yestravel

Fuzz bucket, so sorry to hear of your loss of your friend.

Arabella_B

Good afternoon all--a quick update for those of you in Paris.

The culture minister announced this afternoon that cultural institutions will reopen tomorrow (Monday) at 1pm, following security briefings and a minute of silence.

Press release (in French): http://www.culturecommunication.gouv...-novembre-2015

Thinking of you all. Fuzzbucket, my deepest condolences to you. Bon courage a tout et toutes.

brubenow

Fuzzbucket, my condolences to you.

fuzzbucket

Thanks very much to everyone who expressed sympathy. Unfortunately, I have since found out that I am not alone - plenty of my friends lost people who were just sitting around with friends, bothering nobody.

I mentioned before that things would be back to normal on Tuesday. That's because a good many places are closed on Mondays, as a rule.

Tonight, while trying to walk my dog, I was caught in a false alerte in the Marais and had to go running for shelter. As you might imagine, people are "on their last nerve" and any loud noise or suspect person is immediately reported to the police. Because I heard helicopters above me, and there were many police with guns around, I took this very seriously and went right home.

If you'll be in Paris in the very near future, I urge you to avoid visiting the areas where the attacks took place. In fact, at this time, it is forbidden to "assemble", and police are discouraging people from lighting candles, etc. Apparently, some people are getting a charge out of making noise and watching the resulting mayhem. Frankly, it's not worth it for a photo-op, and the police have enough to do.

PalenQ

fuzzbucket's loss makes all of FodorLand sad and touched by the tragedy - words cannot express my sympathies and outrage at the medieval maniacs aiming at ordinary citizens minding their own business - even some innocent Muslims were probably killed in those attacks.

And I hope Paris does re-open with gusto - or else the terrorists win.

My French son's mum called and asked if 'France should get out of Syria or else France will be attacked again' - I said no or else the terrorists will win -I hope this is not the feeling of many French - but it is a conundrum because the ISL types want France and the West to be involved in their war as that's a great recruiting tactic - I can't see any positive short-term solution to this daunting terrible problem.

Nous sommes tous francaises aujorrd'hui et pour toutes les temps - pardon my French - let this bring out the best in us and others to stamp out this fanatical medieval group - Moslem nations themselves should feel the same way as it gives them all a black eye from naive folks who lump them all together.

The Marseillaise (sp?) is being sung in my head. Though I am not French I have spent so much time in France with my French in-laws and son and truly feel for all of France, especially its many good hard-working Moslem community.

lilyclaire

So sorry for your loss, fuzzbucket. This is so sad, pointless, and scary. It all reminds me of 9-11, eyes glued to the TV, feeling helpless and wanting to do more for the victims. Well, all I can do is pray for everyone, have more patience and love for others, and plan my next trip to my favorite city. Terror can't win.

Scootoir

Fuzzbucket, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. All of us who love Paris and freedom mourn along side you.

StuDudley

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, before last night's Golden State Warriors(NBA champions) basketball game, there was a moment of silence - then they played La Marseillaise.

We had friends over for dinner last night. I rummaged through our travel items to find my red-white-blue France apron & wore it while I prepared dinner.

Many building throughout the US are lit with red-white-blue lights - depicting the French flag.

Stu Dudley

swandav2000

Fuzzbucket, I add my own condolances to those above -- I am so sorry that you lost a friend. Since Saturday morning, it has become normal to ask people, "Is your family ok?" "Is your family safe?" People respond with sorrow over the attacks and then with vigor and determination that Paris will not be sunk.

I saw a quick clip yesterday of the crowd filing out of the stadium after the attack there -- singing La Marseillaise. I love the French soul.

s

kja

My deepest sympathies to fuzzbucket and others who lost someone in these horrible events. And my expressions of support to all who stand for liberté, égalité, et fraternity, in France or elsewhere.

Michel_Paris

I am internally torn about this. My deepest sympathies to all who have suffered because of this. I can only speak for myself. when I say that has affected me personally, because of my deep attachment and respect for France and its citizens.

France has often suffered great loss in its history, and has always come back. I know it will do so once again.

Someone famous once said: In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

Looking forward to a Parisian summer...

kovsie

Also here in Dubai, buildings are covered in the French colours

http://time.com/4113867/burj-khalifa...r-france-flag/

CarolA

Well, I changed my May travel plans again this weekend. Trip is now including Paris! Be there in May

Sadly there are no real "safe" places anymore. Church? Urban Transit? School? Concerts? Movie Theaters? Sporting Events? Workplace?

It's not like we can shelter in place in our homes so....

So sorry for those affected both with the loss of friends and family and just because it's their home town. The world shares your grief and horror.

TrendGirl2

PARIS COUNTDOWN:
9 MORE DAYS UNTIL I FLY TO PARIS.........Still planning on going forward with my trip.

It will be a strange feeling, yet must go on with my life & plans.

Of course I am expecting longer-slower lines at JFK & CD AIRPORT....but that is to be expected & I welcome the extra security.


TrendGirl2

StCirq

Every dwelling that's inhabited here in the tiny commune of St-Cirq lit a candle and put it in the window the night of November 13 and since. It's heartwarming and incredibly sad and sickening all at once to see the tiny little flickers of light over the jet-black valley at night. But still such a sense of solidarité among every French person (and a few expats) here. I have absolute faith in the French to carry on without extremist measures. They are very smart, reasoned people, IMO.

kerouac

I visited the sites today. It was grim. There were cleaning crews in front of the Bataclan still trying to scrub the sidewalks with high pressure hoses and brushes.

f1racegirl

kerouac, Boulevard Voltaire must be open now. It was still blocked all weekend. I saw some other sites yesterday and agree that it was grim - yet I'm glad that I went too.

PappuPager

the worst thing to ever happen to the city of love ............. Hatred finally crept in May God have mercy on the souls of the victims. Pray RIP

CarolA

I am not sure I agree this is hte 'worst thing to ever happen' Next time you visit see the Deportation Memorial... Another version of "terrorism"

cigalechanta

FB has a page where those who are in Paris check in to let their families and friends know they are ok.
The day before the Paris attacks, Beruit was again attacked and many died. I have friends whose families still live there,
both countries need our support.