I'm taking my daughter to France next week for her college graduation present

[adigal]

I will not cancel. First, I think France will be the safest place in the world next week. Everyone will be on alert and the terrorists will go for easier targets next.

Second, my husband was a firefighter in NYC on 9/11 and went to work every day to stand on that pile for a year. I took my kids into NYC regularly. Do NOT give in to fear. You are never really safe, no matter where you live. But if you give into fear, the terrorists won.

F the terrorists. I won't give in.

Viva la France!!!!! <3

[bigwillq]

1. Have a great trip!

[adigal]

4. We will! Thank you!!! nt

[puffy socks]

2. Good for you

This kind of thing can happen anywhere.
It is good to not live in fear.

Bon Voyage!

[adigal]

3. Thank you!! We will. We will take pictures and report back a great time!! nt

[Bluzmann57]

5. Agreed. Do not give in to fear.

Hope you and especially your daughter have a great time next week. And...Your husband must be a tough so and so to 1- be a firefighter in NYC and 2- stand on that rubble every day.

[adigal]

48. He is a great guy - and thank you! Nt

[yourpaljoey]

6. France!

[Naruto Uzimaki]

7. I bet Sean and Brodie Copeland

were just as excited as you are for their trip and look at them now, their dead. I would avoid Europe like the plague, I or my family would not take the risk.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

10. Their dead what? nt

[geardaddy]

26. .

[Angry Dragon]

41. Father and son got killed in Nice

[SammyWinstonJack]

69. There, Their, They're.....now.

[LanternWaste]

12. After this, therefor because of this?

After this, therefor because of this?

[GulfCoast66]

13. Then you should also not

Drive or go into any American city. Because your chance of dying in a car wreck or being shot in almost any American city is much, much greater than being a victim of terrorism in Europe.

The sad fact is that because of our violent nature and 300 million guns the US is far more dangerous than most other western countries.

So the safest thing you could do for your family is go to Europe.

[whathehell]

21. Oh please..

Any links for that?...The Euros generally drive like madmen, so unless she's not driving or riding in a car, I'm afraid the risks cancel each other out there. .

""The sad fact is that because of our violent nature (?) and 300 million guns the US is far more dangerous than most other
western countries."

I don't know about your 'violent nature", but I don't have one, and neither does anyone I know, so you need to speak for yourself.

As far as the number of guns here, yes there's a lot, but the fact is, only a THIRD of Americans even OWN a gun! - This may seem counterintuitive until one realizes that individual gun owners tend to own a LOT of guns.

I was IN Europe for both the Brussels massacre AND the last French massacre, in fact I KNOW a French guy who lost two friends in that nightclub massacre.

The idea that 'The safest thing you could do for your family is to go to Europe" may have been true a few years ago, but not now.

[GulfCoast66]

32. A quick search on Wiki

And I found the homicide rate in the US is 3.9 per 100k residents and in France it is 1.2 per 100k. This is using United Nations figures. Now this was using 2014 data which does not include the 200 or so poor souls killed by terrorists this year. So add that number to the total of 792 killed in 2014 and the rate goes up about 20%. So let's agree France may now have a rate of around 1.5 per 100k residents. Compared to our rate of 3.9.

And France has a higher rate than most of Western Europe.

So I stand by my assertion that if your are concerned about your families safety from crime, you are safer in Europe.

Have a nice day.

[adigal]

50. France is much safer than US countries, I agree 100% nt

[whathehell]

71. Try including the links..

Then you can have a nice day.

[GulfCoast66]

89. I usually have nice days

And I stated my source. Wiki is pretty well known.

Do not care enough to figure out how paste using an iPhone.

I have no problem if you choose to stay out of Western Europe now. Many would agree. But there is no denying it remains safer that the US as far as murder is concerned.

And I truly hope you are having a nice Sunday.

[whathehell]

92. Yeah, me too

It will likely surprise you to know that I go to Europe virtually every year, and am doing so again this year.

[GulfCoast66]

93. Not at all.

I try to appear much more sanguine on line than I am in actual life.

I reality the events of the last month or so have me pretty shaken. Despite that I try my best not to let emotions rule me, although I often fail in that endeavor!

Have a good trip. Mind if I ask where you are going?

And have a good upcoming week.

[whathehell]

97. Okay

Yes, recent events, here and in Europe, have me shaken as well, especially as they're played to

the 'soundtrack' if you will, of this ridiculous election with the Trump Clown..I frequently feel

as if the whole country (world?) is going out of its collective mind.

I'm going to Croatia this summer..My grandparents are from the Dalmatian Coast and I'm learning the language (hard!)

It's a very beautiful country, especially the coast,

Thanks for your good wishes...Back at ya!

[Surya Gayatri]

43. ^^^AMEN to this!^^^

[GoneOffShore]

20. WTF? Really?

Exactly what the terrorists want.

You just surrendered to them.

[karynnj]

23. I would bet there are neighborhoods in the US, where there is a higher probability of being killed

than in France or Europe in general.

The chance of anyone dying a violent death is low, but it could happen anywhere - even a town that until then had zero murders.

[Surya Gayatri]

42. Your loss. Now's the time. The € is down against the $--lots of bargains to be had.

You're safer in Paris central than in many American cities.

As for the provinces, they are safe as houses in general.

Cowering in the corner is not the way to face this challenge.

[adigal]

49. We all deal with this in different ways; I won't be afraid, nor is my daughter

But thanks anyway.

[Hortensis]

75. Over 60 million people in France have not

been murdered by terrorists. I think your chances of getting out alive are pretty good. Have a lovely time, both of you.

[JI7]

70. and Kids in the United States have gotten shot and killed in their own Classrooms

[roody]

72. You can avoid this country for the same reason.

[Journeyman]

8. Good for you. My brother and his family plan to go next year, to celebrate the same occasion . . .

[underahedgerow]

9. Awesome! You'll love it and you're right, it will be very safe and incredibly enjoyable.

Just don't dress like you're going camping like so many US tourists do! Learn a few phrases in French, always say bonjour and au revior when entering and leaving, even the elevators! Always say bonjour and pause before asking a question. And merci and see voo play for please, always. The French are very formal, and appreciate general politeness.

I've been here for years and still tend to rush into a dialogue before formalities. I stop myself and make sure I formally greet whomever I'm dealing with, from cashiers in the market to the bus driver.

Say pardon (not excusé moi) for bumping into someone or crossing paths. Shops mostly close during lunch. Paris will find many shops and restaurants shut for the month. If you're planning on going to a special restaurant, check online to be sure they're open. Shops also close early, staying open no later than 7 for retail and and 8:30 pm for groceries. Few shops are open on Sunday, many groceries are open just until 12.

Never eat a meal on the Champs Elysee. If you go to Versailles, go very, very early, leaving around 07:30 and be sure to buy your tickets before you head out to the palace. You can buy them at FNAC on the Champs. The restaurants at the bottom of the garden on the way to Trianon are awesome. Go to the one inside on the left. Trust me. Very reasonable, delightful, classic, old fashioned French cuisine. If you get there very early, go alllllll the way to the end of the gardens, through the Trianon and into Marie's English Hamlet. There's livestock involved. The geese will have a chat with you, and the pigs are awesome.

Book the Eiffel online, ahead of time, like NOW. But, it's been closing a lot lately.

Book the Louvre ahead of time as well so you can avoid standing in line to buy tickets.

You can use Uber, go ahead, it will save your feet. It's fine.

You can buy an all day metro/bus ticket for 6.90, that gives unlimited use for the whole day. If you're doing lots of site-seeing and don't mind the buses and metro, it's a great bargain. It's called 'mobilis' and you can get it in the machines in the metro. Use it more than 3 times and it's paid for itself.

If you're traveling to the south of France as well, let me know. Happy to offer loads of unsolicited advice or answer any questions!

[pangaia]

16. I'm exhausted just reading that. Whew...

What about, just walking around and see what happens. Who one bumps into....

[underahedgerow]

31. That depends on what neighborhood you're staying in.

I'm sure you'll have a lovely time!

[pangaia]

37. I'm not the one going.

I just got back from South Korea, off to Kyoto and Tokyo soon, then in August to the Lofoton Islands in northern Norway..

[LisaM]

18. They allow Uber?

Surprised, I thought they were trying to prevent Uber. While I like most of your advice, I think progressives should boycott companies like Uber, who are promoting what some are calling a "sharecropping" economy. Just my deux cents!

[underahedgerow]

33. Yes thank dawg. Paris taxi companies are absolutely horrid. It's legendary.

If you call to reserve a cab, they'll show up 20 minutes early, not tell you, and start the meter. I've gone down at the time I scheduled on the phone and gotten into taxis with 20 bucks on the meter before I closed the car door.

My experiences with Uber during regular business hours have been great, and much much less expensive than standard taxis. My daughter had a couple hairy situations at 4am though, yikes. I've been at a taxi stand looking for a cab while the drivers parked in the stands are standing at the bar having their espresso. With their effing green lights on no less. Staring at me of course.

Uber guys appreciate the business by and large, so until the Paris taxis learn some manners, I'll take my business elsewhere. Same goes for the taxis in Cannes. OMG the drivers are horridly rude! I have a regular driver though who will book privately and charges me a good rate off the books, while he's on the clock with Uber, I think that's smart. He has a nice, brand new Jag, is always on time, will meet me on the train platform right at my train car door if I have bags, and is just awesome. He's built up a trade of regular clients, and he's doing well.

Gotta do what ya gotta do.

[LisaM]

44. I do think the taxi companies are somewhat responsible for this.

But, like AirBnB, Uber skirts a lot of laws and doesn't ultimately provide stable jobs. I fear a ton of young kids are going to be left holding Prius leases in a couple of years.

[GoneOffShore]

46. In Paris try LeCab

On line LeCab.fr.

Fantastic service, clean cars, good rates, courteous drivers.

And no nonsense about charging from the time they get the call.

[adigal]

53. Thank you! Appreciate that! Nt

[Paka]

77. Who uses taxis in Paris?

What's wrong with the metro? I'm in Tours at the moment and head to Paris on Monday to spend a week with a friend of mine. Lots of experience in Paris using very few taxis and no bad experiences. Each to their own! I would avoid Uber big time.

[underahedgerow]

79. I do a lot of shopping for clients, so when I have heavy bags, I'm happy to have them carried

by a driver after spending hours on my feet. I use delivery as often as possible, but it's not always convenient when I'm on a tight schedule.

I love the metro, but sometimes it's not easy to get between arrondissements. Getting up to the 16eme to Exelmans for example from the 7eme, only the 9 goes there, so there is a lot of trains changing. To get to or from Beau Grenelle is a nightmare, even just from the 7eme. Nothing connects it well at all.

That being said I often use Auto-lib, the electric car rental subscription, it's awesome and wonderfully convenient, but at peak times, you have to check ahead for available parking.

Late at night I don't like the metro, so taxis/uber are better.

Getting to the train station is usually my main point of contention. I often leave Paris with very heavy bags, so I need a hand as I've been dealing with a torn rotator cuff, due -- of course -- to carrying, dragging, pulling heavy bags.

I pretty much use, mix and match every available option in Paris. It works all right!

[adigal]

52. Wow!!! Thanks for all that information - we will be there the last week of July

I'm hoping things don't close down until August???

We want to go to a flea market that is open Sat, Sun, Mon and have to go in Monday because we will be visiting my exchange student's family in Strassborg for the weekend. I don't know if we are going to stand in line for the big sights - we kind of want to discover the real Paris. Thankfully, my exchange student works in Paris during the week, so he will go out to our evening meal with us.

South of France is for next time. We are so excited, we can't stand it!!! First time in Europe!!

[pangaia]

64. You will never want to come back!!!

I wrote this somewhere else, but if you want to 'see the real Paris," forget the tourist places (except the Louvre!) Just walk--everywhere--- off main drags...people, people.....

Let's see, I have been to maybe 30-40 European cities and towns and miles and miles and miles (well kilometers) in between....from Trondheim to Milano. Paris is way up there, along with Barcelona, Seville, Budapest, Lisbon ( OH. my !), Marvao!!!, Prague, St Petersburg -Leneingrad the first time I was there - (calling Russia "Europe). Jeeze, I can't stop..

have fun....


Oh, DON"T FORGET TO EAT !!!!! A LOT !!!

[adigal]

80. We will stuff our faces like Americans!!! Lol!!!

Thank you!

[pangaia]

85. BRAVA!!

[lunatica]

11. We're just as vulnerable to something like that here

This was one person driving a big truck and using it as his weapon of choice. It's not something only terrorists can do.

[whathehell]

22. Maybe, but they have a much greater Muslim population and a MUCH higher number of

Muslims, first and second generation, going away to fight for ISIS and then returning home.

[lunatica]

25. All it takes is one person

To think we're safe is to fool ourselves. For anyone anywhere to think they're safe is foolish.

[pangaia]

40. For anyone to live in fear is foolish.

[whathehell]

74. Sure, but

the odds go up in different areas.

[pangaia]

38. yeah, those Muslims....

[whathehell]

73. Lol yeah

beause we all know it's Baptists been attacking those French.

[pnwmom]

14. Congrats on her graduation and have a wonderful trip!

[adigal]

54. Thank you so much! It's our first time in Europe!!! So excited!! Nt

[sinkingfeeling]

15. Have a great time in France. I hope to be in Paris in Dec.

[GoneOffShore]

19. Have a great trip. We're heading to Normandy, Paris and Aix in August

Home exchange for two weeks and then an apartment rental.

Not giving in.

[GulfCoast66]

45. Apartment living

Is the only way!! Washing machine and full kitchen. Don't visit France, live there!

Have a great trip.

[adigal]

55. Good for you! If we go back, we'll rent an apartment! Nt

[Raine1967]

24. Amen Sister!

I was in NYC that day and commuted to work the next day.

In a strange coincidence, we booked out tickets to France last year, 2 hours before the news of the attacks hit the news, like you, there was no way we would be canceling our trip. We went in April and I never had a concern.

I would go back today if I could.

Have a wonderful trip with your daughter!

[adigal]

56. Thank you! I'm encouraged by responses like your's nt

[elleng]

27. Bon voyage!

[niyad]

28. you are correct. if we give in to fear, THEY win, (whoever THEY are)

have a great trip. we look forward to hearing all about it on your return.

[adigal]

57. I will report back, with pictures!!!!! Thanks! Nt

[geardaddy]

29. Have a fantastic trip!

Bon voyage!

[panader0]

30. Congratulations on your daughter's graduation.

A trip to France sounds like a wonderful present and a lifelong memory.
Good for you that you won't let fear get in your way.

[AgadorSparticus]

34. Good for you! Bon voyage! Enjoy for me too.

[beaglelover]

35. That's the right attitude. Fuck the terrorists!

I hope you have a great trip. France is a truly beautiful country.

[Surya Gayatri]

36. Wonderful resolve. France will welcome you with all she has to offer.

"You are never really safe, no matter where you live. But if you give into fear, the terrorists won."

«Bon voyage et bienvenue dans notre belle France»

[pangaia]

39. Have a great time...

Forget all the tourist stuff.

Just walk around, take a subway, bus, and see where you end up.... and figure it out..
Discover, as a Thai Buddhist monk once said, "What is what."

[adigal]

59. We talked about kind of doing that!

My daughter is very "chill," and she just told me she wants to just want to go to different cafes and have coffee. I'm thinking just explore neighborhoods. Nothing stressful, nothing planned, except I do want to see the catacombs. I've always been so intrigued by the catacombs.

[pangaia]

65. Follow your daughter.

I also just posted another reply.

You're even getting me excited and I travel LOTS..

After Japan soon, in August I'm going to the Lofoton Islands above the Arctic Circle in Norway. to go sailing for a week..... First time YIKES !!!

[OnDoutside]

47. If you're in Paris, I can highly recommend

Brasserie Le Suffren

84, Avenue de Suffren

https://www.facebook.com/brasserielesuffren/

I've been going there for over 25 years and I still love it ! It's close to the Eiffel Tower, so you could go there for lunch or dinner and take that in too.

Remember in Paris, a 15% tip is automatically included in the bill, so don't get caught into giving an extra 15%. Also, most restaurants do "Menus at €15/€25 etc" to fit all budgets.

One more tip, if you are arriving at the airport, there will be usual guys as you come out of arrivals saying "Taxi ?" - they are unofficial, do not take them. Follow the signs for the Official Taxi line. Same at Train stations like Gare du Nord.

Have a great time !

[adigal]

60. Thanks for the tips!!! I always welcome food tips!!!

We are taking a van from the airport but I didn't set it up back to the airport. I have to figure that out still.

[OnDoutside]

78. Most Parisien taxis won't take four in a taxi, though it depends on the type of car of course. The

Cost from say, Place de Clichy, to CDG is about €45-55.

I spent a couple of years of my working life based at hotels near Place de Clichy, and I loved the walk up Rue Lepic, along Rue des Abbesses, to Place Saint Pierre, where one can take the Funiculaire (an inclined Railway) up to the Sacre Coeur, with its magnificent views over Paris. And then around the corner to Place de Tertre.

[GulfCoast66]

90. Menu means specials deals

If you ask for a menu food will start coming!

The carte is what you need!

[adigal]

94. Thanks for that tip! :)

[MFM008]

51. Just be watchful

And careful in large crowds. Otherwise I wish I were going with you. Have a great time to remember always.

[adigal]

62. Hey, we should have a DU tour!!!! Europeans would like us!!!

Unlike the Red State tour!!!!

[GulfCoast66]

91. That would be fun

But, man I bet there are some real food snobs here! My wife says I qualify😳

[al bupp]

58. My son's going there next Friday

I agree w/ you. Bon voyage!

[adigal]

63. I'll say hi to him. :) thanks!!!! Nt

[radical noodle]

61. What a wonderful gift

Have a great time and bravo for not giving in to fear mongers. Enjoy the trip.

[GulfCoast66]

66. Look up and visit Lafette's grave

4 trips to Paris and the most meaningful and emotional site we have visited.

Especially if you study the fact that without France we would have not won our independence.

Lafette was one hell of a guy.

[adigal]

81. Thanks! I will! Nt

[GulfCoast66]

84. Do same research

It is not easy to find. But, my God, was it worth it. Trip advisor had good tips in their review section.

Have a great time. So Jealous!

[babylonsister]

67. Good for you! And third,

the locals will appreciate you being there and not cancelling. Plenty of tourists will, so rock on!


And PS, hug your hubby (I am also a NYer), props for your attitude, and congrats to your daughter!

[adigal]

82. Thank you for all of your kind words!

Very nice of you.

[athena]

68. I wish I were going, too.

Remember that the probability of being hurt in a terrorist attack is extremely small. Even if you were in France today, it's extremely unlikely that you would have been in the area that was attacked, let alone one of the people who were hurt.

I plan to go to France in the spring and can't wait!

[Paka]

76. Never give in to Fear!

France is a wonderful place to travel. Beautiful country, lovely people, spectacular food, what more could you want.

I am here right now traveling with my brother and we watched the firework display in La Rochelle. We are under three days of mourning right now, but the spirit of the French will live on.

Go and enjoy!

[adigal]

83. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!! Nt

[seanbnewyork4]

86. That's the spirit

One should never give in to the threat of terrorism. I'd love to go to France, but I can't afford it.

[adigal]

95. This is the first time I'm going - wanted to go for year, also

Saved up for a long time. Don't give up the dream!!!!

[Nevernose]

87. The entire city of Paris smells like urine in the sunmer

Yet it's maybe my favorite city n the world. Beautiful everywhere. And all the people are physically perfect: men, women, little kids, nonagenarians. It's really, really weird how beautiful they all are.

The Musee d'Orsay is my favorite, with the Louvre a close second. A lot of people miss the Quai Branly, which is the finest collection of Pacifica/Australia artifacts be ever seen -- and that includes actually IN the Pacific or Australia.

I'm jealous and excited for you! Good luck!

(And thank you for not hunkering down in your basement until you're not afraid of the world anymore, which is too many people's attitude)

[adigal]

96. Thanks for the suggestions!!

We planned on the Musee d'Orsay, but never heard of the Quai Branly! I think I'd love that. Thanks!

[Averagegrunt]

88. Good for you

France is a great country to visit you guys will love it! The whole point of terrorist attacks is to instill fear by still going on your trip you are denying them just that!