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Post by imec on Oct 25, 2009 16:30:19 GMT
Outstanding cristina!! Thanks so much for this! It sounds like a grand way to travel indeed (even as you put it, in steerage). It appears they've tried to mirror to some degree the deco style of the first QM - I really love that old ship.
Do people in the US know who Margaret Atwood is? I think she's quite clever, but I absolutely loathe the sound of her voice.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 25, 2009 16:33:31 GMT
Ah, good point, Cristina. I'm surprised that the fare doubles without a roomate, but that is good to know.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 25, 2009 16:35:15 GMT
Do people in the US know who Margaret Atwood is? *gives Imec a big eyeroll, accompanied by hard smack* |
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Post by imec on Oct 25, 2009 16:38:49 GMT
Sorry, I didn't mean that as a suggestion that Americans don't know much - I'm actually surprised that, as a Canadian writer she is as well known as it appears. (the Canadian inferiority complex - ya know?)
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Post by cristina on Oct 25, 2009 16:45:01 GMT
Outstanding cristina!! Thanks so much for this! It sounds like a grand way to travel indeed (even as you put it, in steerage). It appears they've tried to mirror to some degree the deco style of the first QM - I really love that old ship. Do people in the US know who Margaret Atwood is? I think she's quite clever, but I absolutely loathe the sound of her voice.imec, I'm glad you enjoyed the QM post. However permit me to stand in line behind Bixa for another smack. I would venture that Margaret Atwood is well known even outside of North America. Even France, who awarded her Chevalier dans l'Order des Arts et Lettres. I've never heard her speak, but I do love her writing. |
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Post by cristina on Oct 25, 2009 16:50:50 GMT
Sorry, I didn't mean that as a suggestion that Americans don't know much - I'm actually surprised that, as a Canadian writer she is as well known as it appears. (the Canadian inferiority complex - ya know?)There are a good number of Canadian authors who are well-known outside of Canada. Let me know if you'd like me to list a few for you. I feel responsible for assisting you in attaining a sense of national pride in Canada's literary contributions to the world.  |
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Post by imec on Oct 25, 2009 17:23:08 GMT
Oh, gee! The paper didn't say anything about it being pick on imec day...  |
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Post by traveler63 on Oct 25, 2009 21:25:03 GMT
Cristina:
What a great post and pictures, I loved everything, and you described everything so well. Thank you. I also am of the opinion that I get turned around in a large city, plus I have the exciting addition of having Mr. T63 giving me bad directions too!!!!! One of the days, as a matter of fact on the last post, we walked around the Opera 4 times, before I finally said, Mr T63 we need to find Cafe de la Paix and then we will be on the right street. NO, NO, NO, and finally after the 5th and 6th time around, we were on the right street, need I say more !!!!
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Post by fumobici on Oct 26, 2009 1:09:09 GMT
Hopefully it was the Garnier and not the newer one on Place Bastille!
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Post by hwinpp on Oct 26, 2009 2:25:58 GMT
The longest 'cruise' I've been on is the ferry from Genova to Tunis.
I liked it but I don't think it has quite the flair of being on board the QM2.
Thanks, Cris!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2009 10:51:28 GMT
What a wonderfully detailed report. I feel I must go. I love the idea of being pampered by the staff,but not too much so. I think that would make me a little too crazy,being hovered over. Therefore,the "class" of travel you chose would suit me fine.
I never realized there was such a plethora of amusements to indulge in.
This will stay with me for a good while.
Pictures and commentary so well done and appreciated.
(I feel myself getting very spoiled by these early a.m. readings Cristina. Thank you.)
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Post by Jazz on Oct 26, 2009 23:58:32 GMT
What a great read! I was first drawn by the idea that you went via the Queen Mary. I have never travelled by boat to Europe and perhaps it is affordable for me. (maybe I should go by freighter?) Your photos and descriptions made me think of 30's and 40's films of glamorous crossings by ocean liner. Dressing for dinner, the musicians!...you seemed to handle it all very well.
Your days in Paris sound lovely. Like you, I had some 'unremarkable' meals, but, it doesn't matter. The sense of the day is most valuable. The Vionnet exhibition sounds interesting, she was an exceptional designer. The meal with a stranger...great!...I had a few of these and they made my trip...out of time, out of place.
Thanks, Christina.
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Post by lola on Oct 28, 2009 0:45:46 GMT
Thanks for the photos, Cristina. I love the cymbals in the water.
Was there any seasickness factor? Are you very aware of being on the ocean?
And does the class you travel determine dress code or food?
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Post by cristina on Oct 28, 2009 3:16:58 GMT
Thanks for the photos, Cristina. I love the cymbals in the water. Was there any seasickness factor? Are you very aware of being on the ocean? And does the class you travel determine dress code or food? lola, I didn't find seasickness to be an issue, but I am not generally prone to it in the first place. My roommate had some seasickness but got a shot from the ship's infirmary and was good to go very quickly. I found the ship movement to be very gentle. (Although oddly, I could still feel the motion as late as three or four nights after disembarking.) The class of travel doesn't determine dress. The only food difference is that the more expensive classes had a greater menu choice. I was really impressed by the riff-raff menu, though (and I can be hard to please on matters of food.) That said, this only applies to the QM2 and Cunard Line. There are other companies with transatlantic crossings that might offer a more relaxed environment if that is more important. For me, despite the wardrobe and packing challenges, it ended up being a wonderful experience. I have no regrets. |
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Post by cristina on Oct 28, 2009 5:25:00 GMT
Casimira, The old catholic guilt is rearing its head. I wish I had another early morning Paris post for you.  I'm not sure that a day in Phoenix is adequate replacement. But thank you for your comments. I am really happy that you enjoyed my little ride. ~C |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2009 14:50:02 GMT
I don't think that everybody realizes how interesting certain things can be to others, as much as they might seem totally mundane to ourselves.
For example, a trip to a service station can be a totally different experience depending on which country you are in.
We need to start a new series of "daily life" threads about various subjects: supermarkets, gas stations, school kids, city halls, etc.
End of threadjack!
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Post by cristina on Oct 28, 2009 14:54:22 GMT
I don't think that everybody realizes how interesting certain things can be to others, as much as they might seem totally mundane to ourselves. For example, a trip to a service station can be a totally different experience depending on which country you are in. We need to start a new series of "daily life" threads about various subjects: supermarkets, gas stations, school kids, city halls, etc. End of threadjack! Ha ha! So then I should write about stopping at the gas station yesterday when my car was running on fumes, only to find that their satellite connection for credit cards was down. I had to pay cash for my gas. In quarters and dimes. I managed to scrounge up a whole $3.  |
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Post by spindrift on Oct 28, 2009 18:12:46 GMT
Christina - thank you for reporting on the QM2. I yearn to make a lengthy ocean voyage. The only time I've spent time on a boat was one week on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back and that was lots of fun. I can't wait to approach New York from the sea. It's wonderful that everything is done so tastefully and I'm sure there are many interesting people on board (and so many to chose from). Sorry to go on about clothes - but were there suitable evening dresses for sale on board? what were the shops like? I'd love a chance to dress up again. And I'd love to meet you too  |
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Post by cristina on Oct 28, 2009 21:32:03 GMT
Christina - thank you for reporting on the QM2. I yearn to make a lengthy ocean voyage. The only time I've spent time on a boat was one week on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back and that was lots of fun. I can't wait to approach New York from the sea. It's wonderful that everything is done so tastefully and I'm sure there are many interesting people on board (and so many to chose from). Sorry to go on about clothes - but were there suitable evening dresses for sale on board? what were the shops like? I'd love a chance to dress up again. And I'd love to meet you too spindrift, I think you would do better buying evening wear at home rather than on board. The shops on the ships carried higher end goods, so unless you have good reason, its probably not the most economical way to shop. The boutiques did have lovely things, but nothing close to a bargain. I personally think that you could get away with one floor length black skirt and 3 or 4 dressy tops. And you would likely get more wear out of the tops later. I think the QM2 approach into NY would be breathtaking. The departure certainly was! Your Nile cruise sounds interesting too. My interest in cruises is piqued now, and I'm thinking I would like to try some smaller ships/smaller waterway voyages as well. After I win the lottery, of course.  |
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Post by cristina on Oct 28, 2009 21:36:27 GMT
Here is part 1 of a 7 part youtube video series on the QM2, which is bit more like a documentary. The first video is brief and can be skipped. But pay attention about half way through part 3 and see just how close to hitting the Verrazano Narrows Bridge she came. Yikes! Part 4 deals with a virus on board. We do not want caution tape across our cabin doors, right? Part 5 has a nice little section about how they deal with trash and waste. Part 6 shows how the ship’s technology and personnel would deal with a fire on board. Part 7 is a fascinating exercise in how the ship approaches and docks in Southampton. And the Bridge Officers dealing with the storm look like they are 12 years old. Which clearly means I have become a senior citizen.  |
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paristraveler
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Post by paristraveler on Dec 16, 2009 15:28:17 GMT
Hi, cristina, I am really enjoying your wonderful description of your trip! I went to Paris in September, just before you did and I, too, am ready to go back. I didn't get to do or see a fraction of what I wanted, but at least I know more of what I want to concentrate on. Namely, I want to spend more time exploring the Tower. I love the Tower! My traveling companion tended to rush me, and I plan to spend a lot more time in various places just sitting, taking it all in and just enjoying.
You have definitely made me want to cross the pond the way you did. Our flights were hellacious. I would so much rather travel in style and comfort the way you did. I think I am going to start researching this today.
My compliments on your superb writing!
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I'm not sure that a day in Phoenix is adequate replacement.
