Buffalogirl - I loved reading your report. I took my 1st trip to Paris this past summer and I know the feeling of excitement. Your trip sounded wonderful!

Thanks, JillDavis. I wonder if trip #2 (whenever that is) will be as exciting? We probably don't have to wonder....I think we already know, right?

Trip #2 is already in planning stages for Rome, Amalfi Coast, and Tuscany. Sept. 2011! You should do Italy next Buffalogirl. I bet you would love it!

Actually, I did two years ago. It was my very first trip to Italy - actually my first trip to Europe. I loved it there, too. I must get back there, too. Sigh.

Buffalogirl, great trip report!

dupher, my friend, it is so nice to see you post. How have you been? and Natty?

Thanks, cafegoddess!

Jill:
Thanks for your beautiful report on Paris.We were in Paris,the Amalfi Coast and rome in september 2009.As you are planning to go in 2001; you can read my trip report.
Have a nice trip and enjoy planning!!!

Sorry!!!! the previous entry was intended for Buffalo girl.

Cafegoddess,
How nice of you to remember..and ask about Natty...he is now in Okinawa putting in his final tour in the USMC...my DW has been having some health issues, so our future travel possibilities have dwindled, but we will always have that glorious adventure and the wonderful conversations with the delightful Fodorites to look back on....thank you for the reminder...
Dupher

BuffaloGirl, your journal lives on. I am enjoying it and jotting notes for our May trip. Thank you so much for writing it and with such humor!

Formerly,
RochesterGirl! (so I understand your Toronto reference!)

BuffaloGirl, this was amazing. I'm taking my wife to Paris in April for her 50th birthday. It's a surprise until we get to the Portland airport to leave (she knows we're going somewhere, but doesn't know where). I've never been to Paris, she was only there once, for a weekend, in collge. So I printed out your journal to give her to read on the flight there. Thanks!

Thank you!

MarySteveChicago - I bet May is a wonderful time to go. Have a great time.

BananaSlug - how exciting! Wow, is your wife in for a surprise. I am honored that you've printed out my report. Enjoy your trip.

What a fun TR...loved it! I think It doesn't matter if it's your 1st or 40th trip to Paris, it's alway fabulous. Hope u can get back there soon to continue your love affair.

"But I left Paris with a scarf, and I now wear it all the time. And I regret not buying a purse in Paris"
I was lucky to be in Paris for 2 weeks this May, but came with one tiny suitcase so that I would not be tempted to buy souvenirs. However I do regret not buying frames for my glasses. Their optical shops were fabulous!!!!

HI again, Buffalogirl. I meant to write back around Thanksgiving to thank you for the info about thelocal bakery. We'll be there in June...and though it's been yrs since i wrote a trip report (last one was on St John) i will at least report back on YOUR boulangerie.
We're staying right by there, and after what you wrote, quite glad to be leaving on a Friday morning, before the "street parties" on Friday night.
You mentioned the martyr's memorial near Notre Dame. There is also a great museum of the French holocaust...on the Right bank,not too far from the Marais. It includes postcards sent from the camps, to addresses in the Marais, and heartbreaking photos of local Parisian children who were killed.
I love that too about Europe, and France--the doorways and walls that have the placques with names of soldiers who died there--so we don't forget.
Thanks again for your terrific report, and Bonne Nouvelle Annee

yestravel - thank you!

jrecm - I'm not a huge shopper, but Paris made me want to shop like crazy. Good thing I was on a budget.

CaliNurse - I can't promise that little bakery is better than any other one, but it sure was good to me. I wish I would have seen the museum you mentioned. Next time for sure. Bonne Nouvelle Annee to you too!

WOW! BG! I just spent my Sunday afternoon reading your original post (1st time in Paris), followed by you trip report. Thank you so much for sharing.
I am planning a trip to Paris this coming July. It will be my 2nd time in Paris (1st in July, 2001), but I think I am more excited this time around than the 1st. My 1st trip was not really researched or planned out. It was a graduation gift from my parents and in-laws and I was just thrilled to go to Europe for the 1st time. We also went to Greece on that trip and I think I was more excited about Greece at the time. But Paris took my breath away and now, 10 year later, my husband and I will return to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary there! I am sooo excited!
I too am becoming obsessed planning this trip (researching the travel books, reading the various TR and forums on Paris, talking non-stop about it to anyone who will listen, shopping for comfy shoes and making a list of what I must see).
So glad to have read your TR. It inspired me to start my own when I return.
Jazzzy

I have no idea how I missed this earlier! Anyway, I loved your report and it is making me more excited for our trip this summer. Not our first, but always exciting.

BTW, the college tuition thing...I definitely get that. Here is a selfish way to do a trip. DD is doing a study abroad term that will end this summer, so of course I need to go and meet her at the end of it Somehow paying for tuition to study in Paris doesn't hurt as much, lol.

Also, my best friend was going with me, but had to back out due to a family emergency. So now it will be DD's friend that she is going on exchange with. So me and two college girls for a couple weeks. Should be fun!

I don't know what possessed me to check my old post today, but I am happy to know people are still enjoying it.

Jazzzy - how exciting! What a great way to spend an anniversary. I have a big anniversary coming up but, unfortunately my husband's vehicle needs some work and I need new tires, so we'll be celebrating here in beautiful Buffalo. !-) Enjoy your planning!

mms - a couple of weeks in Paris - fabulous! Have a wonderful time.

I look forward to reading both your trip reports when you return.

I hope those two remember to stick out their tongue's