Back Home Safe and Sound!
Just wanted to let you know I've safely returned home. I appreciate your understanding regarding withholding specific dates due to security concerns related to using my real name online.
Feedback from My Trip
First Round of Questions
SA1: Parisian Transportation
I mostly explored Paris on foot! I primarily used individual Ticket Métro-Train-RER (single Metro/RER tickets), selecting them in my Wallet app. I used a maximum of four per day (Face ID or Touch ID required). I only utilized the Forfait Navigo Jour (unlimited Metro, RER, bus, and airport line travel for one day) once, on the day I visited the Palace of Versailles. I took a bus that day too, so the pass was slightly more economical, covering about five tickets' worth of rides. I didn't need the pass for any other day, as I never used public transport more than five times. I didn't use any Tickets Bus-Tram (single bus/tram tickets) in Paris because I stuck to walking.
SA2: A Glimpse of Parisian Suburbia
My friend's apartment is located in an upscale residential area in the Paris suburbs along the RER A line. It's a lovely apartment with an elevator, indoor parking, and a private garage with automatic doors. My friend, who's from the Basque Country, prefers the suburbs to Paris due to the abundance of nature. We took a leisurely stroll along the upper reaches of the Seine, and they indulged in their favorite pastime, a "siesta."
Thanks to your advice, I opted for local gifts instead of tips. I brought multiple wooden plaques inscribed with Miyamoto Musashi's "Dokkodo" and sets of Akafui (adzuki bean sweets with matcha flavor) from Kanou Shoujuan purchased at Haneda Airport Terminal 2. I bought slightly more than needed, which turned out to be just right. Before leaving, I even "gifted" my friend some unused cleaning supplies, like bathroom cleaner, detergent, and hand sanitizer – perhaps a little forcefully! (laughs)
SA3: Marseille & Transportation Snafus
Apparently, Uber is available at Marseille Airport. However, due to unforeseen changes in my friend's schedule and fully booked public transportation on the eve of a holiday, my trip to the South of France will have to wait. Given the frequent strikes affecting taxis and SNCF (French National Railway), it was probably wise to avoid long-distance travel via public transport.
Second Round of Questions
SA1: Parisian Neighborhoods and Duty-Free Shopping
I heard that the northern and northeastern areas outside the Périphérique (Paris ring road) are not the safest. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit Estée Lauder due to back-to-back home parties, so I ended up buying my products at the duty-free shop in CDG Terminal 1.
SA2: Parisian Suburbs
The suburbs of Paris, especially along the RER A line, are home to many upscale residential neighborhoods. Think of them as the Setagaya or Meguro of Tokyo. They offer plenty of greenery while remaining conveniently located, about 40 minutes from central Paris. Even returning from Le Select in Montparnasse (made famous by Hemingway) around 10 PM via Châtelet les Halles was no problem.
SA3: Van Gogh's Grave
Sadly, I didn't have enough time to visit Van Gogh's grave. It's on my list for next time!
P.S. "Paris or Beyond?"
This quote came from a woman I met at the martial arts festival. For example, Burgundy, often referred to as the breadbasket of France, offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into French history and culinary culture at reasonable prices. I highly recommend visiting when you have the time.
I'll be sharing my France travelogue in a series of posts on Note and YouTube, so please feel free to check them out when you have a moment.
Until then, Von Voyage!
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