A lot of travelers have horror stories about bad food experiences in Paris. You might expect amazing food everywhere, but sometimes you end up in a restaurant that serves really bland or over - priced meals. Also, some areas can be quite unsafe at night. I heard of a tourist who was mugged while walking back to their hotel from a late - night dinner. It's important to be careful and stay in well - lit areas.
One common horror story is getting scammed at tourist attractions. There are people who will try to sell you 'cheap' souvenirs that turn out to be overpriced junk. Another is the long queues everywhere. I once waited for three hours just to get into the Louvre. It was exhausting. And also, the public transport can be a nightmare. Trains are often overcrowded and sometimes late, which can mess up your whole day's itinerary.
Well, once I got pickpocketed right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I was just taking a photo and suddenly felt a slight tug. By the time I realized, my wallet was gone. It was so frustrating as it had all my money, cards and ID. I had to spend hours at the police station trying to report it and then figure out how to get money to continue my trip.
One common element is the sense of being lost. Disneyland Paris is quite large, and getting disoriented can be a nightmare. Another is ride malfunctions which can put visitors in dangerous and scary situations.
I once saw a mime artist in Paris who was so incredibly talented. He told a whole story of a love affair without saying a single word. It was fascinating to watch the expressions and gestures that could convey so much emotion. It was truly a unique Parisian experience.
One of my friends went to Paris and got lost in the charming alleys of Montmartre. She stumbled upon a small, cozy café where the owner shared with her some local legends and she had the most delicious croissant she'd ever tasted.
There was a time when I saw a street artist in Paris painting the Eiffel Tower in a very unique style. He used bright colors and made the tower look like it was from a fairy - tale. I bought his painting as a souvenir.
One horror story is about the feeling of being lost in the endless tunnels. People have reported strange noises echoing in the dark. It's as if the souls of the past are trying to communicate. Some say they've felt cold hands brushing against them, though it could just be the cold air and their own fear playing tricks on them.
Well, one common horror is the overcrowding. Trains, for instance, can be so full that you can barely move. I once took a train journey and was shoved into a compartment that was already overflowing. People were sitting on the floors, in the aisles, and it was extremely uncomfortable. It was like being in a sardine can.
A lot of travelers have horror stories related to transportation. Like taking a local bus where the driver was speeding recklessly on bad roads. There were no proper safety measures, and the bus was overcrowded. It was a nerve - wracking experience fearing an accident at any moment. Also, some people have had their luggage stolen at busy African airports, leaving them without their essential items for the trip.
A common one is about accommodation problems. Some travelers have found bugs in their hotel rooms or had really noisy neighbors that made it impossible to sleep. Another is getting lost because the street signs in some areas can be confusing.
Some tourists have had their belongings stolen while they were distracted. For instance, in a busy market, a pickpocket took a tourist's wallet right out of their bag while they were looking at some handicrafts. It was a real shock for the person who lost their money and important documents.