20 Mar 06 Retourné de Paris
Just arrived home and read about the riot in Paris while on the Eurostar back to London. We had no idea this was going on during our trip, so yes we’re safe (for those who wondered) and it appears to have been isolated violence amongst a very large but mostly peaceful national protest by students.
I’ll write all about the trip once I’ve had a sleep, but I’ll say now that Paris the city was quite wonderful, surprising and exhausting! And our French was pathetic, though our efforts to speak it were much appreciated.
Goodnight :)
by Tiffany on Travel |
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GET FED:
Hello Matthew and Tiffany
Glad to learn that you are safe and well. We did wonder if the riots may have affected your trip. We look forward to your comments on Paris and to hear what you did there. Have you heard that Graham has accepted a job in Halifax and they will be there probably forever, as of May.
Talk to you soon, Mary
Comment by Mary — March 22, 2006 #
Stiff and Matt,
Glad to hear about your trip to Paris. Paris is very particular city having been there and having lived in France for a year. On a short term, it can be lovely but on a long term it can be a nightmare, let me tell you. Waiters for instance can be quite insulting and demanding despite their pityful service and arrogance. I nearly fought with one of them that demanded his “pourboire” despite his lack of manners and poor service. Did you go for tea or coffee? Our experience was that if we stayed at the bar, it was a basic price but, if we wanted to move to a table, the price nearly doubled. Let alone sitting in a pubic park having a romantic lunch of, wine, pates, baguette and cheese and all of a sudden being demanded to pay some euros for the use of the bench. First, I looked at the servant and said no, I would not pay and took my lunch and sat on the grass trying to avoid the dog’s shit. You know that their dogs are sacred in Paris and all over France. How many times did I put my feet in dog’s s…. but dogs are being tolerated in France, hotels, restos, etc. despite their laws which I once had to confront the manager of a very prestigious hotel “The Majestic” on ‘La Croisette” in St-Tropez where we stayed for 15 days. Having proven my points, we were rewarded with a bottle of champagne. I could tell you dozen of incidents while we (I) by myself stayed in Paris and in Besancon where I studied for a year. A saga my dearests.
Tiff, I never know whether you reply to me or not. Why is this? I know I am computer stupid but can you help me. What button do I have to press in order to see if you have answered my/or commented/ about my comments re: whatever the subjects may be? We still speak to Mary almost every Sunday bet five and sex. It has been a habit for years now. We were in Florida for 15 days just to get away from the damn cold in here but now, back to normal. Away, as you know, June 07, I think then Liverpool and the rest, I am sure you know it all but we’ll keep you informed as to it all. By the way, why don’t you ask us some questions on your blogue? In any case, I must close now but wanted to comment about your trip to France. By the way, I just got a call from a girl friend from Britain. Must go. Love
Clement
Comment by Clement and Jim — March 25, 2006 #
Hi Clement and Jim! And thanks for the update Mary..
We did go for coffee and managed well enough. Prices do increse if you sit at a table. It’s the same here in London too, if you take away the cost is less than if you sit in at a cafe and counter-service restaurants. I can’t believe you were asked to pay for using a park bench for lunch! We ate on a bench in a public square but didn’t encounter that problem :)
And yes, the dogs have all-access in Paris. We did see them in restaurants and shops, and piles of crap are ALL over the sidewalks there - it’s quite foul indeed. I also stepped in a huge pile after letting my guard down for a minute - ugggh!
If you want to see my reply you’ve got to come back to the post where you made a comment - I wonder if you’ll see this…
Comment by Tiffany — March 28, 2006 #