Sunday, November 29, 2015
Day 17:: Catching Up #3
I am located in an area with many art sellers. Some of their displays are very interesting. The hat guy was asleep in the back, very old school.
Day 16: Catching Up #2
Some interesting pics and some observations:
Street entrance to my apartment building.
Street entrance to my apartment building.
Mail boxes.
It's 77 stairs up to my place. Hitchcock would love it!
Door knocker, very nice.
Come on in!
Locks left by lovers. One bridge has had the wire mesh replaced with solid panels due to safety concerns.
More locks of love.
My favorite food store. Chocolate croissants for E0.35 each. At least 2 miles away.
Paris night life on a Sunday night. The empty chairs belong to a closed cafe. Lots of people out for a stroll at 8 pm.
Day 16: Catching Up #1
I finally figured out how to transfer most of the camera photo s to Chuck, despite Amazon's attempt at secrecy. These are photos of some pretty familiar sites, although the mostly sunny day was very rare for winter. But first s little trivia:
The Eiffel Tower was considered ugly when built and was scheduled for demolition when it'd 20 year permit expired. It became useful when radio was invented, and beloved after it played a key role in the defense of Paris in WW1. The tower is made of puddle iron (not steel).
The gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral were added in the 19th as decorations for downspouts.
The Bastille Prison was destroyed by a mob in the French Revolution that later claimed the lives of Louis 16th and his wife. The prison was huge but held only three prisoners st the time.
I think huge ball hanging in the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be a weekChristmas decoration. Very cool.
Climate change conference starts on Monday.
Place Bastille column marks site of destroyed prison.
The Eiffel Tower was considered ugly when built and was scheduled for demolition when it'd 20 year permit expired. It became useful when radio was invented, and beloved after it played a key role in the defense of Paris in WW1. The tower is made of puddle iron (not steel).
The gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral were added in the 19th as decorations for downspouts.
The Bastille Prison was destroyed by a mob in the French Revolution that later claimed the lives of Louis 16th and his wife. The prison was huge but held only three prisoners st the time.
I think huge ball hanging in the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be a weekChristmas decoration. Very cool.
Place Bastille column marks site of destroyed prison.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Day 14: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Paris runners and Chuck fits.
I love Paris. I think that what Hemingway said about Paris being a "moveable feast" is as true today as when he first wrote it over 90 years ago. But there are some things about Paris I don't get and never will (sorry Ernesto).
In my observations I have noted there are two kinds of adult Parisians. The first kind is a curremt smoker of cigarettes, the second kind is someone between cigarettes. There are the occasional vapor users, but they are rarer here than back home. I can always see someone smoking on my walks, and by some miracle I have not been burned on a crowded sidewalk (which are often narrow and crowded). If France has a national pastime, smoking is part of it. Maybe that's how the women stay so thin? Or is it some measure of the state of their sex lives?
Speaking of thin, I was in the park by the Eiffel Tower and I noticed a few joggers go by. I had seen some before, but I suddenly realized that when I saw male joggers they were usually fit and in small groups, while the women were usually solo and a bit overweight. Like the fit women didn't need to exercise, or advertise, or both. Just thinking out loud I guess.
Which brings me to Chuck. He's been giving me a headache lately. I have been trying to transfer photos from my camera to Chuck so I can post them on this blog. Amazon has a cloud where the photos go for storage, but when I try to get them back the weather clears up (the cloud disappears). Sorry about the bad humor. Hints on Chuck would be appreciated. Hints on my attempts at humor will be ignored!
I have threatened Chuck with lessons on how to fly or swim but I get no cooperation. I am beginning to think this whole cloud business is nothing but a scam. Or at best, vaporware. Whatever THAT is!!!😬😬😬😬😬😬😬
P.S. It's hard to be a smoker here. You can't smoke indoors. You can only buy cigarettes at a tobacco shop. There are no cigarette vending machines. Cafe goers will eat and drink in the cold and damp just to be able to puff away, but they usually have some cover and maybe a heat lamp. The price of an American brand of cigarettes was about $9 in a shop I stopped in. Ouch.
In my observations I have noted there are two kinds of adult Parisians. The first kind is a curremt smoker of cigarettes, the second kind is someone between cigarettes. There are the occasional vapor users, but they are rarer here than back home. I can always see someone smoking on my walks, and by some miracle I have not been burned on a crowded sidewalk (which are often narrow and crowded). If France has a national pastime, smoking is part of it. Maybe that's how the women stay so thin? Or is it some measure of the state of their sex lives?
Speaking of thin, I was in the park by the Eiffel Tower and I noticed a few joggers go by. I had seen some before, but I suddenly realized that when I saw male joggers they were usually fit and in small groups, while the women were usually solo and a bit overweight. Like the fit women didn't need to exercise, or advertise, or both. Just thinking out loud I guess.
Which brings me to Chuck. He's been giving me a headache lately. I have been trying to transfer photos from my camera to Chuck so I can post them on this blog. Amazon has a cloud where the photos go for storage, but when I try to get them back the weather clears up (the cloud disappears). Sorry about the bad humor. Hints on Chuck would be appreciated. Hints on my attempts at humor will be ignored!
I have threatened Chuck with lessons on how to fly or swim but I get no cooperation. I am beginning to think this whole cloud business is nothing but a scam. Or at best, vaporware. Whatever THAT is!!!😬😬😬😬😬😬😬
P.S. It's hard to be a smoker here. You can't smoke indoors. You can only buy cigarettes at a tobacco shop. There are no cigarette vending machines. Cafe goers will eat and drink in the cold and damp just to be able to puff away, but they usually have some cover and maybe a heat lamp. The price of an American brand of cigarettes was about $9 in a shop I stopped in. Ouch.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Day 12: Prices
I often get questions about the cost of various elements of my current journey, particularly my apartment in Paris. I'll try to lay out some numbers and travel tips for the curious.
First off, getting here was fairly cheap. I confess to being something of an airline miles junkie. A one way ticket from the USA to Europe in the low season is only 20K miles on American Airlines. I get a 10% mileage rebate because I have a Citibank AA card, so my real cost is 18K miles, plus airport and TSA fees of $5.80. I made my plane reservation on line about 3 months in advance.
Most cities have public transit at the airport and CDG has some of the best. The RER train takes me straight from the airport to several stops in Paris. One of the stops is about 200 meters from my apartment. I bought a ticket at the airport vending machine for about 10 Euros (about $10.70 US). Usually faster than a cab.
The rent for the apartment is $1,900.00 per month, plus another $50.00 per month for electricity (estimated, meter will be read when I leave). That may sound high, but it is very low on a daily basis ($65/day) when compared to a hotel. There are agencies that will help you find a place but I found this place through a prior renter. I have used HomeAway before with good results. I seem to find better prices when I rent for at least a month, and a week is better than a day.
Note: If you use AirBnB you should ask for a break on the daily rate if you are renting for a week or more. Most owners would rather have one renter for seven days than five renters spread out over a week.
Food seems high in Paris, but I am not shopping at Costco here. The closest crepe cafe sells ham and cheese crepe for 3.80 Euros (1 Euro = $1.07 today). A big loaf of bread is Euro. A chocolate croissant runs from 1.30 Euros at a fancy bakery to 0.35 at the cheapo grocery store (Linl). I don't think I could tell the difference between them. Like Lenin said, "Quantity has a quality all its own."
I bought a 6 day museum that I have yet to start using. It' s good for 6 straight days and costs 68 Euros. It's a great wayIt' spend time in smaller museums that only require a day or less, or if you want just hang out for six days at the Louvre (daily admission there is 17 Euros. Below are photos of the Museum Pass which show the attractions covered,which HP way beyond museums. You can find more info on the web. Many cities have similar types of passes.
First off, getting here was fairly cheap. I confess to being something of an airline miles junkie. A one way ticket from the USA to Europe in the low season is only 20K miles on American Airlines. I get a 10% mileage rebate because I have a Citibank AA card, so my real cost is 18K miles, plus airport and TSA fees of $5.80. I made my plane reservation on line about 3 months in advance.
Most cities have public transit at the airport and CDG has some of the best. The RER train takes me straight from the airport to several stops in Paris. One of the stops is about 200 meters from my apartment. I bought a ticket at the airport vending machine for about 10 Euros (about $10.70 US). Usually faster than a cab.
The rent for the apartment is $1,900.00 per month, plus another $50.00 per month for electricity (estimated, meter will be read when I leave). That may sound high, but it is very low on a daily basis ($65/day) when compared to a hotel. There are agencies that will help you find a place but I found this place through a prior renter. I have used HomeAway before with good results. I seem to find better prices when I rent for at least a month, and a week is better than a day.
Note: If you use AirBnB you should ask for a break on the daily rate if you are renting for a week or more. Most owners would rather have one renter for seven days than five renters spread out over a week.
Food seems high in Paris, but I am not shopping at Costco here. The closest crepe cafe sells ham and cheese crepe for 3.80 Euros (1 Euro = $1.07 today). A big loaf of bread is Euro. A chocolate croissant runs from 1.30 Euros at a fancy bakery to 0.35 at the cheapo grocery store (Linl). I don't think I could tell the difference between them. Like Lenin said, "Quantity has a quality all its own."
I bought a 6 day museum that I have yet to start using. It' s good for 6 straight days and costs 68 Euros. It's a great wayIt' spend time in smaller museums that only require a day or less, or if you want just hang out for six days at the Louvre (daily admission there is 17 Euros. Below are photos of the Museum Pass which show the attractions covered,which HP way beyond museums. You can find more info on the web. Many cities have similar types of passes.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Days 5-11, my abode
The past week has been pretty low key. I go for a couple of walks each day, exploring different outdoor sights and neighborhoods. Its been pretty damp and cool here, and knee is still acting up, but I am getting in more than 7 mpd for sure.
This a good time to show you around my apartment. II think the photos are pretty obvious except that everything is smaller in reality. I would estimate the entire apartment is about 450 square feet. It's on the 4th floor, (which is the 5th floor in the states) so it is 78 wooden steps up to my door. Lots of cafes and bard nearby. You can find me on any Paris map, 15 rue Git le Couer. I think it means country cabin of the heart.
The painting of the woman greets me every day. Don't have a clue what was in the envelope.
This a good time to show you around my apartment. II think the photos are pretty obvious except that everything is smaller in reality. I would estimate the entire apartment is about 450 square feet. It's on the 4th floor, (which is the 5th floor in the states) so it is 78 wooden steps up to my door. Lots of cafes and bard nearby. You can find me on any Paris map, 15 rue Git le Couer. I think it means country cabin of the heart.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Day 4: Talking Heads
Today I explore my neighborhood. My apartment is very close to Notre Dame cathedral and several universities. There are lots cafes and bars nearby. The current fashion seems to be mid-thigh skirts over dark stockings or tights. Shoes vary from flats to boots. Coats are slightly longer than the skirt hemline. By my count the women out number the men 3:1 or more. I don't have any complaints about fashion or the gender ratio. As usual, when it comes to scenery, Paris does not disappoint.
There are more homeless (men) than I recall from a few years ago. Maybe its the neighborhood.
That night I walk to Place du Republic where the news reporters are set up. Dozens, maybe 50+ are doing live shots. Locals have left candles and flowers at the base of the monument. Security seems almost nonexistent, here and where ever I go. I took some photos which I'll try to transfer from my camera later. I recognized one talking head from CNN, another from NBC.
I missed a turn walking home so I get some bonus miles in. At 2 am I am approached by an oriental prostitute. I wave her off, but I think how poor her income must be under the circumstance of a national crisis.
There are more homeless (men) than I recall from a few years ago. Maybe its the neighborhood.
That night I walk to Place du Republic where the news reporters are set up. Dozens, maybe 50+ are doing live shots. Locals have left candles and flowers at the base of the monument. Security seems almost nonexistent, here and where ever I go. I took some photos which I'll try to transfer from my camera later. I recognized one talking head from CNN, another from NBC.
I missed a turn walking home so I get some bonus miles in. At 2 am I am approached by an oriental prostitute. I wave her off, but I think how poor her income must be under the circumstance of a national crisis.
Day 3: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I sleep the sleep of the dead. Not even terrorist attack could wake me.
I noticed coming in that tourist attractions are to be closed for three days, and some businesses are closing as well. I noticed a few shuttered cafes in my neighborhood, but most are open.
Next blog: Talking heads
I noticed coming in that tourist attractions are to be closed for three days, and some businesses are closing as well. I noticed a few shuttered cafes in my neighborhood, but most are open.
Next blog: Talking heads
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Day 2: A Rough Landing
Arrive CDG airport around 1:30 pm local time. Airport seems normal to me. Immigration takes a few minutes in line. No customs inspection. Takes me awhile to find the box containing my luggage, which has been opened by US TSA. I find a place that will take my beaten-up box and go in search of my train.
After 2 miles I figure out the train is not working andI have to take a bus halfway to Paris to catch the train. I see a few soldiers patrolling the airport, but this is normal in Paris.
I start to get motion sickness on the bus. I am sleep deprived and probably dehydrated. All I can think about going bed.
It's short walk from the RER train station to my apartment, but long enough for the shoulder strap on my bag to break. The handles on the bag work fine.
I arrive at the apartment building at 4 pm. It's chilly and damp while I wait for the first hour. Around 5 pm I beg for help from two women speaking English. We call the apartment's owner and she gives me the rental agency's" "emergency phone number." At 7:30 pm somone shows up with the apartment keys and a four minute tour. I don't care about anything but sleep. Atfter that I remember absolutey nothing at all.
It has taken me about 50 hours to get here, a rough journey that concluded with a rough landing. The first leg of it, anyway.
After 2 miles I figure out the train is not working andI have to take a bus halfway to Paris to catch the train. I see a few soldiers patrolling the airport, but this is normal in Paris.
I start to get motion sickness on the bus. I am sleep deprived and probably dehydrated. All I can think about going bed.
It's short walk from the RER train station to my apartment, but long enough for the shoulder strap on my bag to break. The handles on the bag work fine.
I arrive at the apartment building at 4 pm. It's chilly and damp while I wait for the first hour. Around 5 pm I beg for help from two women speaking English. We call the apartment's owner and she gives me the rental agency's" "emergency phone number." At 7:30 pm somone shows up with the apartment keys and a four minute tour. I don't care about anything but sleep. Atfter that I remember absolutey nothing at all.
It has taken me about 50 hours to get here, a rough journey that concluded with a rough landing. The first leg of it, anyway.
Day 1: Is Paris Burning?
On Day 1 I arrived at O Hare airport around 3 pm. Lots of people were watching CNN on various television. First reports from the Paris troubes were coming in. I knew the stadium attack was outside the city limits, but I was concerned about the theatre. My rentaapartment is near the Odieum metro stop. I think the attacks will be over soon, so I am not worried.
I had a pass for the United lounge. Not that great, except for the free wifi.
The flight to Paris is delayed four hours beause AA gave the crew the option of dropping out, so a new crew had to be recruited. The plane is only 30% full, and I don't see many passengers from yesterday. Plenty of space to stretch out. The second picture hows the full fight from ABQ to ORD.
This last picture shows the most popular place in the airport. 100% full 100% of the time!
So, is Paris burning? I have no idea yet. I'm still in Chicago!
Next Blog: A Rough Landing
I had a pass for the United lounge. Not that great, except for the free wifi.
So, is Paris burning? I have no idea yet. I'm still in Chicago!
Next Blog: A Rough Landing
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