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Post by Shoesy on Feb 18, 2008 7:52:10 GMT -5
:DHurray! I'm not the only one on the forum who doesn't cook!!! I was actually starting to get a complex (thanks to a very special Dane ;D) before you made this wonderful confession, Gracejoan.
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Post by Jody on Feb 18, 2008 8:45:35 GMT -5
already made the change to month long trips to avoid the miserable flights being too close together
That's what I keep telling my husband but I can't get him to stay longer than 3 weeks..and that's a push.
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Post by holger on Feb 18, 2008 9:35:48 GMT -5
Grace Joan, I like your style. My philosopy is keep working, make long range plans and enjoy. I will be 73 this June. So which of us is older?
Gitte, at the moment traveling by ship is way more expensive than flying especially with FF miles. But if things change or can get a freightor and have more time, that will be a viable alternative.
Demarais, my husband and yours are of the same mind. Partly he misses his piano which he plays every day. Have to admit, I start to really miss my cats by then. But it isn't worth the travel time and misery to go for less that two to three weeks, not from the U.S. If I lived in Denmark, I know shorter flights could mean shorter and more frequent stays.
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Post by sistereurope on Feb 18, 2008 10:15:41 GMT -5
Holger, I just wanted to say congrats on making the final choice! I love the apartment, and that neighborhood is one that I want to explore further - I'd never been there before this past trip when we went to the Folies Bergeres. It looks really nice and not real touristy. You are going to love being in an apartment, I know! (oh and how I can relate to focusing on Paris - I spend all my time here and I don't even have a trip planned. But I am going to France and Spain in a few weeks
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Post by gracejoan on Feb 18, 2008 10:18:23 GMT -5
You are all bad..do I really have to admit that I will be 78 in September!! I can't believe it myself, and I don't seem to slow down much. Most of my close friends are 20 or more years younger..that may help............
Gitte, I hate boats..of any size!! I can feel the slightest ripple!
Re: Cooking....I didn't do a lot when my husband was alive... since his death, why should I cook. I have a great place for breakfast..not a greasy spoon. They start it when they see me drive up..fruit, eggbeaters, unbuttered wheat toast and grits,,yes, grits, I live in NC!! Then it is either lunch or dinner. I just can't do both. I do the same in Paris. I do enjoy the starred restaurants. I have been to most of them in Paris..lunch and dinner. I eat out, and very healthy. With a little help from Lipitor my LDL (the bad) is 64, my HDL( the good) is 43..harder for women to get it higher! My cardiologist has told me I could cheat, on occasion..but I can tell you, if you were to eat a good, old fashioned American hamburger after being away from that stuff, it will make you sick! I know, I tried it..I was sick for 2 days!! What works best, is for a friend to have prime ribs, or some such and give me one or two bites....that is more than enough!
Re: Renting for a month..for the husband who says 3 weeks is enough....a number of places..perfectlyparis, feelslikehomein paris are two of them who will only charge you for 3 weeks, when renting for 4 weeks!! Give that a try!!
I had planned a super trip to Brittany for fall of 2008, but then decided to stick around Paris for both Fall of 2008 and Spring of 2009. I may re-kindle Brittany, again for Fall, 2009. I have it all planned. I spend a lot of time on my trip planning. I know where I want to go/stay and what I want to see. I probably will get going on it when I return from Paris the end of April.
a bientot.........
Joan
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Post by holger on Feb 18, 2008 11:02:03 GMT -5
OK Joan, you are now my role model.
As to the three weeks, hubby doesn't like to be away any longer. Years ago we would go for several months to do research. So go figure.
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Post by geordy on Feb 18, 2008 11:19:50 GMT -5
Holger,
I was staying around there when we almost met last September!!
I'm sure you will enjoy it!
Oh to have 3 weeks or more..you ladies are my role models! Travel as much as you can when younger..and then just keep going! ;D
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Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on Feb 18, 2008 11:27:04 GMT -5
Holger, I exalted you for your excellent taste in apartments. I want to remind all of you ladies that age is just a state of mind, not a number. Anyone with a spirit of adventure will never be old in my book. My wife also does not cook, and that was never a deal breaker with me.
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Post by gracejoan on Feb 18, 2008 11:29:10 GMT -5
Holger, It doesn't have anything to do with the numbers! I know some who are far younger, and they act like they are about to be buried. It is all attitude!! If your body, and mind hold up, then go for it! I know it is not going to last forever, so I make as many plans as I can while I know I am in good shape.....
Joan
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Post by Megan on Feb 18, 2008 15:02:37 GMT -5
Holger
Your apartment looks fantastic - I have apartment envy I am sure that you have made the right choice ;D
Megan
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Post by susanb on Feb 21, 2008 23:56:28 GMT -5
Holgers, The apartment is perfect. It is the PERFECT parasian apartment and how VERY romantic. It really is. To live there for 2.it weeks is going to be so nice. These French people sure know how to reel us in!! I would feel honored to live there for 2 weeks. I hope that all goes well. Since I,m in my happy mood, I,m exited beyond belief for you. One llittle tiny downer. the tiles in the bathroom look rough, don't stubb your toe and you may make a little note and take a photo of it. Maybe it's not so bad. I read out of 1 eye! Sorry if I upset you. I STILL LOVE that apartment, and you know you will too. Susan
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Post by susanb on Feb 22, 2008 0:18:53 GMT -5
Holgers. Sorry about the 2 happy posts in a row..............whats a girl to do? I am very happy with chosen apartment. I hope that you'll get out your berets. Maybe, I'll settle down by then. But every time another person gets an apartment or hotel, I'm thrilled. It must have to do with our 103'' of snow. Isn't that a kicker? Susan
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Post by Truffaut on Feb 22, 2008 4:08:24 GMT -5
Holger, I think you'll be perfectly satisfied with the neighborhood. Some people get a little worried by the all-night tackiness of Pigalle, but it's really perfectly safe and you're far enough removed it shouldn't present any problem. You'll also be close enough to the attractive rue Trudaine/rue des Martyres area and too far from place St-Georges. You might want to try Casa Olympe for dinner. I've not been there myself, but I've heard consistently good things. It's owned by the first femal chef to ever receive a Michelin star (many years ago, now).
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Post by Laidback on Feb 22, 2008 8:15:38 GMT -5
Holger, as usual Truffaut is right; Casa Olympe is one of our favorites, rather cozy, need reservations, which I usually do most everywhere anyway, as a courtesy and to not be disappointed. Mme Versini has Corsican origins and there will usually be at least one Corsican speciality on the menu. Another spot with in easy walking distance is La Grille which has been there forever serving a famous grilled turbot with a beurre blanc sauce the way God intended.
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Post by holger on Feb 22, 2008 9:16:11 GMT -5
Thanks all for the good wishes, concern about bathroom floor and Truffaut and Laidback, thanks for restaurant tips. Over the two weeks, we will go back to a couple of our favorites like Josephine Chez Dumonet and Senderens for dinner. But with an apartment we are likely to have many main meals at lunch and have lighter meals in the apartment in the evenings either before or after activities. We will see how this all goes and then decide whether in 2010 we want to go back to our favorite hotel, take the same apartment or try one in another neighborhood. I really liked dealing with Gail.
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Post by Truffaut on Feb 22, 2008 10:49:59 GMT -5
Holger, being able to eat at home is one of the great advantages of renting an apartment. That said, I must admit that we almost always ending up going out for dinner, anyway! It's not good for the budget or the waistline, but it sure is fun!
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Post by susanb on Feb 22, 2008 16:53:36 GMT -5
However, if yoour tired. you can ALWAYS pick up those roast chickens with potatos, wine, and dessert and live like a parisian. Sit on your deck (maybe, I don't remember the time of year you go) or, if there is a fireplace,equally as good, cuddle up bu the fire and talk about today and tomorrow. What fun you'll have! Susan If you have no fireplace, I know how much you like to do your laundry and with ALL that heat from a European washer, it will be just as romantic. Just move the chairs into the bathroom or kitchen, and Viola, what a nice night.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 23, 2008 21:48:43 GMT -5
Okay Susan - that last is pretty sick, LOL! ;D
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