OT - Holy Cow I am going to Paris..

Thanks Sara I am going to go get the book.  I will have 1 day all to my self, because my co-worker will be visiting friends in Belgum.  Where is the  best shopping?  OH, another question is.. I am a really picky eater.  So I figured I would concentrate on eating salads.  People at work are suggesting I avoid them saying that we are not used to the water and it might cause me to get sick.  Any input on that front?? Thanks again!!

Okay - so I did a search on amazon for this book and there are a million versions.....lol   Which do you recommend?  

I would just go to Barnes and Noble and buy the most recent one. You might even find a travel book solely about Paris. Don't pay attention to the water thing. That's in Mexico. Europeans drink everything pretty warm, so their drinks aren't heavy on ice. What you do need to know is that they serve bubbly water(Pellegrino), so when they ask you if you wan****er, make sure you tell them that you want the kind with no gas. There is food everywhere. I got a beautiful baguette and some great cheese and went and sat at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Because of the holidays, it is going to be so beautiful. Have so much fun and take it all in.

omg!!  not just Paris- but the holiday season in Paris!!!  I have never been to France, but when I went to Brussels Thanksgiving weekend one year- it was just so amazing to see the European traditions and the beautiful decorations (and of course- Belgium did EVERYTHING in chocolate too).  I agree to avoid the "touristy" thing too- just my general rule of travel though.  You can find the most amazing things by just getting out and poking around!  Have an INCREDIBLE trip- esp a free one!  and we can't wait to hear about your adventures when you return!!!

I will take tons of pictures and put them on a site for you all to see!!!  YEAH!!

Dear Danielle,

Paris is a beautiful city & the food is incredible.  So of course you do the touristy things.  Why would you not?

Lourve, Paris Opera House, any of the parks, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame.  Try some of the night life. Hire a cab one night to drive you for an hr. to see the city all lit up. Hire one to give you a 1 hr. or so for a day tour too. Helps give you bearings. Ask for the price first. I found the French quite friendly, esp. if you try to throw in a little of their language (Bonojur!).  Street vendors sell crepes - all kinds of toppings.  So try one!  The bistros all have excellent food.  So eat!  The coffee is strong.  Try a bakery. Go to the perfume museum/shop next to the Opera.  http://www.fragonard.com/@en-us/1/2/6/article.asp Prices in shops will be high (the dollar is weak).  Ask hotel clerks, taxi drivers, business people for the best places.  A longer side trip is the Palace of Versailles maybe 30-45 min. outside the city. Have fun!  Enjoy! Eileen Islander

 

I forgot.  The water is safe.  No worries there.  They are fond of drinking carbonated water & that's what they'll give you if you ask for water.  You want - no gas (hey that's what they say)! And screw the salads - protein, remember?  They can serve the simplest of dishes with the most exquisite pan sauce.  Remember, too, they smoke AND pets are allowed.  I had the most fun discussion with a senior man who had brought his dog into the cafe & it had a cast on its leg.   Most people love talking with tourists.  Be prepared for questions about the Prez.  Have some pommes frite (French fries) - they invented them!  And lovely continental breakfasts.  Croissants with butter/jam.  Sometimes yougurt is offered, too. The French love to walk - that's why they are all thin.  The subway is safe & clean. There is plenty of public transportation. Eileen

WOW, the trip of a lifetime.  Just have fun!  Do what you can.  I'm so jealous :) Take care of yourself, Leslie

Hi Danielle!

My son (Michael MacIntosh) just started there last month!  I know that it is a rather big place BUT if you should see him that's my boy!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

 

I found him in our address book.  I manage the phone system he uses.