Hi akka,

Me your friend? Thank you! Wow! You guys know so much about Italy. But Prague is out of the question, but will still try. You see, Mr. I.M. Pei - the handsome architect who designed the Louvre Museum is my Idol. I really have to see this place. Since I saw his story on the Discovery Channel, I am dying to visit this place. Hope you understand.

I will follow Mars, banger, dboy721 and your advise. I have only 8-9 days, don't know if I am able to complete so many places. Anyway, I am a traveller who like spontenous things. I wll see how it goes. Most important is to get the 'Know How' about the transportationsystem in Italy which is my main worry.

Don't know I will be able to see those A-Lister Movie Stars, not important but if able to bumo into them, hey it's a bonus.

Thank you very much for your time replying, my friend akka!

RGDS
WKK

You do realize that I.M. Pei only designed a small part of the Louvre?

Master Sifu Mars;

Yes, train ride is also a must. I remember when I travelled and was backpacking from Bangkok to Chiang Mai years back was fun and a good place to meet people. Another time when it was the VERY FIRST time ever coming to Hong Kong and into China in 1988. That was the worst train ride in my life. The train in China was horrible, stinky and dirty. What was funny was the lack of WC. Only a open hole in the toilet cubicle.

You are very observant and astute. Yes, I am a Chinese. I have visited several bookstores to buy Italian/French to English Dictionary and also the Maps. Although, I have not been to Italy and France, I still have some experience. Anyway, thank you for your concern. I really appreciated it. When over there, I will be armed with my laptop. You guys are my saviour!

RGDS
WKK

Hi again, Mars!

You are too fast for me to catch up, please slow down. I know, the facade and the Pyrarmid.

RGDS
WKK

http://www.edreams.com/flights/verona-paris/

in that case get a plane. Trains are OK, but personally getting there quickly for 85 euro return would suit me better. Cheaper than the train as well.

An interesting prospect for you in terms of hotels by the way. The Metro is very good and does allow you to stay a bit further out. La Defense is an interesting place to stay.

If you are a bit artsy though, you have no choice but to stay in Montmartre

http://www.hoteltourdauvergne.com/latour.html
http://friendlyroominparis.com/h ... era-and-montmartre/

I've heard good things about this place, and not too expensive. Problem with most Paris hotels is that the service is almostup to Hong Kong standard. There's would be on the same level except that the indifference which is the foundation of their disdain to their guests prevents it from being as personal as the "Who the fuck do you think you are daring to stay in this hotel, making me work, asking me to do things, and generally seeing me doing this job that causes me great shame and loss of face" that the Honkie staff have perfected so well.

Parisians do not speak English by the way. They can, they just choose not to. They also refuse to accept attempts at Fench as anything but a slur on their romantic, soon to be dead, language. Just to be sure, take printouts of where you would like to go in French with Maps.

Never tip - not expected. They have a service charge. hahhaa. If they give you grief in french, muster as much phlegm as you can and spit out (phonetically spelt for you) "On Coo", and then, after their barrage, "Poo-ton day Mared". They will get your drift.

The Moulin Rouge is a waste of time. Expensive and pretty shit. Get your photo taken outside but not near the grass and hedges in the middle of the road. That area is one of the pickup places for rent boys. HOWEVER - it is slap bang in the middle of the RED LIGHT DISTRICT proper, Pigalle place. So invest your 100 euro saved from not going to the MR, and get your cock wet instead.

Get drunk on the Champs Elysee - everyone has to. Start off at the african bar (http://www.timeout.com/paris/clubs/venue/9933/impala-lounge) which has great food and a very cool place. It's a bit tribal at night time, but still great, and then skirt the off shooting roads until 6am. Then head down to the eiffel tower, and with a belly full of beer, stand in the middle at the base, and spin yourself round staring up at the top as fast as you can for as long as you can - Surfing the tower...

Drinks. I don't know why, but spirits seem to be stronger in Europe. Also the measures are large. A Vodka will be a 1/3 pint with a separate jug of mixer. Cocktails are made very well, but are lethal. Be sensible, stick to beer if you have a hard time with the drink.

And,...if you have any money left for the good things in life, here's what you really need to know..

For escorts, look here.....http://www.punterlink.co.uk/esco ... s/paris-escorts.htm
Strip clubs and agents here http://www.punterlink.co.uk/esco ... s_escort_agency.htm

Enjoy!

Heh if you can rent a car , just drive , there are 1000s I mean 1000s of WGs on the Italian / French / Spanish border, regions you generally see them sitting in plastic chairs on main routes which truckers frequent, I've never tried them but they are often South American latinas and very very cheap.

I've found that the French have no problem speaking English with Asians - people who appear not to be native English speakers - it's white people they refuse to speak English to, esp the dreaded Américains. The worse your English, the heavier your accent, the more willing the French will be to communicate in English. But whoever you are, those whose jobs depend on interaction with tourists will speak whatever English is necessary to get the job done. However, if you are American, for instance, and you stop a random passerby on the street and ask for directions in English, you are likely to be met with a curt and disdainful 'Je ne parle pas anglais'. The French are a proud people with a glorious history at the center of world affairs and still haven't accepted their increasing irrelevance on the contemporary world stage. Tho even that is a generalization because even in Paris there are plenty of people happy for an opportunity to practice the English which they all study in school.

I would say that hotel service is competent and professional, cool yes but not snotty; tho I can understand why anyone used to the smiling and deferential service found in most Asian hotels would think French hotel workers arrogant. Generally, European hotel service is not what one would call 'friendly'.

The airplane is certainly a valid choice for travel between European cities, esp if every second counts, but all you get from plane travel is a few extra hours on the destination side - but even then, given the high speed of some train lines and the location of train stations in the center of cities, some train trips take no longer than the plane - however, if you want to enjoy the trip, and get an idea of what these countries actually look like between point A and B, and arrive at the other end in a good mood, then the train is the way to go. And don't make the mistake of judging European trains from your experience somewhere else - I would never take the train in the States for instance.

Traveling is all about slowing down and opening your eyes.

But obviously akka, you and I are very different people. I've never thought much of bars. I'd much rather spend the afternoon in the Café Les Deux Magots On Boulevard St. Germain with a coffee and a copy of the IHT chatting up some chick at the next table or watching the girls walk by. Wherever I go, I seem to spend half my time in cafes.

My friend akka;

I am sure your were talking about your own exoerience when you were there. Man! I bet you must had the time of your life then. After reading your detailed and poetic instructions and advise, you are getting me very excited about Paris. I will eat my fill, drink till I drop and walk till I am limp. I am not too crazy about white meat though. Afterall, I am a Chinese and had savoured the dishes in Shen Zhen, Dong Guan, Hong Kong and most of South-East Asia. One of my MOTTO in life is 'try everything in life at leat once' so if time permits and have extra cash to spare, why not have a taste of white meat there.

Yes, I have heard and read about the French not wanting or utterly have a disdain taste for the English Language. Maybe, it is their history, who cares? I will just barge my way through if necessary. I am not afraid of 'losing face'. When I hit an obstacle, I simply ask and ask and ask. No problem there. With my English map, I should not have any big problem. Your concern is well noted. Also a Yes pertaining the Hotels cost. A friend of my who was studying in Switzerland told me the hotels in Paris are not cheap, so I know what to expect. I actually do not mind staying in those backpackers inn. Had the experience when I was in Thailand during my younger days. No big deal. I rather spend my money on more important things like food & drinks and Museum entry fee.

During the late 80's and early 90's, when I visited Hong Kong as a tourist. I was intimidated when visiting a shop in Causeway Bay, Mongkok or TST. The shopkeepers were very rude and think too highly of themselves. When we asked too many questions and do not buy, you will get abuse verbally. That was then, nowadays the people of Hong Kong has changed their attitude for the better.

Bar hopping is also my favourite thing to do when aboard. Imagine, 1 pint of beer a pub/bar and by the time you finished the street, you will be like floating around. Should be fun. Besides, I will be alone and making friends should be easy. Just hope the French do not despise Asian Chinese like me. Perhaps, they might mistaken me for a Vietnamese or a Japanese. Lastly, I will set aside 200 Euro Dollars for the red light district on my last night before my return to Hong Kong. As always, you have been very helpful and thank you very much.

RGDS
WKK

Dear kennichi;

Thanks for your thought. But I am an idiot when the cars are left-hand driven. I am still a typical sunject of my previous British Colony. Sorry, only know and have confidence driving right-hand driven cars. If I decided to take up the challenge, I am sure the sight of 1,000 WG's will be a sight to behold.

RGDS
WKK

Master Sifu Mars;

How is your weekend so far? It is a pleasant surprise to see you here today as it is a Sunday. Don't you need to go out with your wifey or another meimei? You and bro akka have been extremely helpful in planning my trip. I can't repay the both of you enough. If you and bro akka, let do a meal or some drinks when you visit Hong Kong again. But remember, just bring your mouth and an empty stomach. You must leave your wallet at your hotel.

I will pick a train ride over a flight anytime. My next Great Train Ride should be the Qing-Zang Line - From Qinghai or Chengdu to Lhasa. Part reason - I smoke. I really hates those long flight. It is like killing me slowly. If I travel by air for more than a few hours, I would choose a 1 stop flight rather than a direct one. In a train, we will be able to enjoy the scenic ride. Walk around and sometimes chat with other traveller. They are just as curious about us as we are about them.

Coming back from a 11 hours flight from Athens/Singapore a few years ago, I wanted to sleep but was not able to as the fat greek lady kept asking me question about my homeland and Thailand.

You have a good weekend!

RGDS
WKK

Hi All!

Can someone please advice: Which train in Paris to go to if I want to go to Bologna? Nord?

Thank you in advance.