I begged off dinner because I was tired and cold (it had been so nice, I had left my fleece in the hotel). I went back to the pizza place (no little girl this time) and to bed.<BR><BR>Wednesday I packed (discovered I could order a caf&eacute; au lait simple to my room—3 euro!), called Mark at PariShuttle to verify my morning pickup and took a trek around the neighborhood. I’d planned to buy a sandwich to take with me to the airport for lunch at a gourmet sandwich shop down the street (Poilane bread!) but it wasn’t open yet. Even though my flight wasn’t till 2:45, I had PariShuttle pick me up at 10:45. I hate rushing at the airport. Karim was there with a new van right on time; I was the last pickup, so I sat beside him and chatted about the elections. He was a good driver and there wasn’t too much traffic. I was so early that there wasn’t a line at check-in and I had plenty of time to shop. Bought some Estee Lauder moisturizers that I use at a savings of over $40 and some chocolate. Also bought a sandwich from a stand. After we boarded, we spent an hour waiting on the runway for takeoff, so I happily ate my sandwich and drank my water, much to the envy of others. There was an empty seat beside me and a bulkhead one in front, so I switched off and on during the trip to stretch. (No upgraded return—I spent those miles to upgrade C&eacute;cile.)

Even though there was a big storm, we arrived in Chicago on time and I honestly didn’t even notice going through customs. And there was my sis-in-law waiting to whisk me off to Gino’s for Italian beef sands (the plane had served pizzas as the landing snack, so I was about pizza’d out). She returned me in time for my 8:30 flight out, which ended up being delayed for an hour; I tapped out for the entire trip. Landed in LV after midnight, only to discover they had lost my suitcase. I hate to admit it, but I was almost glad—I had no desire to trek it through the airport. My housesitter picked me up, and the suitcase was delivered to my house the next day before 11:00. I figured that it had been put on the later flight (also delayed).<BR><BR>So, all in all, it was a very excellent adventure—I’m so glad the weather was nice. It did seem that all of Paris had used the euro switch to raise prices, but maybe I was just used to francs. And though I was looking for that perfect hotel in Paris, I found two that I would be quite happy to return to. And the Pantheon beckons, so there is reason to return (though who needs a reason?). Thanks again to all of you for so many tips and suggestions: I especially enjoyed Vaux-le-Vicomte (Ritz/Wolf has lost my photos though), Auvers and Nissim da C., as well as Amboise. (You can have Sephora.)

Bravo, ma chere! I think this is just about the best trip report I've ever read here. An excellent balance of practical information and personal impressions. I'm sorry to see it end. You have a real gift for description that makes us feel that we are there with you. Merci beaucoup!

Sue, I remember La Gueze very well. When I was in Paris in February '96 with two friends we stayed on Rue Cujas, only a block away, and spent many afternoons in La Gueze. I loved their huge cafe dog...was it still there?

Sue, I have to write to agree with you on how WONDERFUL Paris was!!! My husband and I returned from our honeymoon and honestly, we did not want to leave. We went from 4/15-4/21 and it was just too short of a trip! It was my first time and I was so emotional seeing and experiencing the wonderful sites, the Parisiens, the museums, the food!!! I would also like to thank the Fodorites for all the recommendations. I will write more about my trip at a later time, but to sum it up for those whose trips are up and coming-EXTRAORDINARY!! Eat, walk, sightsee, ENJOY!!!! P.S. The weather was absolutely perfect too!!!

Capo, I do remember the cafe dog! (but dimly--I was so faint from hunger)

Sue, I made exactly the same mistake in Amboise. The two trains were leaving one minute apart, in opposite directions. I was trying to go to Blois; I never did get there--maybe next trip.

Jahoulih, what a relief; I can't tell you how dimwitted I felt after years of experience riding trains! It's nice to know that perhaps it is an easily make mistake.

to the top for Kristin

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your report, and relished all the detail. What a wonderful trip!<BR><BR>Thanks for sharing,<BR><BR>Kavey

Hello Sue,<BR>Thanks for sharing the details of your trip-it sounds like you had a great time! One question-how did you meet up with other Fodorites? I will be alone in Paris from June 4th-9th and would love to meet up with fellow travelers/Fodor forum members like you did. Is there a classifieds section here for meeting up with people that I don't know about?<BR>Regards,<BR>Inez

Inez, I simply posted a question right here with a heading like "June 4-9 GTG in Paris?" and people who would like to meet up will answer!

Sue:<BR>Had been meaning to read this report for a few days but wanted to take the time to read it all and enjoy it.<BR>What a wonderful report. It really "took me there". You have a real gift for description and it was a pleasure to read. <BR>I really don't know anything about Paris (except it's where I'm going this summer) and will have to discover it all. I'm so glad that you were able to make this extraordinary journey and honor your husbands memory as well. <BR>I had not been following your planning for this trip and so do not know if you have been to Paris many times. It seems as though you have. <BR>All the best to you and thank you for a wonderful trip...can't wait to get there.

Hi Sue<BR>I have been looking for a reasonable but nice Paris hotel for my upcoming trip. The one you stayed in sounds ideak so I think I will give it a try. This site is so helpful. We are visiting England to see family and doing a 3 day Rome & a 2 day Paris side trip. This site is helping me with all sorts of info. Thanks for yours.<BR>Freida

Pam, thanks for the kinds words. I don't ususally post many questions--I just kind of lurk and copy information I think I might need sometime. There were a couple of threads on day trips that led to my excursions. Have a great time in Paris (and Beaune)!

What a memory! Thanks so much for the good wishes.

What a great report, Sue.Thanks for bringing it up so others like me who missed it the first time around can now read it.
Worth the rerun!!!

I. too, missed your report the first time around. Wonderful of you to share. I felt like I was there again! Merci!