More often than not, I would go out exploring by myself at least for a few hours. I am sort of a wanderer myself and liked to just explore various parts of cities on my own. Back when I was running a lot, I'd plan a 4-6 mile loop linking parks and sights and/or neighborhoods and jog/walk it. If you're into running, it's a very enjoyable way to explore a city when the weather is nice. When the weather was crummy I would usually do the 2-3 hour nap, workout at the hotel, have lunch then head off to a museum or settle into a pub or café until dinner time/happy hour then either meet up with a good crew or do something solo. My usual brief with the crew was that if I'm there at the agreed on time for dinner/drinks then great but don't wait on me if I'm not. No one likes being stood up and I try to avoid doing it to fellow crewmembers while also not tying myself down if I get sidetracked while out and about.

On a few occasions, I'd mention my plans and someone would want to tag along or vice versa. Did and saw some very cool things that way too. Whether you roll solo or with the crew, it's tough to have a bad time with the right attitude.

I'll add that public transit is a cheap and easy way to explore; definitely not the intimidating bugaboo that some people seem to think. Just keep your head up and watch your surroundings. Don't be one of those sheeple with your nose buried in your phone. Most systems in large cities are very logical and easy to puzzle out with just a few minutes of research, reading a map/looking at signs and a basic sense of direction. The one or two times I've been in a pickle or got turned around, I've always found people to be helpful when I've asked. Even in Paris.

 

I sleep for 3-4 hours, get up, exercise meet the crew for dinner and most important I take a 5 milligram melatonin right before lights out. After some light reading I'm out like a light.

 

I also like to use melatonin but I add 5-HTP. The melatonin helps you fall asleep while the 5-HTP helps you stay asleep. It is particularly helpful to push through the 2 am wake up. While I still wake up, I can more easily get back to sleep once I started this regimen.

 

I’ve flown in and out of CDG for years and I’ve never been treated less than professionally by their controllers. In addition, I’ve never had a bad experience in Paris at all. It’s a large city, people are busy. Not everyone has time to stop and spend their entire day showing the gringo’s how to find the Eiffel Tower.

That being said, AMS and LHR are excellent layovers as well.

 

Not talking about the controllers, just in general. Directions to the Eiffel Tower...walk outside, find the tower on the horizon and start walking. You're right, they are busy...sometimes the waitress is to busy to bother to walk over and take an order after 30 minutes. As was stated above, Parisians don't particularly care for Americans, but that's ok, it's their city. I've seen the sights, I'd just rather go to other places where people tend to be more friendly. Lots of others I've flown with agree.

 

I’ve never been there, but that’s a damn good beer. I’m gonna have to hunt a case down now.

 

I would caution you with what you’re saying. Melatonin is a hormone, not a sleep aid. 5HTP attempts to influence seratonin production. No clinical research has ever been done (at least academically) that uses 5 HTP for sleep assistance.

Pilots really need to be careful using anything other than coffee to mitigate fatigue.

 

From the FAA..
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certifi...sforPilots.pdf

 

Yeah and coffee is a stimulant just like meth what’s your point? Be careful with what you put in your body and be familiar with how your body reacts. I’ve had much worse reactions to coffee than melatonin and/or 5HTP.

 

From FAA MED guide:

“Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and may be used to regulate sleep. Some research shows it may prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. Melatonin is approved by the FAA on a case by case basis.Pilots without sleep disorders using melatonin must take it daily and the dosage should be 3-5 mg”