2 Weeks In Paris
I have just wrapped up a 2 week vacation in France. To put this in context, I do not speak French. I went by myself. This was my first real experience with international Travel. Rather than drone on about the experience, let's approach this in quick observations.
Paris=Amazing
The Flight-God, it is long. I had decent seating and it still sucked.
The flight- Jet Lagged. You just are. Be prepared for a long first day after not really sleeping on the plane.
The People-I was not treated as the moronic tourist, who did not speak French.
The People-Be respectful. Bonjour, Merci. Be respectful and people will work with you.
The People-There was only one waiter who “I Think” was being condescending. :)
The People-Treated me well.
Paris Metro-So easy to use.
Paris Metro-Paresians are fairly considerate, even during high traffic periods.
Paris Metro-Bonjour App. Best thing ever.
Google Maps-Best thing ever.
Restaurants-Just like any other city. You can find just about anything. Even Mexican.
Restaurants-The places that focus on French cuisine are always packed. Make reservations.
Restaurants-If the staff does not speak your language, just point to the item on the menu. After you say Bonjour. Be respectful.
Restaurants-Staff make a living wage. No Tipping. God we need this in the US.
Restaurants-Sitting at a table, on the street, watching the world go by? It is pretty sweet.
Notre Dame-A lot of construction.
Notre Dame-The courtyard is full of tourists, but smells like urine.
NotreDame-In disrepair, but still amazing to see. To walk by every day was a wow moment.
Homeless-Same as everywhere else. Avoided those that seemed healthy and dramatizing. Homeless-Gave to those who just looked like they could use it.
Scammers-Don’t stop to sign petitions. A polite no.
Scammers-Don’t let anyone stop you, to tie a friendship bracelet to your wrist.
Little French Kids-They are so stereotypically cute when they speak French! (Mama, Papa, Merci Monsieur….so cute.)
Little French Kids- Still fight with their siblings. (In French.) So cute if you are not the parent.
Cigarettes-People actually smoke thin little cigarettes.
Cigarettes-A lot of people still smoke thin little cigarettes.
Cigarettes-I bet their movies don’t have warnings that reference smoking like the US. (Sex, Violence, SMOKING-Oh no…Don’t let the kids see that.) That is an American stupidity for another discussion.
The Louvre-Not a huge museum person, but wow…
The Louvre-Everybody rushes to get a selfie with the Mona Lisa. (All Ages.) Nobody takes a few minutes just to look at her.
The Louvre-Venus Di Milo. People did stop to look at her.
The Louvre-Get there early. Do the Mona Lisa first.
Rodin Museum-The Thinker. Looks just like the one we have at home.
Rodin Museum-Rodin-Amazing artist.
Sacre Coeur-Climb the outer steps, not the ones in the center.
Sacre Coeur-Go to a mass. God puts on a great show on a great stage.
Green Box Sellers-The Green Box shops on the Seine are pure Paris stereotype. They are fun, and you don't know what you are going to find. There are hidden gems in those piles of Books, Art, and Magazines.
Picasso Museum-OK, for a guy who drew people using only geometric shapes….Pretty cool!
Taking Pictures-Bring a 28mm or smaller lens! Should have bought one before I left.
Taking Pictures-Be patient, you will eventually get a break in the crowds. Focus, and shoot when people are out of the way.
Taking Pictures-Bring a spare mounting button for your tripod. Missed using my long lens at night. Sucked when I tried.
Seine Boat Ride-Sit back and enjoy the views.
Coke, The Drink-The French are into Coke Zero or Sans Sucres. Thank God!
Coke, The Drink-They serve it with a lemon slice. I don’t know. I couldn't taste the difference.
Coke, The Drug-I don’t know. :)
The French Don’t Believe In-Ice in drinks.
The French Don’t Believe In-Cooking with salt.
Mt. Saint Michal-A lot of steps.
Mt. Saint Michal-Crowded even in the off season.
Mt. Saint Michal-Totally worth it.
Mt. Saint Michal-I think it was an inspiration for Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.
Omaha Beach-Just Go!
Paris-Historical, Literary, Amazing, Fun. I could live there.
