Sorry, but I just don't get Paris
Apr 14th, 2004, 12:57 PM
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Sorry, but I just don't get Paris
I know this has been covered in part in another thread, but since I too just returned from Paris I feel compelled to post my response. Folks, what is the appeal?
For starters, the whole city needs a major facelift. It is one thing to have history on every corner. It is another to simply be rundown, and Paris, I'm afraid, is the latter. Everything is fraying around the edges and no one seems to be doing anything about it. Dirty streets, buildings falling apart, beggars, gypsies and every manner of poor and decrepit. This place makes New York look like Disneyland.
Second, let's be honest about the food. Unless you're willing to pay $500 to $1000 per couple, what you get here is arrogance and overly-sauced, old-fashioned cooking that they do better at the country club back home. And what's with all the organ meats? Have the French heard about cholesterol?
We ended up eating our last four meals at McDonalds on the Champs Elysees so that at least we could get some nourishment without being gouged.
Now to the people. Again, let's not kid ourselves. English is the universal language and it would be nice if the French would at least try to accommodate their guests who have come to spend their hard-earned money in France. But I can't tell you how many blank stares I would get - from bus drivers, metro workers, waiters, etc., every time I tried to communicate. And yes, I started with a bonjour, but obviously that wasn't enough. In fact, the only thing that bonjour got me was the apparent assumption that the rest of the conversation would be in French. So much for that suggestion. And I have never seen such a dour looking lot as the French. I think they all need a class in depression management. You would think that a people so supposedly blessed with this city and this culture would be happy about it. Instead, they all look perpetually constipated. Maybe it's all the organ meat.
Finally, the overrated museums. The Louvre is the biggest joke of all. Do they really expect you to see all this art and sculpture without knowing where you're going? Again, some signs in English would be nice and maybe information booths. But even with that, what's the big deal? Most of the art is stuff I've seen back home or in books. I expected some surprises, but it was just one similar painting after another. As for the Mona Lisa, from what I could see of it through all of the craning necks it was pretty much what I expected. I'm sorry, but I guess my ignorance just doesn't allow me to appreciate it. As for the Musee d'Orsay, you would think that with all these priceless impressionist paintings they would find someplace better than an old train station to put them. If you can find them, that is. Again, it would be nice if someone would tell you that you have to traipse all the way to the back and then go all the way up to the third floor to see what you're looking for.
I know I'm going to get slaughtered for this report, but I think Paris is the world's prime example of the emperor with no clothes. Everyone just assumes that it must be incredible because that's what they're told. If you say otherwise, you're branded as crazy. Well, call me crazy. Next time I'll go back to Geneva which is calm, clean, orderly and everything Paris is not.
For starters, the whole city needs a major facelift. It is one thing to have history on every corner. It is another to simply be rundown, and Paris, I'm afraid, is the latter. Everything is fraying around the edges and no one seems to be doing anything about it. Dirty streets, buildings falling apart, beggars, gypsies and every manner of poor and decrepit. This place makes New York look like Disneyland.
Second, let's be honest about the food. Unless you're willing to pay $500 to $1000 per couple, what you get here is arrogance and overly-sauced, old-fashioned cooking that they do better at the country club back home. And what's with all the organ meats? Have the French heard about cholesterol?
We ended up eating our last four meals at McDonalds on the Champs Elysees so that at least we could get some nourishment without being gouged.
Now to the people. Again, let's not kid ourselves. English is the universal language and it would be nice if the French would at least try to accommodate their guests who have come to spend their hard-earned money in France. But I can't tell you how many blank stares I would get - from bus drivers, metro workers, waiters, etc., every time I tried to communicate. And yes, I started with a bonjour, but obviously that wasn't enough. In fact, the only thing that bonjour got me was the apparent assumption that the rest of the conversation would be in French. So much for that suggestion. And I have never seen such a dour looking lot as the French. I think they all need a class in depression management. You would think that a people so supposedly blessed with this city and this culture would be happy about it. Instead, they all look perpetually constipated. Maybe it's all the organ meat.
Finally, the overrated museums. The Louvre is the biggest joke of all. Do they really expect you to see all this art and sculpture without knowing where you're going? Again, some signs in English would be nice and maybe information booths. But even with that, what's the big deal? Most of the art is stuff I've seen back home or in books. I expected some surprises, but it was just one similar painting after another. As for the Mona Lisa, from what I could see of it through all of the craning necks it was pretty much what I expected. I'm sorry, but I guess my ignorance just doesn't allow me to appreciate it. As for the Musee d'Orsay, you would think that with all these priceless impressionist paintings they would find someplace better than an old train station to put them. If you can find them, that is. Again, it would be nice if someone would tell you that you have to traipse all the way to the back and then go all the way up to the third floor to see what you're looking for.
I know I'm going to get slaughtered for this report, but I think Paris is the world's prime example of the emperor with no clothes. Everyone just assumes that it must be incredible because that's what they're told. If you say otherwise, you're branded as crazy. Well, call me crazy. Next time I'll go back to Geneva which is calm, clean, orderly and everything Paris is not.
Apr 14th, 2004, 01:22 PM
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This demonstrates why Ziana's trip report posts are very good, honest and original, in comparison to this garbage.
It's been done, Larraby, many times -- and a lot better than your copied cliches and nonsense. I'll guess this is plagiarism, such as it is. I've read other posts on here very similar in many ways.
It's been done, Larraby, many times -- and a lot better than your copied cliches and nonsense. I'll guess this is plagiarism, such as it is. I've read other posts on here very similar in many ways.
Apr 14th, 2004, 01:31 PM
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even if larraby is a troll, i think he/she's got some valid points the english argument not being one of them. i would expect people who work in the tourist industry to know enough english to get by, but not your average citizen. french food can be very overrated and these days the best restaurants are in new york, LA and london. those chefs are more adventurous while paris is stuck in the past.
but there is nothing like an old fashioned cassoulet, foie gras and sweetbreads or a simple plate of charcuterie. i'm a huge fan of paris and maybe it's the downtrodden spirit and crumbling facades that actually appeal to me. it speaks of existential angst, cigarette smoke and strong coffee. hey maybe it's pseudo intellectual, but so what--it's paris. there's more of a concern for living life than sweeping the streets.
but there is nothing like an old fashioned cassoulet, foie gras and sweetbreads or a simple plate of charcuterie. i'm a huge fan of paris and maybe it's the downtrodden spirit and crumbling facades that actually appeal to me. it speaks of existential angst, cigarette smoke and strong coffee. hey maybe it's pseudo intellectual, but so what--it's paris. there's more of a concern for living life than sweeping the streets.
Apr 14th, 2004, 01:40 PM
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"And what's with all the organ meats? Have the French heard about cholesterol?
We ended up eating our last four meals at McDonalds" - this is where I stopped reading.
Hmm... is Atkins turning in his grave now? Do the organ meats really have less cholesterol then BigMac?
We ended up eating our last four meals at McDonalds" - this is where I stopped reading.
Hmm... is Atkins turning in his grave now? Do the organ meats really have less cholesterol then BigMac?
Apr 14th, 2004, 02:16 PM
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We last month came from our home in Arles to your city called Newark and were most sad to find that no one could speak our language. I mean come on. We had to have our last four meals in an Au Bon Pain.
Apr 14th, 2004, 02:27 PM
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Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will say that yes, like any other big, metropolitan city, parts of the city may be run down and in need of "facelifts." Yet I think much of that "decript" facade is what makes it so historical and enchanting for others.
True, the restaurants are high-priced there, but so are many others all throughout Europe. Eating out is the one thing that costs the most in Europe and if planned accordingly, you can get around those high costs by going to the local Franprix, Monoprix, etc and picking up some groceries to eat in your hotel (cheese, cold cuts, fruit, juice, etc). Likewise, stopping at a neighborhood sandwich/snack stand (saw plenty of those along Rue Rivoli near the Louvre) you can also save some $. There are ways around the exorbitant costs that won't sacrifice your vacation or enjoyment of the place.
English may be the universal language but one must not assume it HAS to be. While there are plenty of learned French that speak English, French is their language. It would behoove one to at least learn some minimal phrases when going there so one can get by ok.
All the museums have maps/guide books. It is quite simple to follow - the Louvre in itself is overwhelming - but certainly not "overrated." It houses the finest collection of art in the world, and takes some a couple days to see! Also, the fact that the Musee D'Orsay was put inside a renovated train station makes it all the more unique and unlike any other museum in the world.
Lastly, Switzerland is known for its preciseness, order, almost hygenic appearance. Geneva sounds like it would be a very austere, standoff-ish place -- at least Paris is vibrant and alive (ever take a walk along the Champs-Elysees?)
To each his own........leave Paris for the rest of us!
True, the restaurants are high-priced there, but so are many others all throughout Europe. Eating out is the one thing that costs the most in Europe and if planned accordingly, you can get around those high costs by going to the local Franprix, Monoprix, etc and picking up some groceries to eat in your hotel (cheese, cold cuts, fruit, juice, etc). Likewise, stopping at a neighborhood sandwich/snack stand (saw plenty of those along Rue Rivoli near the Louvre) you can also save some $. There are ways around the exorbitant costs that won't sacrifice your vacation or enjoyment of the place.
English may be the universal language but one must not assume it HAS to be. While there are plenty of learned French that speak English, French is their language. It would behoove one to at least learn some minimal phrases when going there so one can get by ok.
All the museums have maps/guide books. It is quite simple to follow - the Louvre in itself is overwhelming - but certainly not "overrated." It houses the finest collection of art in the world, and takes some a couple days to see! Also, the fact that the Musee D'Orsay was put inside a renovated train station makes it all the more unique and unlike any other museum in the world.
Lastly, Switzerland is known for its preciseness, order, almost hygenic appearance. Geneva sounds like it would be a very austere, standoff-ish place -- at least Paris is vibrant and alive (ever take a walk along the Champs-Elysees?)
To each his own........leave Paris for the rest of us!
Apr 14th, 2004, 02:49 PM
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This reminds me of something I read in the paper a few years ago. A tourist leaving EPCOT in Florida stated (Paraphrasing)..."I just feel like the Italian exhibit is so much better than the one in Europe...their St. Mark's Square is not nearly as pretty as the one here (at EPCOT)...and I should know...I was in Europe just last year".
Just shoot me!
Just shoot me!
