Lonely Planet by Wes & Jo

This week alone, we’ve had 4 different people, some we know, some we don’t, ask us if they could come stay with us or have us pick them up at the airport. Not that we don’t welcome people visiting Paris, of course we do! But we thought maybe it’s better if we let everyone have a clear idea of what is going on here, just so that we don’t offend anyone when we say we cannot have you come or pick you up from the airport or bring you around in Paris.

Why you can't stay with us

1. We are living in a 30m2 STUDIO (which means no rooms) apartment. That kinda means that unless you are our siblings who are used to our idiosyncrasies and nasty habits, it’s unlikely that it will be a nice living environment for you. On top of that, we only have one sofa and no pillows to offer any guest. So I guess that’s not too happening.

2. Our things are being shipped in from Singapore and will arrive second half of July. And then our lease ends second half of Sept so we dun really know if we are staying here or moving yet. So everything is in a state of flux for us, at least till end of the year.

Update 18 June 2007: Our things are here and the place is a lot more cramped. So really, no staying over coz even with the 2 of us, it's really cramped. Like, 'The Awakening' coolie squatter kinda of cramped.

But we can...

1. Recommend good hotels and budget ones if necessary for you. If you have in mind areas that you want to try, we can advise if it’s a good area or not.

2. Let you know when we get a bigger place.

Why we can't pick you up

1. The airport is not accessible like Changi airport. It is way out of Paris, beyond the suburbs. And that means that we have to take 3 metros and then purchase a train ticket to the airport (close to 2 hours) to get there. And repeat the whole process to get back into Paris centre.

But we can...

1. Tell you how you can get from the airport to wherever your hotel is.

2. Recommend reliable shuttle service. We use that every time we get into Paris.

3. Let you know when we get our license and can drive in Paris.

Why we cannot bring you around

1. We have appointments coz we are still trying to get a foot into the photography industry in Paris. So it’s tough for us to promise you we will bring you around when we dun know what opportunities will come up and we have to go meet folks here. It would not be nice for us to leave you stranded somewhere so we rather you come prepared to travel on your own so that we will not be in the position to spoil your holiday.

2. We’ve seen enough of the Eiffel and the Lourve already. Also, Paris is a place for exploration. You will be better off walking and just discovering new things round each corner.

But we can...

1. Tell you over the email where is good to visit, including some places that you can try good food and stuff.

2. Depending on the length of your stay, we can also set aside time to meet you and hang out with you when we are able to.

Love,
Wes & Jo

PS: Really pai-seh we are writing this, just want to tell the truth about our situation here.