Vive La Paris

“I’d like to see Paris before I die… Philadelphia will do.” (Mae West)

Paris…The city of lights, a haven for romantics, culture, arts, couture fashion, baguettes, and damn good wine…Paris has it all. It is the capital city of France and home to many of the world’s most renowned museums in the world.
We arrived in Paris as our first stop on our month-long trip to see four countries. I’ve always had a passion for fine arts and art history so I was ready to welcome Paris with wide-open arms. Sadly, when we landed at CDG, it was pouring rain and the weather was miserable. I wouldn’t let that faze me even though it indeed rained the next four days. We arrived right at the start of May 2007.

Paris is not cheap, that’s to be said. The streets are a confusing mess of one-ways and cobble-stoned lined alleyways. I cannot count the number of times we got lost or how many times we’ve tore up our maps in disgust. Then it hit me, this is Paris – it is their way of living.

The galleries and museums were top-notch, the food sub-par and the culture…It’s just as vivid as you would expect. This journal will summarize our experiences and reviews at many of Paris’ most famous museums and galleries. I’m sad to say that I didn’t get a chance to experience more of the off-the-beaten-track kind of thing or include restaurant reviews for this portion of our trip.

Mae West is right in some way…Many people never get to experience Paris so they make some other place their “own Paris”. After four nights in Paris, I can truly say that I did get to experience Paris – whether it’s good or bad. I conclude this overview with this statement: Paris is certainly not Philadelphia!

Quick Tips:

1. Buy metro tickets in carnets of 10. It will save you money, especially if you cannot buy the Carnet Orange.

2. If you're arriving in Paris before the weekend, it might be worthwhile to invest in a Carnet Orange (a metro pass).

3. To see museums, it's highly recommend you buy the Paris Museum Pass. With this pass, you can bypass the lines and enter for free at many museums such as the Louvre, d'Orsay, etc. Passes are available for two days, four days, and six days (consecutive days).

4. Always carry a map with you on hand if you're planning on doing a lot of walking.

5. For a cheap eat, buy a baguette sandwich and eat it as take-away rather than splurging on expensive dinners.

6. Keep your purse/wallets close to you at all times. I was lucky that I didn't get pickpocketed once during my trip but I've heard reports of other people doing so.

7. When travelling on the metro, plan your trip before you go so that way you know what lines you want to use and what stops to get off. Wandering around aimlessly in a metro station and being confused makes you a prime target for pickpockets.

8. A visit to the Louvre is a must-do but lines are long, especially if you're entering through the Glass Pyramid entrance. Use one of the underground entrances from the metro stations to beat the lines!

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way around Paris is the metro, without a doubt. Tickets are considered cheap and you can purchase them in carnets. The Parisian metro system is very efficient and easy to understand and they can get you essentially anywhere.

Getting from CDG to Paris (Cheapest Way):
The best way is to take the RER+Metro combination (8.10 euros). You can buy it at ticket booths located in CDG airport. The RER is Line B and you can use the same ticket to change to the metro to your destination.

Getting to Orly Airport (Cheapest Way):
Total cost: 2 metro tickets - take the metro (Line 7) to Villejeuf Louis Aragon (end of line). Exit the metro station and take Bus 285 (10 minutes?) to Orly Sud. This is much cheaper than any of the other methods. However, it might take longer but I'm a budget traveller so it works for me.

Appihotel is more of a low budget hotel than a hostel. It's relatively quiet and appeals more to the independent or budget-conscious travel than a fellow hostel-goer. This place is not for families because it's in the 2e arrondissement right on Saint Denis (otherwise known as the red light district). However, being a young female traveler, I encountered no problems whatsoever and felt perfectly safe. I did see a few prostitutes standing on the street here and there but they just minded their own business and expect you to do the same.

I traveled with another female and we each paid C$35 a night for a twin private en suite room. It was very clean, modern, and bright. The bathroom (especially the shower) was small but neat and to our liking. There are several metro stations within walking distance. However, if you have a lot of luggage, I would recommend taking a taxi because the streets are very narrow and it's easy to get lost. We didn't spend too much time in this district because we opted for the 1e and 4e arrondissements where the sights and great restaurants were.

The beds were very comfortable and clean and of IKEA character. Towels are provided for you but they are relatively small. They give you some hotel-standard toiletries such as soap and whatnot. One of their amenities is "free internet access" but it's actually down the road at a telephone center where internet is charged at €1 per 15 minutes. Appihotel provides a paid breakfast service but we didn't eat there so we cannot rate them on breakfast quality.

But overall, if you're on a budget and only looking for a place to sleep and not socialize (and you're not too conservative), this is the place for you. I would come back here for these reasons only.

This is the world's oldest zoo and was created in 1794 but later expanded and improved over the next two centuries.

It's a relatively small (but easily accessible) zoo located within the Jardin des Plantes in the 5e arrondissement. According to the official website (www.mnhn.fr), there are 240 mammals, 500 birds, and 130 reptiles housed at this zoo. It's a great place to take children or just about anyone on a nice sunny day. If you only plan to see the Jardin des Plantes or the surrounding museums (I believe there are two, a national history one and a geology one) and you have lots of extra time, you can just stroll around in the zoo.

Admission charge (for May 2007) was €5 (student rate) although adult rate is €7. I believe it's much cheaper for children. You can buy tickets at one of several entrances.

I would recommend this park to get away from the craziness of the museums and all the busy crowds and just spend a day relaxing in the areas of the beautiful gardens.

This palace is a former prison that once housed the ill-fated Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. It's near the Notre Dame Towers on Île de la Cité (1e arrondissement). Portions of the palace are still used today by the government so only small sections are open to the public.

I've always been interested in the French Revolution and anything that had to do with the Napoleonic Era so it was only natural we decided to visit this spot. We had bought the Paris Museum Pass (2-day) the previous day so we didn't have to pay an admission fee which is usually €6.50 for adults and €4.50 for students. We showed up near closing time (6pm during the season, 5pm off-season) so we didn't expect to stay very long as we already knew access was limited.

The great hall with the beautiful arched ceiling beams were stunning. It was obvious that there had been a lot of restoration work done over the last couple of decades. When you pass the hall, you turn left to visit the cells and small rooms that have mannequins dressed in Revolutionary clothes to give visitors a "real feel" of 1700-era life.

I was really disappointed with this sight. Out of all the sights I've been, this was a waste of my time. Marie Antoinette's cell is the most popular room and yet you can't even get past the poorly dressed and staged mannequins. There are some artifacts from her life that are in glass cases but they come in very few numbers.

I would not recommend this place nor visit it again. Unless you're into reconstructed historic scenes, this should be left off your list of "things to do". For people not in possession of the Paris Museum Pass, it's not worth the admission price at all costs.

Located in the 7e arrondissement, this museum was one of the best museums I've attended. I purchased a two-day Paris Museum Pass and, after visiting all the major sights, I decided to hit this museum to see my favorite Rodin sculptures.

It's a relatively small museum but definitely worthwhile, whether you have the pass or not. Many of Rodin's sculptures are out in the lush rose gardens complete with small fountains and pretty tree-lined avenues. Student rate is €5 and adult rate is €7 for full access to the museum, exhibitions, and gardens. For budget-conscious people, the museum is free on the first Sunday of every month.

I was particularly taken with Rodin's "The Burghers of Calais", "The Gates of Hell", and of course, "The Thinker". As an art enthusiastic, it was thrilling to be up and close with such masterpieces. There is a small garden for children and a cafe on-site as well as respectable tour guides.

This is definitely a must-see for everyone, especially when most popular museums are over-crowded and overwhelming.

If you're not a fan of massive crowds and like to visit smaller galleries, this is the perfect museum for you to visit. The museum is located in the 7e arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower and just a short metro ride from the Louvre.

Regular admission rates for adults is 7.50 euros, and the concession rate is 4.50. The museum is free on the 1st Sunday of every month as well for people under the age of 18 and for disabled people.

When we arrived at the museum in the early afternoon, there was a massive line with well over 150 people in line. Thankfully, we had purchased the Paris Museum Pass so we happily bypassed the line and went straight into the museum with no admission charges.

The interior of the museum is beautifully decorated with a glowing glass roof that may well surpass the Pyramid of the Louvre. It is easy to navigate around the museum for the rooms are marked with numbers and a map is provided free of charge.

There are many works of art here in this museum and many of them are well-known and renowned. Such examples are Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Rodin, and Whistler. There is a nice cafe and terrace on the upper floors if you're feeling hungry.

I enjoyed this museum and preferred its intimate nature than that of the Louvre which was just too massive and over-crowded for me. This is a must-see if you're visiting Paris - whether you're an art lover or not!

Napoleon was one of the world's foremost military leaders with one of the greatest stories you've ever heard. Born to a large family, he married an Empress, evolved into a powerful army leader, was made into Emperor at a young age, won and lost many battles, and finally exiled to St. Helena. His legend still lives on in the hearts of many history and military buffs.

Napoleon's Tomb is adjunct with Hotel des Invalides in the 7e arrondissement. I didn't visit the Military Museum due to time. I've always been fascinated with French Revolutionary history, especially when it came to the relationship between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. The tomb is magnificent and majestic. It is certainly one of the largest tombs I've ever seen. It is set right in the center of Les Invalides on the bottom floor, allowing visitors to get a bird's eye view of every inch of the tomb. There are also some other notable tombs near Napoleon's such as one of his brother's (Joseph). Several possessions of Napoleon have been put on display such as his famous hat and coat for everyone to see as well as his military weapons.

Overall, this is a must-see, whether you're a military lover, a history buff or not. Invalides is breathtaking with many intricate decorations made of gold.

The tomb is open daily except on Mondays and certain holidays from 10am to 5 or 6pm, depending on the season. Full admission price (June 2007) is €8 and reduced price (students/seniors/groups) is €6. It is free for children under 18 years old. Napoleon's Tomb is included in the Paris Museum Pass, which we used to get in.

Tip: Best time to go is at the end of the day around 4-5pm when crowds are thinner and less obtrusive. Photography is allowed but please be respectful for it is a monument of significance. Try to minimize flash photography as well.

Opera Garnier was actually one of our first stops during our stay in Paris. It is located in the 9e arrondissement. To get there, there are several metro lines (Lines 3, 7 and 8). Admission is 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for students, children, and seniors. Children under the age of 10 are given free entry. However, you must check to see whether there is a rehearsal on the day you are planning to visit, otherwise you will not be allowed entry. It is open daily (for the most part) from 10am to 6pm. A tip for the wise traveller: Show up before opening time to stand in line because you must go through security before purchasing tickets. There are guided tours available but admission is usually double the regular admission price and they are infrequent (2-3 times a day).

The history of Opera Garnier is a long and rich one in which it was first established by Napoleon the Third during the restoration of many of Paris’ historic buildings and palaces. Opera Garnier was made famous by the author of the original “Phantom of the Opera” tale, which was later adapted in Broadway and movies. Naturally, I am a huge fan of the Broadway musical as well as the movie, so I couldn’t miss it for the world. I was tempted to sing “Notes” while standing on the balcony that overlooked the seats!

Opera Garnier appeals to everyone but would be well-suited for the older crowds and those interested in history, architecture or just plain fans of “The Phantom of the Opera”. There are beautiful winding staircases, majestic chandeliers, horrifying Gothic sculptures with more gold than you’ve ever seen in your life. Photography is allowed for the most part but keep in mind that 95% of the place is dimly lit so a good camera is needed to get good pictures.

Overall, Opera Garnier is a must-see when visiting Paris. Take some time to stroll through the streets in the 9th district and be sure to not miss a sit-down at a local café which are strewn all over the place.

When you visit Paris, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, it’s usually the Eiffel Tower that is the first stop of your “things to see” list as it was the case with me. The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th district and is Paris’ tallest monument and also one of the most widely recognized structures in the world. It was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the World Expo that was being held in Paris at the time.

You can get to the Eiffel Tower by taking either the metro or RER or a combination of both. The station you need to get off is Champ de Mars: Tour Eiffel on RER-C. We showed up late in the day and arrived at the entrance around 5pm. The waiting in line was not so pleasant for we waited over an hour. It was not too bad because I know that earlier in the day, it can be upwards of three hours so one hour doesn’t seem to kill anyone. To keep people entertained, there are often buskers in the area that play their own music. During the peak season, the tower is open from 9am – 12:45am (stairs close at 12:30am) and in the off-season, hours are 9:30am to 11:45pm (stairs close at 6:30pm). Admission fees are moderate in price and vary in price depending on mode of transport and age of person. For general purposes, they range from €2.30 to €11.50. Stairs are cheaper than elevators. Check with the official website for any updates in admission prices.

We decided to take the elevator to the first floor and bought for tickets for just under 5 euros. The view from the 1st floor is amazing and you are overlooking the Seine on one side and Tuileries on the other side. You can see Sacre-Coeur in the distance along with numerous Paris monuments and buildings. Our time on the first floor was disturbed by a group of Kurdish protesters that threw thousands of flyers from the 1st and 2nd floor off all the way to the ground. The group was controlled by a team of special French police officers that detained them quickly and shuttled them to the police station in a van.

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see place for photographers as well. You’ll be able to get great shots, especially at sunset when you have the amazing silhouettes of the structure. The gardens around the monument are peaceful and serene and a great place to have a sit-down lunch or dinner. I would definitely return, especially after sunset, when the tower sparkles for a bit. This is a not-to-miss sight to see in Paris!

Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’ renowned landmarks with its majestic towers that span for eternity. The interior of the cathedral is so beautiful and yet at the same time, so dark and ancient. It gives you a sense of wonder and fulfillment when you see all these candles burning in the background. The crowds were large but it is expected for it’s such a popular place with tourists and locals alike. We came here late in the day around 5pm after a long, busy day. The carvings on the exterior of the cathedral are stunning and really remind you how much work went into that church.

After walking through the church, we decided to use our Paris Museum Pass to climb the towers. Our guidebook (Let’s Go) said that the towers closed at 6:30pm but the Pass book said 7:30pm. Either way, we went over there to stand in line around 5:30 but the attendant said it was closed for the last group just went in. Apparently, there was a misprint in both the Let’s Go and Paris Museum Pass publications because the towers close at 5:45pm, not 6:30 or 7:30. We were really disappointed because we knew that the views were supposed to be spectacular bit we missed out on that and it was our last night in Paris anyway.

I would definitely return to Notre Dame, more so in the morning rather than late in the day. Getting to Notre Dame is fairly simple. It is located in Ile de la Cite and you can get off at Cite station (Line 4). The cathedral is free to enter but the towers cost a bit more (€6.10) but is included in the Paris Museum Pass. A tip to travellers: Please be respectful when taking photographs, especially in religious places. I refuse to take photographs inside a church because I feel it ruins the atmosphere even though I am not religious myself.

To get a taste of one of the world’s greatest collection of modern art, simply head to Centre Pompidou in the 4e arrondissement. To get there by metro, get off at one of the following stations: Rambuteau* (Line 11), Hotel de Ville (Line 11) or Chatelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14). This is the place where we bought our Paris Museum Pass and I recommend this because: a) there are barely any lines when purchasing at Centre Pompidou, and b) Centre Pompidou is included in the pass so it is free. I believe that the Centre is open from 11am to 9pm and closed on Tuesdays. It is said that the Centre has free admission on the first Sunday of every month but that was not the case for us – they would not let us through even though it was said the admission was free. We simply bought the pass and used it to enter the gallery the next day.

The exterior of Centre is what you would expect to see in an engineering plant, only that it’s more colourful and has an art deco feel to it. Many Parisians were offended when it was first established but now it’s highly revered. There are six floors that are accessible by escalator, elevator, and stairs. When I visited back in May 2007, some floors were closed so we were only able to visit 2 floors. Centre Pompidou is the home to many works of famous artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, and several others. For children, there are open-concept works of arts that would be sure to keep them interested.

Centre Pompidou is perfect for people who are keen in photography because the view from the top is spectacular and to die for. Many people mill about on the outdoor grounds in front of the Centre and it’s a great place to do some people watching. If you’re a student or budget traveller and not willing to pay exorbitant prices at Internet cafes, you can use the free Internet at the library inside the gallery. Keep in mind that you must wait in line to receive a ticket that has your computer number and access code and I believe it’s for 30 minutes’ access. To get another 30 minutes added on, you must go back to the line to get another ticket. Either way, it may be hassle but it’s free and beats the 1-euro/15 minute charge seen in most Internet cafes.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the modern works of art and I was very pleased to get a chance to be up and close to my favourite Kandinsky paintings. It also helps that the galleries and their respective floors are brightly lit and have a warm, airy feel, which is a stark contrast to other certain museums. Best time to go is in the late afternoon, early evening – so you can beat the crowds and perhaps have a room to your own!

One of Paris’ most unique experiences – it is said that the catacombs span more than 300km in length although a small portion of it is open to the unsuspecting public. The Catacombs were established back in the 1800s due to the lack of space in cemeteries. Admission is €2.50 for students, €3.30 for seniors and €7 for adults. You can get to the site by taking the metro (Line 4 - Direction: Porte d'Orleans , Station: Denfert Rochereau).

The Catacombs is definitely not for those who are faint of heart, elderly, young children, claustrophobic, or basically anyone who can’t handle narrow steep winding steps. You need not to worry about heat because it is very cool down in the tunnels, which is a great way to beat the heat on hot days in Paris.

The walls are lined with endless amounts of bones and skulls, all neatly arranged in patterns – which were out of respect for the dead. The lighting down in the Catacombs is very dim. Photography is not really allowed, especially with a flash. There were no signs when I used my camera (at the time, I didn’t know it was basically a no-no) so after snapping a few shots, a guard gave me a polite warning which I heeded afterwards.

I found the Catacombs to be a strange yet interesting experience but at the same time, a morbid one. It is an experience that is not to be missed and would most likely give you a good break from all the museums and their endless lines. I say that because when I showed up in mid-morning, there was no one in line so that meant no waiting time for me. But be forewarned, when you exit the catacombs after climbing what seems to be an endless number of steps, official employees will search you and your belongings. This is to ensure that no bones are taken out of the Catacombs.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this place and would definitely recommend this for it is a true (yet creepy) Parisian historical experience!

Everyone says that a trip to Paris is not complete without a trip to Versailles, especially if you want to get away from the endless amount of museums in Paris. The best way to get to Versailles is by RER (Line C5, direction Rive-Gauche). You can purchase a round-trip ticket (€5.50) at any metro station (using an agent at a ticket booth). The train takes about 30 minutes each way then it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to get to the gates of Versailles Palace. Admission to the Palace is included in the Paris Museum Pass but does not include Marie-Antoinette’s Apartments or basically anything outside of the main chateau. You must pay an extra €7 for Marie-Antoinette’s estate and €2 for the apartments of the Dauphin and Mesdames. It is open every day except on Mondays and public holidays from 9am to 6:30pm (5:30pm during off-season).

It is best to show up before opening hours because the lines are brutal and you may have to wait more than three hours to get inside if you don’t have a Museum Pass. Make sure you wear sturdy non-slip shoes because of the dreadful cobblestones in the courtyard that are uneven and unforgiving to feet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people trip, stumble, slip or fall over in one single day! I didn’t wait too long in line because I had the pass, so it was only perhaps a 10-minute wait because of tour group that was already in front of us.

I would have to say that Versailles highly disappointed me for a number of reasons. During my visit in early May 2007, there was extensive restoration going on in front of the chateau so we could not get any decent pictures. Inside, it was a madhouse – I was pushed or shoved endlessly. There were far too many people and tour groups in one room and even though the Hall of Mirrors was re-opened, the crowds overwhelmed me.

By the time I reached the King’s living quarters, I just had enough of Versailles. It was very drab and noisy and too much for me to bear. I think I must had a bad day because it was pouring outside and it must have been the day where every single tour group from Paris decided to go to Versailles for the day. I would not return to Versailles until the Palace is completely restored and free of construction. A tip to travellers: Make sure you call ahead and ask about which parts of Versailles are closed for renovation so you don’t want time and money, only to be disappointed by the time you get there. By the time I left Versailles, the line was already packed from the entry to the gate, which was a good distance away in the parking lot area. So buying the Paris Museum Pass is a good investment, especially if you’re not a patient person!

What’s a visit to Paris without seeing the Louvre? The Louvre is essentially the most famous museum in the world and also home to the renowned Mona Lisa painting. For Da Vinci Code buffs, this is a must-see as well! Located in the 1e arrondissement, it is accessible by metro (Lines 1). The museum is open except on Tuesdays and national holidays from 9am to 6pm. If you want to beat the crowds and you don’t plan on seeing every little thing, show up on Wednesday and Friday evenings when it’s opened till 10pm. For budget-conscious travellers, the museum is free on the 1st Sunday of every month but beware, these special days are usually the most jam-packed! Admission prices are as follow: €9 regular admission and €6 for evening admission (after 6pm). However, lines are notorious and to be expected at the Louvre. It is best to buy a Paris Museum Pass, which allows you free entry into the museum and also gives you a chance to bypass ticket lines.

I showed up just before opening (9am) and was lucky to see that the security lines weren’t long so that only took two minutes for me to go through. When you get past security, you are instantly awestruck by I.M. Pei’s Glass Pyramid that is right in the centre of the great hall.

The Louvre has many rooms, all with different themes and whatnot. I spent four hours touring the rooms I was interested in whereas my travelling partner spent seven hours. With all the walking you’ll be doing, it’s best to not have anything else planned that day because the Louvre will take up a good chunk of your day in terms of time and energy. Make sure you wear good walking shoes because the hard marble is not sympathetic on your feet. I didn’t rent an audioguide so I cannot comment on the quality of that as well as tour guides. Non-flash photography is permitted in most of the rooms but there will definitely be some rooms (i.e. Large-Scale French Paintings, etc.) where photography or filming is an absolute no-no. I was really disappointed to see the audacity of tourists touching (yes, you read that right – touching!) the artworks an sculptures and taking boatloads of flash photos. Please have respect for the works of art because the flash damages the surfaces and makes them more susceptible to wear.

I am a devoted fan of the history between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. I was completely in awe of Jacques-Louis David’s paintings of them, especially “The Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine, 2 December 1804”. I also particularly enjoyed the Greek and Roman arts. The Egyptian collection is not to be missed. There will always be something for everyone, which is why the Louvre appeals to everyone. Therefore, if you miss the Louvre and its majestic collections, you can’t really say that you visited Paris at all!

So you have an early morning flight and you want to save money by sleeping in the airport? No problem! I booked tickets for an EasyJet flight from Paris Orly to Rome Ciampino and our flight was at 7am. That meant we had to check in around 5am if we wanted to get priority boarding (long story). We didn’t want to spend any unnecessary money for another night at a hotel plus a taxi. Sure, people will tell you that taking a taxi is your best option but don’t forget, there are special rates for off-peak hours, especially at the crack of dawn.

We checked out of our hotel in the morning and headed to Gare d’Austerlitz train station (Metro Lines 5 and 10 and RER-C). That particular train station is close to where we want to take the bus to Orly so that’s where we decided to drop our bags off at their baggage storage facility. It’s fairly cheap, especially if you’re travelling with someone else, that way you can store the bags altogether in a single locker. The price is 4 euros upwards, depending on the size of the locker. We spent the rest of the day visiting whatever sights we hadn’t been to yet in Paris. At the end of the day, we returned to Gare d’Austerlitz and had dinner at a nearby McDonald's and then took the metro (Line 7) to Villejuif Louis Aragon (end of the line). From there, we took Bus 285 to Orly Sud which is not too far away (make sure you ask the bus driver to let you off there).

We got to the airport around 9pm and by then, the shops and eateries were already closing down so make sure to bring your own food. We settled in the lounge on the 2nd floor that had teal padded chairs (most of them have no arm-rests). It is near the chapel/prayer area of the airport in the South Terminal. There is a huge viewing window where you can see airplanes taking off and arriving.

There are guards that patrol the airport but they know that quite a few people have early flights so they won’t bother you. But they will most certainly ask you for your passport to make sure you’re not being a bum. The chairs are comfortable but the A/C is often cranked up high so make sure you dress warm. I’m glad I spent the night at Orly Airport because it saved me a lot of money that I could have used for something else. I spent just 2 metro tickets (one to get to Villejuif Louis Aragon and one for Bus 285) rather than a whole bundle on taxi and shuttles.

P.S. Make sure you lock all your luggage and keep it closely with you. It’s easier to do that with a travelling partner where you can alternate on shifts between sleeping and staying up on guard. There were 5-7 other people that spend the night with us and we all minded our own business and had no problems whatsoever.