nukesafe

PLEASE separate your paragraphs, Ticalinda! Solid blocks of print are really off-putting.

Thank you.

ticalinda1969

Part III:
Fashion/dress code/manners:

I read and packed according to advice, black, black, black...my only accessory were just colorful scarfs. I didn't see any woman my age wearing jeans, women my age going to work looked fantastic in high heels.

I saw many younger women maybe between 18-25 wearing pantyhose/stockings (in many different colors), ankle boots and mini-skirts.

I saw many men wearing jackets, with jeans or dress pants and the very much popular scarf, even men wearing a whole dress suit wore scarfs.

I felt so "fit in", in varies occasions people asked for directions in the street..to their disappointment.. he he

I literally walked everywhere and saw most people dressing more formally than here in the USA. It was funny to see people running wearing scarfs too, people seemed to be very fit, despite the white bread I think we are doing something really wrong in the USA with our diet, I don't get it!

Everybody greets you, and you are expected to reply. People were really nice, I often heard people saying french don't like Americans, I think is a misconception. Everywhere I went I was treated nicely, bartenders, waitresses, waiters, grocery store, museums, main attractions, walks..etc. I think it is our attitude, we are friendly, people will treat us in the same manner, even though after saying "I don't speak french" they were understanding and tried communicating with me, even though I can tell you most people speak English, even the guy in the little stand on the sidewalk did.

Only two people I interacted with spoke no English at all, the taxi driver coming from the airport, even though I told him I didn't speak French he talked for the whole entire time, ha ha I think he was telling me all about Paris, still makes me smile, he was so nice and the guy at the cheese store, my bank card decline (ugh!!!) he say something in French and I hope it wasn't a curse... ha ha

After my failed attempt with the bank card and the embarrassment to having to return the cheese... I just took cash out and used my wells fargo at the HSBC ATM, WF charged me $5 for every transaction...OMG!! I am late for Zumba...

to be continued...

Mathieu

I am increasingly enjoying your TR with each instalment you post !

I definitely think that you did not encounter any negativity because you too are a cool, calm person and that came through in your smile (perhaps) your relaxed attitude and personality. Your positivity attracted and encouraged others to do the same. Good for you !

I think we should all start our day by reading a new entry of your report !

Thank you and keep it up. Looking forward to the next one.

kerouac

One's attitude is very often returned by the people with whom you interact. Most people who have bad encounters actually provoked them themselves with their fear and misunderstanding.

theflock

My first trip to Paris was solo, too, and in many ways it was my best visit -- completely selfish!

Can't wait to hear more!

Vivi004

My husband and I arrived in Paris last night and everyone has been so welcoming and kind. Enjoying reading about your trip so far!

TPAYT

Lovely report. The location of your apt. was excellent---close to our favorite "Marco Polo" restaurant on Rue de Conde. Did you happen to eat there?

Looking foward to more.

susan001

I'm taking notes! I will be there on my own for 5 nights in Sept. Since reading your report, I'm planning to have lunch or early dinner at Branly museum restaurant.

starrs

loving this

ticalinda1969

Thank you all for your kind messages I was in Paris a month ago yesterday and I already want to go back!
I wanted to add that English is not my first language so forgive me for any grammatical or syntax mistakes...
What part is this? I think it is
Part IV
Safety:
I felt very safe around Paris, nothing to worried in the area I was staying at.

I read here in fodors a lot about the ring scams and pick-pocketing and I was like "bring it on baby" mode. I bought a money belt (two came in the offer), happy to say I didnt have to use it. I carried my bag everywhere, also because it was big and fitted under my arm. I could fit in my sandwich, water, map, umbrella and the other usual "junk" women carry in it. I left my passport and bank card at the studio and carried only cash (I could have carried my bank card). I also carried a copy of my passport and my driver license.

Here I go:
At the Eiffel Tower
I saw many, I would say MANY (just to make my statement) young men floating around like flies, I did notice they looked at my bag and where in the bag I put my camera after I used it. They checked me out to try to figure out if I was a tourist or just a by-passer. As I passed the tower and walked towards Trocadero gardens a man approached me and started asking questions in French, I told him "Im sorry I dont speak french" he insisted and tried to keep a conversation, I apologized once more and kept on walking holding my bag tight, after I lost sight of him and went to take pictures I saw him again trying to talk to another woman who was walking alone too. I just found it fishy.

On my way back I saw another man coming my way when I sat down to check on the pics I just took and because I was already "self-aware" I stood up and kept a fast walk till I reached the Eiffel Tower. When I turned around to look how far back he was, I noticed he had turn around! A "gut" feeling I guess.

I think that due to the bombing in Boston that same week, security was tight in Paris too and saw a lot of police officers and men in camouflage and carrying guns around the tower, seeing that I felt kinda safe.

Arc of Triumph
I saw the ring scam. The guy approached two couples to which I made signs in the back of the guy to not pay any attention to him but didnt want to be too obvious so they wouldnt give me away. One couple took the ring and as soon as the guy asked them for $$, the man returned the ring and said NO. The other couple hesitated a little bit and didnt know what was going on, but then returned the ring back. Too sad to see that so many people have no clue... thanks to fodors forums I knew about it.

Metro:
The only time I took the metro was when I went to Versailles, so in my way back I stopped at the Branly Museum and had dinner at Le Ombres. My reservation was for 7:30, and I waited to get dark to see the tower lit up, so I had to take the train later on, I would not do it again. At least not from that point. I went to Pont de l'Alma stop, but it was totally desolated at 9:30pm, I freaked out, so I got out and waited to see if someone would come down, one couple came and walked after them and waited for the train. If I had known better I would have taken a taxi, that area was VERY quiet that night.

In summary I would say that you need to be very cautious around the Eiffel tower and Arc of Triumph, other than that, I felt very safe everywhere else .

Next topic: Museums and Attractions

susan001

Thanks so much for your report! I think I may skip Eiffel Tower and just enjoy it from the boat cruise (I've seen it before). The "scammers" make me very uncomfortable.

Bokhara2

This is a terrific read! I have no doubt at all that your positive, polite & interested attitude won you many friends in France. Treat others as we'd like to be treated is the best thing we can learn as youngsters. Rarely fails.

Now you've discovered the joys of solo traveller, there will be no stopping you!
Bokhara - another solo traveller by choice.

ticalinda1969

Susan001 dont skip the Eiffel tower it is just amazing to be there, I didnt go inside it, just go early in the day, be aware of your surroundings, take lots of pictures, walk around and enjoy the view. Also, the cruise just to see the tower lit up is just amazing!
Thanks Bokhara2, I definitely am in aw of my discovery...totally love it!!!! I am planning my second trip solo, this time is Rome

baladeuse

Great report, ticalinda. I'm sending a link to a friend who is hesitating about travelling solo.

menachem

I travel alone a lot too, by choice, and I love it. Rome, you'll love it.

susan001

Hi ticalinda -- I have seen it before, lit up. It is truly wonderful! If the pickpockets and scammers have become more prevalent, not sure I want to walk around the area, but I will decide what I want to do once there. So glad you had a great adventure. I actually prefer going alone.

MarivicPL

Oooh, I would love to travel solo! But my husband and kids always want to come along... lol. Enjoying all your observations about Paris.

Indogirl1

Ticalinda,I am sooooo enjoying reading your report. Your apartment is so adorable. I have the same problem as the previous poster , i wanna travel solo but kids and hubby balked at the idea,especially a trip to Paris,LOL.
Paris put a spell on you, after my 1st trip in 2000, we've been back 3 times and planning another trip next year. It is my favorite city in the world! I will be in Rome next month ,I hope i'll have the same yearning to return to Rome like Paris did to us.

ticalinda1969

Thank you you guys! You get me so motivated to keep on writing when I find the time I truly enjoy sharing my experience in Paris...


Part V : Museums and Attractions
I listed on my first posting all the places I went, so here I will just add an opinion of the "good, the not-so-good, and the must do".


I didnt get the museum pass which I regretted a little, I didnt buy it because I didnt think I was going to visit so many places in one week, next time I would buy it.


My favorite museums: d'Orsay and Branly. d'Orsay is a beautiful well organized museum, I loved the easy to get around thing, the "openness", the works, etc. I highly recommend it. Branly: a very "diversed" museum, not like the others it has a color code on the floor that tells you the area of the world covered in that color, easy to explore, beautiful exhibitions.


Georges Pompidou: not exactly my "cup of tea", just too weird for me, a pile of discarded car tires is not art in my eyes! Sorry, some of the art I didnt get it, I actually felt kinda insulted and ripped-off seeing some of the things in there


The Louvre outside is outstanding, the building its just amazing! Inside reminded me of the museums in NYC, it is huge!! I will need to spend more time next time I go there, I dont think I saw the whole thing.


Versailles Palace: One word: AWESOME!!! To explore the whole thing I spent the whole morning and paert of the afternoon. I didnt get into any crowd, I was there at 10 am. This was the only time I took public transportation, it cost me about 11Euros back and forth. I visted the palace, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Canal, I also paid about 6Euros to take the little cart-train to the Grand Trianon, my last stop was the Canal and walked back to the Palace.

That day in the morning I made an online reservation for dinner at “Les Ombres” restaurant located on the top floor on the building next to the Branly museum. On my way back from Versailles I stopped at the Branly Museum and had dinner overlooking at the Eiffel tower. This restaurant has an amazing view of the tower, highly recommend it, just make sure you make reservations before departure since they can be booked months in advanced (I was told by the waitress there) …. I was very lucky to have found a spot, and right next to the window ;-)

I also enjoyed the Panthéon, Notre Dame where you have to walk up more than 400 steps, for me just seeing the gargoyles up close was so worth it. The Opera Palais Garnier is jaw dropping, what an amazing architectural masterpiece!

Other places I liked a lot where Les Invalides, where you can have an idea of the power of the French Army, just amazing. Another place worth going to is Musee National du Moyen Age.

As I said, of all places I visited, I would leave the Georges Pompidou for last, but I don’t discourage anyone from going, we all have different tastes and opinions.

Next Part: Food/Dinning

simpsonc510

Another (frequent) solo traveler here! I love deciding what I want to do each day and not having to please someone else by including things that would not be of interest to me.

A friend and I will be in Paris for one week in July, also staying in an apartment in the 6th. I appreciate reading your notes on how much the trip had cost you. I've not been in Paris or the country of France in some 25 years, though I am in Europe at least twice a year.

I also appreciate the notes on buying/not buying passes and such. We do not have a schedule, and may or may not do a lot of sight seeing. I think there will be a lot of relaxing time just people watching, sipping coffee, wine, whatever, and talking. My friend has had a very rough couple of years and this is a trip for relaxation and thinking about the life she has ahead of her. I'm hoping there are good outdoor places in the 6th where we can take a table and not feel like we should move along quickly so someone else can have our spot!

Anyway, nice report! Looking forward to your next segment (and thank you for separating your paragraphs).