Be Alert at all Times! and other Paris, France Warning Or Danger Tips

I cannot stress this enough. Watch out for pick-pockets, especially in the underground trains. I had a bad experience with this.

Me & my sister just arrived to Paris and was boarding a city train after leaving the airport train at one of the larger train stations. Because of our luggage, we didn't sit down but instead stood at the back corners. Suddenly I was surrounded by 4 young ladies (teenagers), all well-dressed in good trendy clothes.

At first, they were busy chatting amongst themselves and then one of them smiled at me. She motioned to me (I guess she couldn't speak french either) for the time, and when I showed her the time, she grabbed my hand and showed it to her friends. I got suspicious with her actions and moved my backpack to my front; then one of them tried to unzip my backpack because I saw her hand peeping out from the jacket that was over her arm!

When I realized what was happening, I tried to pull my hand away but her hold on my hand was strong and she still pretended to talk to her friends about my watch. Then I rudely jerked my hand away from her and moved roughly away from them. I called out to my sister and she dropped her luggage on one of the girls' feet. The girls/thieves just gave us a cool look and calmly walked away from the train! The whole thing happened in a few minutes but I felt like it was longer.

At first I was in shock but after the numbness faded, I was very furious. I felt stupid - I should have done something! I should have called security or whoever. The whole sordid incident almost spoiled my impression of Paris.

I was thankful that they didn't succeed in stealing from me or my sister (or worst, stabbed or robbed because the train was empty at the time), but I tell my experience to anyone who was visiting Paris to be careful and vigilant.

Leave a Comment

If you really have to ask any questions from a Parisian, please DO NOT let your first question be "Parlez vous Anglais? (do you speak English?)". They might be easily offended and immediately clam up!

I'd suggest greeting in french first, and try asking your question in french from your guide book. If you cannot make yourself understood, then you can ask if they can speak/understand english.

I wish you good luck in trying!!

Leave a Comment

The french cuisines can be meaty, rich, creamy and fattening, and that does not include the wonderful red wines that go with the fine food. I had a few favorites, including escargot (snails) in butter, foie gras (liver from goose/duck), and main meals of roasted duck with orange sauce or roasted meats (pork or lamb) with baked vegetables.

Foie gras is one of the greatest delicacies in French cuisine and its flavour is described as rich, buttery, and delicate. Foie gras is usually sold whole, or prepared into pâté, mousse, or parfait, and is typically served as an accompaniment to toasts or steak.

Leave a Comment

I cannot stress this enough - Do not look for trouble. What I mean is that if you felt that a dimly-lit alley or street is not safe, then don't go there. In crowded places, take care of your personal possessions; be careful with your purse/wallet/bag, etc. Don't get easily distracted. Watch your back. Watch your friends' backs.

I guess it is many people's perception that since Paris is in Western Europe, and therefore it is generally safe, etc., etc., then they let their guard down. For me, it was my mistaken perception that Paris was generally safe (I didn't read much warnings in travel guidebooks about Paris, as compared to, say, about Barcelona or Lisbon or Rome or Romania).

Anyway, as for me, it is "Once bitten, twice shy".

I am not saying that you should be extra careful and all tensed up during your visit to Paris, but let's be a smart tourist.

Leave a Comment