One Week to GO!!!
Dec 14th, 2009, 04:06 PM
#21
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I know DW wants to head over to the Jewish part of town (we are Jewish (for those of you who I haven't written with before). She heard there was some good shopping in that area...to hear that there is good food makes me very excited to know I'll have something to do while she shops!!! 
I'm a huge fan of artichoke and zucchini so those two items will now be added to my must haves! I'm really looking forward to try new foods so that I can add them to my repetoire (sic?) of recipes at home!
We've printed out a few sheets of "must know" phrases for Italy and France, but I've also downloaded some stuff to my Ipod touch that will be able to give us some help on that area too.
This will be my first vacation since I've become a member on here so you can bet your a** I'm going to write a trip report! I never would've learned as much as I have for this trip without scouring this site for trip reports and asking questions. I want to make sure the next guy/girl in my shoes will be able to use the information I've learned and I want to share with everyone who's given me information that I've taken their advice!
We leave next Monday so keep the good tips coming!!!
THANKS AGAIN!
I'm a huge fan of artichoke and zucchini so those two items will now be added to my must haves! I'm really looking forward to try new foods so that I can add them to my repetoire (sic?) of recipes at home!We've printed out a few sheets of "must know" phrases for Italy and France, but I've also downloaded some stuff to my Ipod touch that will be able to give us some help on that area too.
This will be my first vacation since I've become a member on here so you can bet your a** I'm going to write a trip report! I never would've learned as much as I have for this trip without scouring this site for trip reports and asking questions. I want to make sure the next guy/girl in my shoes will be able to use the information I've learned and I want to share with everyone who's given me information that I've taken their advice!
We leave next Monday so keep the good tips coming!!!
THANKS AGAIN!
Dec 14th, 2009, 04:10 PM
#22
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Oh and Maitaitom I will be getting the Roma Pass when we land in Rome. I read about it on here and it seems like a very good investment (all big cities should have something like this!), but I decided against purchasing it online for I read that I'd have to pick it up at the kiosk at FCO anyways...
Dec 14th, 2009, 04:31 PM
#23
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Stuart...for you and your wife (how does that sound??), when in Paris plan to spend some time in and around Rue des Rosiers in the heart of The Marais district. Perhaps a lunch at Marianne's, or L'as due Fallafel, and incredile pastry at Sacha Finkelsztajn's (small building painted yellow, across from Marianne's) or at Florence Finkelsztajn's down the street....many shops, some upscale, others moderate in and around the aformentioned street...even a kosher sushi bar!
Visit the fairly new Jewish Museum, near the Picasso...both in the Marais. Fair warning, you may be drafted for a <i>minyan</i> if you're there in the early morning or late afternoon...the <i>Chabadnicks</i> are lurking everywhere. It might be an interesting experience for you (wife not invited). I did once several years ago, in a <i>shtiebel</i> (storefront synagogue) and they made me feel like a visiting dignitary, even tossed an <i>aliyah</i> my way. They probably thought I had deep pockets...surprise!!
Have a great time, you two love birds!!
stu tower
Visit the fairly new Jewish Museum, near the Picasso...both in the Marais. Fair warning, you may be drafted for a <i>minyan</i> if you're there in the early morning or late afternoon...the <i>Chabadnicks</i> are lurking everywhere. It might be an interesting experience for you (wife not invited). I did once several years ago, in a <i>shtiebel</i> (storefront synagogue) and they made me feel like a visiting dignitary, even tossed an <i>aliyah</i> my way. They probably thought I had deep pockets...surprise!!
Have a great time, you two love birds!!
stu tower
Dec 15th, 2009, 07:05 AM
#24
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Haha I hope I don't get called for an aliyah! If it happens though, it'll be a good story to tell
Sushi is our one of our favorite foods to eat, we just might have to try to find that place...although we already have a hard time understanding the menu here I'm sure we'll have an even harder time there!
Almost to mid-week, I feel like I'm counting the seconds until we leave!
Sushi is our one of our favorite foods to eat, we just might have to try to find that place...although we already have a hard time understanding the menu here I'm sure we'll have an even harder time there!
Almost to mid-week, I feel like I'm counting the seconds until we leave!
Dec 15th, 2009, 09:40 AM
#26
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Stuart...two sushi bars are right on Rosiers...a few doors down from L'as and Marianne's. Here are some pics of the street...
stu tower
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...MaraisPix2006#
stu tower
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...MaraisPix2006#
Dec 16th, 2009, 03:19 AM
#27
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Here's some good advice - slip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else.
Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but thr Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed buy guidebooks and the art Nazi's on diascussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe.
Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but thr Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed buy guidebooks and the art Nazi's on diascussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe.
Dec 16th, 2009, 08:59 AM
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Al Pompiere is indeed a good restaurant. Another good one in the old ghetto is Gigetto near the Portico di Ottavia. Also, if you're in the area try to get to Largo Torre Argentina,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina
It's close to Via Arenula, the western boundary of the ghetto, and consists of a sunken area containing several Roman temples along with innumerable cats - its a cat sanctuary.
Rome is my favorite European city, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Mazel Tov to you and your bride.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina
It's close to Via Arenula, the western boundary of the ghetto, and consists of a sunken area containing several Roman temples along with innumerable cats - its a cat sanctuary.
Rome is my favorite European city, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Mazel Tov to you and your bride.
Dec 17th, 2009, 10:58 AM
#32
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What a wonderful trip you have planned! If you have time in Florence, may I suggest taking the #7 bus to Fiesole? It is beautiful and has some nice little restaurants away from the crowds of the city. I believe the hop on/hop off bus also makes the trip. I also second the suggestion for visiting Rue de Rosiers in Paris. L'as du Falafel is delicious and the surrounding neighborhood is very charming. Congratulations and have a great time!!
Dec 17th, 2009, 12:05 PM
#33
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<b>TDudette</b>
<i>Here's some good advice - slip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else.</i>
The "HORNET" stings again...see this grossly insulting trashing by her on Elaine's comprehensive TR on Istanbul and Ephesus thread....who the hell IS this person?
Stu
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-july-2009.cfm
<i>Here's some good advice - slip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else.</i>
The "HORNET" stings again...see this grossly insulting trashing by her on Elaine's comprehensive TR on Istanbul and Ephesus thread....who the hell IS this person?
Stu
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-july-2009.cfm
Dec 18th, 2009, 07:48 AM
#34
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Your time in Paris is quite short so you will have to prioritize, but for "Romantic" this time of year (unless you have deep pockets to really go all out)I would recommend dinner at La Duree's on the Champs Elysee. Ask for a table in the Salon Castiglione (upstairs) and reserve on-line...so easy.
Last Sunday we took the #72 bus from Chatelet direction Port Muette, skirting along the Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre, around Place de la Concorde and the lit-up 4-star hotels traversing the Champs with a full view of both ends and the Eiffel Tower (just happened to be at the top of the hour and we caught the special light show as well) and got off at the Grand Palais/Seine River. Preferring to stand in the middle of the bus along the window provided great photo-ops in a warm environment. Yes, we could have taken a taxi, but it was fun being among the Parisians.
We then walked back one block to the Champs and visited the Christmas market, which was very festive,on our way to La Durees. People in the right line were almost backed out the door trying to get a table for dinner (the line of the left is for those buyinng macarons/pastries in the shop) so I was glad I had reserved on line.
Being a little early, we went for an apertif in their fantastic Art-Deco Bar. The prices for "coctails" are rather stiff but I had a glass of white moelleux wine that was divine, and an even more reasonable choice of a glass of Rose can be had for 6 euros. Very, very romantic.
AT 8:00 we skipped the line and were taken up the marble stair case to our table. Dinner was excellent and the vignette-style view of the Champs from the second story window framed in holiday lights and decorated pine boughs was unbelievably beautiful.
I also like that the "formule" menu includes, besides dessert, 2 macarons -flavors of your choice- which they will ceremoniously box upfor you if you just can't eat another bite. (This way I get one of their beautiful boxes AND get to prolong the enjoyment for the next day. Yum!)
When we were finished, we completed the evening by walking the short distance down to the Arc de Triomphe before taking the metro (cross the Champs onto the opposite side for quickest access to the underground walkway/metro)at the Etoile. Or we've also done taxi from a taxi stand if we felt we'd enjoyed a little too much wine with dinner (great way to see Paris by night and get home with a little energy left for some Midnight Romance, being newly-weds and all )
I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.
Last Sunday we took the #72 bus from Chatelet direction Port Muette, skirting along the Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre, around Place de la Concorde and the lit-up 4-star hotels traversing the Champs with a full view of both ends and the Eiffel Tower (just happened to be at the top of the hour and we caught the special light show as well) and got off at the Grand Palais/Seine River. Preferring to stand in the middle of the bus along the window provided great photo-ops in a warm environment. Yes, we could have taken a taxi, but it was fun being among the Parisians.
We then walked back one block to the Champs and visited the Christmas market, which was very festive,on our way to La Durees. People in the right line were almost backed out the door trying to get a table for dinner (the line of the left is for those buyinng macarons/pastries in the shop) so I was glad I had reserved on line.
Being a little early, we went for an apertif in their fantastic Art-Deco Bar. The prices for "coctails" are rather stiff but I had a glass of white moelleux wine that was divine, and an even more reasonable choice of a glass of Rose can be had for 6 euros. Very, very romantic.
AT 8:00 we skipped the line and were taken up the marble stair case to our table. Dinner was excellent and the vignette-style view of the Champs from the second story window framed in holiday lights and decorated pine boughs was unbelievably beautiful.
I also like that the "formule" menu includes, besides dessert, 2 macarons -flavors of your choice- which they will ceremoniously box upfor you if you just can't eat another bite. (This way I get one of their beautiful boxes AND get to prolong the enjoyment for the next day. Yum!)
When we were finished, we completed the evening by walking the short distance down to the Arc de Triomphe before taking the metro (cross the Champs onto the opposite side for quickest access to the underground walkway/metro)at the Etoile. Or we've also done taxi from a taxi stand if we felt we'd enjoyed a little too much wine with dinner (great way to see Paris by night and get home with a little energy left for some Midnight Romance, being newly-weds and all
) I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.
Dec 18th, 2009, 08:05 AM
#35
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just one note about France, Paris specifically .. first enjoy yourself .. it is a wonderful city.
But note .. that in the US we tend to think that everything is rushed and servers, specifically wait staff at restaurants, are to be at our beck and call.
Well what we experienced in Paris was much different .. we ate wonderful meals and when we were finished the waiter presented us with our bill and most of the time, never came back (except to collect). Here in the US some would consider that rude .. there .. it is just the culture .. they give you your space .. to sit, relax and enjoy your meal and your company. If the weather permits .. enjoy eating on the Champs-Elysees .. what an expereince in "people watching".
Wishing you a wonderful life and a fantasic trip.
But note .. that in the US we tend to think that everything is rushed and servers, specifically wait staff at restaurants, are to be at our beck and call.
Well what we experienced in Paris was much different .. we ate wonderful meals and when we were finished the waiter presented us with our bill and most of the time, never came back (except to collect). Here in the US some would consider that rude .. there .. it is just the culture .. they give you your space .. to sit, relax and enjoy your meal and your company. If the weather permits .. enjoy eating on the Champs-Elysees .. what an expereince in "people watching".
Wishing you a wonderful life and a fantasic trip.
Dec 18th, 2009, 08:48 AM
#36
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Thank you everyone for all the well wishes and the amazing advice! And let the Euro v Dollar keep on dropping!!! such a nice present!
I've just printed this whole thread out - disregarding anything that "Hornet" wrote, obviously that guy's got a little extra holiday cheer to spread around.
I know we've got a short time in Paris, but fortunately some really good friends have gotten us standing reservations at their favorite restaurant (the name escapes me at the moment) and they've also booked us a champagne tour on the Seine (wedding present from them) I will be posting pictures when we return and I will do my best to write a detailed trip report for everyone to enjoy!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!! Europe - here we come!
I've just printed this whole thread out - disregarding anything that "Hornet" wrote, obviously that guy's got a little extra holiday cheer to spread around.
I know we've got a short time in Paris, but fortunately some really good friends have gotten us standing reservations at their favorite restaurant (the name escapes me at the moment) and they've also booked us a champagne tour on the Seine (wedding present from them) I will be posting pictures when we return and I will do my best to write a detailed trip report for everyone to enjoy!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone!! Europe - here we come!
Dec 18th, 2009, 10:48 AM
#37
You can download some free audio podcasts for Italy and France touring...
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/podcast_menu.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/podcast_menu.htm
Dec 18th, 2009, 12:08 PM
#38
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Klondike:
you wrote:<i>I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.</i>
How about letting us all enjoy the pics? Please post when you can....very few Fodorites are reluctant to share their pics.
stu
you wrote:<i>I'd be glad to email you pictures if you want.</i>
How about letting us all enjoy the pics? Please post when you can....very few Fodorites are reluctant to share their pics.
stu
Dec 18th, 2009, 11:42 PM
#39
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Stuart: Bon Voyage and enjoy the Seine Champagne Tour! Maybe we're odd ducks, but we almost always do a Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise each time in Paris just for the beauty and relaxation of it.
Stu: It's not that I'm reluctant; sheepishly, it's that I'm pretty ignorant of the technology to post pix on line--more because I just haven't had the time to research how to do it up to now.
But my last house guest for the year was delivered to the airport yesterday and I have the next couple of weeks off, so I should find myself with some free time to figure this out.
Cheers!
Stu: It's not that I'm reluctant; sheepishly, it's that I'm pretty ignorant of the technology to post pix on line--more because I just haven't had the time to research how to do it up to now.
But my last house guest for the year was delivered to the airport yesterday and I have the next couple of weeks off, so I should find myself with some free time to figure this out.
Cheers!
Dec 19th, 2009, 01:59 PM
#40
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klondike
If any of us can be of help, please signify...we'd be happy to. I use Google's Picasa...but I'd bet almost every pic storage, edit and display method is used by someone on the Forum...let us know.
stu
If any of us can be of help, please signify...we'd be happy to. I use Google's Picasa...but I'd bet almost every pic storage, edit and display method is used by someone on the Forum...let us know.
stu
