My France Trip Feedback
Alhamdulillah, I've safely returned home. Due to privacy concerns, I didn't announce my travel dates beforehand, hope you understand!
First Round of Questions
SA1: Getting Around Paris
I mostly explored Paris on foot, so I just used the Ticket Métro-Train-RER (single ticket for metro and RER) from my wallet. I used a maximum of four tickets per day. Remember to set up Face ID or Touch ID. I only used the Forfait Navigo Jour (unlimited travel on metro, RER, bus, and airport lines for one day) on the day I visited the Palace of Versailles. Including the bus ride, it felt slightly worth it, equivalent to about five single tickets. After that, I didn't use it because I didn't travel more than five times a day. I didn't use the Tickets Bus-Tram (single bus ticket) since I didn't take any buses within Paris itself.
SA2: Visiting a Friend near Paris
My friend's place was a condo in a posh residential area near Paris, along the RER A line. It had an elevator, indoor parking, and even a private garage with an automatic door! He's from the Basque region and prefers the suburbs to Paris for the nature. We took a stroll along the upper reaches of the Seine River, where he often enjoys a siesta.
Instead of tips, following your advice, I brought souvenirs from Malaysia. I got a wooden plaque with Miyamoto Musashi's "Dokkodo" inscribed on it, and several sets of Akai Matcha (5 bags each) from Kana Shousjuan, bought at KLIA. It was just right to buy a little extra. Before heading back to Malaysia, I "gifted" my friend some unwanted items like toilet bowl cleaner, detergent, and alcohol sanitizer (laughs).
SA3: Marseilles Plans
I heard Uber is available at the Marseille Airport. However, due to changes in my friend's schedule and the fact that it was the eve of a public holiday and all public transport was fully booked, my trip to the South of France will have to wait for another time. It was probably a good thing I avoided long journeys by public transport, considering the frequent strikes by taxis and SNCF trains.
Second Round of Questions
SA1: Paris Safety and Shopping
I heard the northern and northeastern areas outside the Périphérique (Paris ring road) aren't very safe. I didn't have time to go to Estée Lauder due to the continuous home parties, so I bought my stuff at the duty-free shop inside CDG Terminal 1.
SA2: Parisian Suburbs
Apparently, there are many high-end residential areas in the Parisian suburbs, especially along the RER A line. Think of it like Bangsar or Damansara in Kuala Lumpur. Lots of nature, but still only about 40 minutes from the center of Paris. It was safe to travel back from Le Select (famous for Hemingway) in Montparnasse via Châtelet les Halles around 10 pm.
SA3: Van Gogh's Grave
I didn't have time to visit Van Gogh's grave this time. Maybe next time!
P.S. Paris or Elsewhere?
The above is a quote from a lady I met at the martial arts festival. For example, Burgundy, known as France's food basket, is a great place to enjoy French history and food culture at reasonable prices. Do visit when you have time.
I'll be sharing my France trip on Note and YouTube, so do check it out when you're free.
Von Voyage!!
```