“I feel like I’m in a movie” — my first thought while I strolled along the streets of one of the most iconic cities in the world.
The cream facade lined with perfectly charming balconies, complete with pink and red roses. The fashionable woman carrying ten loaves of freshly made baguettes. The old man sitting in a cafe with an espresso in one hand and a cigarette in the other. The young professional trimmed in a designer suit hustling to the nearest metro. The images of Paris unraveled before me.
“Hmm…I think it's this way…” obviously clueless in which way to go. I tried to navigate my roommate and I to our program meeting, in which we were already late.
We finally found the building hidden on a small winding street near the Notre Dame! I was so hungry and was looking forward to the catered breakfast…secretly hoping for scrambled eggs, fried bacon, smooth coffee and maybe some french toast —
to my surprise there was a platter of mini croissants and pastries, along with a pitcher of coffee…
Now don’t get me wrong, the croissants were incredibly crisp and buttery… they easily topped all the croissants I had ever eaten. Naturally, a French croissant took first place. Despite its flaky goodness…ten minutes had passed and my stomach was growling, perhaps begging for more croissants…but what I truly craved was an American breakfast.
As I have studied in Paris for about two months, it has been nothing short of shocking moments, surprising realizations and hilarious encounters. Such as the first day, it has all been quite a learning experience.
Here’s 16 Insights from an American in Paris:
- No “American”Conveniences. When I arrived in France I didn’t know it would take 3 days for clean and dry clothing, or that I would have to hold the shower head(not attached to the wall). There are no clothes dryers, and no screened windows. Although seemingly minor changes, it wasn’t so bad after a few weeks.
- Do NOT throw away cheese in public. My roommate and I threw away the rind or skin of Brie and three women started yelling at us(in French) as if we disrespected their country. It was hilarious and frightening.
- The Locals really do not care(except about cheese)! I was short 1.30 euros trying to get home from Versailles. I felt like a beggar asking for money and not one of the 15 people in line seemed to care, or help out.
- Eat most, or preferably all, of your food. Whenever I don’t finish my meal waiters constantly asks, “ Est-ce bien”? I quickly reply, “ Oui, sa très bonne!” I promise I loved the dish, I’m just too full to finish.
- Say “Bonjour” everywhere you go and to everyone you meet. I forgot to say it a few times when I first arrived and definitely got the cold shoulder. Yet, when I traveled to London I kept greeting people with Bonjour — now it's forever engrained in my head.
6. Don’t express happiness on le Metro. Oh gosh that first day on the metro I was smiling, laughing and having a grand ole ball! I was chatting to my friend in loud english and la la la. Well, I apologize to everyone on the metro that day. Now I just internalize my happiness…and keep quiet.
7. Eating until 8:30. This is a French custom I will never understand. Back at home I typically eat around 5:30–6:30 pm. At that hour, the French people are barely pulling out the pots and pans.
8. Cigarette smoking is a daily habit. It’s unreal how many people smoke. Its truly a French/ European habit.
9. Litter. Speaking of the devil, all those cigarette butts completely litter the streets, along with bottles, trash, metro tickets etc. Parisiens rely heavily on their clean up crew…but I think they should make some effort.
10. The metro is a love/hate relationship. At first I hated it, then I loved it. Around peak hour, I’m glued to the windows and reaching over 5 people to hold on the the railing. Let me reinstate that the metro is NOT a happy place for claustrophobic people. However, I do love being able to zone out and arrive at my destination. Also, NO TRAFFIC! (Well I guess people traffic…but at least you can squeeze and still arrive to your destination in a timely manner).
11. Carbs. All day. Everyday. Bread is a lifestyle here. I’m not complaining though, who doesn’t love homemade French bread.
12. Tap Water si vous plait! Once I made the mistake of saying just water…and yes my Evian bottle was 3.50 euros! The tap water in Paris is drinkable, however, I still question this after visiting les égouts de Paris (the Sewers of Paris).
13. TINY TINY TINY! The cups are tiny, the chairs are tiny, the restaurants are tiny. Paris is a city that does not accommodate obnoxiously large items and personal space. Yes, I’ve gotten used to sitting with random strangers, filling my cup three times for a sip of water and the fact that I thought a Tall coffee at Starbucks was a Grande size.
14. French beauty. Women here look effortlessly beautiful. It’s a makeup free face with a splash of red or pink lipstick that’s très chic! Also, they’ve mastered this sort of bed-head hair look that’s put together and care free. I don’t know how they do it, but they do.
15. Speaking of makeup and hair…everyone is so stylish! I felt inclined to step up my style game by taking a trip to H&M and Zara.
16. French people are strong. In the wake of the Paris attacks in November, I have personally witnessed the strength and solidarity of the French. When I was at the stadium the French people helped my friend and I get back to the metro safely. They were calm, collected, and strong. The Monday, after the attacks, Paris felt like a different city. Yet, people were still sitting at cafes and hustling to the nearest metro. As they say, life goes on, and as the Parisiens says, “luctuat nec mergitur” — (Tossed but not sunk).
