I am meeting my husband in Paris and wanted to know if there is any kind of location at the airport that would be suitable for what might be a lenghty wait. My husband will be flying in from Iraq/Kuwait and he will be at the will of the sand storms. I can't find out if there is a USO.
Also, we have 2 weeks and must base out of Paris. We would like to see some of the countries surrounding France. Of course, something romantic would be great. We have 8 day, 5 country Eurail passes, and don't mind traveling alot as long as we are doing it together.
I'd like to know something about the weather in late October, also. Thanks!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
Hi Carolyn,
Sounds fantastic. My suggestion would be for you each to go directly to your hotel in Paris as soon as you land. It will be so much easier to find each other at the hotel and it will probably be far more pleasant to wait there than at the airport. It is also much easier to get in touch with someone at the hotel and leave a message than hunt for someone at the airport. I've met people in Europe a number of times and have alway found meeting at the hotel the easiest. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Las Vegas, NV, USA
190 posts
Being a former military wife, I can imagine how excited both of you are. Since you have railpasses, you might plan on a trip to a German town with a military base if he will need clothes; it is too expensive to buy much with Euros. Of course, the trip to the PX/BX would be part of your trip if you choose a town that both of you want to visit for itself as well as the PX/BX. May I suggest that you do some further preparation? It sounds like you won't have the opportunity to make plans together until you are in Paris. You might want to make up two or three itineraries in advance so the two of you can chose one after he gets a chance to look at them. That could save you a lot of time. Make sure that your itineraries are not too ambitious; after all, the most important part is being together - and you are starting off great by being in Paris. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
NYC, USA
219 posts
Better yet. Have him take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Meet him in the hotel room w/ open arms and have a warm bath ready for him!
Posted by
OP
Springfield, IL, USA
3 posts
Jeannie,
My husband is pretty sure he does not have to wear his uniform on his flight out of Kuwait. That being said, he has only a t-shirt and jeans with him and slim pickins at the PX's there. There will be @70 degrees difference between Iraq and Paris weather, so I was hoping to meet him at the airport. Additionally, he does not have the credit card with him I used to pay for the hotel, so I don't think they will let him check in. We understand the French opinion of the war and are trying to downplay his appearance- hat included. Provence sounds great (I googled it) so I think that's a definite. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
You can send him the numbers of the credit card; he will no doubt have a passport for ID, and he can call you from the lobby of the hotel if necessary. Does he have a debit card or any other way to get Euros? If he can't get ahold of any cash, you may need to meet him at the airport so he'll have a way to pay for the trip into Paris.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
As to weather in late October, I've been in Paris at that time several times. Once it was quite chilly, bundle-up weather. The other times it was mild. Of course, it could rain. Try to be prepared for anything, but probably not winter weather. It's like the midwest at that time of year. If you want to be in warmer countries, head south to Italy/Spain.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
Hi Carolyn,
I understand your dilemma with meeting. If you really want to try to meet at CDG, I'd suggest that you post your question on the Paris Forum on tripadvisor.com. You are more likely to find someone who is familiar with CDG. It has been a couple of years since I flew into Paris and I recall that the airport has multiple terminals, but can't remember many details. There is a train platform connected to CDG, but I don't think this would be a comfortable place to wait a long time.
If you wanted to try meeting at the hotel, you could contact the hotel in advance to let them know that both you and your husband will be arriving on different flights and ask if they will let him check in if he arrives before you. I have found European hotels to be very accommodating with this type of situation. I met a friend in Paris a couple of years ago and we arranged exactly that with the hotel and it was no problem. Good Luck.
Posted by
Everett, WA
49 posts
Carolyn,
I have zero help for you... sorry. My first time at CDG will be in October as well. I just wanted to tell YOU and your husband "Thank You" for your service to our country! And have fun in Europe!
Posted by
OP
Springfield, IL, USA
3 posts
Heath, Thank you! I followed your delimma with your passport. I was exhausted when I got to the end of it! I am a Seattle girl, born and bred, so take a look at those mountains for me. I sure miss them.
Posted by
Apopka, Florida, USA
6 posts
Carolyn, I only want to echo Heath's message. My most sincere thanks both to you and your husband for service to our country. Have a great time together and in Europe!