Ryan If you are driving, you'd probably want to check this nursery out. It is Hall's Plant Nursery, but in Temecula though. Personally I haven't been there yet to give any reviews but if I need another tree, I would go there first next time. They run ads on Craigslist everyday and their prices look ridiculously good. If Simon is following this thread, he can give you pointers on the farmers market. He probably knew bunch of good spots. I also agree with NEWGEN. Good quality tropical fruits are found in OC. I always buy fruits when IâÂÂm up there also. Tim Here is a link that might be useful: one of Hall's plant nursery ad on craigslist

Ate a slice at Ray's, saw Rockefeller center and tree (but not lit), I'm sure we did more, I just am brain fogged with sleepiness! We ate from street vendors, or wherever our nose led us. Had very nice dinners everywhere: Chinese, Thai, Indian, Persian, Italian.. Found a wonderful Japanese restaurant that was very inexpensive on 56th street between 5th and 6th avenue, beside the bicycle rental place that was so good we ate there twice. We walked 41 miles in the first 5 days after which we lost count, and I still managed to gain 6 pounds while I was there : / The things my daughter enjoyed the most were: hailing taxis, hearing all the different languages, pretzel vendors, Wicked, and seeing New York City from high places (the roof of our hotel, tram, Empire State bldg). We enjoyed it sooo much! Thank you all again for all your suggestions. If we missed something this time, it is still on our list for the next trip! -k

It depends on the kind of charger you have. The voltage in Europe is 220V. A lot of chargers can work on either 220V or 110V input. You'll have to check what yours says. If it works with 220V you just need a plug adapter which is much cheaper than an actual converter.

I go to Paris every year, though I now travel alone since my husband died (some of his ashes went with me and stayed). I think I know Paris better than the town I'm now living in here! We made so many friends over the years, and I'm returning again this fall. I now stay in an apartment in a residential building near my friends, with the closest famous sight being the Palais Royale. One of my friends who lives in Paris arrived in Brussels today. She didn't change her plans. It's a good idea to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so that the US Embassy will know where you are, and when you're there. You'll get alerts, if anything is happening. I use the métro when it's raining, but Paris is very walkable. I easily walk over 8 miles a day when I'm there, just going about my business. If you're nervous about the métro, then walk. The terrorist attacks in Paris were in a neighborhood far from the sights most tourists see. My friends who live in Paris had been to that nightclub; a few were there the week before the attacks. The main-attractions in Paris are heavily guarded. SWAT team guarded. The National Police wear protective SWAT gear and carry automatic weapons. They tend to be in teams of three or four together. That's normal. BUT -- If you see buses of armed police parked along a street and/or congregating around an area, turn around and go the other way---they know something is going on! In July 2014, I was alone and staying on THE main street in the Jewish neighborhood in the Marais. Rue des Rosiers was blockaded and guarded while I was there due to demonstrations protesting Israeli attacks in the Gaza. The demonstrations grew into vandalism, and it forced many of the shops to close. Except for the bomb squad checking out a parked car at the entrance of my apartment building, I felt safe, coming and going, because of the heavily armed police. One night, I missed the last train from my friends' neighborhood and walked all the way from the Concorde to the Marais at two o'clock in the morning, I felt safer walking than getting in a taxi at that time of night! There are some good tips if you're staying in a hotel (which I don't) -- ask to stay on the middle floors (not the first or second) and your room is away from the hotel restaurant. Make sure your cell phone always charged, and it is enabled for traveling in France and that you know how to place calls. Turn DATA off, and use voice roaming only so that you don't incur enormous charges. Your phone carrier can explain this and enable your phone. I use Verizon, here and there. Don't make yourself stick out like an American. The French will know you're not one of them, but try to blend in. These tips apply more regarding pickpockets and scam artists, than terrorists: Leave those white sneakers at home, unless they're Converse. No baseball caps on men. Don't wear t-shirts with writing on the front or back. Don't wear shorts, and I discourage calf-length crop pants. Ankle pants/jeans are fine. Shift dresses in the summer are great if it's hot. Keep the color scheme subdued. Navy blue or grey are great for summer; black is good anytime. Don't take backpacks around the city. With high security, you'll be searched going into museums. When you wear a backpack on the métro or crowded places, it's the first place the pickpockets will reach to steal your stuff. Don't wear fanny packs, for the same reason as backpacks. Carry a cross-body purse and keep it zipped, with your hand over the top of it.Don't hang it on the back of a chair anywhere. Keep it on your lap while eating. Don't put a cell phone on a restaurant table top anywhere. BTW, some of the nice restaurants may not like it if you take photos of their food. Keep your voice down everywhere you go. You'll really attract attention--not the good kind,. Just go have fun, but be aware of your surroundings. Be polite...learn enough French to say hello, please, thank you and goodbye. I figure I have a greater chance of dying from being sedentary at home than getting out and traveling.