# Of Surprises and Desserts: A Parisian MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [June 8, 2009, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082 "2009-06-08T11:22:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Creaky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e68b1a/32.png) [@Creaky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Creaky)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/81 "2009-06-10T02:12:00Z")
It was the York River, not the James. My colleague just told me that. Ah, whatever, a river is a river. What do I know, I’m just a girl. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/82 "2009-06-10T03:48:58Z")
If they could keep the signal during games, I could like this digital TV thing. I successfully hooked up my 1979 Atari 2600 up to my 2009 Sharp LCD TV. Old Skool Geek Cred, I haz it.😃 **Creaky** , I like girls who like pubs. How ya doin’? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/83 "2009-06-10T04:22:56Z")
Just called the on call pediatrician. My daughter’s having some sort of allergic reaction that seems to be getting worse over the day- just checked on her and face is so swollen and she’s covered in blotches. My husband is in the UK at the moment, so yay. 😟 ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/84 "2009-06-10T04:36:03Z")
{{{{ **Soapy** }}}} ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/85 "2009-06-10T08:11:32Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffienatin’. _YAWN_ **Soapy** hope your daughter is ok. Welcome **Marley**. Congrats on the apartment. **gt** I am shocked! Shocked I say! You left Paris and Germany unplanted? Unbelievable! 😛 Now the news from swampland… Twuck is sold. It was pretty well fubar. The radiator was gone and as I suspected, the heads were cracked. So, I figured I’d just see what I could get for it as scrap. However, the head mechanic guy at the Chevrolet place offered me $750 cash for it. He said he’d been lookin’ for something he could play with and fix up. He knows it needs an engine and a radiator but hey, he’s a mechanic so he knows what’s up with it. He also paid the diagnostic fee to find out what all was wrong. The way I see it, I got about what it was worth so I’m happy with it. Oh and good ol’ State Farm insurance cut me a check on the spot for the towin’ fee when I took the receipt by. Thus, next Monday I shall go check out Ford Rangers. I’m thinkin’ plunkin’ down seven fifty in cash plus Big Red the Blazer as a trade in should get me a pretty good deal. It’s like all the signs are pushin’ me to go get a new vehicle. Thus endeth the news from swampland. Need more caffiene and brekkies. Later Y’all! ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/86 "2009-06-10T09:24:31Z")
Morning all, we’re halfway to the weekend! I had a fantastic weekend, the band on Friday were excellent and the rest of the weekend shenanigans in Germany were as good as expected. I love German trains, they’re so much better than ours and they always run on time, such luxury! I’m still busy trying to get things sorted out with Project House, 'im indoors has been told that his contract finishes at the end of June so he’ll be home with time on his hands so hopefully he will be inspired to get on with some of the important stuff like insulation and central heating, the kind of things that will keep me warm all winter. As it’s Wednesday, we’re off to the pub tonight for beerverages so that will be something to look forward to after a weekend of beer and vodka…oh my aching liver… Have only had time to skim the MMP so hugs, yays, boos, trouts and gropes as appropriate, or inappropriate! ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/87 "2009-06-10T11:28:51Z")
In the morning, we finished packing up, made a call to the airline to confirm that my suitcase was on the way to Paris and was told the flight number and approximate time of arrival. Then we all got in the car and were off! Just your average road trip. Although we managed to get stuck in one of the toll booths because we backed up to get the receipt and had apparently already gone far enough to make the sensors think we’d passed the gate. We had to call one of the toll booth workers, who then came over to check the receipt and let us through. It was a very odd feeling to be stuck behind the gate. (Yeah, we could have paid the toll again, but A-it wasn’t cheap, and B-we are.) We took a couple of breaks at rest stops, one to have our picnic lunch (leftover hamburgers; surprisingly tasty), and one to have some coffee and chocolate chip cookies. They were quite good even though the place was pretty much a truck stop. Eventually we made it to the outskirts of Paris and we all started paying attention to where we were. People have asked me what I liked best about Paris. It took me a while to figure out that what I really liked was the architecture. There is an incredible amount of over-the-top architecture, especially the stuff from the 18th and early 19th centuries, but also some of the very modern parts. I think what impresses me the most is the scale of the buildings (some of them are ENORMOUS) and the sheer quantity. We stopped to get our subway and museum tickets (there are a bunch of good deals you can get; ALWAYS get museum tickets in advance) and then it was on to the hotel. Unsurprisingly: no suitcase. It was a [cute little hotel](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardentraveler/sets/72157619396955579/), not great, but clean and in a great location with lots or reasonable restaurants right nearby. It was in the 11th Arondissement (distric), near the Republique Metro stop. We had a not-terribly-memorable dinner (Veal Marengo for me and then creme brulee) and then it was off to the [Sacre Coeur](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardentraveler/sets/72157619397123471/). Uphill and then up steps. Have I mentioned that Paris has a lot of stairs? Seriously. There’s a beautiful view of the city from the steps of the cathedral. And the building itself is lovely, both inside and out. We walked back down the hill and eventually stumbled across a metro stop. It was a nice, relaxed way to spend our first evening in Paris. More tonight, I hope. Now it’s off to work… Hugs to all. GT ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/88 "2009-06-10T11:30:17Z")
Blurf, y’all. Happy Humpday. The apocalypse rolled through Suffolk, VA and Cottonfield County late yesterday afternoon, much as **Creaky** described further to the north. It was rather entertaining. I saw much more in the way of downed trees this morning in 'Ginny than I did in Nawth Carliner. Oh, to has the chainsaw concession today… Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/89 "2009-06-10T11:48:19Z")
> [@gardentraveler](#): > > We had a not-terribly-memorable dinner (Veal Marengo for me and then creme brulee) and then it was off to the [Sacre Coeur](http://www.flickr.com/photos/gardentraveler/sets/72157619397123471/). Uphill and then up steps. Have I mentioned that Paris has a lot of stairs? Seriously. There’s a beautiful view of the city from the steps of the cathedral. And the building itself is lovely, both inside and out. (Basilica. Promise. Off to prepare dinner. Will look at pics later) ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/90 "2009-06-10T11:54:59Z")
Up, caffeinated, off to work all day. Anyone seen my camera? ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/91 "2009-06-10T13:05:21Z")
**gt** , one of my team members brought me back one of those tower keychains! 😃 We are heading into a hot dry spell which is a good thing because the skeeter population has exploded since we had all that rain a couple weeks ago. **mars** , that’s your nick. Even mods in the MMP should have a nick. **soapy** , what happened with your daughter? Just so everyone knows. Our team bested the Lakers last night. **GO MAGIC!** Tupug ---
**Author:** ![tarragon918](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d26b3c/32.png) [@tarragon918](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tarragon918)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/92 "2009-06-10T13:16:19Z")
Whee! It’s hump day today! 🙂 **GT** , you take some beautiful pictures and Paris is gorgeous, especially at night I think. Love those Eiffel Tower keychains! I’ll say it again, cause I’m really enjoying your trip tale, thank you so much for sharing. **BBBBBobbio** , my cousin is down at the shore at their time share on the Outer Banks… I hope their house is okay in Suffolk! I haven’t heard anything from her, so am assuming she’s still down the shore. LOL Those storms were rough up in the DC area too. I’ll root for any team that beats Kobe, **Puggy**. 😉 And yay for **BooFae** ; glad to hear you had a good time over the weekend! ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/93 "2009-06-10T13:56:53Z")
Yesterday was **sheer madness** at work – two broken systems needing fixin’ **now**. Worked (from office then from home) until 1 AM… Today is (thank Og) relatively more relaxed. Except I probably have to fly out, again, next week. Shouldn’t complain – it’s been a while. But why Warsaw…? :rolleyes: **Ivory** – how’s the kid? Hi, **Rigs**!! Back from the cold, or posting from Reykjavik? **Nava** – at least nobody is going to think it’s a synagogue 😃 (or a mosque. At least until it actually **becomes** one… :p) **Herbs** – I’m torn. On one hand, the Magic knocked the Celtics out. OTOH, I hate the lakers, like any good Celtics fan… It is a dilemma… ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/94 "2009-06-10T14:39:07Z")
:::zoooom::: :: waves hello:: ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/95 "2009-06-10T15:13:07Z")
> [@tarragon918](#): > > **BBBBBobbio** , my cousin is down at the shore at their time share on the Outer Banks… I hope their house is okay in Suffolk! I haven’t heard anything from her, so am assuming she’s still down the shore. LOL Those storms were rough up in the DC area too. Don’t worry too hard; the reported damage is all landscaping. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/96 "2009-06-10T16:09:14Z")
It wasn’t cold in Iceland! It was about 55-65 every day I was there. It rained one day I was there as well; the rest were partly cloudy with lots of sunshine (given the time of year it is). It was lovely. It’s about 59 here today: I feel like I’ve brought Iceland weather home with me. Since this is my favorite kind of weather, I don’t mind a bit. I do need to do some yard work, but lack motivation. I’m still on vacation… **GT** –did you have your portrait drawn by one of the (many) artists there? We had the kids drawn (and it wasn’t cheap, but it was fun). I like Sacre Couer, but it can get really touristy. What the hell, though–you’re in Paris! To me, that’s all that matters. And I’m a tourist when I’m in Europe, so I don’t mind… ---
**Author:** ![Tupug\_Anachi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@Tupug\_Anachi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tupug_Anachi)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/97 "2009-06-10T16:34:23Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > It wasn’t cold in Iceland! It was about 55-65 every day I was there. It rained one day I was there as well; the rest were partly cloudy with lots of sunshine (given the time of year it is). It was lovely. So when are we going to see pictures?? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/98 "2009-06-10T17:09:08Z")
> [@Tupug\_Anachi](#): > > So when are we going to see pictures?? :dubious: Well, this is **GT’s** Paris thread, so I dunno–maybe next week? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/99 "2009-06-10T17:34:48Z")
Itchy kid update: Bad, bad poison ivy. She’s on lot of benadryl and rx prednisone. Her eyes are so swollen, almost shut. I think she got it on her towel at the pool picnic she was at and then dried herself off. Poor kiddo! Paris sounds yummy- can’t wait for Iceland! ---
**Author:** ![Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sticks_and_scones/32/16951_2.png) [@Sticks\_and\_Scones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sticks_and_Scones)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2009, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082/100 "2009-06-10T17:38:01Z")
Howdy! I’m here in TVLand avoiding some work that I brought with me that needs to be done. :D:D Also, some exciting news later on. That is, after I tell TVMan who is currently occupied by fixing an RCA 721TS television, circa 1947. P.S. No, I’m NOT pregnant in case that’s what you were thinking. 😛 Sheesh. 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-surprises-and-desserts-a-parisian-mmp/499082.md?page=6)