Many, many thanks for all of the posts. You have all been very helpful. I especially appreciate those who have encouraged "simply soaking up the atmosphere."

We are prepared to walk, walk, walk - the footwear has been thoroughly tested for comfort (and good looks!)

I was an art major, so the museums are especially important to me - not so much the Louvre (which, of course, we will visit), but the "smaller" jewels as well.

Shopping and eating are both important - but I think we most want to enjoy the city and become oriented so we can begin planning our next trip.

I absolutely want there to be things that are left undone - who wants to return to a place where everything has been seen/done/experienced?

I am so excited I can barely sleep - and it is a week until we leave! Thank you, again, for all of the wonderful suggestions and guidance.

-tlh

I agree that you should soak up the atmosphere. Just go walking and when you're tired go to a cafe, order a cafe, and just peoplewatch. At night go to a cafe predinner and order a kir, repeat.

Have fun!

Have a great time and report back.

Since you aren't sleeping much, go ahead and start packing. That way, you have time to 'fine-tune' what you're taking. And don't forget to call the banks and tell them which cards you'll be using overseas... and stop the paper and the mail... and so on.

Ditto what travelnut wrote.

The only time I suffered jet lag was my first trip (Paris). I stayed up late packing and checking my list of things to do. All should have been done b/4 then.

Now I get my packing done at least 2--- preferably 3--- days ahead of time. I get my "to do" list done the day before. The last night I'm in bed super early.
By the time we leave I'm so relaxed I sleep very well on the plane. No more jet lag.