packing
I pack pretty light, less than 20 pounds and carry an Osprey backpack and a medium Tim Bihn messenger bag. However, this trip will include some French flea markets, so between the two of us, we brought 5 bags. The two above, my son's Osprey, a hard shell small carry on sized bag and a nylon shoulder bag. I brought an extra pair of slacks. I brought my usual 5 tops, but 3 of them light sweaters with 3 silk undershirts so that I will be doing less sink washing. DS packed his 3 usual slacks but added a pair of shorts for Nice and a few extra tops. Despite my heavy packing we had 4 tiny bags and my purse. Because we had an extra bag, we checked 3 of them. The agent actually thanks us for having such light bags! It took us about an extra 15 minutes to collect our bags. They were in the first bunch on the carousel due to having sky priority with Delta.
CDG
The lines through immigration weren't bad. They are pushing facial recognition. Philosophically, I am against it, but practically I am not. Persons my age and older were having a lot of difficulties managing the "self service" technology, so an attendant was there to help people figure out the machines and it kept the line moving. An agent stamped our passports, it there were no questions about the reason for our visit or the name of our hotel, or sufficient funds or proof of a ticket home.
Transportation
We flew Delta comfort plus from CLE to ATL. One hour 14 minutes layover which was scary for me but worked out perfectly. There was just enough time for a comfort stop. Then we had premium select seats for the international trip. I continue to feel this is with the money. I find the food on Delta to be terrible. From now on I will bring sandwiches on the plane.
Taxi
We took a taxi from the airport for the Euro 65 flat fee. Of note, the driver didn't want anything to do with my attempt at French. "Show me the address in your phone please" I felt a bit of revenge when he misread the address as dix-huit (18l rue Vaugirard instead of un B. He ended up dropping us off a block from the hotel.
I have a Navigo Decouverte card from my first time in Paris in 2022. I brought tiny photos of my son. I had such a a great experience at the metro. My son got hit very hard with jet lag and a bad tummy, so after I slept for three hours I went out into the city.without him. I stopped at Odeon metro stop. I again attempted French and it went better. Unfortunately, his equipment was broken and he couldn't sell me a new card or apply the weekly pass to mine. His associate came out of the booth and added the pass to my card at the machine, walked up the stairs with me to street level, and pointed out the two closest stations to buy a new card. This was done in some French and some English. Tres genial! Where are these rude Parisians I have heard about?
Hotel
We are staying at Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche. I had trouble finding a hotel room in September with only 12 weeks lead time. I generally stay in small, 3* hotels, but I couldn't find a room with 2 separate beds. I booked the executive room which is HUGE compared to the rooms I have seen in Paris. We are on the 8th floor and have a lovely view of Sacre Coeur and we can see the tour Eiffel if you put your head out the window. It is expensive by my standards, but I am very happy so far.
I got DS to eat 1/3 of a sandwich and water and Coke. He is back to sleeping like a baby. I am going back out and will visit Jardin du Luxembourg and maybe have some tea and a taste citron at Bread and Roses.
More tomorrow.
