I don’t have a laptop, but if I did, I would love to take it to Paris to keep in contact, check my email, download my pictures…maybe even do a few blog posts. I could find phone numbers for restaurants, hours for museums, consult my itinerary. The possibilities are endless! Think of the guide books that I could leave behind! A laptop is a luxury that I have not yet afforded myself…but it is high on the list!
Have Laptop will travel
According to a blog article for Conde Nast, the socialist mayor of Paris has made it not only easier, but FREE to use wi-fi Internet in the City of Light. In addition to cyber cafes and hotspots…from June through September of 2007, 260 new wi-fi access points will be popping up in libraries, museums, even outside in parks! There are free from 7am- 11pm, everyday. Park yourself in the park in back of Notre Dame gazing at the flying buttresses, while checking your email. Create your own virtual postcard for your loved ones back home! Enjoy a picnic on the lawn of the Place des Vosges while writing your daily blog post. C’est possible!
But I’m on Vacation!
I have mixed feelings about this of course. If I am on vacation..it is healthy and necessary to clear my mind of work and stress. If you can, leave your work behind. Believe me, I am not advocating sitting in cafe’s just to surf the Internet on your laptop, while Paris passes you by. Don’t run to the Louvre just to email your friends back and forth all day and miss the beautiful works of art and grand architecture. But, if you have to work a little, or want to download your pictures, make a restaurant reservation or check the train schedule to Nice while not having to be a slave to your hotel room….now you can.
So…where to I sign up?
So, if you find yourself in Paris with your laptop and a few extra minutes of downtime you can click here to find a list of access points by arrondissement. And here is a list of wi-fi in cafes. These are in French, but you will be able to get the idea…just write down the address. Just remember….don’t keep your nose buried for too long in your notebook…you risk missing, seeing, feeling, experiencing and being part of life in the amazing, vibrant city of Paris, which should be is what you came for in the first place! Non?
Photo: La Tour Eiffel taken from the pont des Arts