I would never normally consider buying clothes in Paris. It's an expensive ordeal. But what if I told you I was in Paris during one of the only times they have sales? Unlike in America, when stores have sales whenever they want, and typically have a perpetual "sale" section of the store, French stores only put their merchandise on sale during two major sale periods, one being in January, and the other in June. The sale period lasts about 2 weeks and it is definitely the busiest time to be out shopping: think the mall on Black Friday, but dealing with that sale floor traffic for two weeks. It's crazy, but it's also a great time to get good deals.
Against inward protestations, I finally allowed myself to buy a few things, and I have to say, I am happy with what I got. I bought a purple dress that cinches at the waist, some white floral tights, and a mustard yellow cardigan. Not much, but they are now all staples in my wardrobe and whenever anybody compliments me on them I can say, "Thanks! I got them in Paris!" which sounds a lot cooler than "Macy's" or "Forever 21".
If you're ever in France in June, you've got to go shopping. There's really no excuse, because you should be able to find something, even on a budget!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
A Spoonful of Differences
I hope that by saying I'm returning to the States a different person, I won't be accused of perjury. I'm not trying to say I'm a completely different person, I don't think 2 months is enough for that, but I've experienced a lot in 2 months, and all of it was outside the bubble.
I knew what poverty was when I came to France, but I didn't ever imagine it would be something I would witness every day as I walked past beggars and homeless people on the streets. I knew what isolation was, in definition, but I never imagined I would get to embrace it in a way devoid of religion in the visits I paid to lonely, old ladies whose own kids don't come to visit often or at all. I knew what discontent was, but I didn't expect to see it in the faces of so many people every day.
Saturday night I went to a Young Adult dance at the Institute building. There we were, all 50 some young adults dancing cleanly to appropriate music. It's not really a unique sight, unless you count that it's happening in the center of Paris, in the walls of a chapel turned dance hall, and the fact that all the YA there had been looking forward to this dance all summer. LDS Young Adults are different. Some will call us bizarre for not smoking or drinking or participating in crude humor and maybe that does make us bizarre. While our wholesome activity was going on, not even a hundred yards away down the street, people were celebrating with raucuous drinking and dancing, the final night of gay pride week. Many people headed home drunk that night, down the streets of St Merri, but a small group of young, modestly-dressed young people were also on that street, heading to their homes knowing that they had a fulfilling evening of dance and socialisation that they were going to remember in the morning.
I am very blessed to belong to a church that teaches their members to have integrity no matter what their environments. I was able to see how adults my age were able to stand strong and immovable despite constant temptation to the contrary. I learned that distance does not make responsibility and integrity any less important and I respect the YA of the Paris area for teaching me that by their examples. I also learned what it was to live your work. One of salariés (payed employees) at my office was truly loved by the people she worked with because she so completely made it her business to serve them. Nothing was affected in the way she interacted with them, and the people she touched learned they could rely on her warmth and consideration.
It seemed the more I got to know the French, whether they were my peers or colleagues, I came to realized that they are beleaguered by the same everyday problems as me and have the same basic good desires as well. They were accepting of me, not out of tolerance, but as a friend who they could learn from and teach. My hope is that I can mirror this in the way I interact with people of all nationalities, races, and faiths in the future.
I knew what poverty was when I came to France, but I didn't ever imagine it would be something I would witness every day as I walked past beggars and homeless people on the streets. I knew what isolation was, in definition, but I never imagined I would get to embrace it in a way devoid of religion in the visits I paid to lonely, old ladies whose own kids don't come to visit often or at all. I knew what discontent was, but I didn't expect to see it in the faces of so many people every day.
Saturday night I went to a Young Adult dance at the Institute building. There we were, all 50 some young adults dancing cleanly to appropriate music. It's not really a unique sight, unless you count that it's happening in the center of Paris, in the walls of a chapel turned dance hall, and the fact that all the YA there had been looking forward to this dance all summer. LDS Young Adults are different. Some will call us bizarre for not smoking or drinking or participating in crude humor and maybe that does make us bizarre. While our wholesome activity was going on, not even a hundred yards away down the street, people were celebrating with raucuous drinking and dancing, the final night of gay pride week. Many people headed home drunk that night, down the streets of St Merri, but a small group of young, modestly-dressed young people were also on that street, heading to their homes knowing that they had a fulfilling evening of dance and socialisation that they were going to remember in the morning.
I am very blessed to belong to a church that teaches their members to have integrity no matter what their environments. I was able to see how adults my age were able to stand strong and immovable despite constant temptation to the contrary. I learned that distance does not make responsibility and integrity any less important and I respect the YA of the Paris area for teaching me that by their examples. I also learned what it was to live your work. One of salariés (payed employees) at my office was truly loved by the people she worked with because she so completely made it her business to serve them. Nothing was affected in the way she interacted with them, and the people she touched learned they could rely on her warmth and consideration.
It seemed the more I got to know the French, whether they were my peers or colleagues, I came to realized that they are beleaguered by the same everyday problems as me and have the same basic good desires as well. They were accepting of me, not out of tolerance, but as a friend who they could learn from and teach. My hope is that I can mirror this in the way I interact with people of all nationalities, races, and faiths in the future.
Friday, June 24, 2011
A Spoonful of Perfecting the Bisous
I'm sure you're all anxious to figure out what this bisous business is about. Some of you already know. It's the two kisses French people give each other in greeting and parting and for somebody with very high personal bubble senstivity, it wasn't the easiest thing to get used to. Here are some things I've learned about bisous in the last 2 months.
For one, if you're young (under 30 yrs) you'll probably get bisous in greeting and parting from every other younger French person. Mostly applicable for girls. Guys with give other guys bisous sometimes, but more frequently just handshakes or man-hugs like what you see all the time in the states (this was especially the case for the JA).
Secondly, if possible, find an anchor. It could be their shoulder, or just a good non-moving part of their arm. Maybe your bisous is a half-hug as well and you can plant your hand on their back. Wherever you choose, it should help with my next point: cheek-bumping. It happens. Don't stress. If you have an anchor, you should be able to judge speeds and distance better and it won't happen as often, but even if it does happen, there's no need to be embarrassed. Unless you're physically maiming them...
Lastly, you don't actually kiss them. Unless you're a) older, or b) digging them (Note: Letter 'b' was a point told me by some JA and I won't be sharing any personal information either verifying or denying this assertion). The way the French behave in social situations is one of the key differences between them and us. I noticed a lot of the French my age were more touchy-feely (you didn't necessarily have to be dating to hold hands or walk arm-in-arm) but they will rarely ever give you a real kiss on the cheek. The bisous have evolved and it will be interesting to see how their culture continues to change related to this certain custom.
If I had the choice, I would still be giving bisous because I think it gets rid of a lot of awkward tension that can occur when first meeting someone, but it does make you particularly vulnerable (People can get real kisses through it and there's even a name for it "baiser volé", literally "stolen kiss"). Maybe I can institute it with my small circle of friends??? It's totally cool, I promise!
For one, if you're young (under 30 yrs) you'll probably get bisous in greeting and parting from every other younger French person. Mostly applicable for girls. Guys with give other guys bisous sometimes, but more frequently just handshakes or man-hugs like what you see all the time in the states (this was especially the case for the JA).
Secondly, if possible, find an anchor. It could be their shoulder, or just a good non-moving part of their arm. Maybe your bisous is a half-hug as well and you can plant your hand on their back. Wherever you choose, it should help with my next point: cheek-bumping. It happens. Don't stress. If you have an anchor, you should be able to judge speeds and distance better and it won't happen as often, but even if it does happen, there's no need to be embarrassed. Unless you're physically maiming them...
Lastly, you don't actually kiss them. Unless you're a) older, or b) digging them (Note: Letter 'b' was a point told me by some JA and I won't be sharing any personal information either verifying or denying this assertion). The way the French behave in social situations is one of the key differences between them and us. I noticed a lot of the French my age were more touchy-feely (you didn't necessarily have to be dating to hold hands or walk arm-in-arm) but they will rarely ever give you a real kiss on the cheek. The bisous have evolved and it will be interesting to see how their culture continues to change related to this certain custom.
If I had the choice, I would still be giving bisous because I think it gets rid of a lot of awkward tension that can occur when first meeting someone, but it does make you particularly vulnerable (People can get real kisses through it and there's even a name for it "baiser volé", literally "stolen kiss"). Maybe I can institute it with my small circle of friends??? It's totally cool, I promise!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Spoonful of the Metro: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Like any big city, Paris relies on its forms of public transportation to function. And just like any middle-class Parisienne, I rely on the public transportation to get to and from work every day. It is a delight. I could have done a blog post earlier because I've been taking the métro since the first day, but I wanted to give myself some time to observe and establish patterns.
As the title states, there are the good things about the métro like the fact that it's relatively consistent, relatively fast, and relatively convenient. It's also very amusing sometimes. On the other hand, it can be pretty dirty, it's pretty sketch at night, and it's very possible you will be able to feel your neighbor's heart beat on the commute to work. The Ugly rears its head in some of the biggest stations, like Les Halles or Saint-Lazare, where drug dealing goes down. You never can escape the beggars whose careers consist of going from train to train nearly yelling at times to be heard above the noise of the metro. If they like playing the pity card, they'll bring there children with them.
It's just one of those things that you love and hate at times. And just for you, I've catalogued somethings to look out for when you are on the Paris métro:
The Close-Proximity concert- It doesn't really matter if you like their music or not, it's your music of choice if you forgot your mp3 player at home. You can be consoled in the fact that plenty of people are stuck listening to the same music as you and perhaps are just as disappointed with the DJs lack of originality in choosing music.
The Awkward Public Transportation PDA- I know that PDA is inevitable wherever you go. There's a difference though. When there is at least one other person close enough to hear the sweet nothings you whisper into your lover's ear, you know it's not the right place for PDA. This even goes for friends that attempt a bisous in a packed train. Bisous are all very well and good, but unless you want me to join you in it, I'd prefer if you content yourself with a hand-shake or a nod of the head and polite conversation.
The Door-huggers- So what if there is an open space right behind them. They need to be by the door because they're, you know, busier than everybody else.
The Sympathy Standers- You'll see this one in a relatively full train when people start to crowd the people sitting in the collapsible chairs. The people stop right before there's really a need to stand up, but the person sitting down will stand up anyway. Maybe it's because they don't like being at the level of everybody's rear, or maybe it's because they feel bad that everybody else is standing up. Whatever the case it's funny to see their thoughtfulness...do absolutely nothing for anybody else.
The Comfort-First Passengers- Their comfort that is. Forget if everybody else in their cabin is squished like sardines, the collapsible chairs are meant to be sat in, right? Well, actually no, not when we've got a full load, but you wouldn't have known that unless you read the sign right above the seat.
These are just some of the fabulous things you can expect to see time and again on the métro. So be excited, and remember, most of the aggressions reported as happening on the métro are related to cell phone theft.
As the title states, there are the good things about the métro like the fact that it's relatively consistent, relatively fast, and relatively convenient. It's also very amusing sometimes. On the other hand, it can be pretty dirty, it's pretty sketch at night, and it's very possible you will be able to feel your neighbor's heart beat on the commute to work. The Ugly rears its head in some of the biggest stations, like Les Halles or Saint-Lazare, where drug dealing goes down. You never can escape the beggars whose careers consist of going from train to train nearly yelling at times to be heard above the noise of the metro. If they like playing the pity card, they'll bring there children with them.
It's just one of those things that you love and hate at times. And just for you, I've catalogued somethings to look out for when you are on the Paris métro:
The Close-Proximity concert- It doesn't really matter if you like their music or not, it's your music of choice if you forgot your mp3 player at home. You can be consoled in the fact that plenty of people are stuck listening to the same music as you and perhaps are just as disappointed with the DJs lack of originality in choosing music.
The Awkward Public Transportation PDA- I know that PDA is inevitable wherever you go. There's a difference though. When there is at least one other person close enough to hear the sweet nothings you whisper into your lover's ear, you know it's not the right place for PDA. This even goes for friends that attempt a bisous in a packed train. Bisous are all very well and good, but unless you want me to join you in it, I'd prefer if you content yourself with a hand-shake or a nod of the head and polite conversation.
The Door-huggers- So what if there is an open space right behind them. They need to be by the door because they're, you know, busier than everybody else.
The Sympathy Standers- You'll see this one in a relatively full train when people start to crowd the people sitting in the collapsible chairs. The people stop right before there's really a need to stand up, but the person sitting down will stand up anyway. Maybe it's because they don't like being at the level of everybody's rear, or maybe it's because they feel bad that everybody else is standing up. Whatever the case it's funny to see their thoughtfulness...do absolutely nothing for anybody else.
The Comfort-First Passengers- Their comfort that is. Forget if everybody else in their cabin is squished like sardines, the collapsible chairs are meant to be sat in, right? Well, actually no, not when we've got a full load, but you wouldn't have known that unless you read the sign right above the seat.
These are just some of the fabulous things you can expect to see time and again on the métro. So be excited, and remember, most of the aggressions reported as happening on the métro are related to cell phone theft.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A Spoonful of Falling in Love
Maybe some of you, my readers, might be incredulous to discover that I, while walking the streets of Paris, on the bank of the Seine, in the midst of buildings such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, could ever say that I missed Provo and couldn't wait to return. Yet, it's true. Despite the fantastic people I've met and the awesome experiences I've had, I have found myself yearning for the mountains, for the friendly faces of BYU coeds, and for the liberty to drive faster than 40 mph. I could see the value and beauty of Paris, but I wasn't convinced that it was everything it should be.
Then yesterday happened.
I can now admit that I am in love. With Paris. I love that her litter-lined streets and pee-drenched stairwells are just a mask for some of the most beautiful views you'll ever have in your life. I love that an over-crowded steel monument that only sparkles 2 minutes every hour can make you so excited about life. And I love that you honestly can never get tired of eating a nutella banana crepe. It took a while to get to this point, but I can now say that Paris is really worth the trip. And I think I understand a little better why so many people are in love with this city.
I'm still not sure I could live here long term, me and Paris still have our differences to work out, but I'm saying it's more of a possibility than before.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A Spoonful of Brussels
This weekend for me was a long one, so what does that mean? Time to do some travelling! I was so close to going to Lille, but at the last moment I switched my ticket to Brussels. By the way have you ever been to an international train station? Or maybe just a regular train station (I wouldn't know because I've never been to one)? Maybe it's just the adventurer in me, but I love it. The huge sign that tells you all the destinations and times is so exciting. And a train station is so much better than an airport because you can see your method of transportation right in front of you. It helps you realize how real your trip is from the beginning.
Anyway, Brussels. It was cool. I can't say it was super fun or super crazy because going to Brussels was kind of a vacation for me...in which I stayed in a cheap hostel and ate fast food all the time...I just didn't stress too much getting to see all the sites. It was just a time to enjoy not having work and not having to babysit. And Brussels was cool, kind of perfect for that.
Brussels, as the capital of Belgium, has 1 million inhabitants, which is half of Paris, but you feel the difference in the less crowded streets and the overall higher level of cleanliness. Don't give me wrong, Brussels is still a big city like Paris, with street performers, creeps, and overpriced food, but I find that on the whole, you'll find nicer people and better prices. Definitely try some frites with andalouse sauce and a Liège waffle, you won't be disappointed with either. I think the architecture in Brussels is really pretty impressive, even if it is all reconstructed from after the war.
Brussels might also be the easiest mainland metropolitan to get around in without knowing the language. All official buildings and signs are in both French and Dutch, but a lot of companies will even use english in their signs and almost everybody speaks English.
The weather for me was particularly humid on Saturday, but it cooled off a bit for Sunday and was even cooler Monday because of the rain. The first day was slightly miserable because of the humidity, but I still got to see a lot of the city. I just wouldn't recommend walking around on a very humid day with a huge backpack when you only brought one change of clothes. Unless you like wearing sweated-in clothes...it's less-than-desirable to me.
The hostel I stayed in wasn't too bad. It was pretty cheap, which I liked and provided me the 3 things I really needed: a bed, a place to shower, and breakfast. I also got to meet these hilarious British girls that I roomed with the first night. Overall a good experience at the hostel because nothing got stolen and it was at least a few steps from sleeping on the streets. Maybe my standards are a little lower than yours. I loved it though. I could have stayed there longer, but I was running out of money and had work, so maybe next time I'm in Europe (next summer, anyone?).
I would make a list of all the things you NEED to see when you go to Brussels, but I don't really believe in lists like that. Find about the things that interest you in the city and go check those places out. Like the atomium. It's the most visited monument in Brussels, and I'll agree, it looks cool, but it's not that cool. And in the end I didn't want to spend the 8 euro to get into the exhibit, so I didn't, and I left just knowing that I saw it. Kind of a waste of time. On the other hand, when I was wandering in the neighborhood close to my hostel, I found a brasserie with live music, and what's more, a greek band! I wish I knew more greek dancing than I do, because I would have loved to dance along. I still cannot wait until I get to check out Greece. Or spend the whole summer there. That's something to consider...
I realize this is nowhere close to a thorough report of Brussels, but that's okay! Travelling is about exploring, and if you're always relying on what other people tell you is worth seeing, I doubt you'll ever be completely satisfied with your vacation. You can quote me on that.
Anyway, Brussels. It was cool. I can't say it was super fun or super crazy because going to Brussels was kind of a vacation for me...in which I stayed in a cheap hostel and ate fast food all the time...I just didn't stress too much getting to see all the sites. It was just a time to enjoy not having work and not having to babysit. And Brussels was cool, kind of perfect for that.
Brussels, as the capital of Belgium, has 1 million inhabitants, which is half of Paris, but you feel the difference in the less crowded streets and the overall higher level of cleanliness. Don't give me wrong, Brussels is still a big city like Paris, with street performers, creeps, and overpriced food, but I find that on the whole, you'll find nicer people and better prices. Definitely try some frites with andalouse sauce and a Liège waffle, you won't be disappointed with either. I think the architecture in Brussels is really pretty impressive, even if it is all reconstructed from after the war.
Brussels might also be the easiest mainland metropolitan to get around in without knowing the language. All official buildings and signs are in both French and Dutch, but a lot of companies will even use english in their signs and almost everybody speaks English.
The weather for me was particularly humid on Saturday, but it cooled off a bit for Sunday and was even cooler Monday because of the rain. The first day was slightly miserable because of the humidity, but I still got to see a lot of the city. I just wouldn't recommend walking around on a very humid day with a huge backpack when you only brought one change of clothes. Unless you like wearing sweated-in clothes...it's less-than-desirable to me.
The hostel I stayed in wasn't too bad. It was pretty cheap, which I liked and provided me the 3 things I really needed: a bed, a place to shower, and breakfast. I also got to meet these hilarious British girls that I roomed with the first night. Overall a good experience at the hostel because nothing got stolen and it was at least a few steps from sleeping on the streets. Maybe my standards are a little lower than yours. I loved it though. I could have stayed there longer, but I was running out of money and had work, so maybe next time I'm in Europe (next summer, anyone?).
I would make a list of all the things you NEED to see when you go to Brussels, but I don't really believe in lists like that. Find about the things that interest you in the city and go check those places out. Like the atomium. It's the most visited monument in Brussels, and I'll agree, it looks cool, but it's not that cool. And in the end I didn't want to spend the 8 euro to get into the exhibit, so I didn't, and I left just knowing that I saw it. Kind of a waste of time. On the other hand, when I was wandering in the neighborhood close to my hostel, I found a brasserie with live music, and what's more, a greek band! I wish I knew more greek dancing than I do, because I would have loved to dance along. I still cannot wait until I get to check out Greece. Or spend the whole summer there. That's something to consider...
I realize this is nowhere close to a thorough report of Brussels, but that's okay! Travelling is about exploring, and if you're always relying on what other people tell you is worth seeing, I doubt you'll ever be completely satisfied with your vacation. You can quote me on that.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Spoonful of the 13ième
The good thing about the Catholic church having had such a huge influence on European countries in days past? Religious days were made national holidays! Which means that I had Thursday off for Ascension and I will have next Monday off for Pentecost. I can live with that. It's kind of strange that they're still national holidays when of the already diminished Catholic congregation in France, even less are practicing, but the French do love their vacation time, so I guess it's not that surprising.
The first half of my day was just spent figuring out where I wanted to go for the weekend, and I decided on Brussels, but I'll admit I'm a little anxious because I'll be travelling solo and I've never been there before. Luckily I have an adventurous spirit and tend to not be crippled by getting lost. I should be fine. I spent some time in the 13th district because my friend, Agénor took us to a really nice park by his house. Since it was a holiday, the park was pretty packed, but we were still able to have a good time. We started off at this cool pond where I saw one of the performers from the restaurant Chanoinesse. He was just chilling, playing his guitar. I don't have a picture of him, but he looked a lot like the actor who plays Remus Lupin. The pond area had a really cool patio area that gave good shade.
Then we found a hobbit house. (I'm not really sure what it was). And we sat down next to it to have a nice nap.
We kept seeing people with ice cream and since it was a hot day we decided we needed to find the point of origin of the ice cream and set off to find it. Turns out, it was by this cool carousel which we wanted to ride but decided against because it seemed like it was just for kids and we're kind of cheap.
Then we found these cool statues that were built for just about every ethnicity out of recycled materials. This was all after we considered swimming in the fountain like all the other kids, but we forgot our swimsuits. Tant pis!
Then Agenor showed us the university and they had a pretty sweet set-up but I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of that. There was also a cool theater that had a student discount that I returned to another day to watch X-Men: First Class. I was pretty impressed by the 13th district, it seemed pretty newly renovated and had a good age demographic because of the university students. I wish I had had more time to explore here!
The first half of my day was just spent figuring out where I wanted to go for the weekend, and I decided on Brussels, but I'll admit I'm a little anxious because I'll be travelling solo and I've never been there before. Luckily I have an adventurous spirit and tend to not be crippled by getting lost. I should be fine. I spent some time in the 13th district because my friend, Agénor took us to a really nice park by his house. Since it was a holiday, the park was pretty packed, but we were still able to have a good time. We started off at this cool pond where I saw one of the performers from the restaurant Chanoinesse. He was just chilling, playing his guitar. I don't have a picture of him, but he looked a lot like the actor who plays Remus Lupin. The pond area had a really cool patio area that gave good shade.
 |
| Notice the rolled-up sleeves. It was hot! |
 |
| Thief! |
Then Agenor showed us the university and they had a pretty sweet set-up but I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of that. There was also a cool theater that had a student discount that I returned to another day to watch X-Men: First Class. I was pretty impressed by the 13th district, it seemed pretty newly renovated and had a good age demographic because of the university students. I wish I had had more time to explore here!
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