julies

We've been here now for 3 days (our apartment has internet access, so that's how I'm writing this) and I thought I'd tell you what I've observed. It's cold, and I'm from Minnesota so I know. The grass is almost totally green and there are a number of shrubs that must be evergreen. The hardy flowers like pansies have just been planted in the gardens. the cafes have their boxes full of cold hardy flowers outside, and flower shops are displaying all their wares on the sidewalks. I've seen a couple buds that may be ready to start open in a week or so.
That bright pink purse will fit right in. In fact, I've been using a lightweight le Sportsac tote bag much more than I'd planned. It's great because it doesn't weight a thing and I can put my books, gloves, money, purchases etc. in it; I've got a tiny purse tucked in it with my necessities. Tomorrow though I'll be using my healthy back bag purse because we will be hitting some museums and they will allow you to keep a purse, but you have to check bags.


Don't worry as much about how you'll look as how you'll feel. At the last minute I took a calf length rather than knee length coat I'd been planning to bring, and I'm glad i did. This way I don't need to wear my silk longjohns under my slacks. If I had a shorter coat, I'd need the longjohns. For warmth, everyone is wearing scarves of all weights and hues. You'll blend in any warm coat you own as long as it isn't a Columbia type ski jacket. I have 2 pairs of gloves--light weight and heavier; when I want to take photos I wear the lighter ones because I can operate the camera that way. You'll need a hat too if you plan to walk around very much at all. Goretex type shoes or boots also are a necessity if you plan to be out and about much in the rain.
I have some lightweight turtlenecks with me but haven't worn them yet because once you go indoors, you'll be too hot. Instead I've been wearing crew neck sweaters with silk scarves; that way I can control the temperature variations.

Hope I've answered some questions for those of you who are starting to pack. I'm posting this now because I got so much help here when I was planning.

One last thought--no white walking/running shoes unless you are actually planning to jog; that is the only time I have seen them. That is the one thing that really will make you stand out.

Second last thought--we made a big mistake and didn't take our ambien on the plane, so we didn't sleep. Now we're paying for it by having slept away our first two mornings. a word to the wise; do whatever you need to do to sleep on the plane.

LoveItaly

Hi julies, so glad to see your post and that is great you packed properly inspite of all the last minute worries about your NW flight!! Guess you know that the pilots union have agreed on a cut in salary etc., now the union just has to vote on it..and it certainly looks as though all are in agreement (but not happy I am sure). So things look good for NW!!!

Have a wonderful time, you have been in my thoughts.

cigalechanta

Hi Julies have a great time now that you are rested. Toast Paris for me.

janisj

Thanks for the update. I get to Paris on the 22nd - of course it will be <u>much</u> warmer by then! yeah, right. :-&quot;

Woody

Hi julies: It's very nice of you to post. Talking about cold, when we were in Paris last November it snowed! (But it was so beautiful!)

We will be in Paris later this month. Hopefully it will be warmer.

Woody

francophile03

Julies, your report is most appreciated. I hope I'm prepared enough for the cold which I'm sure will not disippate by the time I'll be there soon.

Marianna

Julies,

Thanks for taking the time to give us this information. We are cold here also and it is definitely not Paris. Cold in Boston vs. Paris ... I'd take Paris! Enjoy your trip.

AnselmAdorne

Hi Julies. Delighted to hear you made it, especially after the NWA issue. How's the apartment, and are you happy with the area?

Anselm

Seamus

Glad it is going well - what apartment are you renting, and how is it working out?

Scarlett

Yes, thanks for checking in, always good to hear about Paris.

And do tell , how is the apt?
Have fun!

cigalechanta

Another one cold in Boston who wants to know where and what about the apartment.

scottkriss

Hi Julies,

Thank you so much for your feeback. It is most helpful as we are preparing to leave in one week. We are now bringing slightly different coats.

Rillifane

Very useful information. We're reviewing our proposed wardrobes and making adjustments.

cigalechanta

scottkiss, I returned last Sunday, it was cold, rainy, raw and everyone was wrapped in scarves, shawls, men, women alike. Boots were all I saw on people, berets, knitted hats anything.
an all weather coat is a good choice, meaning it can withstand rain and still look nice enough to go to a restaurant
Weather won't matter-it's Paris

scottkriss

Thank you Cigelachanta, we are pulling out the London Fog's as we speak.

Scarlett

And maybe you will have my luck, I take all my warm woolies, expecting cold weather and sure enough, the sun comes out and I don't have anything to wear for warm days LOL....

francophile03

Well, that's a perfectly good excuse to buy the warm weather wardrobe, Scarlett.

daisy58

we were in paris january 03, snowy, cold, but beautiful. Have a great fur scarf I bought at the Galleries Lafayette January sale I probably would have missed otherwise. Have a great trip!

Nikki

Glad you made it, hope you're enjoying your apartment. And I have found that the up side of not being able to sleep on the plane and sleeping in the first couple mornings is being able to stay up much later than usual the first couple of nights. That's when I can stay out late enough to enjoy the night life.

isabel

Julies - thanks for the updates. I was actually thinking of posting a question asking if there were any flowers yet. I was just looking at my photos from previous March trips and there are daffodils, forsythia, dogwood, etc. Any of that showing up yet?

Any forcasts for the week after next. Accuweather is saying sun and warmer (40-60) which I fear is too good to be true.

Have a great time whatever your weather and keep us posted please.