First, we found the French people to be delightful and easy to get along with, especially if you try to speak a few phrases and make an effort to understand their language.
Other travel notes:
- Get your Stair-master going beforehand. Lots of steps to see the great sites
- Learn a few French phrases: hello, goodby, thank you, where is? I don't speak French, do you speak English.
- You will learn to eat late but take some Maalox
- Get a Eurocard loaded with Euros and use it. Easier than credit.
- Take only good shoes which you can walk in forever. Forget fashion, even if the French women can walk in those heels, you can't.
- Buy a museum pass - well worth the money and saves waiting in longest lines.
- Plan out trip routes on bus or metro and write them down so it is easy peasy.
- Take or buy a good map of wherever you are - especially a road map if you are driving. Driving is not impossible but takes planning and a good sense of humor.
- A good travel book is essential - we loved the Rick Steves Paris and Provence. I would take them on my ipad or a Kindle next time to save the weight.
- You can learn to get by on fewer clothes.
- Save your subway tickets in Paris!
- Enjoy, absorb and most of all take lots of pictures.
Candy and Tom
til the next trip