I have never read a RS book or watched his show.<BR>I just like to plan my own trips.<BR>And I try to keep an open mind.

TO: "Jeeez, did RS expect the Latin Quarter of the days of Hemingway to be just the same in the year 2002 ??? And is that not just a touch racist???<BR><BR>Racist, as defined by Websters..."one who believes that the human races have distinctive characteristics that determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea the one's own race is superior and has the right to rule other". And how is RS's comment<BR>racist??????<BR>

OK, maybe not exactly "racist" but to complain about the Latin Quartier being full of Greeks, Tunisians as if that is why it has lost its appeal.<BR>If it were because it was full of drug dealers and hookers, rats and falling down buildings, it would be unappealing. But if the reason is because Greeks live there, well---what do you think?

To: Jeez,<BR><BR>Perhaps it could be how you interpreted the remark? Did not that area of Paris obtain the designation "Latin Quarter" not because of Latins, but because the students at the Sorbonne would have debates/discussions in Latin. And that is the atmosphere that Hemingway experience? Perhaps all the remark means is that you will find little of the old atmosphere (i.e., students from the Sorbonne speaking Latin), but more individuals of Greek & Tunisian descent.<BR><BR>If you look for the negative in any comment, I guarantee you can find it. I believe it is a matter of your perspective on life. (Forgive any typo's please).

Leaving off the left bank means not seeing Rodin, the Invalides, the d'Orsay, St. Sulpice, Luxembourg Gardens, and all those interesting shops, etc., along Blvd. St. Germaine....????? why would anyone even consider that!

Both sides of the Seine are lovely and unique. Just start wandering, have coffee and croissant, walk some more, have lunch, walk some more, have some wine at a sidewalk cafe. We walked BOTH banks, Eiffle Tower, Rue Cler, Champes Elise (sp?), Tuilleries (sp?), Notre Dam, etc. all in one day.<BR><BR>We took the metro from Latin Quarter to the 7th to get started, then walked our way back!

Dear Webster,<BR> Perhaps, one is just sitting there waiting to correct other posters replies? <BR> I think this is less about what Jeeeez had to say, and more about the original poster xxx thinking that since Rick Steves thinks the Left Bank has lost it's appeal, he/she should skip it. You seem to have gotten sidetracked onto whatever Jeeez had to say.<BR> Which I read was concern over the priorities of guide book authors who denounce areas of cities for having a certain amount of nationalities residing there. Whether this is correct or not, Jeeez was not so off the mark to make such a conclusion.

ToSStone<BR><BR>My initial response was actually not to JEEEZ by to that XXX who made the "racist" remark to JEEZ. That was also the intent of the second remark. <BR><BR>You know, when these posts get long it's easy to mess up a bit due to the need to scroll down. I apologize if I confused you.

Can some pleeze explain how the Left Bank became the bank on the left and the Right Bank became the bank on the right--of what and who determined that?

It's the left and right banks of the Seine as if you were facing the Atlantic Ocean. Kind of obvious?

Beth<BR>Not obvious.....In Paris,you would face the English Channel,the North Sea,the Bay of Biscay. or the Mediterranean.Somebody, sometime decided that the Left Bank was on the left side of the Seine..what I am asking is who and why.Why didnt they face Germany with the oceans to the rear?

If you were in a boat floating DOWN the Seine through Paris, the Left Bank would be to your left.

I think the answer to this is:<BR><BR>What you heard was BS. <BR>You will not see Paris if you don't see more of it than just the Right Bank. Try to do some more research, read about the Left Bank and see if there is anything that appeals to you. Then make a decision based on your own research.<BR>We all do it and it is actually fun and rewarding.