geezer7 Loc: Michigan

My wife and I have just returned from a trip to Rome, Venice and Paris. We were in Paris from November 12 to November 17 during the terrorist attacks. We were fortunate not to be near the attacks but had been near the rock concert location during the afternoon of November 13. Although we set out on the morning of November 14th to sightsee with some trepidation there was no restriction of movement. Security was definitely present but not obtrusive. Major museums and important sights were closed but we were able to walk around the outside of the Eiffel tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. We also walked along the Seine and prowled around the Latin Quarter which is very nostalgic!

On November 16 President Hollande observed a minute of silence for the victims of the attacks at the Sorbonne and we were nearby with no interference from security units. They were very friendly and often said "bonjour".
Our hotel reported that they had received multiple cancellations after the attacks. We traveled to the airport via Metro and train from Gare du Nord and again saw considerable security but were not inconvenienced.
I have included a photo of Notre Dame taken on November 14 which shows a military presence. We were comforted by the extra security in place for everyone's safety.
We like to travel lightly so used only backpacks which we could carry on the plane and consequently elected to use our old Canon S90 instead of our newer Nikon D7100. It was a compromise we felt we needed to make for our travel comfort. We recognize that picture quality was somewhat diminished with the S90 but we considered the options carefully before making the decision.

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

Glad you and your wife are safely home. Nice shot of ND.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Welcome back home. To be so near such a terrible event can be unsettling at best. Glad you are both home safely. Interesting that you had such an easy (unobtrusive) time getting around Paris and travelling home afterwards. Wonder if DC would be the same.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Geezer, so glad you and your wife are back in the US. Sounds like you handled the situation very well. You make us proud. Nice photo of the Notre Dame. ;)

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

Thanks everyone! We had a marvelous time visiting Venice and Rome for the first time and were determined not to let the terrorists spoil our time in Paris which were visiting for the third time. We stayed away from the Metro until our last day and were wary of crowded places but the events resulted in fewer people. Interestingly the pathways along the Seine were full of joggers and bikers especially on Sunday. Generally both the French and Italians appeared to be pretty fit and trim however there was a lot of smoking!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

I really enjoyed reading your account of travel. Thank you, and welcome home. Glad you enjoyed safe travels.

JosephSF Loc: Sonoma County CA

I was there as well in the Marais. All hell broke loose on Friday night and the city is still reeling and in shock. As I left this morning there was a massive raid in Saint-Denis that we had to navigate around to get to CDG. All the restaurants, cafes and stores were empty all weekend. Unbelievable tension in Paris.

Place de la Concorde


Republique


Tri colore Tour Eifel

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

Thanks for the great photos Joseph. We were in the Marais Friday afternoon and ate at L'As de Falafal. The Eiffel tower photo is great. We noticed significant security presence at the Louvre and Tuileries gardens which are adjacent to the Place de la Concorde. Here is what we saw outside the Louvre.

You must have had a tough time getting to CDG. Are you home yet? If not have safe travels.

Security Outside the Louvre

JosephSF Loc: Sonoma County CA

Yes, just got back to US. Long layover in Chicago so decided to stay the night an head to SF early. Great to be back in US.


The photos were just taken on my phone. I did bring my 5D mk lll but have not downloaded and processed those images yet. I was on a business trip but had Friday - Sunday free and I had tickets to see U2 at the Bercy on Saturday night. They sadly but understandably cancelled the concert. I will go back when they reschedule.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

I wonder if the ghost of Quasimodo is still there? :D :thumbup: Visited Paris in 57 when I was in the service.

tmorgen Loc: Palm Bay, FL

Thank you for your positive report. Glad you made it home without any serious issues.
Ted

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

Glad you are back, and the photo is great.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Vive La France!
Surprising what it takes to give our politicians a kick in the Butt!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

:thumbup:

YoungEsqr Loc: Minnesota

I was born and raised in D.C. some 70+ years ago. I haven't lived there for a bunch of years due to school and/or jobs. But when I go back there to visit family and friends, I can tell you how much it has changed, particularly after 9/11. Lots going on and you'd be surprised how much of it is going on underground because most of a building is below the surface and it belongs to Homeland Security. D.C. is NOT the same now and never will be. It continues to change and some changes are subtle and unobtrusive while others are right up in your face. I remember taking my camera to a grassy knoll and taking pictures of the planes landing and taking off in D.C. or driving past the White House to show visitors, many years ago. Now, I've been threaten with jail if I take my camera to the Mall of America or taking pictures around Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Sometimes I can't find the security signs or public property signs until police drive up on me notify me that I am trespassing. It is a whole new and scary world we live in these days and I don't care where you are or live.