QueenIsabella
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2016
In Paris, we had a lovely meal for DD23's birthday. She just went online and looked for what she wanted. She chose a fondue place--it was lovely--and we took cabs to/from our hotel. My point is, you can find great places to eat, especially if you go just a bit off the beaten path. You'll probably do just as well or better by wandering, versus taking someone's specific recommendation, looking it up, mapping out how to get there, etc.
As to picnics along the Seine--we took a boat tour, and saw many people just sitting along the edge of the river. There are steps down to the embankment, and it has a brick edge--people were dangling their feet over the edge of this. Again, just go and look, I don't think you need to find an exact spot ahead of time.
In London, the pubs have issues with underage children. Our tour included a visit to an "authentic English pub", where we had dinner. The pub had to close it's doors to the public and couldn't serve alcohol because of the children inside. The food was okay, but it was far from "authentic", in my eyes. DH/DS21 had much more authentic pub experiences on a trip to Scotland/Ireland, but there weren't children involved.
As far as learning the language--it's admirable to want to learn the language, and I strongly encourage you to at least learn basic phrases ("where is the restroom?" "Can I get a taxi?"). Fact is, though, that most Europeans, especially in cities, speak English. We found that the Parisians woudl be more impatient with tourists butchering their language, while Italians appreciated that you at least made an effort.
P.S. If you'll be walking distance to the London Eye, chances are you can also walk to Borough Market (depending on the direction). Our tour did a Shakespeare walking tour from one to the other. Or, you could take a taxi, if you're staying in the other direction.
As to picnics along the Seine--we took a boat tour, and saw many people just sitting along the edge of the river. There are steps down to the embankment, and it has a brick edge--people were dangling their feet over the edge of this. Again, just go and look, I don't think you need to find an exact spot ahead of time.
In London, the pubs have issues with underage children. Our tour included a visit to an "authentic English pub", where we had dinner. The pub had to close it's doors to the public and couldn't serve alcohol because of the children inside. The food was okay, but it was far from "authentic", in my eyes. DH/DS21 had much more authentic pub experiences on a trip to Scotland/Ireland, but there weren't children involved.
As far as learning the language--it's admirable to want to learn the language, and I strongly encourage you to at least learn basic phrases ("where is the restroom?" "Can I get a taxi?"). Fact is, though, that most Europeans, especially in cities, speak English. We found that the Parisians woudl be more impatient with tourists butchering their language, while Italians appreciated that you at least made an effort.
P.S. If you'll be walking distance to the London Eye, chances are you can also walk to Borough Market (depending on the direction). Our tour did a Shakespeare walking tour from one to the other. Or, you could take a taxi, if you're staying in the other direction.
