NOT the real Eiffel Tower
This November, for the first time since 1994, I’m headed to Europe. Paris, to be precise. The reason I haven’t blogged about it before now is that for most of the year, I thought I was going to be visiting a few countries in Europe (kind of a “round-the-Europe” trip), but I hadn’t narrowed down which ones. Then, when I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to save enough money for that, I scaled back my plans and thought I’d be going to Italy (Venice, Rome, and Naples, with day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast). Unfortunately, during the past year, a number of life-related necessary expenses have conspired to prevent me from saving the money for a multi-city trip. By the end of August, I had to admit that, financially, Italy wasn’t going to happen, either.
Finally, in September, I decided I would go to Paris for a week in November. I estimated it would cost me $2,300 or less for seven days, assuming I could find a hotel that was less than or equal to $100 US per night. That I can afford. Which leaves me feeling like I’m treating Paris as the guy you go to prom with when the one you really wanted to go with asked someone else. Not that Paris hasn’t always been on my bucket list, it’s just that there were other places a little higher up. (Please don’t hold that against me, Paris. I’m sure we’ll love each other. Really.)
Once I decided on Paris as my destination, I fell into my usual pattern for travel planning: The first thing I did was book airfare. I’d been eyeing fares for the past six months, and let’s just say flying out of Burlington, Vermont isn’t cheap. I thought about jumping on a deal out of New York City, but that would have required flying a different airline from Burlington, collecting my luggage in New York, and re-checking it with the new airline–in other words, a big fat hassle–and it wouldn’t have saved me that much money. So I finally booked with Continental from Burlington to Paris with a layover in Newark for $854. Ouch.
I had been collecting information about hotels in Paris that I could get for under $100 US/night, but wound up arranging for complementary lodging for the trip, which helps the expenses a lot. I’ll be staying at three very different hotels in three different areas of the city, so I’ll get a good taste for different neighborhoods and hopefully, will return with some suggestions for solo travelers headed to The City of Light.
Last weekend, I dedicated some time to my trip planning document. I’m a little old-fashioned in that I like to collect all my travel notes in a Word document. One thing I’ve noticed about this trip that sets it apart from all the domestic travel I’ve done over the past 16 years is how many items I have on my “pre-trip to-do list”. It’s probably about three times as long as it normally is. I need to do things like checking to see if my credit cards have “chip and pin” technology, letting my bank and credit card companies know the dates I’ll be traveling abroad, getting some Euros so I can hit the ground running once I get there, buying a voltage and plug adaptor for my DSLR (it figures I’d have one electronic item that wouldn’t work in Europe), and figuring out how to stay connected by phone in case of emergency (since I’m not bringing my laptop).
I have also compiled a list of activities I might do, but haven’t prioritized them or drafted an itinerary yet, nor have I booked any museum passes or tours. Definite “must dos” on my list are of course the Eiffel Tower, strolling along the Seine, the sculpture garden at the Rodin Museum, the Musee D’Orsay, the Louvre, Montmarte and Sacre Coeur, and possibly Versailles. Mostly, I’ll probably just wander around taking pictures, unless the weather is miserable, in which case I guess I’ll be going to a lot of museums. I’ve also been collecting tips on how to eat cheaply in Paris. I am hoping to avoid expensive restaurants where I need to make reservations. In any case, by focusing on the details of the trip, I’ve been getting more excited–and nervous–about it. Why nervous?
For one thing, I haven’t spent the amount of time planning for this trip that I normally do. My websites take up almost all of my “free” time, which leaves me with very little for trip planning–which to me, has always been half the fun of a trip. And I’m just not the “winging it” type. So the closer the trip gets, the more unprepared I feel, and the more nervous I get.
I’m also nervous about the fact that I don’t speak much French at all, aside from “parlez-vous anglais?”, “s’il vous plait,” “merci,” and “bonjour”. I do know some locational words from my trips to Montreal (sortie = exit, entrez = entrance, arret = stop). And I can count to six. Sure, people say you can get by without knowing the language, but people also say the French will be nicer to you if you do at least try to speak some French. (Though, given how I butcher the pronunciation of place names in their fair city, they might actually be grateful if I don’t try to speak French.) If this is anything like trying to learn Spanish before going to Puerto Rico, chances are good all the words that will pop into my mind when I need them will be in German.
So now I am collecting phrases and words that I hope to learn by the time of my trip. What are the most essential phrases I need to know, based on your experience in France? If you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comment section below. Right now, my biggest priority is learning how to say Je suis tres désolé, mais mon français est horrible, or “I’m very sorry, but my French is horrible.”
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Well, this is big news! I’m glad you get to realize your dream of visiting Paris. And you won’t be blogging from there?! Is this because you want to actually experience it while it’s happening rather than sharing it with the rest of us while it’s happening? I’m not giving you a hard time. :) I think leaving the computer at home is a healthy idea.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 10:49 am
[...] Follow this link: Next Up: Paris | SoloFriendly.com [...]
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I didn’t know any french when I went and it wasn’t too bad. There was one incident where the first thing out of my mouth was “Do you know English?” in English and the guy got really mad. I knew better than to ask that in English, but I was nervous and it just came out.
Another time I ended up getting sold a one time Metro pass instead of a day pass because I didnt understand the lady and the lady didn’t understand me and the Metro was really busy at the time. She was so frustrated with me I am surprised she sold me anything.
I usually try to learn Do you speak English? in whatever language of country I am going. I have found people to be nicer when you at least ask if they speak another language in their own language. I also like to learn Please, Thank you, Excuse Me and Have a nice day.
I don’t focus too much on questions, like How do you get to? etc. because if you ask a question in French you need to know how to understand the answer, which rarely happens in a short amount of time before a trip. I do still try try though.
I hope you have lots of fun and I can’t wait to here about it!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
I am soooo sooper dooper excited for you! Ü
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Feel free to ask me if you need any help, either with the French or with Paris. :)
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Hope you have an awesome trip! I spent a week in Paris at Thanksgiving in 2005 and it was awesome! It’s a little cold but what a great time to visit. For them, it isn’t a holiday and you don’t have to worry about a lot of crowds. Hope you have a wonderful trip and look forward to reading about it!
By the way, that is a great list. That is all the things that I did when I was there. I believe there is a Paris museum pass (don’t remember what it is called right now) that will save you some money if you visit all of those places. And yes, try and speak French and it will help. Also, make sure you visit Luxembourg Gardens. It’s a little cold that time of year but still a great place to walk around.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Congrats on your trip to FRANCE, Gray!!! I LOVE FRANCE!
Here’s the powerful 5 I lived off of before actually taking French lessons:
1- Ou est le …. (WC?) or Where is the… (bathroom)
2- Je voudrais …. (I would like ….)
3. Bonjour (for most greetings & entrances)
4. Merci
5. Pardon (Excuse me…)
Tip: Always have a map handy. It’s always served good purpose anywhere I’ve traveled (even in Korea). You can “Ou est…” (then point at map to which they can point back on the map or direct you via hand signals). Meanwhile the “je voudrais…” is just great for buying and purchasing things.
“Do you speak English” is personal taste but it I never use it a) If someone knew English, they’d understand you if you spoke it & b) some French obviously get annoyed with that.
Cant wait to hear about your travels. I’m so envious of you right now!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
“Excusez-moi de vous déranger, mais…” (ex-kooz-ay mwah duh voo day-ron-jay – that “jay” is really the soft French ‘j/g’ sound) is the magic phrase in France. It’s an extremely polite way of saying “I’m so sorry to bother you, but…” and, for me, it’s always resulted in smiles and offers of assistance (I actually do speak French, but I’ve had friends who don’t use it with equal success). Follow it up with “…parlez-vous anglais?” or “…vous pouvez me dire où se trouve [insert place name here]?” (voo poo-vay muh deer ooh suh troov) and you should get all the help you need. I’ve actually had people offer me a ride after starting a conversation with “Bonjour, excusez-moi de vous déranger…” That was in Avignon, not Paris, but still – very generous!
What drives the French, especially Parisians, crazy are people who come up to them and – without so much as a hello – start asking them questions in English, speaking to them unnecessarily loudly. Manners are a big deal in France and more formal than most Americans are used to. Start with “Bonjour” and a smile, and you’ll be fine. If all else fails, go up to a cart/window or into a store that isn’t too busy, buy a bottle of water or something to eat and ask the merchant your question. Some Métro ticket salespeople can be very helpful as well, if their station isn’t busy when you’re trying to talk to them. Bon voyage et bonne chance!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
It’s because I need a vacation from the Internet. It costs so much to travel and since my trips are generally a week or less, I just want to immerse myself in the experience of being there without distractions like email and news from back home. I’m sure the Internet will carry on without me. :-)
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Oh, you’ve just described one of my biggest fears: Having brain freeze and blurting something out in English and ticking the French off. I think the key thing for me to remember is always stop and think and formulate what I’m going to say before approaching anyone.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Thank you, Stephanie!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
It’s good to hear from someone who has visited at the same time of year. I’m from Vermont, I’m used to the cold. LOL. Luxembourg Gardens are also on my list. I wasn’t sure what they’d look like in November, but it doesn’t hurt to check them out. I need to figure out if the Museum pass will work for me. Yet another to-do list item.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Thank you, Marie-Eve! Will do.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Great advice, Christine, thank you!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I would be annoyed by that, too, if I were French. And I agree with them that Americans are generally too loud as well, so the French and I should get along just fine in that regard! Thank you for the advice, Jessalyn. How long were you in France? One of the biggest regrets of my life is that I didn’t study overseas when I was in college.
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Perfect, it does sound like you’ll get along just fine! I studied abroad for a year in Aix-en-Provence, which is a lovely town about 30 minutes outside of Marseille. I love Paris, but many of the study abroad programs there only offer about half their courses in French, so I opted for an immersive one further south that required its students to speak only French, except when calling home. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. At least you’re making up for not studying abroad by traveling the world now – best of luck on your trip, Gray!
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
I have to agree with Jessalyn. A few phrases and being polite will go a long way in France. Many Americans don’t like the French and here is the irony – they don’t like them for the same reasons people don’t like Americans. We are proud of our culture and who we are and expect people to talk to us in English when they come here. The French aren’t any different but many Americans like to look down upon them when they act the same way towards foreigners that we do, or at least, many of the same Americans who are complaining do (stepping down off the soapbox now…)
I may be a bit harsh in saying this but I don’t like to hang around tourists – especially Americans. Granted, that is a stereotype but Americans are too loud, stick out like a sore thumb, and are inconsiderate of other cultures expecting things to be like America. By no means is this true of all Americans but many could pay closer attention to those around them and be more respectful. That can go a long way in a place like Paris (…stepping down off the soapbox again…)
on Sep 28th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Here are a few of the ones covered by the Paris museum pass – the Louvre, the Rodin, the Orsay, Versailles, the Pompidou, and many others. If you are going to see all of these, it will save you money to use the museum pass rather than buy admission to all of these separately. They have 2 (32 euros), 4 (48 euros), and 6 (64 euros). I checked and just a ticket to the Palace at Versailles by itself (not everything else) is 15 euros. This is definitely the way to go.
http://en.parismuseumpass.com/
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Respect is something that is sadly in short supply in the world these days, I’m afraid. We can all benefit from more respect for each other. Thanks for weighing in, Jeremy.
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Doing an immersive program takes a lot of guts, and from what I’ve heard, you’re right–it’s absolutely the best way to learn. Thanks for the kind wishes, Jessalyn.
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 12:53 am
Excellent! Thank you.
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Awesome! First trip to Europe in 16 years – I understand the excitement and nervousness. About time though! Sadly, I can’t help you on the French, don’t know a lick. I’m surprised you aren’t taking a laptop, though I suppose that’s doable for one week. Hope you have a wonderful time.
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 5:34 am
I think your worries are normal, though something tells me you’ll do just fine- especially the eating well and cheaply part! I remember from a trip there many years ago that there is affordable delicious food everywhere!
As for being a planner, I think of myself the same way. But you know what? I usually have more fun on my trips when I leave a few things up to chance! After all, a wonderful opportunity might land in front of you, and good thing you hadn’t already made plans.
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 10:55 am
If I had a netbook, I might bring it, but my laptop is big and heavy and wouldn’t fit in my carry-on (which is my knapsack). I’d have to be very motivated to bring it.
on Sep 29th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Thanks, Mary. Glad to hear there is plenty of cheap food to be found. I’m counting on that.
on Sep 30th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
I was in France for a weekend on my way to business meetings in London and Brussels, back in 2003. I did not feel very welcomed by the French people, but that could have been because it was the same weekend of the worldwide peace March to protest the US declaring war on Iraq… Hopefully that memory has faded in the minds of the French people and you’ll be fine and have a fabulous time :)
Erin
on Sep 30th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Despite some unknowns, this will be one exciting week. You always land on your feet, and I have no doubt in this case. Enjoy, eat, and meet!
on Sep 30th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Ouch. Bad timing, eh?
on Sep 30th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thanks, Jeannie!
on Oct 1st, 2010 at 3:09 am
follow that up with “je ne parle pas beaucoup de francais, parlez vous anglais?” got me through 3 trips to france, A OK! =o) (o ya, it means “i dont speak a lot of french, do you speak english”
on Oct 1st, 2010 at 8:57 pm
My French is not so good, or rather non-existent but I do have a recommendation for the Euros. Instead of paying the fees associated with getting some Euros from a bank in the US, you could also just use an ATM at the airport once you arrive. Also, depending on which US bank you use, they might have a ‘sister bank’ in Europe where you can take money from their ATMs without any international fees. Just an idea!
And I’ve always felt that the more nervous I am before a trip, the more rewarding it ends up being…especially once I realize that everything I was once nervous about has ‘magically’ fallen into place!
on Oct 2nd, 2010 at 12:38 am
Thanks, Saadia!
on Oct 2nd, 2010 at 12:42 am
i agree with you about the nerves. That has been my experience in the past as well. I definitely plan on hitting up the ATMS once I’m in Paris, I just have this irrational fear that something will happen that will prevent me from accessing them at the airport, like my ATM card won’t work for some flukey reason, or all the ATMS will be out of order or something. Then I wouldn’t have the money to get to my hotel. I have a habit of conjuring up “worst case scenarios” and then trying to prepare for them. You know “What would I do if….” I’m a freak that way.
on Oct 6th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
‘Winging it’ is FUN! I think I winged it for almost a whole year (2 months in France inclusive) :)
on Oct 6th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I’m not normally good at “winging it,” but I suspect there will be an element of winging it in Paris if for no other reason than the fact that I don’t speak the language means probably a lot of unexpected things will crop up!
on Oct 8th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Interesting post…I was about to do one on the same subject myself! I’m headed to the same region in November as well and haven’t done the usual amount of planning I normally do…it feels odd to me but nothing to be done about that now.
I’m going to be in Paris the second week of November and I’m staying in an apartment in a residential area. It was cheaper than any hotel I could find since this is my first trip to Paris, I kind of wanted that “local” feel. Don’t know when you’ll be in Paris but if you’re there the second week of November, maybe we can meet for lunch or coffee?
on Oct 8th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Interesting post…I was about to do one on the same subject myself! I’m headed to the same region in November as well and haven’t done the usual amount of planning I normally do…it feels odd to me but nothing to be done about that now.
I’m going to be in Paris the second week of November and I’m staying in an apartment in a residential area. It was cheaper than any hotel I could find since this is my first trip to Paris, I kind of wanted that “local” feel. Don’t know when you’ll be in Paris but if you’re there the second week of November, maybe we can meet for lunch or coffee?
on Oct 8th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Ooh, Monica, how cool that you’re going to Paris too! I think we’re going to just miss each other. I arrive on the 15th. :-(
on Oct 12th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Don’t worry too much about the language barrier. You’re a traveler; you know how to get around with little to no actual speaking. Most of the questions you’ll desperately need to ask will be answerable by folks who speak English. After living in Switzerland (and doing my grocery shopping in France, because it was cheaper than Switzerland) for a year, I still didn’t speak all that much more French than I did when I arrived…which was minimal. I know. I’m a bad person. But, in the end, I got around fine.
I can’t wait to read the posts from your trip. I know you’re going to have an incredible time. It will be fun to see how you and Paris get along.
on Oct 12th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
LOL, “with little to no actual speaking”. You know me so well.
on Nov 7th, 2010 at 9:10 am
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on Nov 12th, 2010 at 6:01 am
[...] couple of months ago, I wrote about how completely unprepared I felt for my trip to Paris. Well, dear readers, with about 48 hours to spare, I am now ready for Paris. Whew! Just in [...]
on Mar 30th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Gray,
I have been reading your posts and have found them very helpful.
How dp you arrange for a shuttle from the airport to the hotel?
I’m going to Paris the third week of May.
on Mar 31st, 2011 at 12:21 am
Hi, Karen. At the recommendation of a coworker, I booked a shared shuttle with Parishuttle – http://www.parishuttle.com/paris_airport_shuttle.php?type=shared&transfer=Paris%20City . You pay online in advance (but make sure you have a Euro or two to tip the driver), and they provide you with instructions on how to call when you arrive at the airport to get their location. There are special phones in the airport you can use for this purpose, for free. They were great. I’d use them again.
on Jun 27th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
bonjour! i am going to Paris in a couple of weeks and would LOVE your list of budget lodging and budget-friendly tasty places to eat! would you mind sharing? thanks in advance!
on Jun 28th, 2011 at 4:51 am
Hi, srp! If you go to the sidebar of this website and click on the Categories drop-down box, select Paris. That will bring up the posts I wrote following my trip and includes reviews of 3 hotels I recommend as well as dining choices. Paris in the summertime….wonderful. Have a great time!
on Jun 28th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
thanks so much, Gray! very helpful info!!!