Brahmama

I will be posting a long detailed (and probably boring) trip report, when I can think again! I have a bit of jet lag right now.
But I wanted to say first of all, that we just flew in from paris (left 3/20 at 11:30 AM) and had absolutely no problem in paris or any place that we went. There are a lot of police around "hot spots" but it's to patrol mostly teenagers full of hormones. We saw all the sights, were treated very well by all - at small cafes, at the little hotel, by cabs, actually we didn't have one unpleasant experience. Several people saw us poring over maps, and stopped to direct us to the appropriate place, etc.
I was a little nervous about Paris, so i wanted to get this message in right away for those who might share that feeling with me. As one lady told me in Venice, "You must let NOTHING keep you from having a wonderful trip. Travel is a gift from God."
Best wishes for all travelers from Brahmama.

KathyNZ

Whether you have a problem or not depends on your outlook on life and your attitude towards people.
Obviously you score well on both counts so good for you, glad you enjoyed your trip.
I like the comment 'travel is a gift from god'

Biscuit

Not to stir things up, but the comment "travel is a gift from God" is a little odd to me. What about people that can't travel? God only gives gifts to those that can afford it? I'm sure the woman meant well, but sounds like utter nonsense to me.

Anyway, glad you had a great trip, Brahmama. Makes me feel good to hear as we are leaving in about a week for London and Paris.

Looking forward to your trip report.

littletraveler

You have NO idea how relieved I am to see your post. I have been "this" far away from picking up the phone can canceling with AA our trip to Paris tomorrow. Thank you for reporting on how you were received in Paris.

boatgirlhm

I too, was happy to see your post. I have never been afraid to travel-ie Italy just after 9/11, Istanbul just after they blew up the USS Cole, but have been having "pangs" about our upcoming Paris/France trip in 3 weeks. Thanks for your input. Helaine

Sherbert

I am going to Paris for my honeymoon in a few weeks. I am glad to hear the atmosphere was friendly. How was the weather?

Brahmama

Sherbert,
The weather was delightful, but I think March - anywhere - can be unpredictable! I took stuff to layer and a zip-out lined raincoat and it worked fine. We had sunshine for 14 days - couldn't believe it. What amazed me in Paris was the number of flowering trees already in bloom. We took the big Red (Rouge) Bus - hop on and off for 2 days - and sat on the top floor most of the time. Perfect weather for walking. But do take your umbrella, just in case!
Have a wonderful trip!

I'm trying to post my trip reports - but can't get the tuscany to "take". I have no idea what the problem is. Maybe I'll post everything separately, but I didn't want to do that.

ira

Hi
There is a limit on the length of messages. When posting your reports, it is best to break them into 400 - 500 word sections. You can just add the later sections to the original posting.

Brahmama

Thanks so much, Ira. That was the problem - I had no idea I had rambled on that much about the Tuscany part! So I split it in two and got it posted.

If anyone is interested in readng the (very long) trip report, it's all under "Brahmama, Home from Italy/Paris. Long,boring, hopefully useful report"

I still have the Venice and Paris segments to post in a day or two.

oldorch

just a note...my wife and i returned from paris last night. we had absolutely no problems with anybody or anything for our 4 day stay. cdg airport is a bit "chaotic" with baggage checking so please leave yourself enough time. the planes were full and service was great. my wife was a bit nervous before the trip but was very glad i didn't let her talk me into cancelling our trip. cheers.

RonZ

We just returned from a one week trip to Paris...city was glorious with a lucky run of sunny skies...lots of people out and about, warm reception wherever we went.