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Post by mtngrl on Jun 18, 2007 19:49:03 GMT -5
We leave in 3 days and I am nowhere near prepared!!!
Laundry is not done, sticky notes adn 3x5 cards litter the office and the bonus room with Paris and Normandy tidbits, various maps are laying around, shopping bags with new clothes for the trip are piled in one corner of our bedroom, about a dozen pairs of shoes are nearby as well.
I am not packed, cannot pack til laundry is done...need to make some sense of my various notes, lol...oh, and most importantly I need to make sure DH and DS can cope without us for a few weeks, lol! So gotta teach (yes, really) them how to use the washer and dryer, dishwasher, etc.
So...at what point do I just say the hell with it and leave all guidebooks behind except the shopping ones, throw the clothes in the bags, and grab a pair and shoes and hit the door?!
Ok...I am whining. I want a magic fairy to come organize it all for me and for me to click my heels and be packed and ready to go. And as far as my notes...not sure why I do that...I rarely follow those things. I organize like there is no tomorrow before a trip, but once we leave I ignore so much of it.
Anyone else ever feel like this right before a trip?
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Post by Shoesy on Jun 18, 2007 21:41:11 GMT -5
I can understand how you feel at this point since your trip is so soon, and it seems like everything is a bit chaotic. Don't worry......everything will get done, and before you know it, you'll be arriving in Paris with beautifully packed clean underwear. You may or may not decide to follow all your notes, but it'll be your decision once you get there, so there's nothing to worry about now. In addition, you needn't regret anything if you decide to ignore them. So you spent time planning, and then you don't stick to those plans........big deal!!!!!!!! Think of these few days before your trip as a time of exciting anticipation. Once you've reached your destination, you'll see that you have even more of a reason to get excited.
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Post by holger on Jun 18, 2007 21:50:59 GMT -5
It will all fall into place. Just relax. Pack less than you think you will need except for comfortable shoes. You will want to change them every other day do that they can air out. The idea is to enjoy and relax. Pre-trip panic is normal for lots of us.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 18, 2007 22:43:01 GMT -5
I agree -- just relax, nothing you forget will be crucial (and if it is, you can find a new one in Paris). The way I survive (always) is to make a list of what I will take a day or two ahead, and then I just go from the list (and I try not to let myself add to it as I go along -- so if the list says 3 tank tops, I try not to let myself pack 5 "just because I might want a different color"!). In your case, you need multiple lists (or more to the point, each person probably needs to make their own!) The one thing I try hard to remember (because like everyone, I do overpack!) is that whoever is traveling with me is going to see the same outfits several times during the trip but so what -- and no one else ever will see the same thing twice, so no worry there either! Just take real basics, and some accessories (scarves, belts) or plan to look for some accessories on your shopping expeditions (much more fun!). I tend to take a lot of neutrals (esp. black, because it's so forgiving of travel mishaps!). But -- don't worry about it! You're going to Paris! It will be fun! ;D ;D ;D Who cares if you end up wishing you had that particular top to go with those pants -- my prediction (based on lots of travel) is that at least 1/3 of what you take will not be worn at all! P.S. If you can keep it to one guidebook (plus probably a few photocopies of specific things) and one phrasebook (per person) you will be better off because books add a lot of weight and the 50-lb limit is being strictly enforced.
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Post by geordy on Jun 19, 2007 8:13:09 GMT -5
I know exactly how you feel! You book the trip and then....wait..it seems so far away! You research, cut things out , make lists...but you have so much time to wait!! Then it is a few days before, check the toiletries, hit the drug stores, make sure the clothes you THINK you are taking are clean, ready to go and FIT!! The day comes..I always pack the same day as it is usually an evening flight..last minute decisions on everything...What was I thinking...etc. It all gets done, off to the airport! First day in Paris...ahhhh! Wake up next day....NOTHING to wear!!! WHy did I bring this stuff!!! Decide on something. It all falls into place after that! And after all the fallback is...it is a major city..not a deserted island! I've rarely HAD to purchase anything..clothes or toiletry-wise except one cool July when I HAD to get a 1996 World Cup sweatshirt and the time my carryon went missing on the Eurostar!! But the option is there and it is not like a resort or cruise ship where everything is SUPER expensive!! As we know Paris isn't inexpensive but regular people live there!! Have a glorious time!!
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Post by sistereurope on Jun 19, 2007 8:20:45 GMT -5
I'm a totally obsessive trip planner who usually does NOT follow the plan when I get there (and it's all worked out ok in the end!) So relax...and know that you'll probably overpack. When I read your post I tried to think about what I left behind...but all I could think of was that every time I realized that I had packed way too many things... Just make sure that you have an umbrella and a comfortable pair of shoes... they are really the only necessities!!!
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Post by Truffaut on Jun 19, 2007 9:56:00 GMT -5
We leave next week. No packing list. No reservations (except the plane, of course). No "to do" list.
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Post by cybee on Jun 19, 2007 10:11:34 GMT -5
Mtngrl, have fun!!!! You will do just fine! Just make sure you have the basics, and frankly Paris will show you the way to having an enjoyable time once there! It is so highly walkable and delightful! Whoah! Truffaut! You are leaving next week? I did not realize! For how long! How wonderful! Well, you can then give us live reports..that is if you want to do so ! Yes, I too think having a good idea of what you want to see but not being glued to a strict schedule is my preference! It is good to know what is out there (via this forum, for example!) and then explore informed yet highly flexible! I had made 3 reservations for my last trip to Paris and cancelled one (a restaurant one..no problemo as seats there are in high demand ) as frankly , we were having too much fun doing something else! The other reservations (opera/theater) I am glad we kept, but there is a trade off...as one has to stop the other fun/exploration one is engaged in to make it to that reserved activity! ha!
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dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
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Post by dep0515 on Jun 19, 2007 10:22:56 GMT -5
I know this is going a bit off topic of the original post, but Cybee, you mentioned restaurant reservations... I am curious....is it necessary to always make reservations? I have ideas of where I would like to eat (this will be my first trip to Paris), but would also like to remain flexible. Are reservations a must? For lunch? For dinner?
You experts asked for questions, so here you go! ;D ;D ;D
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aude
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Post by aude on Jun 19, 2007 10:24:41 GMT -5
Truffaut, you're just cooler than some of us! Packing for a trip-of-a-lifetime with all the accompanying anticipation and anxiety is quite different than it is for someone who travels to Paris regularly.
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Post by cybee on Jun 19, 2007 10:33:30 GMT -5
Dep0515, Most of the time I just popped into a restaurant or cafe that looked inviting and could get a table (if not...move on to the next inviting spot!)! Reservations are generally necessary only if you have a specific restaurant you don't want to miss and it is popular or requires reservations. I had made reservations for dinner at Paza Athene / chef being Alain Ducasse and it appeared from what I then understood, prior reservations are desired (unless one lucks into an unexpected opening such as I ultimately created!) (always let them know of a cancellation, of course). Well, I think I saved some big bucks by not going, but truly we cancelled as we had new other plans/wants! Many/most restaurants do not require reservations..but if there is one you truly don't want to take chances with...good to make a reservation. Going during "off times" (nonpeak) also helps with getting into an exalted/favored restaurant too sans reservation! True experts might want to chime in with recommends on that accord!
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dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
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Post by dep0515 on Jun 19, 2007 10:43:28 GMT -5
Thanks, Cybee! We will be there October 9 - 15, so from what I understand, that is "off peak". We don't have any really expensive/high-end restaraunts on our list, but there are a couple we don't want to miss. So I will make reservations at those (Chez Denise, Cafe L'Homme...). Is a day or two in advance enough time? Denise
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 19, 2007 10:50:39 GMT -5
Denise -- one way you can do it (which is what I generally do) is just to stop by while walking around a few days before you want to go, and see what's available (I don't know about you, but my rather limited French means it's easier to communicate in person than over the phone!). That way, if they have space one night but not the next, you probably can sort it out. Of course, this is not likely to work with anyplace that is really highly sought after (unless of course you are preceded by cybee and she is having "too much fun" - which I did not think was possible in Paris!).
This generally leaves our dinner plans somewhat to chance, but we actually have fun with that (and also don't feel an "obligation" to go out if we don't feel like it when the time comes!). That said, we actually generally prefer small bistros, so perhaps you shouldn't listen to me at all!! ;D
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Post by sistereurope on Jun 19, 2007 10:53:03 GMT -5
I agree with Becky...for that time of year, the "a few days before pop-in" will work - that's actually what we did for Chez Denise and it was Christmas time.
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dep0515
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Next time I'm hiding in your suitcase.
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Post by dep0515 on Jun 19, 2007 10:55:06 GMT -5
Becky - I have a feeling that we are going to favor the small bistros as well. I don't need anything really fancy....after all, I will be in PARIS!!!!!!! ;D That will be magical enough for me.
Thanks to you all for your advice!
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Post by cybee on Jun 19, 2007 11:12:41 GMT -5
Actually, I think we primarily dined at bistros too ! Some restaurants have online reservation options that are relatively easy, though ..if one does want to go that route! Agreed, no one can have "too much" fun in Paris (is there such a thing?)...maybe I should have said "so much" fun instead! ha! I can never have "too much" of Paris! ha!
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Post by mtngrl on Jun 19, 2007 17:45:56 GMT -5
I think I have calmed down a bit:)
Geordy--OMG, you described my to a "T"! LOL!
Still not packed, laundry not done, busy with kids and pets appointments, etc...post it notes still scattered everywhere...but I am CLOSE to the point of not caring. As long as I don't forget the basics, its all good.
I did get a reservation for dinner for my mother's bday. We arrive from Bayeux back into Paris on Saturday the 30th. We arrive at 5pm, so didn't want to be scrambling to find somewhere for dinner that night. I called and made other reservations, so tried my hand with this one. Nope, lol! Got some message that I did not understand at all, so just emailed the hotel and asked them to take care of it, which they did. Whew!
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aude
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Post by aude on Jun 19, 2007 17:49:13 GMT -5
Mtmgrl, once you get on that plane you can take a deep breath, then have a wonderful time! Anything you forget will work itself out. No worries -- you're off to Paris!!!!!
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Post by mtngrl on Jun 19, 2007 18:16:04 GMT -5
aude--You are right:) I know I am putting so much on myself right now wanting to make it the perfect trip. It is PARIS...that is perfect it itself even if things don't go according to plan. I just want it to be so special for my mom, which I am sure it will. Hmmm...maybe I need to open a bottle of wine to help me start packing;)
I have our passports, credit/atm cards, and money in the account...what else does one really need???
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 19, 2007 18:25:40 GMT -5
Hmmmm -- a wine opener for that bottle you are going to find and take back in the late afternoon? Or maybe a champagne stopper for the times you tell yourself that you and your mom can't possibly finish a whole bottle in one evening? ;D ;D (Seriously, I always take both -- but that just shows you where my priorities are!)
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