What We learned about France and travel

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