Salut,
Finally, it took 10 months for my dream to become a reality! While awaiting in anticipation for my dream to commence, I began doing some research and conjured a list of expectations that I had about Paris, whether it be sourced from the media, history, or my own irrational imagination. Below I have included five of the expectations I had about Paris before my arrival. Did I presume correctly?
Paris: Five Expectations and Outcomes
1) True: Paris is a dirty city.
- I partly blame this on the garbage system in the city. Stores do not have designated garbage bins to dispose of waste, thus resulting in garbage-bag filled streets. Garbage disposals are increasingly easier to find in Canada than in Paris, only further promoting the litter-bug epidemic here. Add the ever common rain to the mix and you can imagine how gross it can be at times.
2) True: Parisian plumbing is unreliable.
- I was warned by all those who previously visited Paris that the plumbing in this city is erratic with a lack of hot water. I thought perhaps living in a newer 20th century studio apartment would exempt me from being subject to this common Parisian standard. Let’s just say, I learned how wrong I was after taking my first shower.
3) False: Parisians are rude individuals.
- Being a Canadian-girl who believes in manners and compulsively overuses the word “sorry” I anticipated the worst from a city stereotyped has having snobby and insincere habitants. I must say, my experiences thus far have been all positive, with random strangers offering assistance with directions and advice without so much as a demand. Parisians are not rude, but rather are confident. This stereotype can be traced back to their history. After the French Revolution, the people decided that they didn’t want to serve royalty or anyone else for that matter. Thus, they are rude to customers to show that they are not above them. Understanding that this behavior has historical roots allowed me to appreciate this not-so-evident culture shock.
4) True: Peanut butter cannot be found anywhere.
- I was warned beforehand that peanut butter is a rare commodity and is a struggle to find in Paris. Of course, peanut butter was one of the few items I managed to forget amongst my 100+ pounds of luggage. I visited multiple grocery stores including Carrefour (France’s version of Wal-Mart) and have yet to find it. I have never craved peanut butter so much! Note to self: appreciate peanut butter in Canada.
5) False: The women of Paris dress better than the men.
- I admit, this is a rather bold statement to make – especially in the fashion capital of the world – but I must be honest. Perhaps this observation is influenced by Menswear Fashion Week which is currently taking place. The old men have impressed me the most with their long camel wool coats, their extensive use of hats (in love with this), and bold-colored scarves. I am definitely learning what it means to “dress Parisian” through the old men I witness in the streets, reading Le Figaro on the Metro, and in the cafes. I do recognize I just arrived here and I hope that by the end of my time here I can take back this statement.
Stay tuned next week for my following post!
A bientot!
Bisous (kisses),
La fausse parisienne
La fausse parisienne 