sppunk

... and according to weather.com, the weather should shape up to be pretty much perfect! (I probably just jinxed it though).

Anyway, I will be sure to report back when I get home about it. I'm a journalist so will likely just copy my travel piece to you all, and link you with the pictures.

Any last minute advice? The only major concern I have is getting around in Paris (I have awful French ... my Boston accent doesn't make for good-speaking French) and trying to get everything accomplished!

Thanks again to everyone for the assistance, I couldn't have planned without you!

LarryJG62

Bon voyage! Paris is a great city for walking so you'll probably get around that way for the most part. If you have to cross town, just hop on the metro. Get 'un carnet' (booklet of ten) on your first ride. I'd bet that would be plenty. If you don't see everything on your list, just save it for your next trip. You'll be back.

francophile03

I would rather venture speaking my h.s. Spanish than French which I have trouble pronouncing. Just learn some basic greetings and phrases. Practically everyone speaks a bit of English.

sppunk

I do know a few greetings, hello, thank you, sir, madam, have a good evening, good morning, etc.

I don't know numbers unfortunately, that might make paying the taxi driver on the way from de Nor to Hotel Madison a bit tricky. But I have little cards with the hotel's address printed so I can just hand them to the driver.

mgmargate

We have travelled in approx. 15 European countries and a large majority of the people you will come into contact with speak english.It never hurts to try to exchange pleasantries in the local language,most locals will appreciate the attempt however bad it sounds.

seafox

check your flight status regularly and be sure to call the airlines. The tragedy this AM at DeGaul is bound to create havoc at the airport for several days.

sherry1

Have someone teach you to say: "I'm sorry but I don't speak French." Works wonders with people.

Kelabel

Me Too Sppunk! I leave Monday for Paris from Boston. Have fun!

ira

Hi sp,

Your taxi should have a meter.

I bring a small pad and a pen and ask the taxi drivers to write down the amount.

Christina

I agree with Ira -- you can see the fare on the meter, although I imagine a taxi driver will write it down for you if you clearly don't know French. Do not expect it to be exactly the same as the meter, there will probably be a small charge added on for any luggage (about 1 euro per bag). If good service, I tip about 10 pct for taxis. The card with the hotel's name and address is a good idea.

Statia

Have a great trip, Chris! The Paris metro is a cinch to figure out and gets you anywhere in the city quickly. Just be sure to get a good metro map and always look at the "last stop" of the line to decide which train you need to take.

djkbooks

Be advised - I checked the ten-day forecast for London (we just returned today) which predicted temps in the 60's (mostly lower) with good chance of rain every day. Good thing I subscribe to the popular concensus of packing for at least ten degrees warmer or cooler. Temps were over 70 and it was sunny all day every day the first 8 days. Next two days very chilly, a bit of rain, freezing when the sun set.

As for Paris, you can't even depend upon the forecast on the TV every morning.

francophile03

Chris, about your hotel's address, write it down or get a printout of the hotel's location from their website (if they have one) and give to the taxi driver. I began doing this after a taxi driver couldn't understand the hotel's name and was having trouble finding it.