elaine, I got the Eiffel Tower candle in the candle section (not the souvenir section) of either BHV or au Printemps. It's about 6" tall and GOLD. Can't beat that for tacky. <BR> <BR>Pierrette: ooooh no, this mother's child was in no way ready to leave Paris. If it hadn't been for the r/t non-refundable ticket, I'd still be there. I'm already planning a return visit next fall (maybe for 3 weeks) and I get another sabbatical in 2002 so guess where I'm headed. I've already started plotting to buy a studio apartment in Paris (they actually are affordable), renting it out for most of the year, then using it when I want. Right now, it's in the fantasy stage, but I'm going to get down to researching the realities very soon. <BR> <BR>Carol: I confess, I'm a Hunter S. fan. "We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold" has got to be one of the best opening lines ever. <BR>

I'm with you on that Elvira. Gotta go plan my trip to Vegas now. Think they still rent huge red Chevy convertibles?

I'm sure they do, complete with a Samoan attorney and a trunk full of a serious drug collection.

Gosh Elvira, you make me nostalgic for a return to Paris and I have only been home for a week! There is no other city like it in the world. I highly recommend bringing the nylon type (Le Sportsac or whatever) collapsible duffel inside of one's suitcase on the way over. I did and mine was full after only a week's visit. The dollar is STRONG and everything is affordable, even the things you don't expect to be are downright cheap (like those amazing pastries, and all wines). Also notable was the amount of English spoken. I fully concur that they jump at the chance tp practice their English as much as we enjoy using our French. Also agree about kids in art museums and other genteel establishments. Their varying behavior is often more reflective of their parents and not about them! Can't wait to return, and will soon.

dear elvira--it is fun to hear from someone so "sold" on one place. We are going Thanksgiving week and it has been a very long time. We were there in the europe on $5 a day era . Are we going to find eating in restaurants prohibitive? Any suggestions? thanks !! pat

Pat, the dollar is very strong, so that helps. Secondly, I found neighborhood restaurants (away from the tourist areas) to be reasonably priced. When you take into consideration that the tax and tip are included, then 90ff (about $14) for 3 courses and a pitcher of wine is darn cheap. The menus are posted outside so you know what the prices are before you go in, and can make an informed choice. Eventhough I often eat in tourist areas (have never had a bad meal, but have paid more than I would have away from tourist hot spots), I emphasize getting away from the tourist areas and finding restaurants where Parisians eat - you'll find restaurants specializing in regional cooking, which is a great treat. <BR> <BR>Many boulangeries and patisseries sell ready-made sandwiches for next to nothing; there's a chain of sandwich shops called Lina's that francesca recommended not too long ago, and the food is good and less than what you'd pay for a comparable sandwich in the States. Finally, you can make your own lunch - cheese, bread, pickles, a bottle of wine or sparkling water - and have a gourmet picnic for very little money.

Any of you Paree-ophiles ever go to hardware stores or Home-Depot-ish places? I remember an article in a home magazine a few years ago; the author had found all kinds of cool stuff (neato drawer pulls, etc). <BR> <BR>Elvira, thank you for sharing. Any chance you'll be in Houston on January 27?

I am sure Elvira will answer this also, but I believe the stores you refer to are the department stores, La Samaritaine which is on the Right bank side of the Pont Neuf overlooking the Seine AND/OR the basement section of the dept store "BHV" in the Marais district. Both are nicer than Home Depot with many household items. La Samaritaine is a home furnishing mecca and the basement of BHV is literally a hardware store. They are very interesting to walk through, imo! I love to see how the French lifestyles differ from ours.

Meg <BR>I sent you my Paris file. <BR>elvira and meg, thanks so much for the ET souvenir information <BR>!

Thanks, Elaine - Can't wait to read your notes.

Meg: thanks for the ET bread address; cool beans. Elaine: a friend who made bread scuplture coated them in polyurethane to preserve them (I think there's some technique other than just slapping on a few coats) so that's what I'll try on my ET (and I do plan to get one next trip). <BR> <BR>BHV (very near the Hotel de Ville) is the place with the knobs, pulls and handles. For the astonishing, you have to go upstairs (I don't remember which floor). For 'simple' wooden knobs or brass pulls, go to the basement. In addition, all sorts of brass fittings for furniture, skeleton keys, the enameled blue numbers you see on every address in Paris, fancy curtain hooks, wood turnings to decorate furniture. And, for you guys...POWER TOOLS.

I can't wait to check out BHV. We're renovating an old house, so finding something in a Parisian "Home Depot" would be great. Thanks for the info.

While at the BHV, you MUST go to the fabric/lace department (5th or 6th floor - I think. Check the remnant box. I buy lots of fabric every time I'm there, then I make tablecloths/napkins for my self (or as gifts). Great prices, and since tablecloths/napkins only require a strait seam, even someone as sewing-challenge as me can do it. Have also recovered seat cushions (a good staple gun is all you need!). <BR> <BR>For the cooks out there, check out BHV's cookware department - the greatest stuff and much better prices than home. For the price of one Emile Henry gratin dish in the USA, I got two gratin dishes and a tarte dish at BHV. <BR> <BR>Did I mention that I LOVE BHV!

Outstanding posts, folks! I'm going in April and I already feel at home. is it worth renting an apartment for only ten days or so? <BR>Do you have any advice on good, affordable hotels? <BR>Also, did you ever leave the city for day trips?

Pat, <BR> <BR>It's definitely worth getting an apartment for 10 days. We've used www.chezvous.com three times and have been very pleased. It's great fun to set up housekeeping even for a week. We'd get fresh croissants every morning and bring them back to the apartment and make our own cafe creme. With a refrigerator, you can buy all those lovely cheeses and pates to have for an afternoon snack. Yum!