Things we have learned from Paris

Even if it's your 88th time in this city, you always learn something new. This time we're taking these insights home.

1. The taxis

It's darn even better than New York. You almost trip over them, but not quite. If you raise your hand to wave at someone across the street, one will already stop.

2. Taxis II

They are cheap. From Le Bon Marché to Centre Pompidou costs you a measly eight euros. That's nice, especially when it's pouring rain. All the time.

3. Taxis III

They are friendly. You heard that right: friendly. In Paris. And we've already met three who spoke a decent amount of Dutch.

4. You think a bottle, you get a glass

When you look at the average (well, average, average, I have a slight five-star preference at the drink menu, you seriously think you're ordering a bottle of wine while you get a glass. Or do you find 32 euros for a gin and tonic very normal? Bonus points are that they keep bringing olives and nuts (free of charge) and that after two alcoholic drinks, you conveniently don't need to eat anymore. And it keeps you out of the clinic. That too.

Or do you find 32 euros for a gin and tonic very normal?

5. Avoid the Ritz

After a renovation of about six years, the iconic

hotel where Lady Di spent her last hours reopened. The residence of Anna Wintour during fashion weeks. We had to go there. I can tell you: it was indeed renewed, but still quite old-fashioned. I would go to Costes if I were you. Unless you like poorly dressed Arabs and smacking Russians, that is.

6. Then something else

If you are in the Ritz and go to the bathroom, definitely don't look in the cabinets. You expect a collection of Aesop or Sisley products or a Hermès heaven (because hey, if there are golden faucets in the shape of swans, then there must be something nice waiting in the cabinets), but it's just poor junk. I saw a B-brand cleaning product and dirty dishcloths that were just thrown in there. And in the other cabinet, toilet brushes and rolls. Not very glamorous.

7. The route

Or better: the lack of it. From finding the bathroom to the metro to the center. Can we say that clarity is still a point for improvement?

And now: on to the croissants!