Paris Is for Pleasure: Eight Days of Solo Dining, Wandering and Decadence
Jun 24th, 2009, 07:45 AM
#122
Oh, and pdx, if you come back to this thread, I don't write stuff down every single day, but I jotted notes and impressions every couple of days and also emailed family to let them know I was alive and well every so often. I wouldn't mind camera advice at all, either! This camera was supposed to be relatively good and foolproof but it (or I) haven't gotten worse....?
In terms of what I used the apartment computer for: Google maps and the ratp.fr website, followed of course, by email. The <b>ratp.fr</b> website was invaluable.
In terms of what I used the apartment computer for: Google maps and the ratp.fr website, followed of course, by email. The <b>ratp.fr</b> website was invaluable.
Jun 24th, 2009, 08:29 AM
#125
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Leely, I can't really offer camera advice but I do know my little point-and-shoot takes pretty good photos and it's a casio and fits in pockets and purses. My niece has the most beautiful camera that captures every flicker in her kids hair and every fiber in the flowers. But it's big, not a purse camera. I'll get the info if you want. I think it's a canon.
But I definitely think it's your camera that isn't up to snuff. Way too dark even if you aren't using flash, like in the restaurant.
But I definitely think it's your camera that isn't up to snuff. Way too dark even if you aren't using flash, like in the restaurant.
Jun 25th, 2009, 04:25 PM
#126
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Hi Leely,
Well, your trip report is certainly a tour de force. Brava! I am just incapable of remembering, much less recording, all the many things we enjoyed during our week in Paris in such detail. I will say that our dinner with you, jenblase and the DHs at Le Gaigne was memorable. So much fun to meet and spend time together. We went on to have a wonderful week. Mother Nature shone down on us, as we were blessed with perfect weather all week long (mid-70's, sunny & breezy). We took in a Paris Walks tour of the medieval Latin Quarter, as well as the excellent Gustave Eiffel exhibit at the Hotel de Ville. We strolled to delicious dinners at Au Bon Accueil, Les Cocottes, Fables de la Fontaine and Le Florimond from our lovely Paris Perfect apartment, and dined on our balcony. Really a heavenly week in our favorite city. So, when are we all going back? EJ
Well, your trip report is certainly a tour de force. Brava! I am just incapable of remembering, much less recording, all the many things we enjoyed during our week in Paris in such detail. I will say that our dinner with you, jenblase and the DHs at Le Gaigne was memorable. So much fun to meet and spend time together. We went on to have a wonderful week. Mother Nature shone down on us, as we were blessed with perfect weather all week long (mid-70's, sunny & breezy). We took in a Paris Walks tour of the medieval Latin Quarter, as well as the excellent Gustave Eiffel exhibit at the Hotel de Ville. We strolled to delicious dinners at Au Bon Accueil, Les Cocottes, Fables de la Fontaine and Le Florimond from our lovely Paris Perfect apartment, and dined on our balcony. Really a heavenly week in our favorite city. So, when are we all going back? EJ
Jun 25th, 2009, 05:28 PM
#127
Hi Elsiejune,
I am glad--but not at all surprised--to hear that you and your husband had a great week+ in Paris. I know you must have enjoyed shopping in the markets, relaxing on your balcony(!), and dining, wining and walking in that beautiful city in that beautiful weather. I had wanted to see the Gustave Eiffel exhibit too but didn't make it. Always more to do and see...
Many thanks for arranging the GTG! Quite a task, I know. I had so much fun meeting all of you. And if I don't see you in Connecticut
I'll see you in Paris!
À la prochaine,
L
I am glad--but not at all surprised--to hear that you and your husband had a great week+ in Paris. I know you must have enjoyed shopping in the markets, relaxing on your balcony(!), and dining, wining and walking in that beautiful city in that beautiful weather. I had wanted to see the Gustave Eiffel exhibit too but didn't make it. Always more to do and see...
Many thanks for arranging the GTG! Quite a task, I know. I had so much fun meeting all of you. And if I don't see you in Connecticut
I'll see you in Paris!À la prochaine,
L
Jun 28th, 2009, 06:06 PM
#128
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>>>Apres, please don't insult Voltaire. What has he ever done to earn a comparison to Courtney?<<<
The shoes! Even the shape of their legs look similar, LOL. From the waist down, this could be Voltaire:
http://sp.teenagemade.com/image-html/Courtney905.html
I love the Pantheon -one of the things that really bugs me about Rick Steves is that his Paris guidebook says to skip the Pantheon because there isn't anything of interest there for American tourists. At least that's what it said a few years ago when I flipped through it at the library. I especially got a kick out of seeing Jean Jacques Rousseau's tomb.
Anyways, thanks again for such a great report, Leely!
The shoes! Even the shape of their legs look similar, LOL. From the waist down, this could be Voltaire:
http://sp.teenagemade.com/image-html/Courtney905.html
I love the Pantheon -one of the things that really bugs me about Rick Steves is that his Paris guidebook says to skip the Pantheon because there isn't anything of interest there for American tourists. At least that's what it said a few years ago when I flipped through it at the library. I especially got a kick out of seeing Jean Jacques Rousseau's tomb.
Anyways, thanks again for such a great report, Leely!
Jun 28th, 2009, 06:44 PM
#129
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Oh I must be getting senile-- I almost just wrote "didn't you forget to go into the Pantheon?" but they do kind of look alike except for the hole in the ceiling (at least more alike than Votaire and Courtney).
Jun 29th, 2009, 07:36 AM
#130
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A wonderful report - thanks so much. I was in Paris with a friend for just 5 days recently - after reading your report, I feel like I didn't see anything much ... my friend wouldn't leave the hotel without a plan, a map and won't just meander, unfortunately.
Jun 29th, 2009, 05:45 PM
#132
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Leely, like everyone else here I have really enjoyed reading your report, I am new to this board and heading to Paris for the first time, and solo in September and just can't wait! Thank you for sharing all the details. I do have one question, (for you and anyone else who may want to jump in) I am thinking about going to Le Cinq for lunch, while I really don't have any hesitation about eating solo most of the time, I am not sure if a really long solo lunch will start to feel way tooooo long or, the food would be so amazing it would be worth it? What do you think? TIA
Jun 29th, 2009, 05:56 PM
#133
rr2035, if you are comfortable with the prices I think you'll be comfortable with everything else. I would do it in a heartbeat. I walked in nervous and left elated. It's a serene environment but I would have very much enjoyed watching/spying on the "dance" of service in that kind of place if I had been solo. I like to see how things work and because I don't frequent French starred restaurants as a matter of course, seeing the whole operation--who goes where and when, what goes where and when--would have been enough to keep my mind occupied.
Wherever you go, please post something when you return for those of us sitting at home!
Have a great trip.
Wherever you go, please post something when you return for those of us sitting at home!
Have a great trip.
Jun 29th, 2009, 06:07 PM
#134
One other thing, rr2035, if you're worried about being bored in a 2.5-3.5 hour lunch, you could try my method: run yourself so ragged sightseeing that you savor any opportunity just to sit and focus. It works.
Jun 29th, 2009, 06:18 PM
#135
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Thanks Leely2, I think I needed a little validation and glad you mentioned the "dance" of service, I too love watching how restaurants work and I am sure it will be like watching a grand theatre production. thanks again!
Jun 29th, 2009, 06:23 PM
#136
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Good idea Leely2 - I went directly to the Air Canada site after reading your report; the fares aren't too bad but then I came to my senses and remembered I lost my job! I'm unemployed....do not think about Paris!
Jun 30th, 2009, 07:15 AM
#138
Sally, I am really sorry to hear you've been laid off. Unfortunately, I know many people in the same spot right now. I hope your job-seeking is fruitful and as stress-free as possible.
Jul 1st, 2009, 07:31 AM
#140
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Thank you, Leely2 and Anselm - I'm lucky in that I have a "package" and can take my time finding work - however, I DREAD the entire process..a friend let go at the same time took a 7- month contract which involved being interviewed by 5 people (we're legal secretaries/assistants, by the way) and police and credit checks which absolutely astounds me. I'm too old for all this c..p.
