Leaving for London and Paris in a.m. Any last minute advice?

[tinfoilinfor2005]

[lonestarnot]

1. Yep...don't announce, someone might steal your identity while yer gone!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

23. hmmm, may not be a bargain for them...

[intrepid_wanderer]

2. sell back

one of the tickets... you pick which! :bounce:


but seriously, noise-canceling headphones & a positive traveling attitude combined with lots of sleep (from having stayed up a long time) your first evening to cancel a good hunk of the 'lag.'

ENJOY!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

9. yup, not looking forward to that part of it...I can't sleep at the drop

of a hat like some people, so I'll have to do just like you suggest.
Thanks!

[CottonBear]

3. Make copies of your passport and other documents

and put one set in your luggage and leave another at home.

Pack a set of clothes, and your toiletries, medicine and glasses in your carry on luggage just in case they lose your checked luggage.

Take a small umbrella.

Have fun! I wish I could go on a trip like that!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

11. Umbrella, umbrella, umbrella...

thanks, I keep reminding myself not to forget my umbrella from my car before I leave, but then I keep forgetting as soon as I turn around.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

4. Yes.

Take me with you.

Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

:evilgrin:

[tinfoilinfor2005]

12. I have room in my suitcase

since I plan to do some shopping while I'm there. So hop in. Unfortunately, I won't have any room to bring you back! :)

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

34. I never said I wanted to come back!

One way out of this horror show is enuf for me!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

5. It's pretty damp over in Paris at this time of year

bring long underwear, a fleece and other warm clothing. The heating systems in hotels aren't as efficient as here.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

13. I'm coming from seventy plus degree weather (Florida Keys)

so I'll probably be cold...got my flannel jammies packed!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

16. I's a very damp cold over there. March is ususally rainy, but

Paris is beautiful now matter what the weather! There's nothing like escaping the elements in a nice cafe. Make sure you try a CROQUE MONSIEUR!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

25. I've heard that dish mentioned several times...

what is it?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

37. It's basically a grilled cheese and ham dipped in egg batter

and pan fried. The cheese is to DIE for, and it's very satisfying on a cold day!

[VegasWolf]

51. Mumm, and Duck a la Orange! My favorites. Oh, and hang onto

your euros since American bucks aren't worth a damn anymore.

[VegasWolf]

50. Yes, and it rains this time of the year too! But, OooLaLa, the french

ladies.

[Nikepallas]

6. If you can wear a shirt that says you did not vote for the Chimp and you

are ashamed just as the rest of the world.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

14. I speak a little French...

and I do know how to say, "I am American, but NO BUSH!"

[Kathy in Cambridge]

17. Je suis désolé, je n'ai pas voté pour cet idiot Bush !

that should help! :D

[AntiCoup2K4]

35. Speaking French could be an asset over there.

It will allow you to pass as Canadian :evilgrin:

[KyndCulture]

7. Tell em we're sorry? shrug...

[Taxloss]

8. In London, do not fear the Tube network.

Buy day Travelcards; they are excellent value. This means you can only travel after 9.30am, but that's wise because the network is overcrowded before then.

All buses will costs you £1. Do not fear them.

Take comfortable walking shoes.

It is cold and rainy right now here. Take warm clothes, but buy a cheap umbrella here.

Fancy meeting for a pint?!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

18. thanks for the weather report...

and the transportation advice! If it is raining every minute, I plan to spend a lot of time staying dry at Harrods! And the pint's on me!!

[RagingInMiami]

10. Buy a t-shirt that says

I'm Canadian.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

19. Heh, heh...wish I had a dollar

for everyone who told me to do that!

[RagingInMiami]

28. Fuck a dollar

Take a Euro for each time they said that to you

[Gloria]

15. Jet lag tip---drink water, no booze on the flight and try to catch

some sleep if you can. When you get there, finish out the day normally (don't take a nap!). This will help you reset your body clock faster.

There is actually a regime before flight, I think about 4 days, of diet, etc. that I used several times and it really helped a lot!! But, since you can't do that at this point, the above adivce will still be beneficial.


PS...In the Tube, say hi to the mice that you might see down in the tracks as you wait for the train!!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

22. Yes, I've cut out all cocktails for several days

and will abstain on the plane. Also a good excuse to find the nearest pub once I'm on terra firma! I've been told to drink a lot of water...o.k. But can I have wine and cheese once I hit Paris?

[amazona]

30. I drink on the plane and I'm not the only one

Crap, it's your vacation. Everyone drinks on the plane and, heck, in business class, they drink even more and brag about mixing it with Ambien on top of that.

The jet lag is worse coming back anyway if you ask me.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[intrepid_wanderer]

58. Everyone??

hrm.. rationalize a little more Mr/Mrs. addict!


whatever you do on the trip, enjoy!

[Pied Piper]

24. Regarding jet lag...

I've never had trouble going over the Europe - it was always the return trip that killed me. I usually don't sleep well my first few nights over there - I think it's the excitement, because I'm never tired during the day, I just don't need much sleep,

But once back in the States, oy vey! It usually takes me 3-4 days to get my body back in sync (of course, it's completely worth it!)

[greatauntoftriplets]

26. Me too.

I think it's partly the sense of letdown at returning.

[radwriter0555]

61. No caffiene, no sodas and LOTS of water and you won't get swollen feets.

Try to get off the stuff at least the day before.

[cynatnite]

20. Hit the Louvre if you can

When I was there we only had a few hours to kill and it's such a magnificent place that I wish we could have spent the day.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

29. Someone told me that I will be disappointed

with the Mona Lisa since there are long lines and then you don't get to see much of it, but I would just like to stroll through even a small part of the Louvre, just to say I did!

[cynatnite]

32. Everyone goes to see the Mona Lisa

There were some beautiful Egyptian artifacts there. I was blown away when I saw them. Also some great Greek statues and one of those was huge. I took a picture of a friend next to one.

The paintings are also magnificent. I don't think I could ever adequately describe how wonderful those were. Some were enormous.

There was so much I didn't get a chance to see or spend more time on that ever since I've wanted to go back.

[uppityperson]

40. Musee Rodin is by Hotel Invalides , see the Thinker think

Musee Rodin is good, less crowded that Lourve and very nice.

[Pied Piper]

21. Take lots of pictures and post them here

when you get back. I was in London just a year ago for a wedding, but I only spent one afternoon in the city proper (we were staying in the southern 'burbs.) After the wedding, we took the Chunnel to Paris for a week (my second visit). If this is your first visit, see all the important stuff; I don't even need to tell you. If you've been there before, spend some time spooking around various neighborhoods. Have dinner at Le Vieux Bistro, which is on the north side of Notre Dame. Shh, don't tell anyone about this place - I don't want it to become too popular! Unusual sites: the Catacombs, at Denfert Rochereau; the Palais Garnier Opera House - take a tour - it's the most beautiful theatre I've ever seen, even if you don't care for opera. Have a great time!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

27. I will be taking the chunnel across

and am really looking forward to it...also, my hotel in Paris is a block from the Opera House and I am a big Phantom fan, so that is on my to do list. Thanks!

[Dem2theMax]

31. Take me with you and forget to bring me back. Please?

That's one way to get out of this damned country! LOL?

Use public transportation. The Tube and the Metro are fantastic, easy to use and will get you just about anywhere you want to go. Don't waste your time in English cabs. The traffic will jack up the meter and you'll waste valuable time just sitting there. (Learned that one the hard way.) Walk everywhere you can too. There is SO much to see.

In England, eat scones with real clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam. Eat some for me. Sigh...what I wouldn't give for some real clotted cream. So bad for the arteries but when you're on vacation, who cares?

If you can, get out of the big cities and hit some small towns. I've had much more fun in the small towns than in the big European cities. Take the train. ***Go to Normandy if you can.*** Very moving experience.

And again, take me with you! I won't bring much luggage, I promise. :)

Have a ball. I'm jealous as heck.

Edited to add: As someone else said, take good walking shoes. Cobblestones and heels do not make a good mix!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

33. Well I figured going to Europe would be a great way

to be rid of all those tight ass americans who are blackballing everything foreign. I don't imagine I'll be running into a lot of freepers in France!
O.K., meet me at Virgin airlines in Miami tomorrow...the more the merrier!
I'm going with a travel group (goahead vacations) and one of the optional tours is to Stonehenge and Bath. Should see some country side on the way over, I figure.

[Dem2theMax]

56. Stonehenge - take a WARM coat. It's windy and cold there.

Bath is wonderful. If you are a history nut, you'll love the place. Beautiful city and so much to see. Now I'm even MORE jealous. LOL.

OK, Virgin Airways it is. I'll be the one at the check-in counter with the HUGE smile on my face! :) :) :)

Bring back lots of pics so we can all drool over them!

Have fun!

[Stop_the_War]

36. Bring us back some pictures!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

38. My daughter bought me a digital camera for Christmas...

so that is definitely a threat!!

[yellowdogintexas]

39. don't forget Monmartre, do the Amelie tour! the actual cafe

is open and there are other "Amelie" spots as well.

Do enjoy the Louvre. I was let down by MonaLisa because I just thought she would be, bigger, you know (I was a kid ) but I was blown away by the really big art, the ceilingmurals (don't forget to look UP!) remember it used to be the king's palace!

The Greek statuary hall is amazing, I remember rounding a cornen and looking straight at Winged Victory and I nearly fell down I was so blown away. Didn't know it was there, and the thing is HUGE.

Venus de Milo is there too and every bit as lovely as youwould expect her to be.

churches: Definitely Notre Dame, Church of the Madeline, Montmartre,
are the big ones. Les Invalides is the official mausoleum of the Napoleons and a few others.

There are undoubtedly all kinds of half day and full day tours you can take. When we went to Spain, when we hit a new town we would head for the turista office and check out the guided tours, usually scheduling an overview type of the town. Then we could figure out what we wanted to really dig into. In my trip to Paris a zillion years ago, we took a Historic Paris tour, a Modern Paris tour, and a full day tour of Versailles..which you really ought to try to see if you have time.

Have a wonderful time.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

44. Saw Amelie recently, very enjoyable...

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the Eiffel Tower, although perhaps because that is too obvious. Thanks for the advice!

[khashka]

41. Advice

While in London... EAT. I know British food is supposed to be terrible, but it isn't. They have some of the best Italian and Indian food in the world. And fish and chips from a little vendor can be a taste of heaven.

Paris. Whatever you do do not attempt to speak French. However, make every attempt to see "the sights" - the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Les Halle. Also, EAT. No one bakes bread like the French. Also DRINK. You haven't really been drunk 'til you've been drunk in Paris Of course, you haven't made love 'til you've made love in Paris, either, but that can be more difficult to arrange.

Most of all just enjoy yourself, these are two of the greatest cities in the world.I envy you...

Khash.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

43. I speak a bit of French

but not well enough to attempt a conversation, so I think I'll stick to hello and good-bye, just to show that I am polite. Thanks for the food tips, always music to my ears. I fully intend to eat and drink my way through both countries, LOL! But since my husband isn't accompanying me on this trip, the sex may be tricky. Maybe I better not get as drunk as you suggest...

[jakpalmer]

47. Sorry but I have to disagree about Paris

If you can speak a few words in French, please do !

Also, don't hesitate to say "bonjour" / "merci" / "au revoir" (bye) when you're being served or when you buy something.

The current weather is mostly cloudy, but it's not raining. A bit cold though.

BTW, I was in the Louvre two days ago and there weren't too many people (No more than 30 in front of the Mona Lisa ;-)). If you go there, don't rush straight to that painting, enjoy the Raphaellos and the other Da Vincis for example...

I hope you'll enjoy your trip.

[khashka]

54. I have to disagree with your disagreement

A few nice words - bonjour, merci, etc - usually go down well. As they do in any language. But the French hold their language sacred and to attempt to converse in it (I studied it for 12 years and admittedly speak it badly) is NOT appreciated. Better to stick with English.

As for the Louvre, you're right. I spent a month in Paris and every day I went to the Louvre. Don't take the tours unless you have little time. Just wander through it. There is so much there, so much that just takes your breath away. I sometimes think heaven will be wandering through the Louvre with a hunk of cheese, a batarde and a bottle of wine.

And Paris is beautiful. They don't call it the city of lights and the city of love for nothing.

Khash.

[cynatnite]

57. Paris: A beautiful city

I was in Paris several years ago and it's my favorite European city. It was just beautiful and I'd go back again in a heartbeat.

If I lived overseas I would definitely at the very least live closeby.

When France refused to support the US when it came to Iraq, I was stunned at the backlash against it by some people in this country. I couldn't help but wonder if any of them had ever set foot in France.

Take full advantage of Paris while you're there. They offer so much. Wonderful food and wine, art, perfume to die for and a nightlife second to none.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

55. I took a Pimsleur's course this year

and I feel comfortable asking a waitress if she understands english, and even telling her that I would like something to eat and/or drink please. And asking directions. My fear is that if I say too much and the answers are unlike those of the guy on the CD, I will crawl back into my shell! But my hope is that once I make the effort, they will be pleased and encouraged to try their english out on me. I work at a resort, and this is how it goes when I greet people from another country.
Hey, maybe I'll bump into you, and you'll be nice to me!

[radwriter0555]

62. The french LOVE it when you try your best with good humor to speak their

language, as WE do when people from other countries come here and try.

The french are very proud and have a great sense of humor as well.

[LilKim]

42. Reading material

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/015626224X/

[tinfoilinfor2005]

46. Thanks,

Probably won't get it until after I come back, but it will probably be just as good reading after I've "done" the cities.

[democracyindanger]

45. Eat at a good Indian restaurant in London

English Indian food is the best in the world. Better than India.

And yes, I've eaten Indian food in both places.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

48. I've never eaten Indian food, but I like curry...

can you suggest a dish or two that isn't REAL spicy?

[democracyindanger]

49. Best to ask the waiter, but

Chicken Tikka can be pretty mild, as can dal.

Damn, I'm so jealous. Try to fit in a visit to the British Museum, where you can see everything the Brits looted from Mesopotamia.

[Jersey Devil]

60. Some pretty good Indian restaurants in NYC as well

Down in the Village there are a few that are just great. Can't remember the names but I do remember the food.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

52. Go to L'Orangerie: great collection of early 20th century art

small, intimate museum.

http://www.paris-tourism.com/hotels/content.php?id_content=186&type=patrimoine_loisirs&content=musees/

The Centre Pompidou is great also.

I second the Rodin Museum

The Louvre is overwhelming-better to do it in small doses.

The D'Orsay is nice also, even though I'm not a fan of impressionism.

[VegasWolf]

53. Check out the Pigalle district too! n/t

[Paladin]

59. Some Of The Best Advice I Ever Got, Re Paris

Right before I went on my one-and-only trip to Paris a few years ago, a friend told me that if I only had time to do one museum, the Louvre wasn't it (as wonderful as the Louvre is)----the one cannot-miss museum in the city is the Musee d'Orsay (a thousand pardons for the guesswork on French spelling). It's this huge old converted railway station, right across the Seine from the Louvre, and it is filled with glorious Impressionist masterpieces. Absolutely fabulous. One of those places where, after a while, you notice your facial muscles hurting---and you realize it's because you have this big smile on your face that will not go away. And I say all this as someone who had never been a big painting enthusiast at the time.

I've been to Paris that one time, and I've been wanting to go back ever since. Have a great trip......