Paris, I am happy to be home !
Apr 13th, 2004, 12:40 PM
#61
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You miss our point, Ziana. No one here requires or even wants you to like Paris. Many are simply expressing amazement, according to your own report, that your opinion was formed while your attention was focused in the gutter for most of your trip.
I have a serious question, to which which you may or may not choose to reply. It is, why did you got to Paris in the first place?
I have a serious question, to which which you may or may not choose to reply. It is, why did you got to Paris in the first place?
Apr 13th, 2004, 12:49 PM
#63
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Thingorjus (did I spell that right?)--I live near the Art Museum, which has a high density of dogs. I'm a dog lover, but it's appalling how people don't pick up after their pooches.
The Parkway, as you probably know, was laid out by a French planner, Rittenhouse Square was influenced by the Parc Monceau, and many of our Second Empire buildings were designed to mimic "Hausmannian" style.
The appreciation was reciprocated--the Crillon Hotel in Paris was designed to resemble the Fairmount Water Works. Parts of Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy are quite Norman in their architecture.
I'm on Eakins Oval and at Logan Square every morning, just pinching myself over how beautiful this place is (the fountains are on). On the way home, I see the Rodin Museum, with its cast of The Thinker. Now if we could just get some cafes on the Parkway, I'd be very very happy.
But you are correct that Philadelphia is not a smiley, have-a-nice-day sort of place (except for the Whole Foods in my 'hood. The people who work there are unnaturally happy, if you ask me.)
Apr 13th, 2004, 12:56 PM
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What I learned on this thread:
1. France has no running water anywhere in their capital city. Rumors that the EU is first-world should be disregarded.
2. Dog feces is the #1 product of France. Rumors of wine production should be disregarded.
3. Urine fountains are thoughtfully provided at all Metro entrances.
4. Take all your food advice and judgements from Germans.
5. When in France, eat in their chain restaurants, like Hippopotamus. Avoid crepes- they are too simple. Include your own recipe in the post- this is a recipe site, not a travel one.
6. Philadelphia is the most sophisticated city in the world. Anything that deviates from the Philly experience is suspicious or bad. I like Philadelphia, so I better stay home to avoid being disappointed.
7. The second most sophisticated city in the world is Oaktown. I need to hear all about what the inhabitants wear and own on a travel board- that has no place on a fashion board. The most important part is to hear all about the brand names of the objects that poster owns. Nothing could be more relevant on a travel board. Obviously, the poster who owns the most stuff with top labels is the BEST poster- people providing clear information or advice should be avoided. The very best post would involve describing what kind of underpants the poster is wearing AT THAT ACTUAL MOMENT. Now I can finally plan my trip!
8. People around the world should SMILE at all visitors, even if smiling at strangers is considered rude or strange in their culture.
9. Once I get some Manolos, I will be AWESOME. I should post about it on a European travel discussion group.
10. It's a worthwhile use of everyone's time and energy to fight over dog poop and someone having a lousy time in a city you like.
1. France has no running water anywhere in their capital city. Rumors that the EU is first-world should be disregarded.
2. Dog feces is the #1 product of France. Rumors of wine production should be disregarded.
3. Urine fountains are thoughtfully provided at all Metro entrances.
4. Take all your food advice and judgements from Germans.
5. When in France, eat in their chain restaurants, like Hippopotamus. Avoid crepes- they are too simple. Include your own recipe in the post- this is a recipe site, not a travel one.
6. Philadelphia is the most sophisticated city in the world. Anything that deviates from the Philly experience is suspicious or bad. I like Philadelphia, so I better stay home to avoid being disappointed.
7. The second most sophisticated city in the world is Oaktown. I need to hear all about what the inhabitants wear and own on a travel board- that has no place on a fashion board. The most important part is to hear all about the brand names of the objects that poster owns. Nothing could be more relevant on a travel board. Obviously, the poster who owns the most stuff with top labels is the BEST poster- people providing clear information or advice should be avoided. The very best post would involve describing what kind of underpants the poster is wearing AT THAT ACTUAL MOMENT. Now I can finally plan my trip!
8. People around the world should SMILE at all visitors, even if smiling at strangers is considered rude or strange in their culture.
9. Once I get some Manolos, I will be AWESOME. I should post about it on a European travel discussion group.
10. It's a worthwhile use of everyone's time and energy to fight over dog poop and someone having a lousy time in a city you like.
Apr 13th, 2004, 12:59 PM
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JoeG - 
It is still pretty early for OT to be hitting the flask on the left coast, but tipsiness is pretty much the only acceptable excuse for one's repeated referral to oneself in the third person....
It is still pretty early for OT to be hitting the flask on the left coast, but tipsiness is pretty much the only acceptable excuse for one's repeated referral to oneself in the third person....
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:03 PM
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Hahaha QC, thats hilarious.
This post cracks me up, its entertained me all day at work!
I cannot wait to get back to Paris in Sept! It has been my favorite city since the first time I set foot in Place de la concorde.
This post cracks me up, its entertained me all day at work!
I cannot wait to get back to Paris in Sept! It has been my favorite city since the first time I set foot in Place de la concorde.
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:04 PM
#68
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Iregeo,
I am only answering because I have "positive attitude".
I went to Paris as I've heard so much about it and I wanted to see it badly.
When LUFT posted their deal to Germany I grabbed tickets and called my friend.
She suggested to go to Paris and I was so taken by the idea of having it all, meeting her, seeing Paris, Hamburg and having time of my life.
While I was searching for the info - tripadvisor.com brought me here to Fodors and I was convinced one, two three more times. Then I read negative opinions and thought those people were crazy. Now I am one of them.
So, which "yours" point was I missing you said?
I am only answering because I have "positive attitude".
I went to Paris as I've heard so much about it and I wanted to see it badly.
When LUFT posted their deal to Germany I grabbed tickets and called my friend.
She suggested to go to Paris and I was so taken by the idea of having it all, meeting her, seeing Paris, Hamburg and having time of my life.
While I was searching for the info - tripadvisor.com brought me here to Fodors and I was convinced one, two three more times. Then I read negative opinions and thought those people were crazy. Now I am one of them.
So, which "yours" point was I missing you said?
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:04 PM
#69
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I am not even going to touch most of this thread...just way too disappointing to hear the snippiness and poor attitudes going on.
I will say, however, that when we visited Paris there was an employee at our hotel (a 3*) that really went out of her way for us. She was so helpful that when we returned we sent her a thank you gift. Just wanted to share one positive experience...although there were plenty more.
I will say, however, that when we visited Paris there was an employee at our hotel (a 3*) that really went out of her way for us. She was so helpful that when we returned we sent her a thank you gift. Just wanted to share one positive experience...although there were plenty more.
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:05 PM
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QC--were your comments directed at me? Because I know I can go over-the-top in my affection for my adopted city, but by no means do I feel like it's the most sophisticated city in the world. In fact, my original comments were complaints about the amount of dog poop we have. Blame Thingorjus for bringing out the civic booster in me.
And make sure those Manolos are pink. . .
.
And make sure those Manolos are pink. . .
.
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:22 PM
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Ziana, thanks for your reply. I, too, am sorry that Paris did not meet with your hopes or expectations.
The point I tried to make in my last post is this: Every city has positive and negative attributes. You found many negative ones in Paris that many other people have not found. Please note that I said many, not all, people.
Other than the batobus and eiffel tower, however, you did not mention a word about some of the treasures that Paris holds (no implication that the batobus is a treasure!). I suppose it is possible that you did not like a single museum, building, place, sight or fountain in the whole city, but that is just hard to believe.
That is really all there is to my point. Nothing hysterical; nothing diabolical.
The point I tried to make in my last post is this: Every city has positive and negative attributes. You found many negative ones in Paris that many other people have not found. Please note that I said many, not all, people.
Other than the batobus and eiffel tower, however, you did not mention a word about some of the treasures that Paris holds (no implication that the batobus is a treasure!). I suppose it is possible that you did not like a single museum, building, place, sight or fountain in the whole city, but that is just hard to believe.
That is really all there is to my point. Nothing hysterical; nothing diabolical.
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:40 PM
#74
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In case anyone cares:
I'm wearing my Timberland (outlet store) shoes, Ralph Lauren black cotton socks with the little red logo, Sam's Club Member's Mark Blue Denim Relaxed Fit Jeans, Izod light blue polo shirt and black, v-neck Merino wool sweater.
JoeG
P.S. jockey mid -rise black briefs.
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:45 PM
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this thread is hilarious. what a nice relief from a dark and rainy day. there's no point in arguing. ziana hates paris. big deal. now doesn't anyone know where i can get a pair of manolos to match brown pinstripe pants from banana reupblic?
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:53 PM
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Ziana,
Overall, I think that your report was very tactful. Sometimes we hear so many things about a place or city that we have a preconceived idea about how it will be. We go and we think "This isn't all that." Do not take this literally, but one person's trash is another person's treasure. Maybe Paris isn't your cup of tea, but Hamburg is. I am planning a trip next year to include Paris and your report didn't make me reconsider at all. We just all have different perspectives!
Overall, I think that your report was very tactful. Sometimes we hear so many things about a place or city that we have a preconceived idea about how it will be. We go and we think "This isn't all that." Do not take this literally, but one person's trash is another person's treasure. Maybe Paris isn't your cup of tea, but Hamburg is. I am planning a trip next year to include Paris and your report didn't make me reconsider at all. We just all have different perspectives!
Apr 13th, 2004, 01:54 PM
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Ziana, I've tried to be supportive, but when you trash Monoprix, that's going too far! I have a pretty good job and work with folks who can afford to pay quite a bit of money for their clothes, and all my friends here at work just can't stop saying how much they love the fun necklaces and other accessories I brought home from Monoprix.
If I were you, I'd make a list of what you really like in a vacation...what you like to do and see, what is most important, then really do your research for the next vacation. If plentiful, familiar food and clean suroundings are high priority, maybe a cruise will fit the bill.
I admit that there are a few cities in which I've had a bad experience and they are - probably unfairly - off my list to ever visit again. Unless you have unlimited time and money for travel, why not focus on what you will enjoy? That's where research and common sense come in.
If I were you, I'd make a list of what you really like in a vacation...what you like to do and see, what is most important, then really do your research for the next vacation. If plentiful, familiar food and clean suroundings are high priority, maybe a cruise will fit the bill.
I admit that there are a few cities in which I've had a bad experience and they are - probably unfairly - off my list to ever visit again. Unless you have unlimited time and money for travel, why not focus on what you will enjoy? That's where research and common sense come in.
Apr 13th, 2004, 02:10 PM
#80
QC that was very funny and to Ziana, thanks for posting, tho we are sorry you didn't enjoy Paris as we do.
"Twenty years from now, you will be disappointed in the things that you didn't do than by the one you did do.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream discover."
"Twenty years from now, you will be disappointed in the things that you didn't do than by the one you did do.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream discover."
