My first trip to Paris two years ago was too wonderful for this small space. I read endless books on and about Paris and France, but until I woke up in Paris they were just words. I learned two very wonderful things: Paris will not disappoint and the people are kind and friendly. My 'people' experiences? I will explain two: In Paris I was traveling around by train, and not too confident of where I was when I asked a young woman if the approaching train was the one I needed. Kindly, and with a lovely smile, she replied that it was and she added that when she 'got off it would be where I needed to be.' Some stops later she stood up and discreetly with a slight nod and smile she exited the train, with me a few steps behind. She waved and bid me good-bye and running to the end of the train she entered the last car; as the train passed I saw that she was sitting with a friend and they both waved and smiled. That was my first experience "in need"...how kind! My second was in Blois, south of Paris. We had taken the train from Paris to Strasbourg and rented a car and traveled through Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy and the Loire Valley. When we arrived in Blois I could not find the car rental office; I stopped at what appeared to be an office building and just as I entered the building a woman exited the elevator. I was a mess, to put it mildly, and asked if she could help. I explained my situation, she asked if I had a phone number for the car rental office. Immediately she called, got the directions and said that her car was just up the street; "please just follow me" she suggested, which I did. She drove up a hill away from the city and Viola! the car rental office. Tear stained and jubilant I jumped from the car and ran to where she had parked. After thanking her I offered her some money which she promptly declined and said "This is the car rental. Are you ok?" Replying with a positive yes and smile she quietly and kindly said: "Have a good day. Au revoir, Madam."

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Bunny, Chicago, 01/15/2010

We spent a week in Paris in September and most who heard we were going had all kinds of comments about how rude the French are.
The people we met were gracious and charming and helpful. Couldn't have been nicer.
A week can't begin to give you a full sense of this beautiful city and it's evident why it's a place that beckons the visitor back.

shebaml, Greenport, 01/14/2010

French Open Tickets

Anybody know how to get French Open tickets for 2010?? All I find on web are scalpers at ridiculous prices. People who sat next to me last year at Open (they were French) said there is a website where one can order directly from the tournament itself. Thanks. Steve Lawton

Our answer
Dear Steve,

You can buy French Open tickets directly from the tournament’s official Web site, http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/index.html. This site has lots of helpful information in English. Unfortunately, the ticket page is in French only.

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Steve, Washington DC, 01/14/2010

Rue du Rivoli from Above

Looking out from the top floor of the Musee des Arts de Decoratifs the majestic buildings of Rue du Rivoli are stunning.

Thilde, Peterson, 01/14/2010

The Harbor

The Harbor

The harbor in Honfleur
brings boats to quaint moorage
at an ancient stone`lined quay
directly in the city`center

There are not many boats
But the ones I see speak more
of wild`seas than wealthy`sport
Of deep`water & weighty`cargo

All around the quay
rise colorful shops & cafés
while on the corner a hollow
church keeps silent vigil

Jesus left the church
quite long ago you know

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Peter N, Camano Island, WA, 01/14/2010