in-arm walks. The spirit of intricate love affairs also hovers here: at one time, the courtesan Marion Delorme, praised by Hugo, lived in one of the houses; Victor Hugo himself also lived on the square (albeit in a different era), a museum is now organized in his house. Cardinal Richelieu and Théophile Gautier also spent several years of their lives in the Place des Vosges.

The fact that the way to the heart lies through the stomach is known to every Frenchman, perhaps that is why French cuisine is so refined and refined. Scientists have also scientifically confirmed that some dishes are real aphrodisiacs, and the first place among them is occupied by champagne and the famous French oysters. And what could be more romantic than a candlelit dinner with a view of Paris illuminated by the moon at night to the quiet French chanson! Prices in Parisian restaurants often bite, but you can enjoy a glass of wine, taste divine French cheese and drink a cup of aromatic coffee in any street cafe.

Many people know France as the "Land of Lovers". This name is both trivial and very truthful. Arriving in Paris, you will immediately feel the local "kissing" atmosphere. Everything here smells of romance, and attracts couples to retire in the local streets, parks and cafes. It is for this reason that you will definitely fall under the general influence of falling in love: wherever you turn your head, kissing couples are everywhere.

Why is Paris the city of love and kisses?

Perhaps, only the Italian Riccione can compete with Paris in the number of kisses met, at the moment when kissing competitions are held there. Still, Paris is the city that cares about the romantic setting, so when you get there, you can kiss whoever you want, and as much as you like, and no one will say a word to you.

Is it worth talking about young people, whose hormones are already raging with might and main, and then there is the status of the "City of Love"? Young couples tend to fall into their arms everywhere: in meadows and lawns, in cafes while eating shawarma, in telephone booths, hiding from the rain, near monuments, in squares, and everywhere, everywhere, everywhere!))

Tourists are not far behind. There are especially many kissing foreigners during the holidays: Christmas, March 8 and, of course, St. Valentine's Day. It even somewhat resembles a kissing marathon, because tourists occupy all the observation decks, large tourist buses, numerous cafe tables, as well as open-air places on boats scurrying along the Seine.

Many newlyweds specially fly to Paris on December 21 to arrange their wedding night here: in the city of love and on the longest night of the year. Guidebooks and pamphlets contain a lot of beliefs that, supposedly, in order to live happily ever after and not grieve, you need to ride on a fast carousel and kiss. Just think, many, at the risk of being left without teeth, do this.

What else to see in Paris?

Paris is the city that really has something to see. It differs from many European cities in that it is rich in endless squares, beautiful parks, ancient palaces and castles, large squares, where there are many artful statues and splashing fountains. And they are all close to each other.

The residential areas are very beautiful. Not like ours. At least, all the utility systems (wires, etc.), the prudent French launched underground, and nothing hangs overhead. The balconies of the residents of the houses are decorated with lace tablecloths and flowers, which makes the room outside even more beautiful and pleases the eyes of passers-by.

Still, the French create everything with special awe and love!

Everyone knows that Paris is a city of love and romance, this is where lovers come to propose or just breathe in an unusual aroma while holding a loved one by the hand. This city will captivate you from the first minute with its beauty, lightness and tenderness, probably not in vain there is a phrase: "See Paris and die ...".

Paris… The city of lovers, the symbol of France, the city of revolutions and the city of dreams. It is unlikely that in France, however, as in any other country in the world, there is such a delightful corner filled with the spirit of love and romance. Here, every street, every courtyard and corner is saturated with a special charming atmosphere of the French spirit. At all times, the greatest artists sought inspiration here, and poets and writers sang of Paris in their works and composed legends about it.

The extraordinarily beautiful city of Paris, whose history goes back more than 2000 years, is located on the banks of the Seine. But do not think that this city breathes with antiquity and strikes the eye with exceptionally picturesque natural landscapes. It has everything a traveler can dream of - romance, adventure, entertainment, superb fashion shopping opportunities and delicious French chocolate.

Traveling to Paris: how to get there and when to come?

Paris is beautiful at any time of the year. In autumn, it is fragrant with red-yellow foliage, in spring and summer it blooms in green-pink-yellow colors, and in winter it is shrouded in gray mist. It rarely snows here, but when it does, Paris turns into a real winter fairy tale.

It is always good and interesting in the capital of France. Festivals, fairs and other festivities are held in this city all year round. So, every autumn in Paris, the Autumn Festival is held - a festival of art, where artists from all over the world present their works. Spring is the season of sports. At this time of the year, the city hosts a tennis tournament and the famous Paris Marathon. In summer, the Rose Festival is celebrated here, and in winter, Parisians plunge into the Christmas holidays, and all lovers celebrate St. Valentine's Day.

Without a doubt, the most convenient and fastest way to travel to Paris is by plane. There are several airports in Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Beauvais Airport, Orly Airport and Le Bourget Airport. As a rule, international flights are received by Charles de Gaulle and Beauvais airports, while Paris Le Bourget airport serves charter and private flights, and Orly airport is mainly used for domestic flights.

Almost all European countries are connected with Paris by express trains. And although traveling to Paris by train takes a lot of time, it is considered perhaps the most economical option.

You can also travel to Paris by bus or by car. However, in the first case, this is not very comfortable, and in the second, it is very troublesome (during a trip to Paris by car, you will have to take care of an international driver's license, registration certificate, medical policy and car insurance).

Historical and cultural heritage of Paris

Throughout its history, Paris has experienced periods of decline and prosperity. At different times and eras, kings lived here, the greatest geniuses of France created and violent revolutions, uprisings and coups took place. Each era has left its mark on this amazing city, which is reflected in the unique monuments of architecture and sculpture.

There are so many attractions in Paris that it is difficult to count them. Here is the world-famous Eiffel Tower - a symbol of France, which is the embodiment of the exquisite taste of the French and emphasizes their love of beauty; one of the longest suspension bridges in the world - the Normandy Bridge, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees, the Tuileries Gardens and the majestic Louvre are famous all over the world. In their own way, the Sainte-Chapelle chapel, the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral and the Palace of Versailles, where world history was once created, are magnificent and filled with the spirit of the times.

Paris has long been famous for its high level of development of art. At all times, this amazing city has been the home of talented masters of brush and pen. Victor Hugo, Marc Chagall, David Shterenberg, Aloysius Bertrand and others worked here at different times. Even today, talented artists and writers of our time come here. In Paris, there is even the Montmartre district, which is rightfully called the favorite place of the intelligentsia. And although in the city of love and romance you can find a lot of modern entertainment (nightclubs, amusement parks, etc.), the cultural holiday is truly amazing in Paris. It is simply impossible to visit the city of love and romance and not visit the Parisian opera or theater.

Paris for lovers

Many tourists are attracted to Paris not by its majestic architecture, but by a special atmosphere of love and romance. There is a legend that one who once visited Paris will certainly meet his love.

Ancient buildings, graceful architecture, picturesque parks with royal palaces - all this attracts and enchants in this amazing city. To feel the unusual atmosphere of Paris, it is not at all necessary to visit the numerous Parisian museums or explore the famous Parisian catacombs, in this amazing city you can just wander through the fabulous streets, drink coffee in Parisian cafes or look at shop windows, enjoying the French chic and exquisite taste of the French.

Paris completely and completely allows you to plunge into the feeling of love and romance. What is a romantic candlelit dinner on top of the world-famous Eiffel Tower! No less romantic and mysterious place in Paris can rightfully be called the “I Love You” Wall, on which declarations of love are written in almost all languages of the world. The chambers of Abelard and Eloise are also considered a favorite place for couples in love, whose love power, even after 900 years, is admired. It is at the grave of these lovers that it is customary to leave notes with requests for eternal love.

"Fashion" shopping in Paris

Paris has long been called the capital of high fashion. It was Paris that gave the world such talented designers and fashion designers as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent. At different times, Kenzo, Versace and Armani created in this city. Every year, Paris Fashion Week is held here, which is considered the most authoritative in the fashion industry.

Due to the fact that Paris is now called the most “fashionable” city in the world, here are the most famous boutiques and shops from world-famous designers. Almost all boutiques and designer shops are located on Boulevard Haussmann, which the Parisians call the “temple of shopping”. And although the prices in these boutiques are not the lowest, only here you can buy truly unique designer masterpieces, without doubting their authenticity and quality.

However, shopping in Paris is not only boutiques. The capital of world fashion has many department stores and modern shopping centers where you can buy goods at more affordable prices. Among them are Marks & Spencer's, C&A, Bazar del "Hotel de Ville", Le Bon Marche and others.

Interesting in Paris and the flea market. Contrary to popular belief, here you can buy not only junk and all sorts of rubbish, but also very valuable antiques, handicrafts, books or flowers. So, the Parisian market of Creation Paris Bastille (art market), the Saint-Quen e Paris market (antique market) and the Elsa Vanier Gallery (design jewelry market) are famous all over the country.

It is noteworthy that in Paris twice a year (in summer and winter) there are traditional sales - Soldes. As a rule, at this time, the prices of goods in department stores, shopping centers and fashion boutiques are reduced by 30-70%.

Chocolate fairy tale in Paris

Paris is considered not only the capital of haute couture, it sells the best chocolate in France. Yes, yes, the Parisians know a lot about this delicate matter, which has long ceased to be an ordinary culinary process, but has turned into a real art. There is even a profession of chocolatier. This is what they call in Paris people who make chocolate and sweets.

In Paris, there are many restaurants and boutiques that sell amazingly delicious French chocolate. The chic chocolate boutiques "La Maison du Chocolat", "Jean-Paul Hévin", "Pierre Hermé" are famous all over the country. Here you can taste a chocolate cake, a white truffle chocolate candy or, for example, a ginger chocolate bar. The French have done their best to create the most unique chocolate in the world.

The charm of a Parisian cafe

By the number of various cafes and coffee houses, Paris occupies an honorable first place among other cities in the world. Cozy cafes, like a mirror of the soul of this amazing city, embody its past, present and future.

The history of Parisian cafes goes back over 300 years. People come to these cozy establishments, among which the most popular cafes are Flore, La palette, Les Deux Magots, not only to drink a glass of French wine or a cup of coffee and enjoy the unforgettable taste of French chocolate. Here they look for inspiration, love, friendship... Parisian cafes, like Parisian museums, have long been one of the sights of the French capital.

Types of transport

Of course, the best way to enjoy the beauty and charm of Paris is while walking. However, if walking is tired, then you can always use the services of a taxi or public transport. It is worth noting that the public transport network in Paris is extremely developed. It includes buses, trams, subways, suburban trains and water transport. In addition, moving through the streets of Paris is possible on bicycles, which have been incredibly popular in Western Europe in recent years.

Weather in Paris

Paris is characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, which is significantly influenced by the North Atlantic Current. Such climatic features have led to relatively warm weather without sudden temperature changes. It rarely gets too cold winters or too hot summers. As a rule, in summer the temperature in Paris does not exceed +25°C, and in winter it does not fall below -3°C. And although Paris, unlike London, can hardly be called a rainy city, the capital of France is known for its sudden downpours that occur at any time of the year.

The beauty and charm of Paris cannot be overestimated. Paris is a dream city, which is simply impossible not to fall in love with. From the first minute he fascinates, and memories of him remain for life. In a word, Paris is a fairy tale that inspires to live, create and love!

This city is known to everyone, and it is a real symbol of lovers. It is also one of the largest cities in Europe. And yet - this is the capital of the most tender and romantic country in the world - France. Of course, we are talking about a city like Paris, where St. Valentine's Day, celebrated all over the world, came from with all the attributes due - hearts, valentines, romantic meetings, etc. Paris is a place that newlyweds often choose for their honeymoon, because to. everything here breathes with romance, sophistication, tenderness and sophistication. Needless to say, France is a country whose inhabitants have a special mentality, very sensitive, friendly, and affable. The culture of France is luxury and sophistication, courtesy and romance, ancient architecture and high education... In order to get to know it, you don't even have to be here, just listen to a conversation in French. Such a beautiful sound and speed can only be heard here.

Thus, everything that the wonderful country of France is so rich and famous for is concentrated in a special way in a city like Paris, one of the most beautiful places on Earth that people have created. Interestingly, the boundaries of this settlement have remained unchanged since 1860. Lives in the French capital today a little more than two million people.

As for the climate, Paris is distinguished by moderate weather conditions. This is due to the fact that warm air masses come here from the sea, and cold air masses from the north. Thus, the average temperature here is 12 degrees, in summer it rises to 20, and in winter it drops to four. Compared to Russia, it is quite warm, like in spring. The main body of water here is the Seine River, where many islands are located. The largest of them - the island of Cite - was inhabited even in ancient times. It is affectionately called "the cradle of Paris". There are many monuments of historical significance, for example, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, Conciergerie.

Paris was founded a very long time ago - in the III century BC. On its modern site there was a Celtic settlement called Lutetia. Accordingly, Paris got its name from the name of this tribe - the Parisians. These places were conquered by the Romans in 52 BC, and then by the Franks. In 1210, Philip II ordered the construction of the Louvre fortress in the western part of the city, for defense. Paris became the center of European education already in the 11th century, later the famous Sorbonne, now the largest university, was built.

You can talk about the architectural and historical sights of Paris for a long time. The main of them and the hallmark of the city is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, which was built according to the project of Eiffel, a famous engineer. Interestingly, it was originally conceived as temporary. The most beautiful Arc de Triomphe (XIX century), Avenue Champs Elysees, Montmartre, the richest Louvre Museum, the most beautiful Les Invalides, the Pantheon and Notre Dame Cathedral can also be highlighted. In general, Paris is a real concentration of wonderful places, each of which breathes history and is interesting in its own way.