C, you remind me of my best friend, Kristin! : ) You are both so light-hearted, intelligent, and funny. <BR><BR>It's with Kristin that I'm going to Paris in April. She just graduated, will be getting married in the Fall, has other obligations past April so NOW'S the time to go.<BR><BR>I am such an itinerary person. And normally she is, too. She always makes such careful plans, makes good use of her time. She reminds me a lot of Jamie on "Mad About You" - always has that extra pair of pantyhose, the baby umbrella, the sewing kit, the safety pins in her purse. Always prepared. BUT, for this trip she wants to wing it. So since I've already gone and this is her 1st trip (plus it's kind of like a graduation gift to herself) I defer to her. But it will be so hard for me. However, I know it will be fun. I so look forward to this.<BR><BR>So Kavey, like you, we will be "pottering" around Paris.<BR><BR>I would LOVE to meet up with c and Kavey and anyone else in Paris but it looks like our travel plans don't meet up.<BR><BR>Kavey, are those grey "Murky Buckets"? LOL!<BR><BR>C, I might try to go to Mariage Freres if you could explain to me where it is on the Left Bank. Mmmm. The lovely smell of good tea. I had thought of going to the Ritz for tea, but this sounds like a better idea. And, yes, you've definitely pegged me for a chocolate person. Imagine me sitting in Angelina's with about 4 desserts surrounding me, sampling each one. I'd be there for hours! ; )<BR><BR>I feel like we are having a confab right here, sitting here drinking coffee. Sigh. Maybe someday we can all meet up in Paris.

Mariage Freres can be found at 13 rue des Grandes Augustines in the 6th-260 Faubourg St Honore in the 8th, and in the Marais 30 rue de Bourg-Tibourg 4th.<BR>You can buy tea scented soaps,candles,it is all a delight.<BR>Thank you for the kind words,I do try to stay light hearted and to keep a sense of humor,don't know about the "intelligent" part though<BR>I am waiting for my friend to call me back regarding taking her teen daughter to Paris, she will have something good I know, to tell Kavey,as she does this each year, taking the one daughter for a mother/daughter trip to Paris..my mom took me to the beach,which at the time was fine with me, but what a treat to go to Paris with a mom...or an aunt,as the case may be~<BR>I think that Kristin and I may be alike in other aspects, I am the one with the extra nail file,pins,pills, feeling safe with emergency supplies...making all the arrangements months in advance,although for me, a lot of the fun is in the planning...Have a good rest of the day-time to pick up the pup at the groomers and see if he is finally an "elegant French poodle"-although I liked the clown- puppy look he was sporting before C

I remember Murky Buckets from school days!<BR><BR>(Merci Beaucoup)<BR><BR>Probably are dull grey ones, yes, Mary. It's sp dark and cold and miserable outside!<BR><BR>C, I look forward to your friend's feedback! Thank you so much!

So glad to see Angelina's mentioned here, because when I was in Paris several years ago, I looked for it and couldn't find it. Can someone offer some detailed directions so I can stop by next time? Thanks.

Angelina is right on the rue du Rivoli, across from the Tuileries, I believe. A bit of trivia re Angelina: it was originally Rumlemeyer's, founded in 1903, and the setting of many scenes in romantic novels. I think some old black and white movies shot some scenes there, too. (Before my time, merci!) It became Angelina in 1948 and still retains a lot of the old world charm. It has been THE place to have tea for many decades now. From time to time the NYTimes Travel section does a feature on the salons du the in Paris, and I keep thinking I need to try some of the others, such as Mariage Freres, Laduree, etc.; maybe this next trip--after Angelina!

Yup, directionless, Sue is right. <BR>Here are a couple of addresses:<BR> 226 rue de Rivoli 75001 (facing the Tuileries Gardens)<BR><BR> Galeries Lafayette<BR> Boulevard Hausmann 75009<BR><BR>Kavey, we called it Mercy Buckets at our school. I like your version better. Sorry 'bout your dreary weather, but at least you'll be in Paris soon! And sooner than I!<BR><BR>Sue, thank you for the trivia info. I didn't know ANY of that. : )<BR><BR>I remember my 1st time to Angelina's. I was Notre Dame & was going to the Louvre next, so I headed straight north from Notre Dame, took a left onto Rue de Rivoli and walked to Angelina's. This was at about 5pm so there was a lot of traffic (cars & foot). Took me about 35-45 minutes to get there. And I recall the proprietors/managers looking nervous and telling me that they will be closing soon. I told them I didn't mind; that I would hurry up. Have since learned that the French disdain people who "hurry" thru a meal. Anyway, it was WONDERFUL! And now must drag my friend there. She will die a thousand deaths, I'm sure!! : )<BR><BR> Palais de Congres 2 pl<BR> Porte Maillot 75017

Mary C - You said that you are losing weight because you think you're going to gain when you go to Paris. You just may surprise yourself. I dieted before I went to Paris and while there for 12 days I lost an additional 8 pounds and I wasn't dieting. Walked a lot.<BR><BR>Loved Angelina's. The Mont Blanc was such a lovely treat. The only negative thing I have to say about Angelina's is that if you're seated towards the back of the room it can be a little claustrophic. But if that isn't an issue with you, then you will be just fine. I had their Chicken Curry Salad, which is different than what I am used to, but delicious.<BR><BR>There were times I would get a Mont Blanc to go and take it to my room and savor it during my rest period in the late afternoon. Worth every stinking, fattening calorie.

Thanks for your input, Karen. MMMmmmm. That Mont Blanc sounds wonderful. Have already decided I must have one. Wow!<BR><BR>And thank you for the tip about losing weight. But how great is it to lose weight before you go and come back EVEN THINNER. Of course, not too thin. : )

MaryC-it's true!! I always diet before a trip so I don't have to think about it while traveling, and all that walking and no between meal snacks-well,ok,almost no snacks-and I always lose at least 3-5 pounds! The best was one night we were sitting in a restaurant and I was stuffing my face(so ladylike) and my husband looked at me and said - I don't think you should lose anymore weight!..you can imagine my surprise! sitting there with my cheeks bulging with some poullet de creme something and he is telling me how thin I have gotten...I'm telling you!Paris is magical~C

And c, your husband sounds like a dream!<BR><BR>Oops, have we turned this into a chat room? My bad.

Topping for Foodies

Anymore suggestions? If not, we'll let this one gracefully die. : )

MaryC-since you will be with another lady on this trip, I remember there was a place in Paris called the Cannibale Cafe..it is a owned by an Enlgish woman who wants to make women feel comfortable on their own..the staff is encouraged to watch out for guys bothering the ladies.It is supposed to be nice with simple dishes at lunch and tapas during the evening-Candice

Oops,sorry-the address--<BR>rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud<BR>Metro Parmentier<BR>C~

Thank you, C. You're always so helpful and informative. I don't mind being approached while in Paris but since my friend is engaged...<BR><BR>We appreciate the info.<BR><BR>I am having a terrible time with her wanting to wing Paris. I keep telling myself, it's okay, it's okay, it WILL BE FUN. I just keep finding all these great places to go to, to see, and keep reminding myself - no, you're going to discover Paris. Think how great that will be? So I gave her all my Paris reference books today hoping she'll catch the fever. I think I need to give up Paris cold turkey until we actually go.

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Just had to weigh in (sorry, bad pun) about the fattening goodies at Angelina's. I've never been, and my 13-year-old daughter and I can't wait, when we're there in April. By the way, last time in France (Paris and Provence), on a mountain climbing trip and despite walking miles every day in Paris, I GAINED weight! So don't necessarily think all that walking will help you keep off the pounds if you're eating tons of butter and cheese (especially if you're over 40). By the way, there is something to be said for being an "old mother" too. I had my kids at 38 and 43 and I am tres youthful at 51!

andi-I never watch what I am eating on holiday..that is for home and the "real world"..and it has never failed that although I am slightly piggy when it comes to cheese courses and chocolates, I lose weight every time I go to London or Paris..but Paris is the best weight loss..maybe I should research this and write a Paris diet book!.. ~Have fun c

I never got there, nor to Berthillon's...<BR><BR><BR><BR>Nex time!<BR><BR>Kavey

hmm, What was the name of that place I should AVOID?