I am posting this in case it happens to anyone else. On the 24th we set out, luckily, about 4 and a half hours before our flight from our apt. close to Rue Cler. We were blissfully unaware about the train strike. We had already purchased our RER tickets to save time and the ticket window was closed as it too early. After the metro hop and then RER C hop, we found out at St. Michel station about the strike and that RER B to CDG was not operating! Outside the train station, every taxi stand had lots of people and no taxis were stopping.
We made a decision to go to Gare de Lyons and catch the Air France bus to CDG. After 2 more metro hops and some running around we managed to catch the bus and were also relieved to find our flight to Chicago had been delayed!
I now realize that we were so busy sightseeing and enjoying the World Cup etc. that we DID NOT pay attention to the local news! As we had Rick's book on Paris we were able to look at options and thankfully made the right decision!
So from now on we will be more careful, also our usual habit of leaving a lot earlier before our flight paid off. I will never complain the next time my husband insists on leaving a little earlier for our flight!
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Hi Devika,
That happened to us one time but in our case we were fortunate that the hotel staff let us know in advance and suggested options (also the Air France bus.) I thought later that's one advantage of staying in a hotel with a helpful staff rather than an apartment. You were smart not to panic and to calmly find the best solution. Way to go!
Posted by
OP
Olympia, WA
73 posts
Sharon, you are so right! That is one advantage of a hotel.
For our last 2 trips to Europe we have rented apts. It is cheaper, we get to meet more locals plus I love cooking with the fresh local produce.
We also travel with our autistic son so apts. give us more privacy to deal with him.
But now I realize the importance of keeping up with local news, especially strikes!
But inspite of all this we had a great trip and we still LOVE Europe strikes and all!