Like I mentioned in another thread a long time ago, I usually eat very little while traveling overseas simply due to my digestive issues and likes and dislikes - I'm gluten sensitive (protein found in grains e.g. bread/cereal foods), I'm lactose intolerant (all milk products except for sour cream and yogurt), am allergic to all tropical fruits and fruits such as peaches, grapes, plums; citrus fruits give me heart palpitations. Eating these foods give me very uncomfortable and inconvenient body reactions.
France has good yogurt. Also, meat stores whee the meat is cooked already is called a charcuterie, and you can get really yummy smoked meats there.
(Always carry your own toilet paper. Just since that's already been a topic.)
On the day you arrive, when you are battling jet lag, take a boat ride on the Seine. It is a good way to get a good overview of the city, see the famous bridges, and get a sense of where the major landmarks are. Since you are riding on a boat, you are not using a ton energy hiking around.
Personal safety warning: keep your purse, wallet, camera, etc., close to you. There are pickpockets!
Salad, meat and eggs? I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding something to your taste in Paris. Can I suggest fries instead of eggs? Then go to 'Le Relais de l'Entrecote' and have the best steak and fries you've ever had. There are two in Paris, Rue Marbeuf 15 and Rue Saint-Benoît 20. The one we visited was the Saint-Benoît one, it was in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. We had sunday lunch there, the place was packed with parisiens and they only serve one meal! We didn't know this going in but it turned out to be great. A mixed salad with excellent vinaigrette for starters and then a fantastic, succulent steak with french fries! We were a happy bunch!
I agree with Leslie, the boat ride on the Seine (with the 'bateau mouche' ) is a great idea. We spent a couple of days in Paris last June with our kids and the boat ride was one of their favorites.
Not far from the Eiffel Tower is the Rodin Museum, don't miss that. It has a beautiful garden and of course 'The Kiss' by Rodin.
We really enjoyed Beaubourg, (a modern art complex) with all the crazy scuptures. A very nice relaxed atmosphere, lots of street performers and outside cafés.
Regarding food, it's not that difficult to eat according to your specs. In fact, a ubiquitous thing is called "salade lyonnaise" which is frisee lettuce with bacon and eggs (usually runny soft-boiled): excellent lunch. Just skip the croutons. You can find this and many other "composed salads" at almost any cafe.
Do you know any French? It really helps to learn a little, especially the basic polite phrases. A little can go a long way and distinguish you from the "typical" American who shouts in English.
Definitely explore the Marais neighborhood: funky, rising, gay-friendly, great shops and cafes. The Picasso Museum is there (a little hard to find, but worth it), and the famous Place des Vosges
Hey Del, I'm lactose intolerant too. I suggest to tell the waiter in advance about your food allergies. Try to get them go to the kitchen to make sure whatever you are ordering has no dairy or gluten in it. It works for me, however I have to be a bit dramatic sometimes to get them understand it is a bad problem.
Also, in Europe Diet Coke is called Coca Cola light.
Really? I’ve heard the exact opposite. I’ve heard that no matter what time you arrive, force yourself to acclimatize to their time immediately (if you arrive during their day, stay awake, if you arrive during the night, make yourself sleep).
I am teaching myself how to count to twenty in French, the cardinal directions which is useful in the Metro and on maps and other important words like "right/left", "up/down", "higher/lower", "near/far", “where is -” “how much -“ and “get lost/beat it/scram”. But at least I know Spanish, so I have another language option. I just have to figure out how to say ‘Spanish’ in French so I’ll know how to ask people if they know how to speak it. ;D
Opinionista
Gah. :-\ OK, if the waiters speak English/Spanish, I’ll ask. Otherwise, I’ll just pick at my food.
Really? I’ve heard the exact opposite. I’ve heard that no matter what time you arrive, force yourself to acclimatize to their time immediately (if you arrive during their day, stay awake, if you arrive during the night, make yourself sleep).
Yes, I agree with that. Get your body onto local time the minute you arrive. My suggestion was, when you get to the point of feeling a little tired, take the boat ride. You can sit there, relax, get your second wind, and still be doing some sightseeing.
Leslie
Taking naps it is also a good idea. Helps you get through the day.
"Est-ce que ce le train à Prague?" ("Is this the train to Prague?") "Oui," he said. Success!! :D
I've always wanted to go to Prague. THose pictures I've seen of the roofs of Prague are amazing.
Maybe we can hold the Brokeback BBQ 2011 there! ;D
I LOVED Prague, as well as the little towns in surrounding countryside. It was all very fairy-talish. Maybe we can hold the Brokeback BBQ 2011 there! ;D
Ha ha, yes, I guess so Clarissa!
Oh well, it's early here...hey, it's even earlier for you! Another all nighter?
L
I have been going to bed really late lately. It isn't working so well. Still - it hasn't impaired my sense of what's past and what's future! ;)
So where should we go in 2010? Gotta get planning.
Mt. Katadhin, Maine?
Irvine, Scotland... you track down Ellery's ancestors!
Yes! Wonderful choice, Kelda....
Del, sorry for hijacking your thread here. I guess we should give you some more Paris sightseeing tips. Let's see...every shop you go into, they will say "Bonjour madame" to you. Make sure to reply "Bonjour" or "Bonjour madame" (for a woman). It is considered incredibly rude not to reply.
L
ineedcrayons, Rick Steves is actually one of my minor heroes, and a local boy here in Seattle. And to my surprise, a few years ago I discovered that dorky as he is, he is very involved in the movement to get marijuana decriminalized in the United States. http://www.ricksteves.com/about/pressroom/activism/marijuana.htm
I normally am pretty frugal in the purse/bag dept, so gulped at paying over $50 for it,
Del, have you bought any guidebook?
Delalluvia, he has a great website, full of good info. Remember that packing list for women that people were posting about, pre-BBQ? It was from his website. http://www.ricksteves.com/
opinionista
Thanks, for all the advice. We're going to be mostly eating in cafes where it's cheap-er, so I was just wondering whether we wait to be seated or just sit down and who/where to pay.
As for the cops, I was just worried some plainclothes security guy or cop at a checkpoint - do they have those? - would ask for my ID and I wouldn't know who he was. OK, despite the terrorist bombing in London the year we went, there wasn't a lot of fear in the city, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed about Paris. I hope Paris is a open minded in the big city as was London, but it was in Madrid and Germany that my brother got nasty looks from people, so one never knows.
I am going to pick some silk under clothes to wear, they do layer great and the weather in Paris I think is going to be similar to London, chilly at night and warm-ish during the day with constant chance of rain.
And I am very frugal...I have a black, microfiber healthy back bag which cost $59 new. I use it every single day and have for four years now, and the thing still looks brand new.
OK, now I feel really really bad. :(
For some reason, my sister always leaves it up to me to book airline reservations.
I wish she wouldn't. I'm terrified of flying and so am extremely superstitious about that sort of thing and want to leave it up to the Fates to put me in a seat and on a particular flight. Instead she makes me take an active part in my own destiny. :o
She has the credit card. Don't know why she makes me do this. (hmmm, maybe she's superstitious, too ???) Anyway, another bad reason to let me make reservations is that due to my fear of flying, I don't fly if I can't help it, so I don't know my way around reading the screens about flights and all the dinky little details about how to reserve seats make me nervous and anxious.
Anyway, yesterday I found a non-stop, food included, direct from Texas to Paris, flight at an amazing price roundtrip of $582 (without taxes). I called my sister and she said go ahead and book it. However, I only had enough immediate funds to pay for one ticket, so I bought mine and then transferred funds from one bank account to another so I could afford to buy her ticket. But that's an overnight transaction. I told her this.
Again, I'm nervous, unfamiliar with the screens, the small print is like a wall that my eyes glaze over and I just buy my ticket.
Today, my sister drops off the cash so I can book her a ticket, and when I go to the website, the price has gone up nearly $300 for the same flight one way. Needless to say, my sister's upset and can no longer afford the same flight. I had to book her on another flight that has a 1.5 hour layover, that's more expensive but she still arrives in Paris before I do.
Downside is we have to travel separately and our departure times are hours apart, so we either have to go to the airport separately or we arrive at the airport together and one of us has to hang around for about 3 hours.
Upside is that we're traveling separately.
WORSE part is...as I was buying her ticket today, I realized that the small print at the bottom of the screen told me I could have reserved a seat at the price quoted without paying for it for 24 hours. She's going to end up paying $200 more than me because I was too rattled yesterday to notice this. :( :( :-\ I feel really really bad...
When you see a price like that though, you do just jump at it don't you... no time to check the small print like that! It's her perfect holiday so she should have been looking at the flights really... How about he way back? will you also be travelling sperately?
Here's something else that's worth trying, Del.
Clear your cookies, set your browser not to accept cookies, then go back to the website and do a whole new search for flights. It's possible you'll see a lower price.
A friend of mine tipped me off to this when we were both buying tickets to Italy. It worked for me then, and I've since had it happen several more times. I've read about it, too. Apparently the airlines figure that if you're going to check a flight twice it shows you're really interested, so they can safely raise the price and still get your business. So they put a cookie in your computer on your first visit, which alerts them when you go back.
But if the cookie is gone, they'll think you're a whole new potential customer and may give you a better price.
Here's something else that's worth trying, Del.
Clear your cookies, set your browser not to accept cookies, then go back to the website and do a whole new search for flights. It's possible you'll see a lower price.
A friend of mine tipped me off to this when we were both buying tickets to Italy. It worked for me then, and I've since had it happen several more times. I've read about it, too. Apparently the airlines figure that if you're going to check a flight twice it shows you're really interested, so they can safely raise the price and still get your business. So they put a cookie in your computer on your first visit, which alerts them when you go back.
But if the cookie is gone, they'll think you're a whole new potential customer and may give you a better price.
Del, don't feel guilty for something you can't help. I don't think it was really your fault. Airlines do that. One minute plane tickets are cheap and the next they're over the top. It happens all the time.
One lady who was absent-minded enough to have left Swiss Army knives she had bought for her nephews in her carryon was dragged out of line and interrogated in a small room by 5 members of security. She was nearly in tears as she sat next to me waiting for our flight.
That would be me! Or no, wait, that WAS me. While traveling last May, I bought two little kid tool kits for my sons -- tiny orange-plastic boxes with flashlights and compasses ... and those little leatherman multiple-tool gadgets. And just like the absent-minded lady on your plane, I was absent-minded enough to put them in my carryon. I got pulled aside in the security line. Luckily for me, it wasn't five members of security in a little room but a single grandfatherly security guy at a table off to the side. I was running late for my plane, so it wasn't possible to mail them; I would have to just throw them away. So then, I don't know if it was the stress or the fact that these were gifts for my sons or what, but -- and this is really out of character for me! -- I started crying. And then something really weird happened.
He let me keep them in my bag!
So remember that, terrorists: if you cry convincingly enough and say they're for your sons, there's at least one really nice security guard out there who will let you through with your weapons.
the fall of western civilization is YOUR fault, Katherine!
I always feared it would be. ::)
I always feared it would be. ::)
The French are thin
Hmmm, yes they are. I was there a solid 7 days and saw no one who was heavy. Every woman I saw of any age was thinner than me, and I'm not a porker by any means. No man of any age I saw had a gut or was fat.
Same in Italy (where I just was). No overweight people, with the possible exception of a few old nonna (grandma) types. My theory is, it's the exercise.
(Ok, I saw no one in tie-dye, but that's an American thing) :-\
An artsy shot of me in beret walking the Place Des Vosges - the rain is romantic:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/Jovieve/A2.jpg)
What's tie-dye?
It's this, Chrissi:
(http://www.wahmpee.com/ebay/gildan4tmdidcarnibvlks.jpg)
One thing I really liked though, and it's something we should do over here too, we always got a glass of ice water, as soon as we were seated. That is a very healthy habit.
An artsy shot of me in beret walking the Place Des Vosges - the rain is romantic:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/Jovieve/A2.jpg)
Is tie-dye simply an American term for batik printing? Or is the batik T only an example and tie-dye means brightly coloured, flashy and somewhat garish?
It's this, Chrissi:
(http://www.wahmpee.com/ebay/gildan4tmdidcarnibvlks.jpg)
I like the artsy pic. :)
Thanks, :) it came out like that quite by accident. I love it. Note, at the very end of the sidewalk ahead of me, you can barely make out two umbrellas, red and yellow held by two women who were walking ahead of me.
Thanks for the pics. I never would have pictured you with dark long hair. I don't know how I've pictured you, but I guess with short hair.
I shall have to send you to bed bereft.
I'm exhausted, haven't eaten dinner yet and need to get up early tomorrow.
Fear not, I have some topics you can look forward to -
"Moods and Foods"
"Terrorists and Taxis"
Good point. But I think there's another reason: portion size.
I've had my first taste of nothern american food when we were in Canada this summer and the portions of food we were served in the restaurants were a lot bigger than what I'm used to. There was always food left in my plate after I was finished.
I kept telling my kids not to overeat!
One thing I really liked though, and it's something we should do over here too, we always got a glass of ice water, as soon as we were seated. That is a very healthy habit.
I love this, delalluvia! I'm looking forward to every story! :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/Jovieve/LaDefense-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/Jovieve/LaDefense2.jpg)
but what is that hanging in the middle of it? Looks like something from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Same question Jess had already asked: what on earth is this thing hanging in the middle?
I like all your pictures of the cemetary but I think this is my favorites from all of the pics....I want to walk down that path!
what is that at the first of your post though? all those bones and skulls? Is that MOLD on those bones? yuk!!
I love how you ou the devil face on your sis!!
You little devil, you . Painting your sister like this, tsk, tsk
Thank you for sharing your trip with us
Oh and I meant to say - next trip you do with your sis, start asking peeps to take photos of you where she cant go.
I've done so may things and my own and really wanted a pic of me in the photo to prove that they really aren't stock photos that I have nabbed from somewhere - i was actually there!
Where a hold your camera above your head and take a photo yourself doesn't work - I just bite the bullet - and ask folk!
Most folk are quite happy to do so! Even non tourists... In fact - sometimes where I've been either trying to take photos myself with the hands above head thing or trying to set the timer where I know the camera wont get stolen - often people ask if they want me to take one!
Thanks, I've tried it too. I have a pic of myself at Brighton Beach that I took of myself - not so good - and one taken by a nice family man on a romp on the beach with his 3 little girls. He gladly took a shot of me in the surf of the English Channel.
:laugh: :laugh: True, but in some places in Paris - like Sacre Couer - I was afraid that I might ask the wrong person and they'd make off with my camera. :o :o
:laugh: :laugh: True, but in some places in Paris - like Sacre Couer - I was afraid that I might ask the wrong person and they'd make off with my camera. :o :o
oh please....like someone would dare take off with your camera! I can picture you chasing them down
I can't believe those French people insisted on talking French! the nerve of them! ;) ;) ;D
Ah yes true, then I guess other tourists are your best bet.
or a cop!
:laugh: :laugh: True, but in some places in Paris - like Sacre Couer - I was afraid that I might ask the wrong person and they'd make off with my camera. :o :o
Oh. This thought never would have occurred to me :o.
I have no idea if I am too trusting and naive or if you're too cautious. Maybe Kelda has the best balance: ask people, but have a close look at them before (ie asking another tourist).
But it sure is interesting how different people approach such situations (without judging the one or other as better, just stating the fact).
all you had to do is tell them you scouting for the new stars of Brokeback Mountain (the French version!)
I am sure they would have been delighted to be photographed!!
I can't believe you didn't get none of them!! jeez woman....go back over and get some!
Oh. This thought never would have occurred to me :o.
I have no idea if I am too trusting and naive or if you're too cautious. Maybe Kelda has the best balance: ask people, but have a close look at them before (ie asking another tourist).
But it sure is interesting how different people approach such situations (without judging the one or other as better, just stating the fact).
Well, I just figured they weren't standing there just to shoot the shit (is this just an American expression from our gun culture or do other countries use this?), they were there to do a job, and needed to keep up a safety cordon. The walls around the areas they were standing had warning signs and those flashing lights you see on the top of police cars, but not being able to read French too well, the best I could make out was that it said to keep clear, so I didn't want to compromise them doing their jobs. Especially in this day and age.
Tell you what. You pack up the Xanax and your camera and don't forget your mittens and fly on over to Paris and hunt them down with your camera. You'll be glad you did. ;)
uh uh!! I am SKEERED of that plane thing!!
YOU go!! You are the resident France expert now...they KNOW you over there now...wouldn't be like a total stranger showing up.
;D ;D ;D
(I really don't think they make enough Xanax to get me on a plane)
:laugh: :laugh:
Sorry, been there, done that, didn't get the t-shirt - too expensive. :P
Your turn.
seriously, I really admire you, Del. You arranged to pay for the trip...planned it out, went and had a great time....
I couldn't do that. (obviously)
I can't even get to the coast and it is only three hours drive away!! :laugh: :laugh:
Sure you can. It's not as easy as falling off a log, but it's not that much harder. Airlines and hotels want to take your money, so they're going to be as helpful as possible in letting you spend it on them.
The hardest part - for me, anyway - was flying. After I survived the trip, everything else was cream on the cake.
The other hard part was finding and budgeting the money (and nowadays, the passport. It was a lot easier to get one when I did) for your trip. As I have said, if I could have afforded a hotel room by myself, I would have gone by myself in a flash.
After that, it's just a matter of studying maps and books and reading up on where you want to go and how to get there. And again, there are plenty of tour guide writers wanting you to buy their books on how to do it.
If that sounds like too much trouble, find a tour group.
Which is what we're going to do for Italy.