Technologically Challenged! Back to School at 64

Is it ever too late?   If you actually remember the Beatles' song 'When I'm 64', then maybe you will relate to this post.  I have decided to go back to school to work towards a Masters degree.

It isn't the workload that worries me.   It isn't the term papers.  It isn't the time management.
It's the technology.

For anyone who is reading this post and has spent hours tearing out their hair over seemingly simple things - like registering for classes,   please do not despair.  You are not alone.

I have decided to take this technology bull by its bloody horns.

This is the voice of a technologically challenged 64 year old who is determined to put technology where it belongs:  in a very user friendly place.  Please feel free to add your suggestions - your rants - or whatever.

Standing Ovation to Aeroports de Paris wheelchair assistance crew!

Talk about first class service!   Our arrival in Paris was made wonderfully easy thanks to the assistance of the wheelchair assistance staff at Charles de Gaulle Airport.  If you have any reservations about traveling with special needs, do not hesitate to fly to CDG.   We were treated beautifully.

Something New in Paris: Customer Satisfaction Counts!

Have you found your happiness? (Votre bonheur).  This is the current expression that customers are likely to encounter when they go shopping in Paris.  And given the state of the economy at this juncture, keeping customers happy is a top priority.

I have to say that there is definitely a small revolution going on here in customer service.  And it's happening not just in boutiques geared toward tourists but in all types of shops including your local  mom&pop grocery stores.

Here are some recent examples:  At the SIMPLY grocery market, close to where we stay,  a sales clerk took the time to change a sales slip for me - to give me credit.  The self-service robot counter had overcharged me for a case of bottled water (because two of the six bottles had been removed). 

The corner bakery that I avoided all last summer because of a sales clerk who consistantly tried to shortchange me has been replaced by a sales clerk who actually undercharged me.  (Of course,  I did politely suggest that she might doublecheck the bill).

As for the womenswear boutiques,  sales clerks are smiling and attentive and they seem to want to do everything possible to help you find your happiness.

Of course, we all know that happiness cannot be found in a shopping mall - even if Emile Zola entitled his novel - Au Bonheur des Dames - but Paris's new attitude is enough to make you smile :)

Your Dog in Paris: Finding a good Vet and a good Groomer

This is only Hercules' second week in Paris and he's already found a groomer that he loves and a good veternarian, just walking distance from the apartment!   Needless to say, we are all thrilled to know that Paris is dog heaven!  Rather than write two posts,  I'm going to fill in the details at  Parisgirlshopping.com!  See you there - in a hop, skip and a jump!

Excuse me for cutting this short - but the sun is shining and Hercules is eager to take a stroll down the Avenue. 

Bringing Your Dog to France

When I first wrote about dog-friendly Parisian parks for Parislogue.com,  little did I realize that years later,  I'd be walking our very dear Hercules, a five-year-old Shi-Tzu, in the Luxembourg Gardens.  But, here we are.  And if you've had any apprehension about bringing your pet to Paris,  do not despair!

France is a dog/cat friendly nation, but dogs, in particular seem to get a warm welcome, especially if they're cute, well-groomed, and well-behaved in cafes.  Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that France is a rabies-free country so that the paperwork, should, in theory be minimal to return to the US.

Just be sure that your dog is up-to-date on his rabies shots, have your vet complete the international health certificate that can be found online.  We made a trip to Miami to have the USDA provide us with a certification form for France,  but when we arrived at CDG airport,  along with our dog (who accompanied us in the cabin of our Air France tourist class seat),   absolutely no paperwork was requested by French customs.  Of course, this doesn't mean that every time will be the same.  Always have your medical paperwork and documents handy- just in case.

Air France/Delta accepts service dogs in the cabin.  They are obliged to remain on the floor, always attached.  In our case, because Hercules weighs just under 12 pounds,  we were able to find a comfortable traveling bag for him which is useful as well for traveling in France, i.e. taking trains or local buses.

I also have a wicker shopping/picnic basket that is just the right size for taking Hercules on buses or crossing parts of the gardens where dogs may not be allowed to walk.  Luxembourg Gardens has one specific area allowed for our four-legged friends.  They even have their own drinking fountain. 

US Airways: Silly Policy but Not Discrimination

US Airways should apologize for embarrassing passengers denied access to First Class because of their clothing, but the report of race discrimination on this morning 's Today show is sensationalizing a silly policy.  During one of our frequent flights to France,   we were waiting to board Economy Class when an attractive well-dressed Caucasian woman approached me and asked to borrow my shoes!  I thought it was a joke and was looking for the hidden camera.  But it was no joke.  She then explained to me that she was an off duty airline personnel who was flying First Class on a special pass.  She only discovered that there was a dress code when she arrived at the gate.  Because she was wearing open- toe shoes, they would't allow her in First Class.  Other than her shoes, she was neatly dressed in blouse and dark trousers.

Unfortunately, I only had one pair of shoes because the rest were checked, but before the plane departed, I went up to First Class to make sure she had found a pair of shoes from someone else.  She had and was happy to be flying to Paris First Class.

If you pay full price you can probably wear whatever you please no matter what race or gender you may be, but flying on a Buddy Pass apparently has a dress code.  US Airways should have the courtesy to e mail passengers in advance if there are dress codes.   Passengers already get enough humiliation going through security.   We're all in the same boat.  But,  if US Airways wants to fly me to Paris First Class for free  as long as I wear close-toe shoes, hey that's fine with me.
My shoe size is 9 1/2.  And my toes are SO UGLY, they should be covered up even in Economy Class.

Paris Snow in 2009 Global Warming Effect?

Then and Now -Waiting for the winter snows to melt away in France,  Parisgirl has found a little bit of Paris right here in Boca Raton, Florida.  If you would like to know more, stay tuned andshe will tell you about a great little boutique that has a je ne sais quoi attitude, reminiscent of a chic Left Bank boutique.