bluzmama

The reality is that not everyone is as interested in researching, reading about and anticipating travel. Hard though it may be for us to understand, there are some people who would just as soon go to Las Vegas, the idea of which leaves me cold. Or would rather take a cruise or book a guided tour. The idea of just going on their own is too scarey.

I have travelled with two friends who weren't interested in doing much planning even when I gave them guide books so that they could determine what interested them. And I hate the complaints about how much everything costs-they were warned and besides, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. I think you all have inspired me to try solo travel.

djkbooks

<<Did she end up enjoying Paris? you'll have to read to find out.>>

I cannot imagine why you would undertake such an endeavor, knowing this person as you did beforehand.

<<I wish I could say that I opened her eyes to the world, but sadly I don't think so. >>

4ddawgs82

Are you sure that wasn't my DH? "I only eat jelly on my crepes" and "chocolate and bread - don't think so."

We are at the ET with DS Paris at out feet. DS says mom look at Dad -- he is studying the guys that are priming the ET with a gray paint and looking at what kind of work they were doing.

I really was not suprised - we've been married almost 20 years.

irishface

I am laughing at the Dad who was checking out the painters' work!

CathyM

Your friend reminds me of my friend who went to Spain with me for 2 weeks. She decided to come with me at last minute (I had originally planned to go solo), which I thought would be great. She wasn't very expressive or enthusiastic, which is the opposite of me, and I overheard her tell a mutual friend afterwards that she had fun but "would have rather gone to Vegas" (we live in LA!!!). ugh.

gracejoan3

Reading this thread makes me realize how lucky I am to travel solo!!

Although, I must admit that my Dec. quick/short 12 day trip, dear Lilia from CA joined me and we did have a ball, as our joint running thread report described!

I join people when I am there and also have Parisian friends, so I am not alone! I can do whatever with my time and planning, quick decisions etc.

Joan

tod

Happytotravel - I know just how you felt. No, really do.
Like Palette I too have made the grimist mistake by telling an acquaintance who's son went to school with my son, that I had decided to go on a Walking tour and would she like to come along. Well, she did and that was the beginning of my nightmare.
From a quite likeable amusing woman she turned into a life-sapping, totally reliant and unknown to me at the time - heavily medicated.
A few of the things she would or would not do:

Would NOT use an esculator

Not - Join most of the side tours provided on the walk - slept in the bus while we sipped wine, watched a patanque exhibition etc.

Would NOT shower - only bath if we had one in the room or if not, splash and wash from the handbasin.

Would - Stand and stare at nothing in particular

Walking was a great strain and sometimes ended in tears

Loved the social element and engaging in conversation on a one-on-one basis

No interest in taking photos of anything

This Walking tour included The Loire Valley and spending 4 days in Paris before going on to London for a further 3 days.
I've never been so glad to be out of someone's company in my life!

TPAYT

Not walking in the greatest walking city in the world, and then wanting rocky road ice cream----you ARE nominated for sainthood!

There is not enough wine in France for me to put up with that.

On the bright side, she liked the Monet bike tour, she must have had a smile on her face for that. I would have been beaming.

I hope when she uses her adapter plug again you are not with her. She's very lucky to have a freind with much patience.

WillTravel

I think that the reluctant traveler did demonstrate courage and the ability to try something different by taking those bike tours, for example.

Most likely, if she never had any desire to go for walks at home, nor any interest in foreign cuisine at home, these interests are unlikely to appear when plopped down in Paris.

It may be that Paris is just not her preferred city, but she would like others in Europe better. For me, Paris is not at the top of my list, although I objectively appreciate its virtues. But I'm sure others would agree that if she does have any interest in visiting elsewhere in Europe, she'd probably appreciate the trip more if she planned it herself.

kerouac

I admit that I was also surprised that she accepted the bike tour.

Leely2

I don't think we need to drag Rocky Road into this.

Like Nikki, I have people in my family who are not particularly effusive or expressive--but I have learned that doesn't mean they aren't having a good time.

I agree that it's more difficult to plan what to do with these types.

happytotravel

I wanted to give an update:

I just received a French Lavender Wreath at the front door, the note says " Thank you, for taking the time to take me to France and share one of your most favorite things with me. I had a great time."

What a surprise

Leely2

happytotravel, how nice! I won't dwell on if it was worth it for you, but I imagine it's gratifying to know that she did appreciate your efforts.

kerouac

Leely2's favorite flavor is rocky road.

yk

happytotravel, maybe your friend read this thread!

KSF1050

happtytotravel - loved your well-written report and glad to see that your traveling companion acknowledged your efforts with the lavender wreath (an appropriate gift for commemorating France). Paris is at the top of my "to do" list, and when my time comes for my 1st trip there, I hope I have a traveling companion like you.