Report Cards

From Paris, FRANCE, Dec. 5-10, ’03. . .

At the restaurant Léon de Bruxelles (63 Ave. des Champs-Elysées, 8e, Paris) we had good mussels and beer. The price of €45.50 ($55) for two, including tax and service, was good, considering the location on the Champs-Elysées.

For reasonably priced light meals of cheese, meat plates and desserts on the Place des Vosges, we ate at Nectarine (16, Place des Vosges, 4e, Paris). Our dinner for two cost €43.60 (including tip). The plat du jour was €10.50, with small salads for €5 and large salads for €7. English spoken.

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From IRELAND, Jan. 19, ’04

• Flew Aer Lingus from New York’s JFK to Shannon airport in Ireland. Flight was on time, with friendly service. Cabin was clean but slightly cramped.

• Stayed at the Four Seasons B&B (phone 092-6474470) in Athlone, Ireland. This was a slightly removed, quiet and spotless B&B with a most accommodating host. Rate was approximately US$50 for a single.

• Ireland remains a friendly, welcoming nation. I followed my usual safety precautions.

Expect to pay approximately US$4 for a gallon of petrol, US$4 for a pint of lager, US$10-$20...

From Paris, FRANCE, Oct. 16, ’04. . . • Le Navigator (63 rue Galande, 75005 Paris; phone 01 43 54 35 86) — in the fifth arrondissement. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations advised. English spoken. First course, main dish, dessert and house wine, €20 (near $25.50); for example, moules mariniere, coq au vin and mousse au chocolat. Escargots and soles meuniere are on more expensive menus. — J.P. Williams, Brigadoon, U.K.

From Ulaan Baatar, MONGOLIA, Oct. 8, ’04. . . • Millie’s Espresso (330 Marco Polo Place; phone 330338) — in the center of Ulaan Baatar city not...