redneck

Andy could zip up this BS, forward it to an email address in Paris, unzip it, shovel it into the Seine, and have his own bridge. Then he would not need to worry. Just a few more loads of the raw material, and he has it made. I can just see the Bateau Mouche plowing into a natural bridge. Splat!!

Knowall

Elvira - I throughly disagree with you! That side is much nicer than this side and you see far less "Défense de parler anglais" signs in the cafés and shops.

Ana

Hello to all who answered to Andy's question. I am sorry for any errors with my written language but please understand that English is my fourth language. ANDY IS MY HUSBAND and we came a year ago to the United States as the exchange professors to teach at one of your universities. We are going back to Prague in a few weeks and planning on visiting Paris for a week or so on the way back home. This is why we posted our honest question about bridges in Paris. We did not think that so many of you excpected perfection with written language. We were certain that most of you who travel to the other countries have a respect for languages spoken less or more. Just think about one country you would like to visit but do not know a language. Wouldn't you like to know that people will have compassion and will help you out? Our students do understand and they learn from us as much as we learn from them not only organic chemistry but also respect for each other. Please be sensitive to those who are different than yourself and come visit our beautiful Prague. I can promise that we will not make fun of you when you ask any person whether it is possible to cross certain bridge. You will be surprise how many bridges in Europe do not have any sidewalks. We will be happy when we see you trying to speak at least a few simple words in our language so difficult to you (at first). Have a great day and please be sensitive to the differences around you regardless where you are (including this forum). <BR>

elaine

Dear Ana <BR>Speaking for myself,these comments were attempts to be humorous, with no offense intended. Just as you have the right to expect compassion(and there is plenty of that on this forum) I believe we can also expect a little humor and creativity (or poor attempts) from time to time. The problem with the written word on the internet is that it doesn't convey smiles, friendly body language, and tongues in cheeks. <BR>Enjoy your trip.

dan woodlief

Ana, no offense intended here either. Actually, I think the problem was that Andy's original post was in very good English. However, when first read it seemed to be asking whether walking across a bridge would get you across the river; that is why some "humorous" comments were made. To answer your question - I didn't cross any bridges outside of the main tourist area, but I think all the ones between the Eiffel Tower and Ile-St-Louis had sidewalks. I wish I could live in a city as beautiful as Prague, and to be going to both Paris and Prague in one trip is a real dream. Have a good trip home.

Bob Brown

This is for Andy and Anma, primarily, and, secondarily, for those of us who sometimes take humourous sideswipes and various postings. <BR>FIRST, fellow posters, there is a lesson here for all of us: this Forum is more International than we realize sometimes. More and more, non Americans are participating. And names are not always indicative of a person's national origins. (My friends Ron(2 of them), Paul, and Chris are from outside the US of A.) We can no longer assume that every poster is American, unless he or she tells us otherwise. <BR> <BR>SECOND, There was nothing in the original message that led any of us to conclude otherwise because "Andy" is a very American name. (e.g. Andy Griffith, Andy Johnson) I, for one, never suspected that Andy was a name used by a foreign visitor. (Even though I gave a straight response, I could not help but poke at other posters.) <BR> <BR>THIRD, please realize that on this particular Forum, many of us engage in considerable teasing and kidding. There is no evil intent. Some of the older threads are full of it. And, please believe me when I say that in this case none of it was mean spirited. So try to see some of the American humor in the whole exchange. Notice that some of posters were taking swipes at each other's comments. <BR> <BR>As part of the Forum culture, we like to kid around. Suddenly, another opportunity was at hand, one comment led to another, and the snowball started to roll. <BR> <BR>Let me emphasize that many of the posters who replied in this case have in the past given many, many responses that were helpful, informed, and insightful. I know from experience that Dan and Elaine have written many very helpful, generous, and insightful responses. <BR>If any of us thought someone was in trouble, we would do what we could to help out. And I can assure you that in those cases, no one would be joking. <BR>And we would not be asking about national origins. <BR> <BR>So please, understand that there was some mistaken identity here, the opportunity for a humorous exchange was at hand, and a common European Forum custom shifted into gear and started to roll -- for better or for worse. <BR> <BR>I still think the idea of a boat hitting a natural bridge is funny. And it characterizes most of the responses!

Lori

Ana, <BR>I'm sorry that you felt the replies to Andy's question were out of line - perhaps they were but in all honesty the question certainly can be read a bit differently than he obviously meant it. I think we all (on this Forum) travel enough to recognize that there is humor in all situations - I once told a French relative of my husbands that "yes I liked cucumbers" only to find that my salad plate was practically 100% full of the darn things ... now I don't like them that much but I ate them anyway and still can laugh about it (and no, I did not get sick!) I guess I am just trying to say that things can get misinterpreted, in this case the question lent itself to some "fun" answers. Perhaps, in retrospect, if Andy had said he realized some bridges in Europe did not have sidewalks and asked if the ones in Paris did the reaction this query got would not have happened. Actually, it is a good question and one a stranger to an area might not know. I don't think I'd know which bridges in Prague have sidewalks. I hope you have a good trip home and enjoy the stay in Paris. Perhaps when you are walking across one of those bridges you will find a moment to laugh at some of the weird answers! Enjoy your trip home.

Ana

Thank you again for making me smile. This is what I like about this forum: people who love to travel and willing to share their experiences with others. Cultural differences so often create missunderstanding. If we can only listen to each other and take time to explain. Once again thanks for all your sensitive comments. Andy is in Utah with his students for a week but he will be happy to learn (again) that regardless where we live we are able to resolve many problems with a sense of humor. Please come to Prague and enjoy a beauty of our amazing "new" country. <BR>Thank you also to all who continue sharing their knowledge about Paris (forget the bridges question). This forum was a great help in plannig our trip. We are staying at the Muguet Hotel recommended here so often but where should we have our best dinner? Any ideas? <BR>Best regards <BR>Ana

Knowall

I didn't realise that my somewhat trite remarks would cause offense and for that I apologise. Just a couple of comments: <BR> <BR>Firstly, I would like to point out that I'm not American but British. Secondly, I'm a bit confused now - having visited practically every country and major city in Europe, I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen a city bridge without pavements/ pedestrian access. I'm really racking my brain now but I remain confident that some well informed Fodorite will enlighten me by having seen one of these rare phenomena! <BR> <BR>

Karen

I too wish Andy and Ana a wonderful trip. I must confess, though, that even as I squirmed a little for Andy, I was literally screaming with laughter at the witty replies of Knowall, Elvira, Ed, Dan, and others. Thanks for the original question and for the truly hilarious answers, all of you.

dan woodlief

Knowall, I haven't seen any of those either, but I guess I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Hopefully, without a sidewalk I will still make it all the way to the other side.

Warriner

Andy and Ana -- You are very gracious. <BR> <BR>Knowall and Dan -- I've been caught on sidewalk-less bridges in Boston and Chicago, both of which are harrowing cities for pedestrians anyway!

cherie

Dear Andy and Ana: <BR>When you stand on that bridge and say "Ahoy!" every American and British sailor will answer you. Enjoy Paris.

Tom

New York is another city with selective pedestrian access on its bridges.

topping

To the top for Karen.

Myer

I must admit that when I first read the post I thought Andy was serious. <BR> <BR>Then I was quite amused by the responses. <BR> <BR>I'm not sure which side to take. <BR> <BR>Regardless, have a great trip. Paris is a world class city. <BR> <BR>All the bridges from the Eiffel Tower all the way around and past Notre Dame have side walks and are narrow enough for a couple of minute walk. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Jody

Knowall...... <BR>I toohave found most bridges inEurope to have walkways, but most of us are Americans, and we do have certain oddities here, like no walkways on certain bridges. In fact in Pittsburgh, PA, there is a bridge that not only has no walkways , it has no end on the other side , it just stops in the middle of the Monongohelia River, at least twice a year some fool tries to cross it. Almost none of the bridges here in Fl have walkways, oof course no one in Fl walks further than their house to their car!

Gretchen

Andy and Ana, for restaurants near the Muguet--the Florimond (as you walk toward the Ecole Militaire stop from Muguet it is on the left side of the street, half way down the first block). also the Bistrot du 7eme on Blvd. Latour Maubourg (don't hold me to the spelling). Clos des Gourmets on AV. Rapp. All are very good and Very reasonable.

nyse

While searching for something else, I came across this charming bit of Fodor history.

But I wonder, all the posters' names are grayed out ~ does that mean they are no longer registered? If so, it's like 100% turnover in ten years.

adrienne

Anyone who responded prior to January 2003 (initial registration) has their screen name grayed out. If you had posted prior to January 2003 your screen name would be grayed out too.

I saw this post and remembered it. I loved reading it when it was first posted. It's the old fodor's sarcasm at work.