Details for my travel friends

Thought I would share some specific details for my travel friends that like the nitty gritty! :)

AirFrance was wonderful. I have only flown American Airlines and Airfrance on international flights and the difference is worth noting. I was very impressed with Aifrance. Free flowing wine, a lot of food, many snacks, tvs with every seat (this was of course in coach, with all the movies you can watch), great service over all. I highly recommend them. I know that many of you, like myself travel on miles - and American Express transfers into Delta miles and you can use them for Airfrance flights.

Our apartment was in the Latin Quarter, at 16 Rue des Ecoles. It was rented through VBRO #112368. It is a "real" 3 bedroom, but would not be a great for 3 couples. It would good for a family -
pros:
location - we loved the left bank and the location so close to St. Germain and to the Notre Dame and several Metros was fabulous.
Rental Agency - Stacey was great - easy to work with using Paypal from the states to pay
Size - good size for the location and the price
Elevator - there is an elevator (small of course) if you want to avoid the stairs
Washer/dryer for small items

Cons:
The wood floors made a LOT of noise and you could hear everything. Limited amount of privacy due to this.

The caregiver that Stacey works with was difficult - example - he told me I had to be out on Jan. 2 by 8:00 am because there was another family arriving at 11:45 am.

I pushed back and said "No, that was unreasonable" and he said okay 9:00 am. In the meantime, Stacey emailed me and asked if we would not mind being out by 10:00 am - I told her that was great and shared the conversation with Henry.

Henry still proceeded to show up at 9:00 am - even though he had received and replied to an email from Stacey. He was actually rude to me.

Food - We did not have any fabulous dining experiences like many who go to Paris. Due to the high number of people with us - we ate in bistros and cafes and less expensive places. We had a great meal at the Rose de Sommerland. It was a small Chinese place on Sommerland that was recommended off the Fodors board. It was excellent. We often ate in and enjoyed that as well.

Metro - GREAT! I do not think we ever fully figured out how to make the most of it cost wise - there are less expensive passes etc.

Museums - PLEASE get a Museum pass! You will quickly forget the extra cost as you breeze past the que lines - seriously - I cannot over state this. Even though many would be free for the children, we purchased the pass and I have not one moment of regret. We did the four day pass and used it every one of those 4 days. It was a little tricky with the holidays falling during our stay.

Weather - it was cold. Period. I did not bring long underwear for myself and should have. So should have Frank. Frank has said he would not go back when it is as cold as it was. I would. There was something special about it...cannot put my finger on it. It rained, snowed, the sunshined...

Medical treatment - Tessa as many know, had to go to the Dr. I ended up taking her to the American Hospital in Paris because it was a Sunday night. I think I could have taken her to any hospital in retrospect. They told me they could not treat her in ER because she was under 18? Okay. They ended up with someone there who could see her. There is a number you can call and have a Dr. come to your house - Michael Orsman (amazing tour person) said it is the Magic Dr. :) LOL http://www.sosmedecins-france.fr/

I am sure I will think of more but wanted to share that for now.

Home...

Okay.. I hope I can catch up on the blog - we are home and the last few days seem a bit of a blur?

On NYE as I posted we went to dinner and then we stayed in (sans Max and Anthony of course). Frank ended up being woken up by a party going on at a neighbors apartment with the count down and came out and sat with me and I got my New Years kiss. It was sweet for him to wake up - he said he felt bad for me bringing the New Year in alone. I did not feel alone. :)

New Years day I was not feeling too great and sent Frank, Anthony, Max, Julianna off to explore while I stayed home with Tessa - who was doing much better but it was bitter cold out in Paris.. They went to Montramare (sp) and Frank loved it! He said it was VERY "Paris" with the hills, the artists etc.

Tessa and I did go out a bit - down by the Notre Dame again as she wanted to get a few more items. I had not seen it as crowded as we did that day. Oh my goodness, many many European Tourists. Wow..

We shopped a little - it was very cold.

For dinner we went to a local Italian place. There was a place on the corner that had been recommended but had been closed the entire holiday. We ended up across the street and the meal were just okay.

Heading back - the guys went to a Canadian pub where they watched the Rose Bowl etc... fun for them! :)

Jan. 2 we were headed home. No issues - the flight home was not painful. Watched about 3 movies (Duchess was great) - slept, ate, and slept some more...

Shooting Star always faithful picked us up and we drove through In and Out LOL - and we were all in bed by 11:30!

Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with us. It was a privilege to go and to experience all. I am sure I will have some final thoughts on our experience so be sure to check back. :)