Just spent 7 glorious days in Paris. First of all, the people I came in contact with were just great. No one was rude or impolite. But then I never engaged in a political discussion since my French is very limited.<BR><BR>I've been to Paris several times before and have done all the &quot;must do&quot; sights and sounds.<BR><BR>The highlights this time: 1) Attend mass at Notre Dame on Sunday. Wonderful organ music and an incredible woman singer. 2) Sunday market at Rue Mouffetard. Eating the best strawberries ever. Participating in a sing along and dancing on the street with the locals. Someone brought an accordion, someone passed the sheet music and everyone joined in. Such a feeling of camaraderie. 3) Seeing Paris from the top of Eiffel Tower at 10:30 pm, what with the lights and the stars and the quarter moon... Magical. 4) Au Lapin Agile performance. Loved it. And the cherry brandy was excellent. 5) Tour of the Paris sewers. Smelly but extremely educational. 6) Eating French pastries on a daily basis and walking at least 6 - 8 miles a day, using up 4 carnets of metro tickets (for 2 people). 7) Discovering new buildings, new churches and gardens. And people watching! What a treat!

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Mmmmm. . . strawberries. . . <BR><BR>Please tell me more about the Lapin Agile show. We've never done anything like that, but we've been by the Lapin Agile and my husband said that he'd like to check it out sometime. Thanks!<BR><BR>Anything in bloom there yet?

Thanks for this info so far! But definitely do share more. Trip reports are so much fun to read. My dh and I will be in Paris in 3 weeks, and since this is our second trip, we're looking for less tourist-y, more off the beaten track ideas. Love to hear more of what you did.

Paris is wonderful no matter what, where, or when. We never finish all our plans each trip and so return.

I leave for Paris in 76 days! This will be our 2nd trip and I am really looking forward to a more relaxed schedule this time. Strawberries are yummy!

Treesa - Thanks for sharing. I hope to hear more.<BR><BR>Katwoman - I leave for Paris in 56 days (my third trip). I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who starts counting down the days so far in advance!

Do you remember about what time the accordionist showed up? We went looking for him one time, but I think we were too early.<BR><BR>Sounds like you had a great trip! How was the weather? I too am going in about 6 weeks and can't wait! Am going to &quot;show&quot; Paris to the gal I used to babysit for and thought Mouffetard and the accordionist would be great for Sunday!

Live from Paris - 5.30 PM - weather is sunny and almost warm!<BR>Springtime seems to be here early this year.

I also would like more info on Au Lapin Agile. We will have my 11 year old granddaughter with us; is this strictly an adult night spot? Countdown now is less than a month....

Elle and Palette: Au Lapin Agile was one of the hightlights of the trip. I love French music, love Edith Piaf so it was nostalgia time for me. Even though I don't know the words in French I sang my la, la, las along with the singers. The show was appropriate for young people but it depends on their maturity. There is nothing risque but I know there were some saucy songs in French and, of course, I was clueless as to their meaning. It's a touristy show but most everyone there spoke or understood French. The place is fantastic, you're transported into the 19th century. Palette, at age 11 I was very mature, my two daughters at that age were babies (or at least that's how I perceive the situation).<BR><BR>LVSue: The accordion player showed up around 11:30 or so, because some people were already munching and milling all around and we walked all the way to Notre Dame for the 12:45 pm mass.<BR><BR>There were some blooms already, pink and white ones. I have no idea what kind of bushes these were. I'm not very familiar with plants' names, but some of the blooming bushes were just before getting to Champs Elysees and there was some blooming plants in the garden at the Palais Royale.<BR><BR>I have never seen Paris in March and it was rather stark and dramatic. The leaves were getting ready to pop.<BR><BR>As far as food, we ate at Lescure and at Chartier. Rest of the meals were crepes from small stands and sandwiches and fruit and French pastries. I'm addicted to French pastries in France. I don't really care for them in San Diego. They taste like cardboard. <BR><BR>I don't want to bore everybody with a blow by blow description of our trip but if anyone has questions, I'm at your disposal.

Thanks for the jump start &amp; getting me in the proper mood. I leave for Paris tomorrow... !!!

Au Lapin Agile -- I guess you either love it or hate it -- we hated it.<BR><BR>We made a 9:15 reservation on a Saturday evening last month, got there, they took our coats, and led us to a very crowded room packed with people sitting on stools around tables. They had to find us an extra stool <BR><BR>Everyone was singing French songs -- My wife and I didn't have a clue. We noticed also a couple of other couples with strange looks on their faces.<BR><BR>After about 4-5 songs, I looked at my wife and said &quot;let's get out of here.&quot; We got up and walked out to the entrance and asked the man for our coats. We told him that this just wasn't for us. He led us back to the coat room to get our coats when some lady came out in a panic -- saying something about we were going to miss the spectacle. We told her that this just was not our cup of tea, and we wanted our coats -- she kicked us out of the coat room, went in and closed the door, and in a minute or two opened the door and gave us our coats. It was kinda strange. As we were walking out, my wife mentioned to me that someone had gone thru her pockets as whatever non-valuables she had in there had been rearranged. It was really strange.<BR><BR>I personally wouldn't recommend the place unless of course you speak French and have some idea what is going on.

man i thought i was the only one who counted down their trips so far in advance. I have been counting down my trip for almost 50 days so far and i have 85 more days to go. I have a sheet and each day i mark off a day and each day i get closer to le Tour Eiffel (which i put in place of my number 1) hahaha i know i know. But i cant wait!!!

Hi,<BR><BR>I have never counted down the days until I go on vacation, but all of you inspired me and it is strange, but 100 days to go. The down side is I have so much work to complete before that day arrives, but working in education it will all be accomplished by June 21.

Dear Beatchick: I have not heard from Bob??? Please share your e-mail with me. Thanks a lot. [email protected]

Janeygirl,<BR><BR>I am so jealous. You will be in Paris one day before me. Maybe, I'll get to stay one day longer.

6 days from now for me!! <BR><BR> Keith

10 days for me! First stop the late M Poilane's.