I leave for Paris in 2 weeks! I have accrued numerous lists of what to take, things I need to do before I leave, and what NOT to wear. If you find yourself planning a trip abroad, here is some of what I have learned thus far.
I have read a few books to get me inspired. Entre" Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier. This book is packed with pointers on how to develop a certain je ne sais quoi. It also has lots of suggestions for French movies and books to look for. I just finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It is an interesting read about a concierge in a bourgeois apartment building in France and the personalities of the various tenants who reside there. My book club selection this month was Sarah's Key by Tatania de Rosnay. It provides a haunting look into the Holocaust and is intricately woven into a modern day story that parallels the life of Sarah in 1942 Paris. Finally, on my list to read next (perhaps on the trip) is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. It is an intimate look at Ernest Hemingway's first love. I believe it is written as a work of fiction but based on actual events.
I have also been watching some films about Paris as well. One which was recommended to me is "Amelie". It is a story of a quirky French girl. ( English subtitles) "Before Sunrise" is the story of a chance encounter on a train in Europe by an American man (Ethan Hawke) and a French girl (Julie Delpy). They spend one night together in Vienna that sets a course for the rest of their lives. They meet by chance again in Paris nine years later in the sequel "Before Sunset". Fun and romantic! I want to see the next one!
What to pack for Paris?
1. Travel kit for the flight...ear plugs, eye mask, socks, instant toothbrush, travel pillow, music on ipod and good reading material for a long flight.
2. Travel size umbrella
3. European adapter for electronic devices
4. Detailed map of Paris
5. Extra bag to bring home purchases/souvenirs
6. Stain remover pen for accidents
7. Copies of passport and driver's license, in case they are lost or stolen
8. Camera
9. Jacket
10. Journal for detailed description of your adventure.
11. Most importantly, good walking shoes
Do not bring: Hair dryer (hotels have them), fanny pack (not cool and easily stolen), and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Before you leave home: call your bank so they know you will be out of the country and you can use your ATM card in France, notify credit card company if you will be using it, call your cell phone provider so you can make international calls or pick up an international phone, list of prescriptions you take daily and their generic names, and learn how to dial +1 on your phone for international calls.
What to bring back as souvenirs?
1. Mini Eiffel Towers-nothing symbolizes Paris more
2. Patterned silk scarves and pashimas
3. Chocolates
4. Drawings-Paris is filled with artists drawing inspiration from the sublime beauty of their surroundings
5. Perfume and cosmetics
6. Your own photos-set your camera to "black and white" to capture the mood of Paris.
7. Vinegars and liquors in unique glass bottles
8. Paris "cafe-ware"
What to do while in Paris: (our itinerary)
Day 1 Flight to Paris
Day 2 arrive 8:15 am, Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, Il-St.-Louis, Pont Neuf
Day 3 Auvers-sur-Oise, Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon
Day 4 Eiffel Tower, Cruise, Arc de Triomphe
Day 5 Giverny
Day 6 Louvre, Orsay, Tuileries
Day 7 Versailles
Day 8 Free Day or Opera and Sacre
Day 9 Flight home
*Note: No museums on Monday, Louvre closed on Tuesday, Giverny busy on Tuesday, Versailles crowded on Sundays.
My knowledgeable travel companion and friend has planned everything down to the last detail. I feel very fortunate to be traveling with someone who not only speaks the language, but has been there before, and has painstakingly researched the sights so this will be a fantastic trip. Au revoir!
