I'm really curious. Over the past several years, when I was living in the States, I would come on this board, and I could spend all day reading the messages about Paris.

I am living in Paris now, and I've just recently been visiting the board again, and it has dawned on me that there are very few messages (or questions) concerning Paris.

I've heard from a few people here that tourism is down, but I have no way of knowing. All I know

Oops! I hit something before I was ready to post. Let's start over.

I'm really curious. Over the past several years, when I was living in the States, I would come on this board, and I could spend all day reading the messages about Paris.

I am living in Paris now, and I've just recently been visiting the board again, and it has dawned on me that there are very few messages (or questions) concerning Paris.

I've heard from a few people here that tourism is down, but I have no way of knowing. All I know is that it's April in Paris, and we're wearing sandals, and the flowers are in bloom everherywhere.

Someone told me that people are staying away because of the demonstrations. Is that true? I know they are taking place, but I have yet to see anything. The reports I've seen in the U.S. papers are blowing things out of proportion.

Please share your thoughts on this. I'm really curious.

Toupary - I can only speak for myself, demonstrations or no demonstrations no one can keep me away from Paris. I am already planning my 4th trip there. I live in Los Angeles, CA where I have been through riots and numerous demonstrations, so it's nothing new to me.

Hmmm...I still see tons of posts for Paris on here. Its actually a nice break to not see as many for once!

Tracy

Hi T,

>...there are very few messages (or questions) concerning Paris.<

There have been 102 posts concerning Paris in the last 48 hours.

I reject your contention.

It's more likely that fewer people are visiting due to the high airfares (especially now with the increased fuel prices) and the dismal exchange rate.

Neither is keeping me away - I'm visiting in May, and returning with my husband in September.

But, I'm glad I bought the flight tickets before the gas prices went up. And, oh for the days that the exchange rate was under 1.00 rather than 1.24.

Madison - I'm with you. Nothing kept me away, either. I lived in Washington, D.C., and I've always felt safer in Paris.

djkbooks - I remember those days, too - when the euro was 90 cents, and I always came back to the States with money left over. This year I'm converting dollars into euros, and the prices have gotten higher.

there are dozens a day..maybe you were on the USA board or something.

Sandi -

Silly me! I was in Arkansas and thought Paris, Texas might be fun to visit, and I ended up in this place where no one speaks American! I stand corrected.

I'll be there in two weeks and three days, but who's counting?

Toupary - Do not worry I am not staying away and I'll be there in a couple weeks

How wonderful you are living there now-good for you!

Be well, Eileen

Friends who've returned recently and others who live in Paris have told me of the restaurants and shops complaining about way fewer American tourists this year.

Nothing can keep me away...short of a war or something....I'm still going in September.

>Friends ...have told me of the restaurants and shops complaining about way fewer American tourists this year.<

That's terrific for those who are going.

We were in Paris for four nights in March at the beginning of the demonstrations and had a very nice time. We aren't in any big hurry to return though, as the world is a big place!

Gee if it's not Americans, then who is renting all those hotel rooms that are already booked up for the summer, and all those apartments that no one seems to be able to find availability?

Toupary, are you sure you've been looking in the Europe forum? I can't imagine where you'd get the idea that there aren't a ton of Paris threads, questions, trip reports, and comments.

My point is that there seem to be fewer postings about Paris than there were a few years ago.

To those of you who will be here soon, I know you wilol have a wonderful time. The only down side to living here is that I haven't yet found a place I'd rather be, which makes vacation planning a little difficult. ;-)

Hi
I've been to Paris twice. One of the times we went, we were sitting outside in a cafe when we heard an explosion. My wife started to cough and choke, my eyes began to tear. A tear gas bomb went off next door. Everyone ran inside, the police and ambulances showed up quickly. It hasn't deterred us from traveling, but we are more aware of our surroundings, though it didn't matter that day.

As Yogi might have said, Paris is so crowded nobody goes there any more.

Bob -

And Mark Twain was impressed that, in Paris, even the children speak French.