Paris Observations

This is an e-mail I shared in June 2018, while over there.

Once we return to the US and my brain is less fried, will work on this more.  Not intended to be critical or overly positive.  Just general observations.

1. Sidewalks are cleaner than I had imagined or remembered.  Did see occasional dog shit, but overall fairly clean.  Not very many people walking dogs, it seems.

2. Restaurant restrooms, even in some nice restaurants, can be upstairs or downstairs, and no elevators.  Handicapped and elderly would be out of luck.

3. Metro is not deep underground (world's oldest or second oldest I believe), and was not constructed to double as bomb shelters.  But the fact it's not deep underground makes it even easier to use.  And station names are often the exact name for a landmark or museum where the stop is - logical, and less stressful this way.

4. A more confusing aspect of Paris (and contradicts #3) is that signs in metro pointing to exits or nearby lines don't always line up properly.  Also, street signs for landmarks and tourist sites can also be confusing in this way.  

5. Waiters are very efficient and work hard, yet are carrying out multiple tasks.  Burnout must happen.  Smoke breaks are common.  Cross-contamination is scary.  Restaurants appear to be understaffed.

6. We did not get outside the core of the city really, but only saw one metro station (republic) that was in poor shape and had lots of beggars (consistent with video I shared prior to trip).  The rest were nice.

7. Have not had an encounter in which we felt threatened or where somebody was trying to steal from us. 

8. We have had numerous examples of French, young and old, being helpful with directions, helping us understand things, etc..  Other tourists have been friendly, too.  We forget, with our reliance on phones, about asking people.  Simpler, and connects you to others.

9. The notion of "keeping a menu" at the table after ordering (to browse for more ordering) seems not to register.  It's not about restaurants being crowded or a lack of menus.

10. We have reached the metro stations after long walks, only to be relieved that we just missed the train.  We have sat down, thankful for the break, when very quickly the next train is already pulling it.  I caught myself saying, "Oh shit, the train is already here."  Shows how efficient and frequent they are.  In many countries, it's a longer wait.

11. Chatelet metro station is also in very poor shape.  Water was dripping from parts of sagging ceiling, in a few areas.  Probably one that needs to be closed until renovated.  Could be site of future catacombs.

12. The arch and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, were pretty stellar last night.  The walk down Champs was a bit lame.  Like a US mall.  Five Guys, Disney, McDonalds, etc.  tons of chains.  Not as classy as it used to be.  Maybe Parisians need a new Napoleon to clean things up!