No Reservations...our laidback Paris Christmas
Dec 30th, 2016, 06:19 PM
#42
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
denisea:
Following along and enjoying your fabulous Christmas in Paris - and not just a little jealous. What a dream trip! Can't wait to read more.
I'm curious about how your iPhone and devices connect to the travel-wifi hit pocket device thus avoiding data charges from your U.S. provider. Did you also make phone calls using that as the data source? As a solo senior traveler my family prefers that I touch base with them daily, either by text, email, or calling. Since its apparent that I'm technically challenged any info/help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Following along and enjoying your fabulous Christmas in Paris - and not just a little jealous. What a dream trip! Can't wait to read more.
I'm curious about how your iPhone and devices connect to the travel-wifi hit pocket device thus avoiding data charges from your U.S. provider. Did you also make phone calls using that as the data source? As a solo senior traveler my family prefers that I touch base with them daily, either by text, email, or calling. Since its apparent that I'm technically challenged any info/help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Dec 30th, 2016, 09:33 PM
#43
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For travelchat:
If you have wifi and a smartphone, you can use "Google Hangouts" and "Hangouts Dialer" to call the USA for free.
I live in Germany, and I use it often to call friends back in the USA. Just download both applications (not sure why you need both . . .). Then open the Hangouts Dialer and dial the US number in the usual way (001 - xxx - xxx - xxxx). You can call either landlines or a cell in the US. You'll be connected quickly and will be able to talk for free.
A few cautions.
First, I have an Android phone, so I'm not sure how using google apps would work if you have an Apple device. It may be fine. Or, I'm sure there is a similar app just for Apple devises.
Second, I have a German cell provider. My friends in the USA tell me that when they try to use Google Hangouts/Dialer, it wants to charge them some money. So, if you will be using an American provider while in Europe, it may want to charge you. But if you pick up a European sim, and you have wifi, you'll be fine.
Hope you find a good solution!
s
If you have wifi and a smartphone, you can use "Google Hangouts" and "Hangouts Dialer" to call the USA for free.
I live in Germany, and I use it often to call friends back in the USA. Just download both applications (not sure why you need both . . .). Then open the Hangouts Dialer and dial the US number in the usual way (001 - xxx - xxx - xxxx). You can call either landlines or a cell in the US. You'll be connected quickly and will be able to talk for free.
A few cautions.
First, I have an Android phone, so I'm not sure how using google apps would work if you have an Apple device. It may be fine. Or, I'm sure there is a similar app just for Apple devises.
Second, I have a German cell provider. My friends in the USA tell me that when they try to use Google Hangouts/Dialer, it wants to charge them some money. So, if you will be using an American provider while in Europe, it may want to charge you. But if you pick up a European sim, and you have wifi, you'll be fine.
Hope you find a good solution!
s
Dec 30th, 2016, 09:41 PM
#44
lovely pics Denise, and thanks for the pic of the tote bag too. The website says that you can also fold up the leather versions really small but at $565 they are out of my league. Also, why do handbag makers so rarely show you how the inside of the bag is configured? if I'm paying that sort of money [or any money] for a handbag, I want to see the inside too!
travelchat - my [British] phone contract now includes european texts and phone calls, plus I pay £3 a day when I'm in Europe for data access. This is due to new european regs - goodness knows what will happen when [dare I still say if?] we leave the EU. You might want to see what your phone provider offers to compare with the cost of the travel device Denise used.
travelchat - my [British] phone contract now includes european texts and phone calls, plus I pay £3 a day when I'm in Europe for data access. This is due to new european regs - goodness knows what will happen when [dare I still say if?] we leave the EU. You might want to see what your phone provider offers to compare with the cost of the travel device Denise used.
Dec 31st, 2016, 03:32 AM
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your responses everyone.
Cats....yes, I do still have the coin purse. I can't believe you remember that! Fun blast from the past!
LBloom...the apartment was through Paris Perfect. It was the Nuit St George apt. located on rue du Dragon.
Travelchat---the wi-fi device is just a small unit about the size of a credit card but a bit thicker. You are given the network name of the unit and the passcode to connect. You just turn off the cellular data in your smartphone settings and connect to the unit in your phone's wi-fi setting. Enter the passcode and you are connected, just as you would be connected to your home wi-fi or any other wi-fi network. You can connect up to 10 devices. Your devices will stay connected to the network. Use your phone as you would ordinarily to send texts, emails, social media posts, map directions, etc....we did not make calls but there is no reason you can't make calls in a number of ways using wi-fi without using your devices as a hotspot or needing a European SIM card, etc....or looking for free wi-fi while out and about.
You can look at TechRadar for more on making phone calls via wi-fi or your cellular carrier's FAQs will also have that info and swandav's post is very detailed on the topic. It worked well for us and there are multiple ways to accomplish this.
Cats....yes, I do still have the coin purse. I can't believe you remember that! Fun blast from the past!
LBloom...the apartment was through Paris Perfect. It was the Nuit St George apt. located on rue du Dragon.
Travelchat---the wi-fi device is just a small unit about the size of a credit card but a bit thicker. You are given the network name of the unit and the passcode to connect. You just turn off the cellular data in your smartphone settings and connect to the unit in your phone's wi-fi setting. Enter the passcode and you are connected, just as you would be connected to your home wi-fi or any other wi-fi network. You can connect up to 10 devices. Your devices will stay connected to the network. Use your phone as you would ordinarily to send texts, emails, social media posts, map directions, etc....we did not make calls but there is no reason you can't make calls in a number of ways using wi-fi without using your devices as a hotspot or needing a European SIM card, etc....or looking for free wi-fi while out and about.
You can look at TechRadar for more on making phone calls via wi-fi or your cellular carrier's FAQs will also have that info and swandav's post is very detailed on the topic. It worked well for us and there are multiple ways to accomplish this.
Dec 31st, 2016, 04:22 AM
#46
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Loving your report, as usual, Denise! "No reservations" (well, almost) is the only way to go to Paris for us these days. Every day feels like a luxury. Funny, we had a few days of sleeping in, too, which is highly unusual for us. Part of it is surely sunrise times, but I also think we sometimes beat the hell out of ourselves on these "do nothing" trips, lol, as you can attest to with your steps. Not a bad thing at all. I never think about chocolate mousse any more, but I think it's time I do! Love all the pics, too.
Dec 31st, 2016, 04:31 AM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, annhig...I got the nylon bag. Much less expensive and quite durable, especially for putting the bag through airport X-ray and shoving into storage bins on planes.
Yankygal, I rarely sleep past 7am! 10:30 is crazy and in the teenager realm! I was stunned that I slept for about 11 hours, so more than made up for the previous night with only an hour or two on the flight over.
Yankygal, I rarely sleep past 7am! 10:30 is crazy and in the teenager realm! I was stunned that I slept for about 11 hours, so more than made up for the previous night with only an hour or two on the flight over.
Dec 31st, 2016, 05:55 AM
#48
<<Oh, annhig...I got the nylon bag. Much less expensive and quite durable, especially for putting the bag through airport X-ray and shoving into storage bins on planes.>>
lol, Denise, I have a thick cotton bag that I use for the same purpose, and it doubles as a beach bag too where that is applicable. I think I bought it for about £5 20 or so years ago. It's fine on beach hols but probably wouldn't pass muster in Paris. perhaps i'm due for a replacement!
lol, Denise, I have a thick cotton bag that I use for the same purpose, and it doubles as a beach bag too where that is applicable. I think I bought it for about £5 20 or so years ago. It's fine on beach hols but probably wouldn't pass muster in Paris. perhaps i'm due for a replacement!
Dec 31st, 2016, 06:03 AM
#49
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Denise:
Excellente report as usual and pics that made me want to depart to Paris right now!
Related to gelato, I think Amorino (amarena, ohhhhh amarena) is second only to Dondoli in San Geminiano.
Waiting for more!
Excellente report as usual and pics that made me want to depart to Paris right now!
Related to gelato, I think Amorino (amarena, ohhhhh amarena) is second only to Dondoli in San Geminiano.
Waiting for more!
Dec 31st, 2016, 07:59 AM
#53
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Swandav2000:
Thanks for taking the time to spell out your very useful info, most helpful! Now, if I can put this info together with denisea's and that of the travel-wifi web site, then make sense of it, I might just get it to work for me. Miracles do happen.
denisea:
Appreciate very much your response. I'm planning to get the same travel-wifi you describe above for my travel in May, have gone on to check out the web site, (waiting for response to questions). I'm thinking just texting back and forth regularly, not calling, might keep my daughter happy and I would be able to do that with this device. (We skype from Paris but find that on the river cruises this doesn't always work) If I might ask, which of the three plans did you get and did it adequately cover your time in Paris. Did you mail it back from the airport? Thanks again.
Thanks for taking the time to spell out your very useful info, most helpful! Now, if I can put this info together with denisea's and that of the travel-wifi web site, then make sense of it, I might just get it to work for me. Miracles do happen.
denisea:
Appreciate very much your response. I'm planning to get the same travel-wifi you describe above for my travel in May, have gone on to check out the web site, (waiting for response to questions). I'm thinking just texting back and forth regularly, not calling, might keep my daughter happy and I would be able to do that with this device. (We skype from Paris but find that on the river cruises this doesn't always work) If I might ask, which of the three plans did you get and did it adequately cover your time in Paris. Did you mail it back from the airport? Thanks again.
Dec 31st, 2016, 08:09 AM
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A little more....
Friday, December 23, 2016 – Day 3
We started at Le Bonaparte and today felt like a good day to have some hot chocolate with my tartine and yogurt. We hit the Metro at St Germain des Pres on our way to the Museum of Decorative Arts. Again, we walked onto the platform and the train was there waiting on us! ☺ I have been trying to get to this museum for some time and it just didn’t happen. My main interest was the jewelry gallery (no surprise there, right?). This year there was an exhibit that was also of interest to me….
TENUE CORRECTE EXIGÉE, QUAND LE VÊTEMENT FAIT SCANDALE
REQUIRED CONDUCT, WHEN CLOTHING MAKES SCANDAL
http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/fran...fait-scandale/
The exhibit was excellent with stories of clothes, changes in fashion and some of the themes around "inappropriate" clothing at different times….too sheer, too colorful, too short, too tight, too masculine, too revealing, etc…how interesting! There were a number of videos to illustrate responses to new fashions that pushed the envelope at the time. There was one film of a woman walking through Paris in a mini-skirt and it revealed the responses of men and women watching this “outrageous” new fashion. So interesting and wildly entertaining….most of the men couldn’t stop looking, most of the older women were appalled and the younger women were liking it but not sure exactly what to think.
I was truly surprised by the thought that certain things were considered too colorful! Who woulda thought?
There is a lot to consider here like religious influence on clothing, designers influence, runway shows that pushed the envelope, the debut of clothing like the bikini and on and on.
It was fun to see the tuxedo Marlene Dietrich wore in “Morocco” and the thought that it was too masculine! Times have changed and thank God.
Even if you are not “into fashion”, this is a great exhibit, as we all have seen what used to be scandalous become accepted. There was also a great compilation of movie clips related to fashion…clips from The Devil Wears Prada, Four Weddings and a Funeral, A Streetcar Named Desire and more….
This was a well-done exhibit. I believe it runs through April 2017. So, if you are in Paris I recommend this!
We also spent some quality time in the jewelry gallery and saw some amazing pieces there. We did spend some time in some of the furniture galleries but that was less interesting for us.
While we were in the area, we did a lap in Le Meurice but did not stay long. We went back to Baccarat with my passport to update the records for the tax refund. Not too bad to backtrack our steps there. Le Bristol was all decked out in holiday style, as well.
We walked back to the Champs Elysees and through the Christmas market for a little way to the Clemenceau metro station and up to Odeon. We chose Le Comptoir for lunch and sat outside. A glass of wine to start with some saucisson…so good. I never get anything like this at home so I eat copious amounts while in Paris. I love how thin they slice it and the combination of richness from all that fat and the saltiness just works for me.
Chaz got their beef cheeks (his usual) but they are always changing it up a bit. This time they have added some preserved lemon to the mix. I had roast pork with lentils. Excellent. No dessert this time.
Off to shop a bit around rue Saint Peres. We visited Creed and picked up Chaz’ Green Irish Tweed fragrance and did a lap in DVF. We wound up at the covered market at St Germain and picked up a bottle of Champagne from Bacchus et Ariane for Christmas Day. We didn’t get to it on this visit but there are some tiny restaurant/wine bars in the market that I would love to have lunch at next visit. Has anyone been to one of these?
We worked our way over to Les Editeurs for l’apero. We had not been here in a while but we have fond memories it and we love this little area with Le Danton, Le Comptoir, Marco Polo and Les Editeurs at the corners.
Speaking of Marco Polo, we took a look at the menu of another Italian restaurant, Il Suppli and while it looked good, we know we love Marco Polo and couldn’t resist another trip there. Not only is the food good but it’s always good for people watching. I was very entertained by the two gentlemen seated next to us. They looked like the two divorced guys who meet for dinner every few weeks. One of them had the wildest hair (a bit Albert Einstein) and had the animated personality to match the hair. I think maybe I was intrigued because they both ordered Jack Daniels to start.
Anyway, we started with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella…it was beautiful and so very good. Dinner was gorgonzola gnocchi for me, lemon roasted fish and haricot vert for Chaz. Tiramisu for dessert. Another excellent meal and experience at Marco Polo. The day’s step count – 16, 538 steps…not bad.
Friday, December 23, 2016 – Day 3
We started at Le Bonaparte and today felt like a good day to have some hot chocolate with my tartine and yogurt. We hit the Metro at St Germain des Pres on our way to the Museum of Decorative Arts. Again, we walked onto the platform and the train was there waiting on us! ☺ I have been trying to get to this museum for some time and it just didn’t happen. My main interest was the jewelry gallery (no surprise there, right?). This year there was an exhibit that was also of interest to me….
TENUE CORRECTE EXIGÉE, QUAND LE VÊTEMENT FAIT SCANDALE
REQUIRED CONDUCT, WHEN CLOTHING MAKES SCANDAL
http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/fran...fait-scandale/
The exhibit was excellent with stories of clothes, changes in fashion and some of the themes around "inappropriate" clothing at different times….too sheer, too colorful, too short, too tight, too masculine, too revealing, etc…how interesting! There were a number of videos to illustrate responses to new fashions that pushed the envelope at the time. There was one film of a woman walking through Paris in a mini-skirt and it revealed the responses of men and women watching this “outrageous” new fashion. So interesting and wildly entertaining….most of the men couldn’t stop looking, most of the older women were appalled and the younger women were liking it but not sure exactly what to think.
I was truly surprised by the thought that certain things were considered too colorful! Who woulda thought?
There is a lot to consider here like religious influence on clothing, designers influence, runway shows that pushed the envelope, the debut of clothing like the bikini and on and on.
It was fun to see the tuxedo Marlene Dietrich wore in “Morocco” and the thought that it was too masculine! Times have changed and thank God.
Even if you are not “into fashion”, this is a great exhibit, as we all have seen what used to be scandalous become accepted. There was also a great compilation of movie clips related to fashion…clips from The Devil Wears Prada, Four Weddings and a Funeral, A Streetcar Named Desire and more….
This was a well-done exhibit. I believe it runs through April 2017. So, if you are in Paris I recommend this!
We also spent some quality time in the jewelry gallery and saw some amazing pieces there. We did spend some time in some of the furniture galleries but that was less interesting for us.
While we were in the area, we did a lap in Le Meurice but did not stay long. We went back to Baccarat with my passport to update the records for the tax refund. Not too bad to backtrack our steps there. Le Bristol was all decked out in holiday style, as well.
We walked back to the Champs Elysees and through the Christmas market for a little way to the Clemenceau metro station and up to Odeon. We chose Le Comptoir for lunch and sat outside. A glass of wine to start with some saucisson…so good. I never get anything like this at home so I eat copious amounts while in Paris. I love how thin they slice it and the combination of richness from all that fat and the saltiness just works for me.
Chaz got their beef cheeks (his usual) but they are always changing it up a bit. This time they have added some preserved lemon to the mix. I had roast pork with lentils. Excellent. No dessert this time.
Off to shop a bit around rue Saint Peres. We visited Creed and picked up Chaz’ Green Irish Tweed fragrance and did a lap in DVF. We wound up at the covered market at St Germain and picked up a bottle of Champagne from Bacchus et Ariane for Christmas Day. We didn’t get to it on this visit but there are some tiny restaurant/wine bars in the market that I would love to have lunch at next visit. Has anyone been to one of these?
We worked our way over to Les Editeurs for l’apero. We had not been here in a while but we have fond memories it and we love this little area with Le Danton, Le Comptoir, Marco Polo and Les Editeurs at the corners.
Speaking of Marco Polo, we took a look at the menu of another Italian restaurant, Il Suppli and while it looked good, we know we love Marco Polo and couldn’t resist another trip there. Not only is the food good but it’s always good for people watching. I was very entertained by the two gentlemen seated next to us. They looked like the two divorced guys who meet for dinner every few weeks. One of them had the wildest hair (a bit Albert Einstein) and had the animated personality to match the hair. I think maybe I was intrigued because they both ordered Jack Daniels to start.
Anyway, we started with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella…it was beautiful and so very good. Dinner was gorgonzola gnocchi for me, lemon roasted fish and haricot vert for Chaz. Tiramisu for dessert. Another excellent meal and experience at Marco Polo. The day’s step count – 16, 538 steps…not bad.
Dec 31st, 2016, 01:14 PM
#56
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes...every trip there is something that I want to kick myself for not doing...ya can't get to everything but I know how you feel.
VM- my husband (formerly known as Mr Starbucks from previous TRs).
VM- my husband (formerly known as Mr Starbucks from previous TRs).
Jan 1st, 2017, 06:06 AM
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why can't I ever remember to post the link to the photos? Some things never change. See below:
https://goo.gl/photos/on19WEosB7MniYXu9
https://goo.gl/photos/on19WEosB7MniYXu9
Jan 1st, 2017, 10:24 AM
#58
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denisea, loving your report of your Christmas Week in Paris. What's not to like about Georges V? The sole meuniere at Allard's sounded like a great choice for Christmas Eve Dinner. That will be our choice at Allard's on our next visit.
We just returned last evening from four days in NYC where Christmas Week is also amazing. We stopped in Baccarat in late afternoon, and since the bar wasn't as yet open, we were seated in the salon. Lovely experience; a recommendation we picked up from you. Thanks!
We just returned last evening from four days in NYC where Christmas Week is also amazing. We stopped in Baccarat in late afternoon, and since the bar wasn't as yet open, we were seated in the salon. Lovely experience; a recommendation we picked up from you. Thanks!
Jan 1st, 2017, 10:28 AM
#59
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi denisea,
Thank you for your trip report, very enjoyable to read. What do you think of the apartment? I love the color and the kitchen with the window. I have been wanting to stay at that apartment but we keep going back to the 7th.
Thank you for your trip report, very enjoyable to read. What do you think of the apartment? I love the color and the kitchen with the window. I have been wanting to stay at that apartment but we keep going back to the 7th.
