Paris last weekend
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ronhic
Well-known member
I love Paris...
Thank you for posting that.....
Thank you for posting that.....
mikepaquette
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Thank you
I was there last April. Will go back. Breathtaking. Mike
I was there last April. Will go back. Breathtaking. Mike
launderess
Well-known member
We Will Always Have Paris!
Such a gorgeous city! One simply cannot go wrong visiting, can one?
Be it the first or 31st time one visits Paris, there is always something new and the city never fails to surprise.
Love Notre Dame, but find it sad some tourists do not respect the fact the church is just that, and continue snapping pictures away during services, including funerals.
The Marais district has to be one of the hottest areas in Paris at the moment. Years ago when one first went to Paris, while at school, the place was run down and hardly anyone went, or if they did it was only passing through to get to La Place de Vosges, then things started to pop. As with many American forgotton urban areas, gays started moving in, bringing clubs, bars, cafes and other trendy spots, then the belle de monde followed. Once again we missed the boat. Could have gotten a house or apartment there back in the 1980s for nearly nothing, but not anymore.
Such a gorgeous city! One simply cannot go wrong visiting, can one?
Be it the first or 31st time one visits Paris, there is always something new and the city never fails to surprise.
Love Notre Dame, but find it sad some tourists do not respect the fact the church is just that, and continue snapping pictures away during services, including funerals.
The Marais district has to be one of the hottest areas in Paris at the moment. Years ago when one first went to Paris, while at school, the place was run down and hardly anyone went, or if they did it was only passing through to get to La Place de Vosges, then things started to pop. As with many American forgotton urban areas, gays started moving in, bringing clubs, bars, cafes and other trendy spots, then the belle de monde followed. Once again we missed the boat. Could have gotten a house or apartment there back in the 1980s for nearly nothing, but not anymore.
launderess
Well-known member
Pere LaChaise
Is still very much a working cemetary, and the surrounding area used to be home to the "funeral" district of Paris, but many of the shops have closed down.
So many persons of fame and note, not to mention great French families are buried in PLaC. If one walks around long enough, you will see on occasion an empty tomb or gravesite. No, not grave robbers, but if fees are not paid for care, the remains are removed. Sometimes there simply aren't any family members left and or the trust or whatever funds paid, simply aren't there anymore.
There was talk awhile back of evicting Jim Morrison's remains, due to the mess, and damage the hordes of fans do not only to his grave, but surrounding ones as well.
Is still very much a working cemetary, and the surrounding area used to be home to the "funeral" district of Paris, but many of the shops have closed down.
So many persons of fame and note, not to mention great French families are buried in PLaC. If one walks around long enough, you will see on occasion an empty tomb or gravesite. No, not grave robbers, but if fees are not paid for care, the remains are removed. Sometimes there simply aren't any family members left and or the trust or whatever funds paid, simply aren't there anymore.
There was talk awhile back of evicting Jim Morrison's remains, due to the mess, and damage the hordes of fans do not only to his grave, but surrounding ones as well.
frontaloadotmy
Well-known member
Louis
Wonderful album; thanks for sharing.
Wonderful album; thanks for sharing.
toploader55
Well-known member
Great Slide Show
Chopin's Grave seemed to be remebered daily. Eddie
Chopin's Grave seemed to be remebered daily. Eddie
It's about 37 years now since I last saw Paris, where has the time gone. I don't like that ugly glass triangle in front of the Louvre. It's an abomination.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
Once again we missed the boat...
And I remember when the Haight-Ashbury in SF was just another impoverished neighborhood... and the Castro district a nondescript lower working class area one simply passed through to get from downtown to the tonier neighborhoods...
That said, never been to Paris - the closest I've gotten was Dublin, which is a beautiful city as well. Perhaps I'll make it there after I retire. And win the lottery. LOL.
And I remember when the Haight-Ashbury in SF was just another impoverished neighborhood... and the Castro district a nondescript lower working class area one simply passed through to get from downtown to the tonier neighborhoods...
That said, never been to Paris - the closest I've gotten was Dublin, which is a beautiful city as well. Perhaps I'll make it there after I retire. And win the lottery. LOL.
launderess
Well-known member
Thing about Paris, and indeed other European countries, is that one can do a cheap "cheaply". This is coming from a person who lives in one of the highest cost of living cities in the USA, New York.
Thing to do is seek out hotels, hostels, or even apartment/home rentals (if one's group is large enough), that are out of the tourist center, and perhaps out of the way.
Great thing about most western European cities is that they have good,reliable and rather reasonable public transport. This makes getting about easy, fun and above all fast.
One can save on food by finding good local places, staying away from "tourist" traps, and or even finding a MacDonald's.
Must say one has a bias towards staying in priviate home/apartment as that is how I most always travel, thanks to a wide and generous group of friends, and it really does save money. Breakfast can be had at home, and lunches/snacks packed from things purchased at local shops or supermarket, much as one would do at home.
Another great thing about Paris, and France in general, is the museums, and such most always have special offers going. One purchases a pack of cards or just a card and usually it will give a discount to one or more places.
Thing to do is seek out hotels, hostels, or even apartment/home rentals (if one's group is large enough), that are out of the tourist center, and perhaps out of the way.
Great thing about most western European cities is that they have good,reliable and rather reasonable public transport. This makes getting about easy, fun and above all fast.
One can save on food by finding good local places, staying away from "tourist" traps, and or even finding a MacDonald's.
Must say one has a bias towards staying in priviate home/apartment as that is how I most always travel, thanks to a wide and generous group of friends, and it really does save money. Breakfast can be had at home, and lunches/snacks packed from things purchased at local shops or supermarket, much as one would do at home.
Another great thing about Paris, and France in general, is the museums, and such most always have special offers going. One purchases a pack of cards or just a card and usually it will give a discount to one or more places.
hoovermatic
Well-known member
I love Paris
in the springtime
in the springtime
ronhic
Well-known member
Laundress....
McDonalds???
...we refered to it as McPee Pee when we were travelling through Europe as it offers 2 things
- toilets which are clean; and
- free....
Other than that, give me a bagette avec Jambon et salade sil vous plait or a croissant...any day of the week
McDonalds???
...we refered to it as McPee Pee when we were travelling through Europe as it offers 2 things
- toilets which are clean; and
- free....
Other than that, give me a bagette avec Jambon et salade sil vous plait or a croissant...any day of the week
launderess
Well-known member
Well, actually broke down and had MacDonalds one year when in Paris. Pretty much was the cheapest thing in the area, and was leaving to return home soon and had spent so much funds on shopping (parents were quite clear there would be no more wires to the Amercian Express office near the Opera).
Food actually wasn't that bad, indeed seemed to taste better than the "Big Mac" one has in the states. Fries were good as well.
As for finding clean "American" standard, or "English" standard WCs in France, been there and done that. Take the French society view, and do not go anyplace else but at home if one can help it.
Am not kidding, it is seen as some what rude in some French circle to ask to use the loo. Apparently some such nonesense from the old French King days when one had to ask permission to be excused from HM's presence for anything, including to use the loo.
There is a famous tale of one high born lady traveling with a French king (name escapes me), and suddendly found herself caught short. Well she couldn't very well ask HM to stop the carriage and party for her, so she held it, and held it. Finally upon arrival at their destination, or maybe it was simply to rest the horses, the ducked behind something, and with her brother shielding her, spent a penny.
If you think finiding a good loo in Paris is hard, (which it really isn't if one knows how and where to look), forget the villages, South of France and so forth. Many bars and such still have the old squat hole toilets. Something one does not recommend anyone using after they've had a few bevvys. *LOL*
L.
Food actually wasn't that bad, indeed seemed to taste better than the "Big Mac" one has in the states. Fries were good as well.
As for finding clean "American" standard, or "English" standard WCs in France, been there and done that. Take the French society view, and do not go anyplace else but at home if one can help it.
Am not kidding, it is seen as some what rude in some French circle to ask to use the loo. Apparently some such nonesense from the old French King days when one had to ask permission to be excused from HM's presence for anything, including to use the loo.
There is a famous tale of one high born lady traveling with a French king (name escapes me), and suddendly found herself caught short. Well she couldn't very well ask HM to stop the carriage and party for her, so she held it, and held it. Finally upon arrival at their destination, or maybe it was simply to rest the horses, the ducked behind something, and with her brother shielding her, spent a penny.
If you think finiding a good loo in Paris is hard, (which it really isn't if one knows how and where to look), forget the villages, South of France and so forth. Many bars and such still have the old squat hole toilets. Something one does not recommend anyone using after they've had a few bevvys. *LOL*
L.
Thanks y'all for your comments.
It's indeed sad that people are flashing around at whatever moment. I turned off the flash of my camera because it's not allowed to use it inside the church. Still you see flashing allover the place.
I especially enjoyed Le Marais and Montmartre. They are the older parts of Paris and were left alone when the architect Haussmann totally redesigned Paris. Unfortunately there are no pictures of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur, we went there when it was already dark.
As for food, we had wonderful meals for relatively low prices. We went to small authentic French restaurants where you can get a three course meal for around 15 euros. I had quite a few of the classic French desserts like Iles Flottantes, Tarte aux Pommes, Mousse au Chocolat and Tarte Tatin.
Père Lachaise was wonderful. I love visiting old cemeteries. On a Sunday you can tell where the graves of the famous are, you see groups of people at those graves. There are still several funeral homes around Père Lachaise, it's indeed still a working cemetery, there were a few recent graves.
We moved around Paris by Metro and RER (local trains). It's worth purchasing a ticket for a full day or for several days. We used it a lot.
Louis
It's indeed sad that people are flashing around at whatever moment. I turned off the flash of my camera because it's not allowed to use it inside the church. Still you see flashing allover the place.
I especially enjoyed Le Marais and Montmartre. They are the older parts of Paris and were left alone when the architect Haussmann totally redesigned Paris. Unfortunately there are no pictures of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur, we went there when it was already dark.
As for food, we had wonderful meals for relatively low prices. We went to small authentic French restaurants where you can get a three course meal for around 15 euros. I had quite a few of the classic French desserts like Iles Flottantes, Tarte aux Pommes, Mousse au Chocolat and Tarte Tatin.
Père Lachaise was wonderful. I love visiting old cemeteries. On a Sunday you can tell where the graves of the famous are, you see groups of people at those graves. There are still several funeral homes around Père Lachaise, it's indeed still a working cemetery, there were a few recent graves.
We moved around Paris by Metro and RER (local trains). It's worth purchasing a ticket for a full day or for several days. We used it a lot.
Louis
ronhic
Well-known member
Agreed..
I had to use a 'squat' loo in a cafe in Paris and vowed then to hold on 'till my bladder burst...
I had to use a 'squat' loo in a cafe in Paris and vowed then to hold on 'till my bladder burst...
Paris has over 400 sanisettes, self cleaning public toilets that are free. No need to use a squat loo while in Paris anymore.
gyrafoam
Well-known member
Thanks Louis------a great slide-show!
Are those free, it looks like they have a coin slot and coin return drawer on them. Did you try one?
Fabulous pictures Louis!!! Look you can embed the slideshow right into the post.
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Paris February 2009
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Paris February 2009
andyelectrolux
Well-known member
Thanks Louis! If I had my choice of anywhere in the world to take my next vacation, it would be Paris!
toggleswitch2
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- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,000
C'etait tres bon!
Since when does a "boulagerie-pattiserie" sell "vetments"?
Do cars still have those unusual yellow headlights?
Looks like you had a great time and saw so many wonderful things. Thank you for posting that!
Since when does a "boulagerie-pattiserie" sell "vetments"?
Do cars still have those unusual yellow headlights?
Looks like you had a great time and saw so many wonderful things. Thank you for posting that!
Ahhhh, Paris
. . . and the seductive perfume of diesel smoke and urine. It's been 15 years since my partner and I were non-plussed by the polluted air, the lousy weather (June) and overpriced and unsatisfying restaurants. I am transported there again every time I'm stuck behind a bus or big rig, or walking past a derelict doorway.
Men, stand up and be counted! Nobody wants to get real about this place. Believe it or not, it's OK NOT to like Paris, regardless of all the (seemingly mandatory) swooning others may do over the thought of the place. But if you absolutely must go, here's one valuable piece of advice: Watch your step. Contrary to what you may think, apparently there are few green patches where one can walk their dog so everyone uses the sidewalk, and they don't pick up after the dog uses the sidewalk too. It doesn't matter where, from the now-trendy Marais (where we stayed) to the Left Bank, looking down while walking is essential.
(B)ahhhhh, Paris.
. . . and the seductive perfume of diesel smoke and urine. It's been 15 years since my partner and I were non-plussed by the polluted air, the lousy weather (June) and overpriced and unsatisfying restaurants. I am transported there again every time I'm stuck behind a bus or big rig, or walking past a derelict doorway.
Men, stand up and be counted! Nobody wants to get real about this place. Believe it or not, it's OK NOT to like Paris, regardless of all the (seemingly mandatory) swooning others may do over the thought of the place. But if you absolutely must go, here's one valuable piece of advice: Watch your step. Contrary to what you may think, apparently there are few green patches where one can walk their dog so everyone uses the sidewalk, and they don't pick up after the dog uses the sidewalk too. It doesn't matter where, from the now-trendy Marais (where we stayed) to the Left Bank, looking down while walking is essential.
(B)ahhhhh, Paris.
Oh Ralph... LOL
But really you are right. Unless things have changed I do remember their being dog crap all over the sidewalks every two feet and I'm really not exaggerating.
Manchester as I recall was another place where you had to watch your step, it was bad, but not as bad as Paris.
But really you are right. Unless things have changed I do remember their being dog crap all over the sidewalks every two feet and I'm really not exaggerating.
Manchester as I recall was another place where you had to watch your step, it was bad, but not as bad as Paris.
Great pics, Louis, you saw some very interesting things. I also like to see the graveyards, they are sometimes as beautiful as upscale neighborhoods but more compact and easier to walk!
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!
Yeah, it's not like I'm wanting to be a spoiler here, but somebody needs to tell it like it is and let people know it's really OK not to get all dreamy and wistful when the word Paris is uttered. If you haven't been and think you must go, think again. Don't even get me started on De Gaulle airport. If you're an art lover, by all means the museums are not to be missed. Just be sure you don't track anything in upon entering.
Well Louis can tell us if they've done anything about cleaning up the poo
toggleswitch2
Well-known member
- Joined
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There is good and bad EVERYWEHRE!
...........Ahhhh, Paris . . . and the seductive perfume of diesel smoke and urine.
There I was on a train from Paris to Amsterdam.
On board was a gorgeous young lady (believe me, she was; I tend not to notice these things!) in a littel red dress with spaghetti straps, nice pumps, and a trendy little hand-bag that looked like an "Oggi" magazine (Italian for "Today", probably fashon-related, IIRC.) a true breeders wet-dream. Or so I thought.
She went into her bag to get a cigarette and there was a FOREST under her arms. That caught me cultually off-guard! She then put the cigarette to her mouth and what I saw--where there WERE teeth that were not missing-- was a patchwork or off-white, beige, tan and brown teeth.
I was not impressed. The occasional lack of deodorant amoung the populous was not so pleasant either.
Back when I went in 1985 to 1990 there was very limited air-condtioning. TRY to get a cold drink.....with ice. UH-UH. I saw a McDonalds and hit it many days in a row to get a decent coffee that was not demmie-tasse, and later in the day a soda or water with ICE.
Used a local laundromat. It was fun watching some girls from Michigan(USA) attempt to use a front-loader. OMG! Even in a commercial settings the damn washers took HOURS to produce their own hot water. For some reason the dryers had a huge tumber in diameter but very limited depth. Vending machine for detergent put a fixed charge of detergent in a tin cup that got dumped into washer and replaced in vending machine.
But I think funnest of all was watch those "ugly-Americans"
1- expect English to be spoken and understood.
2- expect to be caterd to.
3- Struggle with a coin-operated (and fornt-loading, even) waher and dryer--they had never seen such a thing). Yes there were suds EVERYWEHRE!
4- Describe what their American appliances did when plugged into a French outlet.
Repetez classe: Les salots stupides.
I think I eventually spoke English and assisted.
The food and drink was fabulous, paying a tip /service-charge even for a bottle of Perrier "to go" (take-away) was absurd.
But once adjused to local cultural norms, it was still quite the vacation/holiday!
oh and PeteK. J'aime the glass pyramid in the centre du Louvre musee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_American
...........Ahhhh, Paris . . . and the seductive perfume of diesel smoke and urine.
There I was on a train from Paris to Amsterdam.
On board was a gorgeous young lady (believe me, she was; I tend not to notice these things!) in a littel red dress with spaghetti straps, nice pumps, and a trendy little hand-bag that looked like an "Oggi" magazine (Italian for "Today", probably fashon-related, IIRC.) a true breeders wet-dream. Or so I thought.
She went into her bag to get a cigarette and there was a FOREST under her arms. That caught me cultually off-guard! She then put the cigarette to her mouth and what I saw--where there WERE teeth that were not missing-- was a patchwork or off-white, beige, tan and brown teeth.
I was not impressed. The occasional lack of deodorant amoung the populous was not so pleasant either.
Back when I went in 1985 to 1990 there was very limited air-condtioning. TRY to get a cold drink.....with ice. UH-UH. I saw a McDonalds and hit it many days in a row to get a decent coffee that was not demmie-tasse, and later in the day a soda or water with ICE.
Used a local laundromat. It was fun watching some girls from Michigan(USA) attempt to use a front-loader. OMG! Even in a commercial settings the damn washers took HOURS to produce their own hot water. For some reason the dryers had a huge tumber in diameter but very limited depth. Vending machine for detergent put a fixed charge of detergent in a tin cup that got dumped into washer and replaced in vending machine.
But I think funnest of all was watch those "ugly-Americans"
1- expect English to be spoken and understood.
2- expect to be caterd to.
3- Struggle with a coin-operated (and fornt-loading, even) waher and dryer--they had never seen such a thing). Yes there were suds EVERYWEHRE!
4- Describe what their American appliances did when plugged into a French outlet.
Repetez classe: Les salots stupides.
I think I eventually spoke English and assisted.
The food and drink was fabulous, paying a tip /service-charge even for a bottle of Perrier "to go" (take-away) was absurd.
But once adjused to local cultural norms, it was still quite the vacation/holiday!
oh and PeteK. J'aime the glass pyramid in the centre du Louvre musee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_American
Actually I did like Paris. The air was rather polluted at some places I have to admit but for the rest I had a great trip. Didn't notice any dog shit, but then again I didn't really pay attention to it.
What struck is that the people in the street didn't look particularly French anymore. It's a global world and Paris is part of it including the way they dress.
Steve,
Love the Ugly American thread!
What struck is that the people in the street didn't look particularly French anymore. It's a global world and Paris is part of it including the way they dress.
Steve,
Love the Ugly American thread!
Oh Louis if it was bad like it used to be you couldn't help but notice it LOL
revvinkevin
Well-known member
The first time I went to Europe was around 5 years ago. We spend about a week in and around London and another week in a car driving to Belgium overnight (OMG! I LOVED Brugge!), to Amsterdam for 1.5 days, then Paris for 3 days and back to London (one helluva lot of driving in a week!).
I can honestly say I liked Paris more then I thought I would! It's a beautiful city and if you greet the Parisians as they do, we found everyone was pleasant, we never encountered any problems with the "French attitude" I had heard so much about. I don't remember seeing dog poop all over, but I wasn't looking. I do remember some air pollition, but it wasn't bad (this coming from one who lives in Los Angeles).
I also specifically remember these public toilets. I made it a point to find and use one since I had read about them and was intrigued. At that time... 5-ish years ago, they were not free!
I can honestly say I liked Paris more then I thought I would! It's a beautiful city and if you greet the Parisians as they do, we found everyone was pleasant, we never encountered any problems with the "French attitude" I had heard so much about. I don't remember seeing dog poop all over, but I wasn't looking. I do remember some air pollition, but it wasn't bad (this coming from one who lives in Los Angeles).
I also specifically remember these public toilets. I made it a point to find and use one since I had read about them and was intrigued. At that time... 5-ish years ago, they were not free!
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