Paris, I am happy to be home !
Apr 13th, 2004, 08:40 AM
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Paris, I am happy to be home !
Welcome back Ziana dear !
I decided I will not waste your time with my trip report, just want to write small review with open end for discussion.
First of all, dear future Europe travelers, do NOT take your TP to Europe. Everywhere, I mean in smallest stinkiest toilets there were great quality TP available as much as you want. We had a lot to laugh about with my friend while pulling 2 double rolls of Charmin out of my luggage.
Faucets weren't working in 90% of toilets and paper towels weren't existed (for me anyway).
The moral is - toilet finding and using in Europe is nonexistent problem. We felt very comfortable in this department, which I wish I could say about everything else, like:
1. Dogs poop mountains Fri-Sun is a very BIG problem, however it is partially gone on Monday morning. Yack !
2. Entering metro stepping over urine streaming down steps ruined one of my 3 mornings very much. Seeing people making those puddles everywhere made me want to stop using metro and use Taxi's whicjh IS...
3. The most pleasant and unexpensive and convenient way to get around Paris (subjective opinion). Note that calling it from hotel double the price.
4. Capuccino is way better in US, honestly. We were stopping for coffee like every 3 hours everywhere. Opinion of 2 Germans and 2 of us never parted. May be waiting for service for too long had to do with it(???)
5. Paris service sucks ! Opinion of 6 people (2 kids included).
6. Haven't seen people dressed the way I would want to be dressed except pink shoes.
Pink shoes were brightening up dark coats and gloomy faces of Parisians everywhere.
Even when my mouth closed - why did they hated me so much ? Friend from Germany said "oblivious". I hate lable nation with one word. I smiled, never got returned smile...wait, did once...from women from Chicago. And we talked too.
7. Desperately searched for that chicken that we don't have that one "chickinier".
Twice got dry. Remebered Fodorites who said "you can't eat bad in Paris" and thought "I am the dumbest fodorite"
Escargot "YES" ! Shrimp salad - exactly the way I eat it for lunch in Philly. Shrimp kebob type - shell on, stinked. Mussles exactly I cook it at home. Frog legs were all right. Hipopotamus restaurant were recommended by fodorites. Sorry...
8. Crepes !!! Laughable enough we call it "blintzes" and supermarkets sell them in US. Stuffed with cheese and cherries. In freezer section, yammy ! I make them at home from scratch.
Here is how: into blender mix
2 eggs
pinch of salt
teaspoon of sugar(optional)
blend
add 2 spoons of flour
blend some more
add 3 tbl spoon of Mazola oil or such
blend and keep adding water/milk (your choice) until bit thicker then water, mean very thin...
Pour onto skillet and try to spread evenly.
Turn for a sec and transfet to a plate.
Cover after each is done.
Spread Nutella or dip it into sour cream... Whatever, wrap anything into "crepes". Bueno apetito !
9. Batobus was great, we al loved it, it took us to Eiffel Tower and we got to the top in less then 2 hours. It took us almost as much to get down. City in lights, aren't all of them look the same from hight like that ? I alredy told about Notre Dame...
10. Lufthanza is the great company. I would definitely use it again. Frankfurt airport is clean, convenient. One hour transfer time is enough.
I am happy to be back. God Bless America !
Grand Canyon and Gay Lord Resort, see ya soon. Applebee's bourbon steak and shrimps - here I come for you tonight...
I missed American Idol twice, what else did I miss?
I am ready to be grilled, bring it on !
I decided I will not waste your time with my trip report, just want to write small review with open end for discussion.
First of all, dear future Europe travelers, do NOT take your TP to Europe. Everywhere, I mean in smallest stinkiest toilets there were great quality TP available as much as you want. We had a lot to laugh about with my friend while pulling 2 double rolls of Charmin out of my luggage.
Faucets weren't working in 90% of toilets and paper towels weren't existed (for me anyway).
The moral is - toilet finding and using in Europe is nonexistent problem. We felt very comfortable in this department, which I wish I could say about everything else, like:
1. Dogs poop mountains Fri-Sun is a very BIG problem, however it is partially gone on Monday morning. Yack !
2. Entering metro stepping over urine streaming down steps ruined one of my 3 mornings very much. Seeing people making those puddles everywhere made me want to stop using metro and use Taxi's whicjh IS...
3. The most pleasant and unexpensive and convenient way to get around Paris (subjective opinion). Note that calling it from hotel double the price.
4. Capuccino is way better in US, honestly. We were stopping for coffee like every 3 hours everywhere. Opinion of 2 Germans and 2 of us never parted. May be waiting for service for too long had to do with it(???)
5. Paris service sucks ! Opinion of 6 people (2 kids included).
6. Haven't seen people dressed the way I would want to be dressed except pink shoes.
Pink shoes were brightening up dark coats and gloomy faces of Parisians everywhere.
Even when my mouth closed - why did they hated me so much ? Friend from Germany said "oblivious". I hate lable nation with one word. I smiled, never got returned smile...wait, did once...from women from Chicago. And we talked too.
7. Desperately searched for that chicken that we don't have that one "chickinier".
Twice got dry. Remebered Fodorites who said "you can't eat bad in Paris" and thought "I am the dumbest fodorite"
Escargot "YES" ! Shrimp salad - exactly the way I eat it for lunch in Philly. Shrimp kebob type - shell on, stinked. Mussles exactly I cook it at home. Frog legs were all right. Hipopotamus restaurant were recommended by fodorites. Sorry...
8. Crepes !!! Laughable enough we call it "blintzes" and supermarkets sell them in US. Stuffed with cheese and cherries. In freezer section, yammy ! I make them at home from scratch.
Here is how: into blender mix
2 eggs
pinch of salt
teaspoon of sugar(optional)
blend
add 2 spoons of flour
blend some more
add 3 tbl spoon of Mazola oil or such
blend and keep adding water/milk (your choice) until bit thicker then water, mean very thin...
Pour onto skillet and try to spread evenly.
Turn for a sec and transfet to a plate.
Cover after each is done.
Spread Nutella or dip it into sour cream... Whatever, wrap anything into "crepes". Bueno apetito !
9. Batobus was great, we al loved it, it took us to Eiffel Tower and we got to the top in less then 2 hours. It took us almost as much to get down. City in lights, aren't all of them look the same from hight like that ? I alredy told about Notre Dame...
10. Lufthanza is the great company. I would definitely use it again. Frankfurt airport is clean, convenient. One hour transfer time is enough.
I am happy to be back. God Bless America !
Grand Canyon and Gay Lord Resort, see ya soon. Applebee's bourbon steak and shrimps - here I come for you tonight...
I missed American Idol twice, what else did I miss?
I am ready to be grilled, bring it on !
Apr 13th, 2004, 08:48 AM
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I respect you for your honesty. Many people would sugar coat it. If that is your experience, so be it. I've never been to Paris, but have heard, over the years, a few similar comments. Everyone has a different experience. Some places suit certain types of people more than others. Hopefully you are entitled to your opinion without being taken to task for it!
Apr 13th, 2004, 08:54 AM
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It was fast...
Leona,
I hope you are kidding. I didn't know I should adjust my opinion to your liking.
Holldoll,
here on Fodorites there were similar comments and I went to prove it wrong. Unfortunatelly I couldn't. But it is one person opinion and I am sharing mine. You will have to find it out for yourself, good luck. Thanks
Leona,
I hope you are kidding. I didn't know I should adjust my opinion to your liking.
Holldoll,
here on Fodorites there were similar comments and I went to prove it wrong. Unfortunatelly I couldn't. But it is one person opinion and I am sharing mine. You will have to find it out for yourself, good luck. Thanks
Apr 13th, 2004, 08:59 AM
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I was hoping you would report on how your Paris trip went after all the planning. I'm not sure if you are saying you had a good time or not, but I appreciate your interesting way of writing and original ideas.
I don't agree with all of your ideas or opinions, at least never had those problems, but I know some of this is experience and some just chance. For example, even though a lot of people talk about the dog poop, I'll have to admit, this has never struck me at all in Paris and I've never noticed that much of it. I don't know why, I travel all over the city, also.
I don't understand what problem you had with the chicken or what you are saying. I gather you had some dry or bad chicken at some place. On the other hand, I won't eat garden slugs and don't consider them food. I don't eat worms either, so won't eat snails (yeah, I've tried them once, never again). I'm sort of surprised you got frog's legs, which are just kind of a lot of trouble for little, as I thought they weren't serving them much anymore in Paris or there was some supply problem with them.
As for the smiling thing -- I sort of understand your feelings, but given I am not a smiley face person myself, I like it there where it is more normal to me. I don't like it when strangers expect me to be their instant friend or demand some special behavior from me when I just want to be left alone. I don't think this is really just a French thing, either, as when I think about it, people don't go around grinning and acting overtly friendly in a lot of countries I've traveled to in Europe. So, you shouldn't really expect others to change their personalities or customs to suit your own ideas.
I am not one who has said you can't eat bad in Paris, because I have and know it's not true. It's silly to think you can't eat bad in any city. I am fairly good at picking out decent places, though, and it's not common.
I have never seen American idol and don't ever want to. I think you didn't enjoy your trip, you don't mention much you really liked.
I don't agree with all of your ideas or opinions, at least never had those problems, but I know some of this is experience and some just chance. For example, even though a lot of people talk about the dog poop, I'll have to admit, this has never struck me at all in Paris and I've never noticed that much of it. I don't know why, I travel all over the city, also.
I don't understand what problem you had with the chicken or what you are saying. I gather you had some dry or bad chicken at some place. On the other hand, I won't eat garden slugs and don't consider them food. I don't eat worms either, so won't eat snails (yeah, I've tried them once, never again). I'm sort of surprised you got frog's legs, which are just kind of a lot of trouble for little, as I thought they weren't serving them much anymore in Paris or there was some supply problem with them.
As for the smiling thing -- I sort of understand your feelings, but given I am not a smiley face person myself, I like it there where it is more normal to me. I don't like it when strangers expect me to be their instant friend or demand some special behavior from me when I just want to be left alone. I don't think this is really just a French thing, either, as when I think about it, people don't go around grinning and acting overtly friendly in a lot of countries I've traveled to in Europe. So, you shouldn't really expect others to change their personalities or customs to suit your own ideas.
I am not one who has said you can't eat bad in Paris, because I have and know it's not true. It's silly to think you can't eat bad in any city. I am fairly good at picking out decent places, though, and it's not common.
I have never seen American idol and don't ever want to. I think you didn't enjoy your trip, you don't mention much you really liked.
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:09 AM
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"...what else did I miss?"
A buy-one-get-one-free sale on Devonshire melba toast rounds down at Kroger -- you should have been here for it. Sheer madness! Couldn't you just kick yourself?
MMM-MMM! Applebees. Something Putrid In The Neighborhood. Enjoy!
A buy-one-get-one-free sale on Devonshire melba toast rounds down at Kroger -- you should have been here for it. Sheer madness! Couldn't you just kick yourself?
MMM-MMM! Applebees. Something Putrid In The Neighborhood. Enjoy!
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:13 AM
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Ziana,
I apologize if I sounded a bit harsh. Sometimes when you overplan something, you lose the entire experience. I remembered many of your postings prior to your trip and all the things you were so anxious about.
I was in Paris about a month ago, and while everything was not perfect, it would be difficult to fault as many things as you did. But of course, opinions are like a certain part of our anatomy, everybody has one!
I hope that your next trip is more to your liking.
I apologize if I sounded a bit harsh. Sometimes when you overplan something, you lose the entire experience. I remembered many of your postings prior to your trip and all the things you were so anxious about.
I was in Paris about a month ago, and while everything was not perfect, it would be difficult to fault as many things as you did. But of course, opinions are like a certain part of our anatomy, everybody has one!
I hope that your next trip is more to your liking.
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:16 AM
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After two previous trips to Paris, I would have been among the people saying that you can't get a bad meal in Paris. But, after visiting there with three children and trying to find restaurants for dinner that would welcome the kids and that served foods the picky eaters would like...well, we found the bad food...and it is served at Hippopotamus (at $97 to feed a family of 5 Denny's quality food).
I had read so many posts on this board about public urination and dog poop. I didn't see the former but saw oodles of the latter. I guess folks in Paris aren't any ruder than my neighbors who let their dog poop in my grass and don't clean it up; it's just that in Paris it's the bare sidewalk that they're leaving it on.
And yes, I have 5 unused travel packets of tissue that I armed us with in case we needed it. (We didn't.)
I had read so many posts on this board about public urination and dog poop. I didn't see the former but saw oodles of the latter. I guess folks in Paris aren't any ruder than my neighbors who let their dog poop in my grass and don't clean it up; it's just that in Paris it's the bare sidewalk that they're leaving it on.
And yes, I have 5 unused travel packets of tissue that I armed us with in case we needed it. (We didn't.)
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:21 AM
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Dear Christina,
it is actually very preliminary posting of mine.
I do not know yet whether I did or did not like it.
No. I can't put it like this.
I appreciate opportunity that I had on being into Paris. Definitely, honest to goodness, I am so happy I've seen Paris.
I am so happy my family did too. My husband was actually following around with camcorder and used it much (never before).
I met my childhood friend and her family and we did have a great time togeather. It is just I didn't feel the place.
I've been to North Germany 15 years ago and I keep dreaming about it. So, when we went to Hamburg we were thrilled.
I like colors. Paris was sort of one color place.
Hamburg has it "merrier" so to speak.
And this is what I fell again in love with.
And cleanliness too. I adore it for sparkling and air. But that's me ... and hvs
I am not ready yet, but I wanted to tell some of the stuff and see if I'll be hunted down.
Howard,
if you were actually reading you would see that I came back from Hamburg, not Paris. That snobbish ton...good mannners indeed.
it is actually very preliminary posting of mine.
I do not know yet whether I did or did not like it.
No. I can't put it like this.
I appreciate opportunity that I had on being into Paris. Definitely, honest to goodness, I am so happy I've seen Paris.
I am so happy my family did too. My husband was actually following around with camcorder and used it much (never before).
I met my childhood friend and her family and we did have a great time togeather. It is just I didn't feel the place.
I've been to North Germany 15 years ago and I keep dreaming about it. So, when we went to Hamburg we were thrilled.
I like colors. Paris was sort of one color place.
Hamburg has it "merrier" so to speak.
And this is what I fell again in love with.
And cleanliness too. I adore it for sparkling and air. But that's me ... and hvs
I am not ready yet, but I wanted to tell some of the stuff and see if I'll be hunted down.
Howard,
if you were actually reading you would see that I came back from Hamburg, not Paris. That snobbish ton...good mannners indeed.
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:32 AM
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KS452,,,
A buy-one-get-one-free sale on Devonshire melba toast rounds down at Kroger -- ?????????????
ok,ok, I am kicking myself, tell me more, please.
ilovelabs2003...
"I will be sure to run to the Outback Steakhouse as soon as we return from Paris on the 23rd"
Screaming funny !!! Tell me if you did, please.
A buy-one-get-one-free sale on Devonshire melba toast rounds down at Kroger -- ?????????????
ok,ok, I am kicking myself, tell me more, please.
ilovelabs2003...
"I will be sure to run to the Outback Steakhouse as soon as we return from Paris on the 23rd"
Screaming funny !!! Tell me if you did, please.
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:35 AM
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You live in Philadelphia and find the dog poop in Paris to be a problem? Come to my neighborhood--Parisian pavement puppy poop is paltry compared to that of Philadelphia's finest Fidos (and ours isn't cleaned up on Monday mornings, either. . . )
Sign me
Philly Dog Owner Who Picks Up After Her Pooch (and wishes others did the same)
Sign me
Philly Dog Owner Who Picks Up After Her Pooch (and wishes others did the same)
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:37 AM
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One question.
Did you attempt Disneyland Paris in half a day?
Actually based on your reaction to Paris I am now sorry I tried to talk you out of DLP. It is all American (although DLP had the worst food of any amusement park ever! I am talking fast food!)
Did you attempt Disneyland Paris in half a day?
Actually based on your reaction to Paris I am now sorry I tried to talk you out of DLP. It is all American (although DLP had the worst food of any amusement park ever! I am talking fast food!)
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:37 AM
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Are you sure that was dog poop?? On my last visit to Paris, I happened upon a homo-sapien-like creature squatting and defecating in the shadows not far from my hotel.
I enjoyed being in Paris, but mostly because I enjoy being in very odd places. But the "charm" of the place escapes me as well, Ziana.
I enjoyed being in Paris, but mostly because I enjoy being in very odd places. But the "charm" of the place escapes me as well, Ziana.
Apr 13th, 2004, 09:43 AM
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elle,
I live in Philly suburb where people know each other's names and do not lock their cars at night. Honestly.
Am I lucky? Indeed.
But I use to work in downtown Philly and never saw dog poop (again may be because I worked at City Hall area).
I told my friends that 'us' in States - we are picking up after our dogs. And we do. Those I am talking about.
But I also told them that there is no "one and only" answer to the question about country like ours. I told them my side of all stories and warned them that others might tell them opposite, so I do understand that "people are different" concept.
It is just I-AM telling YOU-MY side of the story. Kapish?
I live in Philly suburb where people know each other's names and do not lock their cars at night. Honestly.
Am I lucky? Indeed.
But I use to work in downtown Philly and never saw dog poop (again may be because I worked at City Hall area).
I told my friends that 'us' in States - we are picking up after our dogs. And we do. Those I am talking about.
But I also told them that there is no "one and only" answer to the question about country like ours. I told them my side of all stories and warned them that others might tell them opposite, so I do understand that "people are different" concept.
It is just I-AM telling YOU-MY side of the story. Kapish?
