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20 Lessons From Old Broads Abroad: The Breast Friends in Paris

In six wonderful days in Paris the Breast Friends learned: That Paris is a beautiful city and that in six days you can get a wonderful taste but would need weeks to really know the city. That you shouldn't get too excited about wonderful French chocolates, or you may leave your face print on the glass. And more...
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In six wonderful days in Paris the Breast Friends learned:

  • That Paris is a beautiful city and that in six days you can get a wonderful taste but would need weeks to really know the city.
  • That you should not buy new shoes and wear them on the morning you fly. Bring Band-Aids!
  • That an hour is not enough connection time in large airports, regardless of what your travel agent says.
  • That if you get rerouted to Frankfurt, enjoy the journey and your travel companion... even being "en transit" can be fun!
  • That you shouldn't get too excited about wonderful French chocolates, or you may leave your face print on the glass.
  • That the beverages of Paris are wonderful: the coffee crème, the wine, the lait chaud, and even the hot water served in tiny tea cups!
  • That you shouldn't bring home Camembert cheese in your suitcase because it obviously smells like drugs to the dogs.
  • That you don't buy metro tickets from scalpers to save time in the lines because they might forget to tell you they are children's tickets...but that reading maps and taking the underground metro is quite easy.
  • That large full suitcases weigh over 50 pounds and become very expensive in baggage, and that you don't wear all of those clothes anyway.
  • That the hopping on and hopping off bus is a great summer touring idea but a little nippy in the winter. Dress up and find a bus that is warm.
  • That you should look up! Look up everywhere! The ceilings are amazing. Some of us missed the beautiful dome ceiling in LaFayette shopping centre looking at sales racks and had to go back.
  • We learned to walk away when someone is trying to make you a free Hakuna Matata ("there are no worries") bracelet. They are not always free. No worries -- just walk away!
  • Get to know your hotel staff. They are a wonderful resource and Stephan ended up being our private concierge and organizer. He knew where each one of us was at all times and could report to the others. He made us laugh, and made us coffee crème when we needed a break. Sweetheart!
  • Experience the culture and taste new food. The food is delicious, especially the cheese, the wine, the coffee, and the pastries -- even sting ray is tasty!
  • Speak the words of French that you know, and do the others with charades. The Parisians are gracious and speak the English words they know and you meet somewhere in the middle. There is no language problem.
  • No replica or print can capture the subtle awe inspiring beauty of the original Mona Lisa, it takes your breath away.
  • Spending three seconds admiring each sculpture or painting at The Louvre would take you three months, so parcel some time there and bring a list of favourites.
  • Experiment with social media -- you are never too old. It is such a great way to communicate with people and we were blown away to realize how many people were following our trip on Facebook and Twitter
  • That travelling with girlfriends is special and enriches our lives.
  • That Paris is lovely, but we love coming home to Saskatchewan!
Key West, Florida

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