Thoughts from the RER: Mistaken for Americans

I opened the RER doors on Monday and discovered 5 people wearing cowboy hats. I really truly thought they were Texans that were coming to Paris, until they started speaking French! It turned out that they were coming back from Texas and they found it hilarious each time someone opened the doors and saw a sea of cowboys. Obviously, everyone else thought like me, "what kind of American comes to France dressed as a cowboy?!"

Then yesterday, I was sitting on the train going back home. At each stop someone yelled the name of the spot. And I looked up and saw a sea of John Deere hats. First, I

thought they were Americains again, because they didn't look like real French. They were blond, so it kind of made sense.

But they were French coming back from the Salon d'Agriculture which is going on just until Sunday and they must have decided to buy out the whole John Deere store.

Do you have any stories about mistaken identity?

Changes

Hello Adventurers,
My posts are going to change just a little, because I would like to write more about my personal adventures and thoughts about Paris and France than a what-to do and what -not-to do.

I am thinking about starting a couple of series, the exact days for the week have not quite been determined, but I hope they interest you.

The Series:

• French Phrases
• Thoughts from the metro
• Confessions
• Walking in the footsteps...
• From my kitchen to yours.

If you have ideas, please contact me or would like to read about something in particular do not hesitate to ask!

A+ (A plus tard, see you later en français)

Happy Strike week 2

This post is for those of you, who are currently on vacation in Paris or are coming sometime soon...beware of the transports (metro, bus, train).

Today starts week 2 of the transport strike and let me tell you it is not fun. Most of the metros, trams and buses iinside of Paris work so if you stay in the city, you shouldn't have problems. But for those who are like me, living in the suburbs or arriving at CDG, getting into Paris, may take longer than usual!

CDG-ers avoid the RER B at all costs, after a long fight, I would imagine you do  not want a headache, so take a taxi (only the ones that say taxi and have the lights, no black-market ones) usually around 40-70 euros depending on your luggage and the number of people. Also, avoid the RER when you need to go back to the airport, there are certain weekends when the train is not even going to the airport and instead there is a bus, again not worth the headache and getting in a  bad mood.

Going to Disneyland should be fine, the RER A is not on strike and is working normal, so no problems there!

same with RER C and going to Versailles, there does not seem to be any problems.

If you are thinking  that you can make a fast connection on rer e from Haussmann St. Lazare to Gare du Nord, avoid it. I take this train everyday (both ways) and it is not worth the zoo it becomes plus people aren't very nice.

To have a great trip in Paris without the headache, walk! The stroll from the Louvre to Arc de Triomphe is not that long and there are lots of exciting things to see along the way. Plus check out these other walking paths!

For more information about trains, metros and trams check out ratp.fr or transilien.fr

Guide to the métro, tram and the RER

For all those coming to Paris, here is a quick guide to the métro, the tram or the RER, because more than likely you will experience one or all of these modes of transport!

1. There are 14 metro lines, 4 tram lines and 5 RER lines, therefore the first time taking the metro can, but it doesn't have to be a frightening experience!

• Remember your stop and the direction that you need to take to get to the stop ( I don't know how many tourists I have seen who think they are going to CDG when in fact they are going the wrong way!)
• For example, you are on line 4 at Gare du Nord and you want to go to St. Michel (same line), follow the direction Porte d'Orleans until St. Michel. 

• For a clearer explanation refer to ratp.fr interactive map of the transports - this map allows you to click on your starting and ending position and then gives the amount of time to arrive at your destination, the approximate price and also allows you to print it out

2. Keep track of your belongings, make sure they are next to you and keep your eyes on all of them.

• Don't let your cell phone, keys, credit cards or what not in your pockets you never know who's hands will find their way into them, better yet, keep your hands in your pockets or near them.

• Be aware of your surroundings, be aware of pickpocketers, you never know who has been eyeing you or your stuff during your journey and who has been making a plan to steal your stuff, I have seen it action, so please don't let it happen to you, you don't want to spend your whole trip in your nation's consulate - I imagine not a fun trip!

3. Take advantage of the metro, etc.

• Go to Disneyworld, end of RER A!
• Go to a football game (soccer) when in season @ Stade de France RER B
• Versailles - RER C
• Les Puces de Saint-Ouen - The Flea market or Puces de Vanves (line 13)
• Porte de Pantin and the Parc de Villette - line 5 or 7
• Basilique de Saint Denis - tram 1 or line 13

There are so many things to do in Paris, and the metro, tram, RER makes it easier, so don't forget that it exists, it makes life more easier, because you don't have to buy gas, find a parking spot and remember where you parked the car, and last but not least its only 30€ for a 5 day pass!