Saturday, February 25, 2006

In 38 seconds to the 56th floor..

Let yourself be transported in 38 seconds to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse tower. You are in 200 meters height at the doors of the highest restaurant in Europe: "Ciel de Paris".

This week was all about Brussels and Paris for me. I invited our group IT directors for a two day Paris meeting. We had a great diner in Ciel de Paris overlooking Paris. Fabulous restaurant!


Traveling via Paris airport Charles de Gaulle is becoming a real pain these days.

I fly very frequently and have all sorts of cards, iris scan badges, quick airport acces, vip valet parking and electronic tickets. Anything possible to make my traveling life efficient. It normally takes me about half an hour to leave from home and be seated in the plane. In France however, you can prepare as much as you like. Forget about it. The French customs and security check has gone bazurk. I had to queue up for 45 minutes to be frisked by a sweaty fat guy. Had to take of shoes and belt and was yelled at to move on. Many people miss their flights because of this which causes a lot of stress and frustration. Ahh..la belle France...

When I arrived back in Amsterdam, the Dutch airport Schiphol was a mess too.. But I guarantee you this area will look brand new next week.

I may be very critical to my country some times but if there's one thing we do well than that would be organizing things to maximum efficiency. France on the other hand..(-deep sigh-)

7 comments:

Mother Sharon Damnable said...

Welcome back Dimitri :>)

LesleyinNM said...

I haven't been to France for 2 years, but last time I was there they were very efficient and I was wishing American airports were that good.

Gary said...

C'est la vie, mon ami! It's worth it to have a good meal in Paris.

Canadians are pretty well organized too, although the Dutch and Swiss win the gold and silver I think.

DA said...

Thx MD :-)

Thank you for sharing this Lenren. What an amazing story..Best not to have seizures in France I guess. They don't like Dutch people as well (we tend to behave somewhat arrogant so I can relate to that). In fact I believe they only like themselves. I have never been in a French hospital though. Hope you are fine now :-)

I think a lot happened since 911 Lesley. But we have allways been making jokes on the French lack of organizing skills.

Our countries both had a good share of plaques this year Amigo. I've never visited Canada, would love to do it once..

DA said...

I will need that Lorraine, thx for offering:-)

"you ain't much if you ain't Dutch" lol, that would be the arrogance I mentioned Amber :-))

Zee said...

I suppose lenren is your typical stereotype US american euro-traveller. Voulez vous couchez avec moi, ce soire? No merci, I'm going in circles...

Addie French said...

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