Bonjour from Paris! (Monica, Louisa, and Elizabeth)
May 8th, 2009, 09:02 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bonjour from Paris! (Monica, Louisa, and Elizabeth)
Paris France, Friday, 8 May 2009
I have arrived in Paris! It’s a gloomy morning, but I already knew it would be an overcast day. Checking the weather report before I left, I saw cloudy and rainy days for Paris. Today is also a holiday – VE Day. My friend Louisa and her daughter Elizabeth will join me in a few hours. They booked the 10pm flight so they wouldn’t have to miss a day of work. I was glad to have the day off, as it took me a while to pack.
I flew on Air France from Dulles International, which left an hour late, due to air traffic, yet we still arrived on time. The flight was smooth all the way to Paris (on a Boeing 700-200) and the flight was full. After dinner, a couple drinks, and a movie, I tried to sleep. As always, I can never sleep sitting up. The two men next to me talked the whole night too!
I booked my shuttle service to Paris with www.airport-connection, which I booked online two days ago. Two years ago, I took the Air France bus to Gare de Lyon and then a taxi ride. I decided this time to have door-to-door service, which was a treat. Round trip price was 50.40 euros paid by credit card, so I just had to tip the driver. After landing at 6:10am, 20 minutes getting through passport control, and getting my checked bag, I called the toll free number to let the company know I was ready for pickup. I only had to wait outside for 5-8 minutes. We were on the road by 7:20am and I was at my apartment 25-minutes later. There was only couple in the van with me. There was no traffic at all due to the holiday.
Louisa booked our 2-bedroom apartment via www.vacationinparis.com. The apartment is on the 2nd floor up two narrow staircases. Carrying my two heavy bags was not fun. I had told Louisa that the next time we travel together and get an apartment, it WILL be in a building with an elevator! The building is quite secured with a keypad outside and an interior door, which a key is used to get in. The apartment is quite charming in a Parisian way: Two small bedrooms one with a large bed and the other tightly fit with two twin beds. The entire apartment is only 43 square meters. There’s a small bathroom with the toilet in a separate room, a tiny kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, and washer/dryer. The living room is a combo living-dining room with a couch, two chairs, a table with 4 chairs. It’s perfect for three people, but not more.
There is free wifi – Louisa checked with the rental agency, who told her we needed took up to a lan line, so I brought a cable. The problem with the setup is that the hookup is next to the tv, so I had to move the t.v stand close to the dining table so I could use the netbook on the table. However, although a small problem, it’s really nice to have access to the internet and emails.
There is a bookcase of travel books and novels. So, if anyone wants to rent this place, you really don’t need to bring a Paris guidebook. The one main window faces the interior of the building, so it’s nice and quiet.
I tried to nap a couple hours but couldn’t. I walked around the area for about an hour and went back to the apartment to wait for Louisa and Elizabeth. They arrived about 12:30pm and after freshening up, we headed to L’as du Falafel where we sat and enjoyed the falafel special (7 euros each). They were just as delicious as the last time (May 2007). The street was crowded with a long line of people waiting for a table or to order their lunch at the take-out window. Busy, busy, busy! Great place, so don’t miss it for a delicious, inexpensive lunch.
After lunch, we wandered around the area and headed to the left bank. We visited Notre Dame (packed!!), the flower market and walked along rue de Rivoli. After stopping at Franprix for breakfast items (juice, fruit, yogurt) and some wine, cheese, and crackers for our pre-dinner happy hour, we relaxed in our apartment.
It’s just before dinnertime. We made reservations at Bistro d’Oulette (38, rue des Tournelles, Tel: 01 42 71 43 33. http://www.l-oulette.com/baracane.php [email protected]) where we dined two years ago. We hope it’s just as good as it was back in 2007.
More tomorrow!
Monica
I have arrived in Paris! It’s a gloomy morning, but I already knew it would be an overcast day. Checking the weather report before I left, I saw cloudy and rainy days for Paris. Today is also a holiday – VE Day. My friend Louisa and her daughter Elizabeth will join me in a few hours. They booked the 10pm flight so they wouldn’t have to miss a day of work. I was glad to have the day off, as it took me a while to pack.
I flew on Air France from Dulles International, which left an hour late, due to air traffic, yet we still arrived on time. The flight was smooth all the way to Paris (on a Boeing 700-200) and the flight was full. After dinner, a couple drinks, and a movie, I tried to sleep. As always, I can never sleep sitting up. The two men next to me talked the whole night too!
I booked my shuttle service to Paris with www.airport-connection, which I booked online two days ago. Two years ago, I took the Air France bus to Gare de Lyon and then a taxi ride. I decided this time to have door-to-door service, which was a treat. Round trip price was 50.40 euros paid by credit card, so I just had to tip the driver. After landing at 6:10am, 20 minutes getting through passport control, and getting my checked bag, I called the toll free number to let the company know I was ready for pickup. I only had to wait outside for 5-8 minutes. We were on the road by 7:20am and I was at my apartment 25-minutes later. There was only couple in the van with me. There was no traffic at all due to the holiday.
Louisa booked our 2-bedroom apartment via www.vacationinparis.com. The apartment is on the 2nd floor up two narrow staircases. Carrying my two heavy bags was not fun. I had told Louisa that the next time we travel together and get an apartment, it WILL be in a building with an elevator! The building is quite secured with a keypad outside and an interior door, which a key is used to get in. The apartment is quite charming in a Parisian way: Two small bedrooms one with a large bed and the other tightly fit with two twin beds. The entire apartment is only 43 square meters. There’s a small bathroom with the toilet in a separate room, a tiny kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, and washer/dryer. The living room is a combo living-dining room with a couch, two chairs, a table with 4 chairs. It’s perfect for three people, but not more.
There is free wifi – Louisa checked with the rental agency, who told her we needed took up to a lan line, so I brought a cable. The problem with the setup is that the hookup is next to the tv, so I had to move the t.v stand close to the dining table so I could use the netbook on the table. However, although a small problem, it’s really nice to have access to the internet and emails.
There is a bookcase of travel books and novels. So, if anyone wants to rent this place, you really don’t need to bring a Paris guidebook. The one main window faces the interior of the building, so it’s nice and quiet.
I tried to nap a couple hours but couldn’t. I walked around the area for about an hour and went back to the apartment to wait for Louisa and Elizabeth. They arrived about 12:30pm and after freshening up, we headed to L’as du Falafel where we sat and enjoyed the falafel special (7 euros each). They were just as delicious as the last time (May 2007). The street was crowded with a long line of people waiting for a table or to order their lunch at the take-out window. Busy, busy, busy! Great place, so don’t miss it for a delicious, inexpensive lunch.
After lunch, we wandered around the area and headed to the left bank. We visited Notre Dame (packed!!), the flower market and walked along rue de Rivoli. After stopping at Franprix for breakfast items (juice, fruit, yogurt) and some wine, cheese, and crackers for our pre-dinner happy hour, we relaxed in our apartment.
It’s just before dinnertime. We made reservations at Bistro d’Oulette (38, rue des Tournelles, Tel: 01 42 71 43 33. http://www.l-oulette.com/baracane.php [email protected]) where we dined two years ago. We hope it’s just as good as it was back in 2007.
More tomorrow!
Monica
May 8th, 2009, 09:16 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Monica, Reading your report is making me even more anxious for my trip to start. I leave for Paris Wed. May 13 .Looking forward to the GTG on the 23rd. Thanks for name of the bistro. If tomorrows report says that it is still good I will book for my first night in Paris.
Have a great time.
Tina Kaminow
Have a great time.
Tina Kaminow
May 8th, 2009, 09:22 AM
#5
Let's see, I came out of the movies ("A Complete History of My Sexual Failures") at Les Halles at 12:50, wandered around rue Rambuteau to the Pompidou Center, tried to find the BHV medical supply store which has moved, so I failed, checked out what had changed on rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, and then finally entered rue des Rosiers. Yes, about 13:30. Yes, I definitely saw you. I was taking photos for an upcoming photo essay entitled "How to look like a tourist" and if you are lucky, you won't be in it. 
May 8th, 2009, 09:28 AM
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm trying to decide if I like trip reports or "live feeds" from Paris better... and I've decided I like them both!
I'll be coming along with you to Monica (still a month before I am physically there finally!)
V
I'll be coming along with you to Monica (still a month before I am physically there finally!)
V
May 8th, 2009, 09:54 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monica,
Is your apartment in the Marais? vacationinparis code? Thanks.
Kerouac,
Hope you post your "how to look like a tourist" photos here. I won't see myself, but I'm sure I'll find an approximation of what I look like!
Is your apartment in the Marais? vacationinparis code? Thanks.
Kerouac,
Hope you post your "how to look like a tourist" photos here. I won't see myself, but I'm sure I'll find an approximation of what I look like!
May 8th, 2009, 10:34 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Monica,
I have been waiting to read that you were there! Hope you have as wonderful a stay as we did. We have eaten at Bistro d'Oulette several times when it was Baracane....really enjoyed it. If you look around while you are there, you will see Gerard Mulot, a fairly new addition to the neighborhood....fantastic tarts!
Will be looking for your reports..have a great time!
I have been waiting to read that you were there! Hope you have as wonderful a stay as we did. We have eaten at Bistro d'Oulette several times when it was Baracane....really enjoyed it. If you look around while you are there, you will see Gerard Mulot, a fairly new addition to the neighborhood....fantastic tarts!
Will be looking for your reports..have a great time!
May 8th, 2009, 11:27 AM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monica - sounds great! I'll be staying in the Marais in July for a week and have already planned to eat lunch at L'As du Fallafel on our first day, walk down to Place des Vosges, and then back over to Pompidou to check it out and get our museum passes. I cannot wait to try these fallafels that I've heard so much about!
I, too, was planning on a mid-day nap (after 1pm check-in) as we will also be arriving around 6 a.m., from Boston. Its interesting to hear that you could not sleep. I'm thinking I will be WAY too excited to sleep, but I'm hoping to work it in b/c I want to stay out later that night! I'm trying to figure out what time I should make dinner reservations for. What time did you finally end up falling down tired that first evening?
Kerouac - I hope you won't be doing that essay in July, b/c I just bought a backpack to haul around all of my items... how else do you get around with two cameras, cell phone, a map, trip notes, wallet, umbrella, sweater for the evening time, etc? I will definitely stick out as a tourist, but not sure how to get around that! Any suggestions?
(I'll wear a scarf, but not sure that will help out much! Maybe I should get one of those big handbags that cigalechanta talks about, too!
I, too, was planning on a mid-day nap (after 1pm check-in) as we will also be arriving around 6 a.m., from Boston. Its interesting to hear that you could not sleep. I'm thinking I will be WAY too excited to sleep, but I'm hoping to work it in b/c I want to stay out later that night! I'm trying to figure out what time I should make dinner reservations for. What time did you finally end up falling down tired that first evening?
Kerouac - I hope you won't be doing that essay in July, b/c I just bought a backpack to haul around all of my items... how else do you get around with two cameras, cell phone, a map, trip notes, wallet, umbrella, sweater for the evening time, etc? I will definitely stick out as a tourist, but not sure how to get around that! Any suggestions?
(I'll wear a scarf, but not sure that will help out much! Maybe I should get one of those big handbags that cigalechanta talks about, too!
May 8th, 2009, 12:53 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Glad to know I'm not on the "tourist" list.
Thanks for the responses everyone.
Dinner tonight was delicious!! Louisa and I ordered the escargot appetizers. Not in the shells or in butter and garlic. Along with the escargot, there was diced artichoke hearts and what looked like huge pine nuts, but I think they were almonds. The appetizer was in a light green sauce of some sort. Elizabeth had a cold asparagus soup. For my plat, I had the duck with the potatoes au gratin and a salad; Louisa had a beef dish wrapped in a cabbage leaf and 'stuffed' for a pate/foie gras. Elizabeth had sea bass. All of it was very good! Decadent desserts all around with a chocolate like fondant and I had a sort of apple pie with a crisp puff pastry on top and a side shot of chilled-icy grand marnier. Total bill about 150 euros with a nice bottle of white wine.
We walked around after dinner and now back in the room getting ready for bed.
Tomorrow we'll be doing a walking tour of the Marais at 10:30am with Paris Walks. I hope for a sunny day tomorrow!
Monica
Thanks for the responses everyone.
Dinner tonight was delicious!! Louisa and I ordered the escargot appetizers. Not in the shells or in butter and garlic. Along with the escargot, there was diced artichoke hearts and what looked like huge pine nuts, but I think they were almonds. The appetizer was in a light green sauce of some sort. Elizabeth had a cold asparagus soup. For my plat, I had the duck with the potatoes au gratin and a salad; Louisa had a beef dish wrapped in a cabbage leaf and 'stuffed' for a pate/foie gras. Elizabeth had sea bass. All of it was very good! Decadent desserts all around with a chocolate like fondant and I had a sort of apple pie with a crisp puff pastry on top and a side shot of chilled-icy grand marnier. Total bill about 150 euros with a nice bottle of white wine.
We walked around after dinner and now back in the room getting ready for bed.
Tomorrow we'll be doing a walking tour of the Marais at 10:30am with Paris Walks. I hope for a sunny day tomorrow!
Monica
May 9th, 2009, 01:12 AM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Monica, I am enjoying the "live feed" very much. I love trip reports but feel like I am going along for the day, anticipating the next adventure.
I will be so happy to return to Paris late September. I can't wait to walk the streets again.
Thank you.
I will be so happy to return to Paris late September. I can't wait to walk the streets again.
Thank you.
