<i>olgap on Jul 16, 14 at 12:56pm
We'll keep an eye out. As long as no one tries to grab our suitcases out of our hands and run, I think we should be OK.</i>

This is one thing you can be virtually certain they will not do, "grab your suitcases out of your hands and run." They are professionals. This will attract attention and end their careers. As PalanQ says they work in "paris," he meant "pairs." One or more will distract you while one picks up the goods which are not in contact with your body and passes them to another partner who makes a slick getaway. You look at the pick-up guy or gal and ask the dumb face what happened to your suitcase. He "no speak ingleesh."

PalenQ also said that the area around Gare du Nord is safe, but that there are pickpockets in the station. Yes and yes. But, you said that your hotel is a 15 minute walk from the GdN in the 9th. That is a half mile west of the station and puts you maybe in the Pigalle area, after dark. Thanks, but not for me. Even on the boulevards in daylight the girls have come out of their lairs and tried to take me by my arm.

I think we can handle these professionals. As for the 9th, you are correct about that. The area is considered Pigalle. People have said they felt safe there but maybe we'll take a taxi from the train station the first night just to be cautious.

Even on the boulevards in daylight the girls have come out of their lairs and tried to take me by my arm.>

Lucky it was not some other appendage!

olgap, sorry I didn't read your post carefully!

no problem Tabernash2!

FranceWorld

Do you know the English expressions self-serving and not really helpful?