I've been to Paris maybe three times and have found that contrary to popular belief, Parisians actually like Americans -- I've never had a problem, and
have been affirmatively welcomed every time.
As for what to see, the obvious targets are the Louvre & Musee D'Orsay, but you'll find you can get museumed out really fast. Paris is unlike most cities in that simply hanging out there is a trip. Just people watching is fun. Prepare yourself to throw down $10 for a thimble of coffee on the Champs-Elysees and just sit and hang out.
There's a bar on the Left Bank called the Perriere Golden (or something) that I love. It's basically the equivalent of NYC's Tavern on the Green.
Try to make friends with an expatriate living there, or even a local. Once you get access to people that actually live there, the city will unfold for you.
Rent the Paris ep from season one of The Amazing Race. Best Paris travlogue I've ever seen.
Oh -- Euro 2008 is going on right now, so the bars are going to be packed during the games. That'd be a good time to go out and meet people.
France got its ass kicked and is eliminated, though. Let the froggies know how devastated you are and you'll likely wind up drinking for free.
As for what to see, the obvious targets are the Louvre & Musee D'Orsay, but you'll find you can get museumed out really fast. Paris is unlike most cities in that simply hanging out there is a trip. Just people watching is fun. Prepare yourself to throw down $10 for a thimble of coffee on the Champs-Elysees and just sit and hang out.
There's a bar on the Left Bank called the Perriere Golden (or something) that I love. It's basically the equivalent of NYC's Tavern on the Green.
Try to make friends with an expatriate living there, or even a local. Once you get access to people that actually live there, the city will unfold for you.
Rent the Paris ep from season one of The Amazing Race. Best Paris travlogue I've ever seen.
Oh -- Euro 2008 is going on right now, so the bars are going to be packed during the games. That'd be a good time to go out and meet people.
France got its ass kicked and is eliminated, though. Let the froggies know how devastated you are and you'll likely wind up drinking for free.
...you see what I did there??
