Benita In Paris
Jul 11th, 2013, 02:46 PM
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thank you for sharing. Don't be so hard on yourself - it was wonderful to live through it with you. Your writing style is fun - and descriptive - I could almost imagine myself there with SSBB... or the waiter who recognized you getting the Pastis ...
What a wonderful family trip!
What a wonderful family trip!
Jul 11th, 2013, 04:11 PM
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Thank you so much Benita - I've had great fun reading your reports. One suggestion - was your "Faffel" in the Marais perhaps falafel? They are little (sometimes a bit larger) balls or patties of ground chickpeas with onion, spices, garlic etc., fried and eaten either as part of a meze, or crammed into pitta bread with yoghurt, hummus or tahini and salad as a rather healthier alternative to a burger. This Martha Stewart recipe seems pretty spot on to me: http://www.marthastewart.com/349175/falafel
I never bother making them as I can buy them from most of the local Middle Eastern take out places here in West London - or buy them ready made in a pack from Marks & Spencer (a British chain store, with at least one outlet in Paris, and a good tip for a wide range of mid-priced quality food). Enjoy the summer back home, planning your next foray abroad! I look forward to reading about it!
I never bother making them as I can buy them from most of the local Middle Eastern take out places here in West London - or buy them ready made in a pack from Marks & Spencer (a British chain store, with at least one outlet in Paris, and a good tip for a wide range of mid-priced quality food). Enjoy the summer back home, planning your next foray abroad! I look forward to reading about it!
Jul 12th, 2013, 12:52 AM
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When I used to ship stuff back to the States, I'd either have the store do it (often not possible with small village boutiques) or would wait until the day before my flight and ship all my dirty clothes, books, etc. home.
I'd then pack my new treasures in my checked bag and carry-on.
So sorry your statue was damaged.
Thanks again for a wonderful and very funny trip report!
I'd then pack my new treasures in my checked bag and carry-on.
So sorry your statue was damaged.
Thanks again for a wonderful and very funny trip report!
Jul 12th, 2013, 12:57 AM
#209
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In Paris right now, having arrived last Tuesday. Weather has been fabulous!!!
I've got my haircut appointment set for Saturday at 5pm. It's not the salon you mention, Benita, but I'm sure it will be fine. It is the Salon Franck Avodadri on Rue de Buci, in the 6e. I will also probably wish I could fly back to Paris once every 5-6 weeks to maintain the cut.... haha!
You are so right about "anything goes" as far as what people wear. The one thing that my travel partner and I have paid special attention to is footwear. You see EVERYTHING. The main point is comfort. You are right about that.
Sorry you had damage to things that you shipped home...
Carol
I've got my haircut appointment set for Saturday at 5pm. It's not the salon you mention, Benita, but I'm sure it will be fine. It is the Salon Franck Avodadri on Rue de Buci, in the 6e. I will also probably wish I could fly back to Paris once every 5-6 weeks to maintain the cut.... haha!
You are so right about "anything goes" as far as what people wear. The one thing that my travel partner and I have paid special attention to is footwear. You see EVERYTHING. The main point is comfort. You are right about that.
Sorry you had damage to things that you shipped home...
Carol
Jul 12th, 2013, 04:03 AM
#210
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I am having withdrawals from Paris. 40 went to Starbucks with kids two days ago and looked at the croissants and just couldn't bring herself to buy any. Bakery goods just not the same. I don't understand why we can't do better in the croissant department here. Someone could make a killing.
We shipped thru the Le Poste. We bought those prepaid boxes. Wished we had just bought two more suitcases and then paid the fee at airline. Probably would have been cheaper or maybe just a break even but I know it would not have been that much more.
I still haven't taken out Baby Blue (statute). She is still in my closet. 40 said her body and wings are fine, Just a corner of the 8 inch by 8 inch base that is broken. I did feel better about that. We thought we might just glue it back together and set her in the dining room and call it her war wound. I believe that the Universe works in strange ways and maybe her broken base is a subtle reminder to me that even though there are lots of cracks in the road, life can still be beautiful.
Maybe we can start a trend of women who get their hair cut in Paris, How about a GTG in Paris for a haircutting day? That might be a Fodor's first.
Yes it was fafalel. We got a chicken in pita bread. 40 and I didn't know exactly what was in it but our forks were moving like lightning speed to our mouths. Would definitely make that purchase again.
One last thing I forgot to mention. On one of our trips to Galleries in the golf cart, we went by Gerard Depedieu's restaurant and I saw him outside talking to some guy. I know he is a great actor but since I am a hopeless romantic, I absolutely loved him in Green Card.
I left a sheet in the Paris Perfect apartment complaining about the hot water system. They have not responded. I would certainly stay in their apartments again just not that particular one. I think most of their apartments have their own water heater. I did read in the book left for comments that other people mentioned the water situation too.
40 left and 26 was left.
I think that answers all your comments and questions. If I have forgotten any, please ask again and I will be happy to reply.
We shipped thru the Le Poste. We bought those prepaid boxes. Wished we had just bought two more suitcases and then paid the fee at airline. Probably would have been cheaper or maybe just a break even but I know it would not have been that much more.
I still haven't taken out Baby Blue (statute). She is still in my closet. 40 said her body and wings are fine, Just a corner of the 8 inch by 8 inch base that is broken. I did feel better about that. We thought we might just glue it back together and set her in the dining room and call it her war wound. I believe that the Universe works in strange ways and maybe her broken base is a subtle reminder to me that even though there are lots of cracks in the road, life can still be beautiful.
Maybe we can start a trend of women who get their hair cut in Paris, How about a GTG in Paris for a haircutting day? That might be a Fodor's first.
Yes it was fafalel. We got a chicken in pita bread. 40 and I didn't know exactly what was in it but our forks were moving like lightning speed to our mouths. Would definitely make that purchase again.
One last thing I forgot to mention. On one of our trips to Galleries in the golf cart, we went by Gerard Depedieu's restaurant and I saw him outside talking to some guy. I know he is a great actor but since I am a hopeless romantic, I absolutely loved him in Green Card.
I left a sheet in the Paris Perfect apartment complaining about the hot water system. They have not responded. I would certainly stay in their apartments again just not that particular one. I think most of their apartments have their own water heater. I did read in the book left for comments that other people mentioned the water situation too.
40 left and 26 was left.
I think that answers all your comments and questions. If I have forgotten any, please ask again and I will be happy to reply.
Jul 12th, 2013, 08:24 AM
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Benita:
Thank you for your reply about the shipping.
While we don't want to pay for that extra extra extra bag, I have done so. Folks (other travelers) at the airport look at me and they talk loudly about how many bags I have as if it is any of there business.
I have learned to go done deaf, pay for my freight, and smile because as you note, and I'll add my own words: life is fragile.
Loved your analogy.
Oaktown Traveler
Thank you for your reply about the shipping.
While we don't want to pay for that extra extra extra bag, I have done so. Folks (other travelers) at the airport look at me and they talk loudly about how many bags I have as if it is any of there business.
I have learned to go done deaf, pay for my freight, and smile because as you note, and I'll add my own words: life is fragile.
Loved your analogy.
Oaktown Traveler
Jul 12th, 2013, 05:55 PM
#213
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m
Benita. Thank you for taking us on your trip.I have enjoyed every step . Like you, I seem to gather friends who like to go along with us, sometimes as many as 8. and they still ask me when are we going again? but at 82 I feel someone else should takeover. but no takers,!!! Have booked a Carribean cruise for 6 of us in Jan. but long to return to France.
Benita. Thank you for taking us on your trip.I have enjoyed every step . Like you, I seem to gather friends who like to go along with us, sometimes as many as 8. and they still ask me when are we going again? but at 82 I feel someone else should takeover. but no takers,!!! Have booked a Carribean cruise for 6 of us in Jan. but long to return to France.
Jul 14th, 2013, 12:44 PM
#217
Betina, thanks for a wonderful and hilarious trip report. I also want to join the list of those wanting you for a travel companion. PP apartments are not cheap for you to having to put up with no elevator or hot water.
Sorry to hear about 21 and 71H.
When is your next trip. Can´t wait for the report.
Bea
Sorry to hear about 21 and 71H.
When is your next trip. Can´t wait for the report.
Bea
Jul 14th, 2013, 03:25 PM
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Benita, I loved every second of your trip report and took many many notes. Thank you for taking the time to share a part of your life with us. I'm sorry to hear about 21. I'm glad you got to make so many memories with your lovely family. 40 sounds like what my 18-year-old will be like. I love the way you travel and will strive to travel more like you (except for the mishaps). Just kidding. Oh, and the saying in Kentucky is "Quiet as a church mouse." lol. Thanks again! Oh, and I always up for a haircut in Paris! 
Jul 24th, 2013, 06:42 AM
#220
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Sueciv
Yes, I am already thinking about my next trip to Paris. There are so many museums I want to visit and want to explore different areas. Although next time I am going by myself. I am looking at 2015 but don't know what time of the year. It will be a trip to Paris to get my haircut.
I am hoping to find a roommate to help with apartment expenses or a group of like minded women in separate apartments/hotels who want to enjoy dinners together. (and, of course, get a new do while we are there) Is there anyone interested?
Finally am starting to feel like my head has caught up with my body. This has been the hardest re-entry into life after vacation. Maybe it was the creepin crud 40 and I got.
Yes, I am already thinking about my next trip to Paris. There are so many museums I want to visit and want to explore different areas. Although next time I am going by myself. I am looking at 2015 but don't know what time of the year. It will be a trip to Paris to get my haircut.
I am hoping to find a roommate to help with apartment expenses or a group of like minded women in separate apartments/hotels who want to enjoy dinners together. (and, of course, get a new do while we are there) Is there anyone interested?
Finally am starting to feel like my head has caught up with my body. This has been the hardest re-entry into life after vacation. Maybe it was the creepin crud 40 and I got.
