Problems with our apartment for next week!

[jo]

I received an email from our landlord yesterday in which he told us:

Hi johanne,
sorry for not replying in due time; I just moved and don't have the internet yet. It was going to be set up this week, alas...
A couple of things:
First, the keys will be undr the mat at the door to the apt;
Second, yes I should be able to have the place ready on the day before;
Third (and more annoying), there are renovations going on in the building, namely on the facade, bedroom side. So there is a scaffolding and the windows in the bedrooms are blind & sealed. No demolition noise though, that phase is over. Nevertheless, because of the annoyance I'll grant you a 30% discount on the rental fee. If you find the apartment impossible to live in, I'll help you relocate. But its not that bad--I just wanted to give you a headsup.
Regards
David



At first, I was impressed with his offer of a discount and letting us know ahead of time. Then, I realized he must have known this earlier and could have advised us earlier to see if we could find something else. I've sent a few requests out but I know it will be almost impossible to find a 2 bedroom in a good area on less than 1 week's notice.

The discount offered comes to 840 euros, so it's a decent amount, but my excitement at our trip has been soured a bit since I don't know what to expect when we come through the doors. Also, I was already nervous about having chosen an apartment for our friends and now I feel like I have let them down.

I'm trying not to let this impact our trip, but I'm disappointed and sad. Hopefully, once we're there, it won't be so bad and we'll be so excited to be in Paris that we will get over it.

Jo

[Jody]

I can only imagine your disappintment. But at least you'll be in Paris. I think I'd be a good friend and take the bedroom with the sealed up window. You won't be spending much time looking out anyway!

[jo]

Thanks Jody, From his e-mail, I think both bedroom windows are sealed. We actually chose the apartment partly on the fact that there were big windows in each bedroom giving light and a cross breeze. Guess we'll have to see what it looks like when we get there ~ at least the refund will help pay for a few of those restaurant reservations we have!

JO

[geordy]

I can also feel your disappointment and frustration,,,we spend time searching out exactly what we want..and it is quite disturbing when it doesn't work out. As I said in my report, we got exactly what we asked for and were promised this time..but that hasn't always happened..at least not at first.

But..it may not be so bad....and as you said...you will be in Paris!!
Sounds good to me..esp. now ..sleep deprivation and jet lag still in control!

And yes..I'm sure you will find plenty of uses for the extra cash! ;D

[Shoesy]

Oy! Of course you're disappointed, but maybe the apt. is still good enough to stay in. My concern would be whether the bedrooms would be stifling with the windows closed. I guess you'll have to wait 'till you arrive. I hope things still work out and that you'll treat yourself to something extra special with the discount that you'll be getting.

[PariS]

What a bummer, Jo! I know how you must feel--my heart sank 2 years ago when we were moved to another apartment at the last minute. It worked out fine for us, but I understand the disappointment and flurry of new questions rolling around in your head when you thought everything was settled. Hope it all works out okay.

[Darcy]

Enjoy the 840E bonus! ;D

[sunshine817]

It hasn't been all that warm, so I'm not sure anything *could* be stifling.

It's been in the high 60s/low 70s during the day, so very pleasant, but still jeans and not shorts or teeshirts....

and the evenings have been in the low 50s... last night was in the 40s.

We went to an illuminated spectacle in honor of the journees de patrimoine, and I wore a scarf and the black wool hat I bought the night of the GTG in May...and was glad to get home to a cup of hot coffee.

[jo]

Im starting to look on the bright side and going back to my motto in life ~ you can't control what happens in life, you can only control how you react to it.

I spent yesterday sending out e-mails looking for a replacement apartment but as you can imagine, there's just not much out there at this late date. I got a few replies but the prices were way over our budget. It wasn't the way I wanted to spend the last Saturday before we leave and my anticipation was replaced by anxiety and worry. Then, last night, my hubby finally made me realize how lucky we are to be going to Paris, on his birthday, with our best friends for over 2 weeks. I finally put this news into perspective and woke up this morning with a better outlook.

We will just have to wait until Friday morning and see what it looks like. I know that we love the location and that we were really looking forward to staying there, so I'm going to hang on to that thought until we get there. At least we won't be woken up by the sun in the morning! ;D And I still get to meet so many new friends during this trip and go to so many wonderful restaurants. So the glass is still half full. Now I just have to make the following 5 days fly by!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts, they really helped me. Today is a brand new day and I only have four more sleeps to Paris ~ how cool is that!

JO

[Jody]

Way too cool for someone who has 15 more sleeps before she jets away!

[georgeleitch]

That's more like our Jo. Look on the bright side the way your husband suggested.

Tell you what kid. If you want to cancel your trip just send me the ticket!!!! But if you don't want to do that ,then have a great time over there and we all want FULL reports of the wonderful time you are going to have in our fave city.

[jo]

Nice try, George, but I think I'll keep it!

Jo

[travelluver]

Jo, I am happy to read that you are feeling better. I know the disappointment you must be feeling, especially since you are going to celebrate hubby's birthday and traveling with dear friends. You want everyone to have a wonderful time and everything to be perfect. I was the same way when we went with my mom and niece this past July. Sometimes, there is some sort of snag that you think will be your downfall, but when you have your first glass of wine, or your first cafe coffee, or first wonderful croissant and breathe in the air of the city we all adore, you will find yourself decompressing and loving it - trust me! Have a wonderful time!! Love, Nancy

[jo]

What a nice thought, Nancy. Thanks..........Jo

[sistereurope]

Hi Jo,
Just one more shout out to say that I can totally relate to your freaking out because you want your friends to have a wonderful time...and I totally agree with the other wise posters in saying that I believe that all will work out once you get there. You'll be in Paris in the BEST time of the year and you have the most kick you know what restaurant lists known to any Paris lover...take a deep breath and close your eyes and picture your favorite Parisian meal (with wine of course )...there, all better?! ;D

[suzanne]

We were in an apartment a few years ago with a similar situation. We were supposed to be getting an ET view. We were advised upon renting that the building was undergoing renovations. We were given a small discount. When we arrived we found Scaffolding around the entire building. We could open the windows though. We found it to be a non issue in the end. We were out and about from early morning until late evening. I never saw or heard any work going on. We found the apartment to be clean and comfortable and like I said, the scaffolding was no big deal.

Getting a two bedroom apartment at that price is really good. So treat yourself to something special. Have a wonderful time.

[framboiseetrose]

Dear Jo,
I know exactly how you feel. I tip my hat off your calm acceptance of the situation. After all, you will still be in Paris and have extra euros to indulge in more restaurants. And I still get to meet you and Den!
Bon courage - it may not be too bad........ See you soon!
bisous,
Lilia

[holger]

Hey Jo,

At least you are getting there! I know you will have a great time. If you are willing to think about the 9th, La Belle Epoque is now available as we had to cancel. We had it from the 30th to the 14th and I actually believe it was available a few days earlier. But with the money you are saving, you can really have some splurge meals.

Enjoy.

[jo]

Thanks Holger. How kind of you to even think about us with everything that is going on with you guys. I hope you husband is feeling better and that the news continues to be good. Your situation certainly put mine into perspective. I feel very grateful that we will be in Paris in 3 days.

I have been in contact with Gail, but Den wants to wait until we get there to see what our apartment looks like. He really feels everything will be fine.

I know many people here are thinking of you guys and sending you their thoughts and prayers.

Take care,
Jo

[myplaceinparis]

According to me, the owner was pretty correct in this "issue". You cannot always exactly know how the situation will be a few weeks before in this kind of renovation, and the discount sounds comfortable.

Tell us how was the stay when you have time !

my-place-in-paris.com