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Post by holger on Mar 16, 2009 10:06:20 GMT -5
We are in Paris but thoroughly jet lagged. Arrived at apartment and could not use the code we had been given. Had to call Preston who told us there was a new code. Might have been nice to have had it mailed. Did show us how things work and is very sweet.
The apartment is cheerful and bright although it seems a bit smaller than the pictures. Otherwise it is pretty close to what is on the web site.The kitchen is functional but not a cook's kitchen. The refrigerator is small and means that shopping has to be done at least every other day. It lacks serving implements and with a single sink, dishwashing for a large meal is cumbersome. But with prepared foods easily accesible we are managing.
One bedroom has minimal closet space but some drawers. The other a great armoire and two small drawers in the dressing table. The door is a major problem four locks that take forever to open and lots of hand and arm strength. Worst of all, quiet courtyard backs on a school which is not mentioned in the description anywhere. So the shrill young voices seem never ending. Napping is totally out. All should note that we were totally jet lagged and really wanted some peace and quiet. Noises are still there but not as bothersome.
The price is reasonable and Gail and Preston are fine and now that we have had time to settle in and get used to the quirks we would return to this apartment. However, I will look at others Gail rents as well. But we really adore the location and that is a big factor. Hopeedthe beds would be fine and they have been. It is also nice to have a layout where we do not disturb each other.
Gitte and Laidback, by the third day, I was thrilled with the 9th. Had a great lunch at Carte Blanche and like the little park . We arrived on a Monday so many food shops were closed but have now found what we need and like coming back to our neighborhood. Along with the noise from the school they are doing something noisy with machines at the side of the park nearest the house. ;D
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Post by Shoesy on Mar 16, 2009 10:15:31 GMT -5
Bonjour dearest Holger!  Sorry about the apt.  , but hopefully, once you're no longer feeling jet-lagged, you'll be able to make up for that disappointment and you'll experience the delights of Paris. Be well.  Thanks for thinking of us and taking time to stop by the forum. |
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Post by cybee on Mar 16, 2009 11:57:04 GMT -5
Hi, Holger! Glad you are safe and sound (finally after sorting out the new code situation..grrr!) in Paris and I look forward to your reports! Oh, dear about the apartment! So hard to know ahead of time with certainty. Pictures and descriptions only tell so much. Hmm...the proximity to the school obviously is a relevant detail (noise wise!). On the other hand, I am aware you are having glorious weather now in Paris...sunny and lovely temps (Shoesy, you are not the only "weather obsessed" poster here! ). I will have to double check where you are staying and make sure it is crossed off my list as "quiet" is important to me and I would likewise not like to have to have such struggle to get in the apartment (locks and difficult door). But you are in Paris and adventures await! I do know that things seem brighter after a good night's rest! (surely there is no night school nearby or too early a school start!  ) ***update: I looked up what I "think" is your apartment and it looks lovely...too bad the pix don't truly tell the full story. |
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Post by Jody on Mar 16, 2009 11:57:27 GMT -5
AT last you've arrived. Hope the jetlag is over quickly.
Sorry the apt is disappointing , it looks so lovely on the website.
I feel your pain with the schoolyard and the door locks! Our hotel in Antwerp last year was next to a school and child care center. The little darlings started frolicking noisily at 7 AM! We didn't need an alarm clock! Our Paris apt door almost reduced us to going to a hotel one evening. It took the kind receptionist from a hotel across from us to show us how to get the blasted thing opened. So kind of him. As you said, it involved pulling door firmly toward yourself while turning key. It took 2 of us to get it open most days.
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Post by GitteK on Mar 16, 2009 12:10:24 GMT -5
holger, perhaps Gail could accomodate you in another apartment ? If the current apt. really differs so much in real life as compared to the photos, I do think you should complain about it to Gail.
I am sure she would help you, if at all possible. I am sorry, that your vacation has started off "on the wrong leg".
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Post by PariS on Mar 16, 2009 12:25:41 GMT -5
Oh Holger, I'm sorry about your apartment, too. Maybe Gitte's idea is a good one--Gail may have something else available that will suit your needs. l certainly hope you can get it worked out soon so as to not put a damper on your whole trip! Good luck. Hope tomorrow is a better day!
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Post by suzanne on Mar 16, 2009 13:13:08 GMT -5
Hi Holger, sorry you are disappointed with your apartment. I looked at Gail's apartments long and hard and finally decided against them because we've stayed in the 9th before and I couldn't recall any market streets or for that matter grocery stores. I love Montmartre but the hilliness of it put me off staying there.
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Post by phread on Mar 16, 2009 14:43:36 GMT -5
Holger, I am holding out hope that things get better tomorrow. It is hard to find roast chicken in most Paris neighborhoods on a Monday. Every other day of the week, but not Monday. Hope that is true for chez vous.
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Post by suzanne on Mar 16, 2009 14:51:52 GMT -5
Barbara, If you can, try going South to Rue Montorguiel. I think you will be able to find what you need there. I looked at the map and it doesn't look very far from you. I cannot remember the name of the metro stop north of Rue Montorguiel but you can easily take the metro to Les Halles.
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Post by holger on Mar 16, 2009 15:05:55 GMT -5
Thanks all for the kind and encouraging words. Just got up to have an almond croisssant and then shortly back to bed. The beds by the way are comfortable Won't bother Gail as we really don't want to lug suitcases down stairs and pack and unpack. We will just have to shop daily as the frig is a mini with an inside mini freezer. In fairness to Gail, she had originally tried to steer us toward Houdon hideway. and husband liked the pictures and location of the one we are in. The location across from the Park is nice and proximity to buses. A friend is coming on the 18th who lives nearby and she will show us places to shop, etc.
But oh this door and from 4 till nearly 6:30 the courtyard of the building had children on little scooters screaming and banging. Will see what the morning brings. Wish my French was good enough to yell down to the mother to take the little darlings to the park.
Husband got the Navigos with our pictures but neglected to put them in the machine and get the other part so that is tomorrow's activity along with the search for the roast chicken.
Gitte, will think about Papillon for lunch on Thursday or Friday. Am looking forward to that.
Bon Soir.
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Post by suzanne on Mar 16, 2009 15:19:49 GMT -5
Hope you have a good nights rest. Hopefully the jet lag will be better in the morning. I try to stay up as late as possible on our first day. Otherwise I'm wide awake at 4 A.M. They don't have anything like Denny's in Paris for us early risers. LOL
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Post by Laidback on Mar 16, 2009 16:52:47 GMT -5
Wow, you do have our sympathy for being so close to a school as the kids can make an awful lot of noise and like you we find that a major disturbance. I was concerned if someone who has always stayed in the shadow of the Louvre would be comfortable in a more residential area and mentioned that you can at least hop on one of the close by buses that will whisk you back there.
As for markets, you will find the one on Rue Cadet very close by and at about 700 yards from you is Rue Martyrs which is a very well regarded market street. I can't help but wonder why you couldn't find a rotisserie chicken. Was it perhaps at night or on a Monday?
There are many near you, but one of the best on the entire right bank is Maitre Volailler which is on the S. side of Rue St. Lazare about 2-3 doors past the "ugly church"(Notre Dame de Lorette).
I agree that the 9th is devoid of tourist attractions, but this is what appeals to us, living among locals and the artists and actors of the neighborhood with all the quirky little cafés and small theatres, but I understand that this is not the area for many. Give it a little time...learn the excellent boulangerie/patisseries on Rue Martyrs, rest your tired feet at a café on the little jewel-like Place Toudouze, or Pl. St. Georges, visit the relatively unknown Musée Moreau with many paintings by arguably France's best symbolist artist, check out the "pretty church"(Ste. Trinité). You may find that after a week your impressions soften a bit. If not, you will have learned to avoid staying in the 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, upper 17th and 18th, etc. which are more residential than the 1st.
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Post by Jody on Mar 16, 2009 17:04:41 GMT -5
What good advice , Laiback.I think I am more comfortable in livelier neighborhoods, My local neighborhood is too quiet and residential!
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Post by suzanne on Mar 16, 2009 17:36:05 GMT -5
Lucky that Mr. Laidback is so familiar with the area. We've stayed in the 9the twice but we were in hotels so we were not looking form markets or chickens. Oddly enough one of our hotels was near a school and the children yelling echoed through the Passage Jouffroy all day long. I never saw the school. But we sure did hear it. It was quiet at night though.
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Post by framboiseetrose on Mar 16, 2009 18:50:57 GMT -5
Holger, hope by the time you get up in the morning, the jet lag has lessened. Sunday afternoons and Mondays are not the greatest days to arrive in Paris especially when looking for supplies for the apartment.
I've been following the weather and it has been quite nice so you will be more comfortable. High 50s are certainly more fun that being chilled to the bones.
You and your husband will have a great time - after all, you are in your favorite beautiful city! Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures and your restaurant reviews that I always enjoy.
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Post by PariS on Mar 16, 2009 18:54:45 GMT -5
And don't forget all the foie gras and creme brulée! |
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Post by holger on Mar 16, 2009 21:41:20 GMT -5
As you can tell, I am still jet lagged. Again thanks for the words of support. We will be fine and part of the griping is jet lag, part the tiny frig with even tinier small freezer as we planned on stocking some frozen foods for when we wanted a small late supper. Bigger part are the various noises mostly of children but also adults who yell while in courtyard and going up the stairs. Like most things we will get used to it.
We did arrive on a Monday so will check out suggestions later today--Tuesday. Noticed several shuttered shops that may be open.
Laidback, will copy down some of your suggestions. Hubby forgot our Zagat so am also now on line for phone numbers. Next time though will look for apartment with high floor and also elevator. may call Gail for a looksee in advance.
Barbara
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Post by Sandy M on Mar 16, 2009 21:59:42 GMT -5
Hi Barbara,
So sorry that you are having problems with your apartment - even though you don't want the hassle of possibly moving, I too think it would be a good idea to call Gail when you get up in the morning and see if she has anything else available - she may even have someone to help you move. I don't know how long you are staying but if it's more than a week, you just might be happier with every aspect of your visit if you are happier with your living quarters.
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Post by Shoesy on Mar 16, 2009 23:39:35 GMT -5
Holger - I'm wishing you a happier Tuesday than yesterday's Monday. |
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Post by holger on Mar 17, 2009 4:49:48 GMT -5
Well now it is Tuesday morning and although up once or twice slept reasonably well and till 9 Paris time. Somehow the shrill little voices coming from the school behind the rear of the building are not quite as annoying as yesterday. Will not belabor the point.
Apartment itself does deserve a full description. Once throgh the large, heavy, double doors with four dead bolt locks one comes into a small foyer with rose painted panels. This room hold a small table and has doors leading to kitchen, toilet room, living room and sitting area for bedrooms. Kitchen is narrow but windowed and painted a pale yellow with tles above the sink and stove area. Floor of kitchen is black and white tiles. Functional but not for heavy cooking as work space is nice wood but minimal. Could certainly do eggs and soup but not a major meal for guests. Refrigerator is under one part of the counter and has a very small freezer space inside.
But there is a real oven and burners as well as a microwave. No dishwasher.
Living room has one floor to ceiling window with double door ooening on courtyard. This room is painted light green and has the television and phone as well as hookup for comuter. No desk and I am working at a round very pretty marble topped table. Since this is the only location for the computer, it is not terribly practical and if I am there it blocks the view of the TV. Two Queen Anne chairs with green flowered tapestry that are comfortable and a loveseat upjolstered in patterned rose and green distressed velvet that is soft and low. At the end of the room is a nice wood dining table and chairs. Between window and table is a large armoire that houses the linens. There is a door to the kitchen near the dining table.
Off the foyer, the door to the sitting area takes one into a small room with the rose panels set in white woodwork and houses a small table near the window and a comfortable sofa. There is also a desk-table but no hook up for computer. There are two doors leading to each bedroom. One bedroom has a small window that looks out on a very tiny alley way and the side of another building. There is a double bed, a nice desk with three drawers and a tiny cubboard for hanging some clothes as well as two night tables. Room is painted pale yellow. Tiled bathroom is ensuite and has shower, sink and toilet. There is a towel rack. and closet which houses the combination washer/dryer and cannot be used for clothes.
Second bedroom is a pretty shade of dusty rose with white ceiling and some silver paint between. Quite attractive. This room has a small dressing table with mirror and two small drawers. Large armoire just for hanging clothes and two very small night tables. A door leads direcly to the tiled ensuite which has a sink, toilet and tub with shower head fixed to wall. In the tub that is hard to get into due to shape of room there is a laundry rack that is the only place to hang towels so the shower in the tub would soak either the towels or the laundry. OK for a bath, however.
All the wooden floors are nicely finished with chevron pattern, no rugs at all and I am going to see if this type of floor is available at home.
Rethinking my first reactions to the apartment except for entry door and noise. The decor is pleasing and very French. If mine I would rearrange some things for improved functionality but otherwise it is comfortable. Beds are good!!!!
Other reports will go in Trip report section.
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, but hopefully, once you're no longer feeling jet-lagged, you'll be able to make up for that disappointment and you'll experience the delights of Paris. Be well. 
)
hahahha