In France, Not Impressed

big sponge · August 06, 2014, 10:08:36 AM

England was better. Would like to go back, but my time for the apartment is up.

As soon as I arrived in the Paris train station I had a feeling this would be the worse leg of the trip. Right off the bat I noticed that the French were trying to rip me off with USD-Euro and GBP-Euro conversions.

They also don't accept any American cards unless you want to play their rip off game where 1 USD equals .5 Euro instead of the real conversion rate which is 1 USD = .75 Euro.

I don't recall their GBP - Euro conversion, but it was bad to the point where I decided it wouldn't worth the conversion and I held onto my GBP to convert back into USD when I got home.

It also seems that France is falling on hard times since they're charging people 70 cents to use the bathroom. Seriously, if you're going to charge me 70 cents to use a "public" restroom that person they keep in front of it better wash my hands for me or help me piss.

I decided to hold it until I got to the apartment. Though I was tempted to piss on their train station instead. Which apparently even the French decided was a better alternative because that's exactly what their metro smells like.

Speaking of their metro the entire thing feels like an afterthought. It's like they took a look at England's we'll functioning and very good metro and decided they wanted one of those too. Only they half assed it reeks of poor craftsmanship (quite literally in some areas). The thing is plain ugly to look at, dirty as all hell, they lack a convenient Oyster card like system, and the layout is completely unintuitive.

After I found my way to the apartment (after having to do a multi building scavenger hunt for the key) I was finally able to sit down and write this up after inputting a long and completely gibberish password for the wifi.

Maybe shit will get better later on in this leg, I don't know. But from my experience thus far this place is dookie.

I know I bitched about London drivers, but I really did like the city, people, and country. Can't say the same for Paris France at the moment.

Be proud Brits, you're leagues ahead of France.

Nascent Email · August 06, 2014, 10:11:23 AM

When haven't we been ahead of France?

big sponge · August 06, 2014, 10:17:44 AM

Quote from: Trojanlord on August 06, 2014, 10:11:23 AM

When haven't we been ahead of France?

When Normandy conquered England.

Nascent Email · August 06, 2014, 10:21:32 AM

Quote from: Lord Commissar on August 06, 2014, 10:17:44 AM

When Normandy conquered England.

> Battle of stamford bridge (who could possibly have had more men than the Norman army)
> Battle of Hastings not being a decisive action until Harold took an arrow to the eye

Try again.

big sponge · August 06, 2014, 10:22:34 AM

England was still conquered in the end.

More Than Mortal · August 06, 2014, 10:27:22 AM

France's economy is sort of in the shitter. So much for social democracy.

They also charge you for restroom use in Germany, although I think it's only 50 cents.

MyNameIsCharlie · August 06, 2014, 10:38:12 AM

LC... You need to go here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-sergent-recruteur-paris

Yeah, they do charge for the public toilets, and the metro does smell like piss. But there are other benefits to Paris. The restaraunt I have in the link is one of the coolest experiences ever. Its like the French equivalent to the all you can eat buffet. A little pricey, but you will feel you get your money's worth.

Also, go to the Latin Quarter at night. This is where the clubs are. Women are easy, the drinks are good and cheap. It is a shitload of fun. Bring condoms. Three or more... you will need them.

The museums are for chumps. Go to the Luvre and you will spend most of the day in line. You are better off walking the Seine and people watching. With the exception of the place I linked, don't eat big meals. Kinda graze here and there, eat 5 or 6 tiny meals instead of 3 big ones.

Now, make a point to head to the Jewish Quarter. Its an experience all its own. Many Israelis have set up shops there, and you can get stuff there that is usually reserved for Tel Aviv. Try the felafel balls.

Do your best to take on a who gives a shit attitude and Paris can be awesome. If you spend it complaining about the dog shit on the sidewalk (there is a lot, look where you walk) and the pee smell (people don't like to pay for the public toilets) then you will have a miserable time. But, overlook that and have one of the greatest trips you've had.

rC · August 06, 2014, 10:40:05 AM

>being europoor

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · August 06, 2014, 10:43:49 AM

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Nascent Email · August 06, 2014, 10:55:13 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on August 06, 2014, 10:43:49 AM

Germany > France

In every way, this!

MyNameIsCharlie · August 06, 2014, 11:00:15 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on August 06, 2014, 10:43:49 AM

Germany > France

They both have their charms. I like Paris better than Berlin. German food is very heavy, and you start feeling like crap after a few days. The beer is better, and the cities are a bit cleaner than Paris. Though, its a toss up to who is least friendly. Parisians act like New Yorkers. No matter what, you aren't as good as them. Prussian Germans have that exact attitude, but cover it up with a veneer of efficient politeness. They act like the have to be nice to you, and as such they do it through gritted teeth, so to speak.

Austria, that is a very different story...

Novice · August 06, 2014, 11:39:28 AM

lol europoors.