Just got back from Paris - tips
Dec 1st, 2001, 05:10 PM
#64
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I read a second time Maria's post, and I see no obvious reason to state she's a fake. I don't know if she's egoistical, but anyway it has nothing to do about her travel being for real or not.<BR><BR> Her way to spell french is far from perfect, but a lot of people on travel boards have a lax understanding of the word "fluent", so it's not that surprising. It doesn't mean she couldn't be understood, anyway.<BR><BR>I don't think she's quoting from a guide book, either. I don't think a guide book would be so critical about the modern art collection at the centre Pompidou (though personnally I share her opinion). Neither a guide would print a factual error like stating that the building at the Palais Royal were the former king's residence, while a genuine tourists, misled by the name, easily could.<BR><BR>Her comments about metro's safety rule are probably over cautious, and she probably read them somewhere. But would could really give advices on this topic based on personnal experience apart from a professional pickpocket or a police officer?<BR><BR>Of course, one could suppose that she deliberatly criticized a restaurant or museum to make her travelogue sounding more "real", introduced delibarate errors, etc... But anybody could do exactly the same. The only way to be sure that a travelogue is a fake is when it includes obviously wrong statements. If someone say that the trains in the metro are painted in red or that the Manneken Pis is just beside Notre-Dame, for instance.<BR><BR> I see no reason to believe that her travelogue is less real than any other one I read here.
Dec 1st, 2001, 05:12 PM
#65
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I got good answers to my inquiries above and I don't see where it matters whether you folks think mariacallas is a "fraud" or not. (I personally think not, but you can think she is.) Is there travel advice you can use in her postings? I found there was for me...
Dec 1st, 2001, 06:23 PM
#66
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I'm surprised that anyone could find something about this travelogue to get so uppity about. MariaCallas appears to be an enthusuastic francophile who wants to help others enjoy their time in Paris. Perhaps Bonkers is right - that this nastiness is the work of one really screwed up individual with way too much time on their hands. What a shame, and how weird. Ewwwwhhhhh!
Dec 2nd, 2001, 02:05 AM
#67
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Well, I only posted the one thing with my name on it. I do still find the whole sort of mindset exemplified by this post to be extremely bizarre and yes, a little threatening if this is what is to pass for good taste now. And while you're right that I can click X and exit the page, when I'm actually in Paris escaping people like this is a bit more problematic, so anything I can possibly do to reduce the number of people who think this is a charming way to carry yourself about the world I feel obligated to try, for my own sanity's sake, though I certainly don't expect to find much success. Really I was just trying to have a little fun, which as far as I could tell was one ingredient conspicuous by its absence from this person's recommendations for going to Paris.
Dec 3rd, 2001, 01:25 AM
#69
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this is just a reply to the woman who was looking for advice with a 7 year old in restaurants. <BR><BR>we, too, figured most places wouldn't open until 7:30 or later-and then we discovered brasseries and bistros-they are what we would call 'restaurants', but they are a bit less formal and they're great. we found the menus had terrific, authentic cuisine and probably better prices-furthermore many were open throughout the afternoon and evening-which meant we could have dined at 6pm -or whatever we liked. we wound up eating late due to needing naps after long days-but it was nice to know there was a way around the late openings if we wanted it. i'd suggest these places with a child because i think they may offer more options and be more relaxing.
Dec 3rd, 2001, 02:33 PM
#70
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Maria, please enough of your cheese stories and all your other stories. We have heard enough. I agree with the person that said you were quoting from guide books. I too agree that you are. Of course not word for word. But please quit flaunting the fact that you have money or wanting us to believe you have it. Remember now no talking on the subway!!!!!
Dec 4th, 2001, 03:47 AM
#71
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Oh ignore the naysayers and postbashers mariacallas. It takes money to travel- where exactly do they think we get airplane tickets. Thanks for reminding me of fromages.com. <BR><BR>I learned about the metro when I lived in Paris for a few years. Although some are joking about it, you are right. I have watched pickpockets pick their targets, usually loud, gregarious Americans broadcasting that they are new to Paris. The French speak very little on the metro.<BR><BR>I do not think it is bragging to refer other posters to a place you can buy French cheeses. So, keep up the good work mariacallas. I copied your post for my neighbor who is taking her family to Paris. Thank you for writing out all of the information so I don't have to.
Dec 5th, 2001, 08:18 AM
#72
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Good old Maria is probably not a fake. However, she seems to be out of the "real world", at least moneywise. In spite of her protests, a $428 treasure chest for a nine-year old is far from being commonplace. As far as her Paris daily routine is concerned, I would estimate it to be on a 1500-2000 FF basis without the hotel. No harm with that, a good for her - and for our economy ! - but readers be aware of that !
Dec 5th, 2001, 08:37 AM
#73
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Thierry,<BR><BR>I agree with you 100%. She is definitely out of this real world. But she has definitely stretched the truth a lot.<BR><BR>Have you ever worked at Le Welcome Cafe? Someone on these boards was looking for Thierry and was wondering if you are the same Thierry
Dec 6th, 2001, 07:06 PM
#77
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As a mental health professional, I am certain that one person has posted at least thirty times under different names on this one thread alone. What a heartbreaking waste of time and energy. Please, (you know who you are), consult with your local mental health facility. You need professional help.
Dec 8th, 2001, 02:09 AM
#78
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I must say that I too do not find Maria to be a fraud. I just have returned from my 5th trip to Paris and find many of her observations right on target. I seem to get by in France even with my terrible French because I do try to converse in the native tongue although most people in Paris seem to speak much better English than I do French. I think some of her words are just play and my experience is that all mother's think their children are wondeful. <BR>It is probably true that her daughter has more saved money than most her age but who are we to be envious? <BR>I also agree after using the Taxi's several times this last visit that they are not that expensive and can be conveient. This is especially true if you have more than one person. They can also save time depending on where you are and where you are going.<BR>Trying to blend in with the people of Paris in order to avoid thieves is interesting but not something I do as I think that although all the things Maria mentions may be helpful in blending in , they probably do not cover up alot of the nonverbal things we do that tends to mark us as being tourists. Being careful, like in all large cities is my rule.<BR>I think Maria has gone through alot of work to give us her opinions and opinions whether you like them or not are what makes these posts interesting.<BR>Rather than be personally critical, which may inhibit other's from posting their opinions, perhaps we should take this epistle for what it is, one person's enthusiastic thoughts about her trip to Paris.<BR>
Dec 14th, 2001, 06:33 AM
#80
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Aargh, Maria Callas, I just spent 20 mins. writing a missive on how lovely the Parisians are & how this one gentleman helped me find the way to the other side of the RER tracks so that I might go the opposite direction, but I lost the entire thing!<BR><BR>Suffice it say, that you have a lovely trip report here, very charming in spite of your jetlag-induced typos. Glad you had fun. Welcome back!!!<BR><BR>I,too, have a 9-yr. old (& a 12-yr. old). Your 9-yr. old had loads of fun? How did she fare in the nicer restaurants? What a great holiday gift for her.<BR><BR>BTW, LOVE your arias!
