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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 12:50:01 GMT -5
Okay, so I have reviewed the booking on scnf guide at least 20 times, have done practice runs with the booking at least 5 times, but have procrastinated buying my train tickets from Paris to Amsterdam until today. I still am unsure as to whether I should use the Thalys site and book a false return ticket, as some TA posters recommended, or use the scnf site. Do I really just print up the tickets and present them at the ticket counter when I get there? Is it really that simple?
Also, should I use the Thalys or scnf when booking my train to Epernay (day trip)? Or does it even matter? I can print out the Thalys tickets too, right?
I'm so excited but so nervous - and I've even been to Paris once before!!! Ack!!!!
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 13:02:50 GMT -5
Now in my practice runs it isn't giving me the option to print the tickets out on scnf, either. Should I do the collect from an automatic ticket machine option, or the collect from a station or scnf shop option? Grrrrrrr.........
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Post by GitteK on May 29, 2007 13:21:40 GMT -5
I am not sure where Nola is located - but couldn't you just walk up to the nice lady at the window in Amsterdam and say "A ticket to Paris, please ?"
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 13:21:50 GMT -5
Ah, duh - I see in MorganB's guide that the automatic machines work only with French ccards. So I will take the option to pick them up at the counter with my reservation number, I guess.
I am doing both Epernay and Amsterdam on the same credit card order. That's okay, right?
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 13:23:34 GMT -5
GitteK - Hi! Nola is short for New Orleans, Louisiana.  I was planning a day trip to Epernay from Paris, and then a few days later, I go from Paris to Amsterdam to stay there for 4 days. Thanks for responding! |
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 13:52:41 GMT -5
I know everyone is really tired of all the SCNF questions. I'll figure this out - please disregard my post. My apologies!  |
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Post by GitteK on May 29, 2007 14:29:00 GMT -5
NO NO - that's not the case. I just wondered if the tickets couldn't be bought once you are over here ?
Once in Paris you could go to e.g. Gare du Nord or Gare de l'Est and buy your ticket for Amsterdam 1 or 2 days in advance. I wouldn't worry myself sick over that, even before you have left america.
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 14:36:13 GMT -5
Hey, GitteK.....thanks for your support! You are right, I think I could definitely wait and just buy the tickets when I get there, especially the ones from Paris to Epernay for the day trip.
I'm just worried that the specific train journey that I want (going direct from Paris to Amsterdam with no stops and leaving around 10 am) will sell out, and I don't want to get into Amsterdam any later in the day, because I only have really 3 and a half days there.
I also like the idea of knowing exactly when to be at the train station and where my seats are and stuff. I guess I'm just a control freak, LOL!
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Post by GitteK on May 29, 2007 14:44:43 GMT -5
yep, sounds like it. Let me give you this word of comfort: you are going to Europe, not somewhere on the far side of Outer Mongolia. ;D Things do work pretty smoothly over here - they had better with those outrageous incometaxes we pay......  Paris to Amsterdam - it's nothing !! For all that matters, you could rent a scooter and enjoy the scenery....... Amsterdam will only lead you astray with all those potsmoking "koffiehuis" and the incredible diamonds that are for sale..... You will end up broke and hung-over.....  OBS! DO try Indonesian "Rijstafel" in Amsterdam - ummmm, so good. PS! Amsterdam is very lovely - like nothing else in the world. DO try a canalboat trip. |
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Post by supremecourt on May 29, 2007 16:30:12 GMT -5
Thanks so much GitteK!! Noted on your recs - I had definitely planned on a canal cruise, I just can't decide whether to do it during the day or at night, LOL!
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Post by Truffaut on May 29, 2007 20:15:51 GMT -5
Just be sure to "compost" (I swear, that's the real word) your ticket in the little machine on the platform. LuckyLuc, G and I nearly had to pay a VERY expensive fine when we forgot to do it coming back from a little jaunt out to Normandy. The only way we got through it was that Luc put on his absolute worst Canadian French accent and stammered that G and I didn't know any French at all, and that we were simple, ignorant tourists who'd never ridden a French train, before!
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Post by Shoesy on May 29, 2007 22:19:04 GMT -5
"Compost" ?  Isn't that fertilizer or something like that? |
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Post by supremecourt on May 30, 2007 8:20:39 GMT -5
Truffaut - thanks so much! Duly noted, I will "compost" my ticket when I go through the machine on the platform (maybe the ticket agent will remind me too when I pick up the tickets) on my way to Amsterdam. Thanks everyone - I am going to take the plunge and buy my tickets today online and since I can't print them, just choose the option of picking them up at the SCNF counter in Paris.
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Post by sistereurope on May 30, 2007 8:22:54 GMT -5
bon voyage - have a fabulous trip!
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Post by Happygoin on May 30, 2007 11:16:05 GMT -5
supremecourt, I know you've been looking forward to this trip for a long time. I hope it's all you have dreamed of and more. Relax and enjoy. Don't get too caught up in what's next and forget to enjoy the moment. Savor! Have a wonderful trip. Make sure to give us a full report on your return.
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Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on May 30, 2007 11:23:07 GMT -5
Have a Great Time!
Let all of us know about your experience with the Trains.
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Post by supremecourt on May 30, 2007 15:50:04 GMT -5
sistereurope and happygoin - thank you both so much! I can hardly believe that after months of planning that I'm getting on a plane TOMORROW! Ack! I definitely need to remember to not get too caught up in what's next - plan to relax like you said. A full report, a promise!
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Post by geordy on May 30, 2007 16:02:41 GMT -5
Supremecourt,
You are going from one food heaven to another....enjoy! ;D
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 1, 2007 10:50:10 GMT -5
Bonjour, NOLA - can't tell whether you already are on the road, but about the tickets I can tell you that it's true that American credit cards don't work in the automatic machines, but I took the printout of the confirmation to the counter with the same credit card I used for booking (in the station at CDG) and had no problems at all.
Bon voyage! ;D I'm typing this from a wonderful little chateau hotel in the Dordogne -- Le Mas de Montet -- but had to try to respond when I saw your message!)
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Post by greyghost1 on Jun 11, 2007 12:22:37 GMT -5
SUpremecourt25...ENJOY. It's finally hear and near...and do relax, psvp. Oh and enjoy Epernay.
aka gomac
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I was planning a day trip to Epernay from Paris, and then a few days later, I go from Paris to Amsterdam to stay there for 4 days. Thanks for responding! 
Isn't that fertilizer or something like that?
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha