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1. If the sidewalk is wet, it’s probably not raining.
Every morning certain areas of sidewalk get hosed down by a machine. I don’t know what the pattern behind it is, but it keeps the streets very clean. And you really notice when the washers haven’t been by.
2. When Parisians cross the street, so should you.
Although many people suggest Paris is not a safe city in which to be a pedestrian, if you watch the natives, you can cross the street in record time. The walk/don’t walk signals are more guidelines here than actual rules. If people can cross, they will – and when they go, you might as well too.
3. Even Parisian women can make bad fashion choices.
I’m not kidding here: I saw a sixty-year-old woman today with a fuschia scarf made up of tiny balls of fur and white 80s boots. It was a scary sight. But she was very proud of her ensemble.
4. If you do step in something on the street, it’s probably what you think it is.
Especially if the sidewalk is dry.
5. Sometimes the kitchen is closed when the restaurant is open.
Today I stopped at a café that promised free internet access (the McDonald’s wireless wouldn’t connect this morning). When I tried to order supper, I was told that the kitchen was closed until 6:00 p.m. (it was just after 5). On the waiter’s recommendation I ordered a chicken curry salad, and it was excellent. How did they make it without a kitchen? I have no idea.
6. Things are closer than you think.
It only takes me 25 minutes to walk from my apartment to the Opéra; 20 minutes from the Opéra to the Seine; 25 minutes from the Seine back to my apartment. So I’m glad that when I thought about paying 50 euros for a month’s travel on the Metro, I decided that it would be better to buy the carnet, 10 tickets (for 10 euros) at a time. I haven’t even finished my first carnet yet; and I probably won’t be done with it until I come back from Holland.
7. Your French skills will surprise you.
Sometimes in a bad way: today I wanted to make paper copies of a microfilm in the library and I could not think of how to ask the librarian to help me. I stammered through something until she kindly interrupted with “Une personne qui vous aider?” On the other hand, Olivier’s phone just rang and I had an entire (albeit brief) conversation in French. So you just never know when you will remember something helpful.
8. Even Parisian carry a street map of Paris.
So don't worry that consulting yours will make you look like a tourist.
I may not post again until next week, because on Thursday I’m off to Holland for a few days.
A bientôt!
Every morning certain areas of sidewalk get hosed down by a machine. I don’t know what the pattern behind it is, but it keeps the streets very clean. And you really notice when the washers haven’t been by.
2. When Parisians cross the street, so should you.
Although many people suggest Paris is not a safe city in which to be a pedestrian, if you watch the natives, you can cross the street in record time. The walk/don’t walk signals are more guidelines here than actual rules. If people can cross, they will – and when they go, you might as well too.
3. Even Parisian women can make bad fashion choices.
I’m not kidding here: I saw a sixty-year-old woman today with a fuschia scarf made up of tiny balls of fur and white 80s boots. It was a scary sight. But she was very proud of her ensemble.
4. If you do step in something on the street, it’s probably what you think it is.
Especially if the sidewalk is dry.
5. Sometimes the kitchen is closed when the restaurant is open.
Today I stopped at a café that promised free internet access (the McDonald’s wireless wouldn’t connect this morning). When I tried to order supper, I was told that the kitchen was closed until 6:00 p.m. (it was just after 5). On the waiter’s recommendation I ordered a chicken curry salad, and it was excellent. How did they make it without a kitchen? I have no idea.
6. Things are closer than you think.
It only takes me 25 minutes to walk from my apartment to the Opéra; 20 minutes from the Opéra to the Seine; 25 minutes from the Seine back to my apartment. So I’m glad that when I thought about paying 50 euros for a month’s travel on the Metro, I decided that it would be better to buy the carnet, 10 tickets (for 10 euros) at a time. I haven’t even finished my first carnet yet; and I probably won’t be done with it until I come back from Holland.
7. Your French skills will surprise you.
Sometimes in a bad way: today I wanted to make paper copies of a microfilm in the library and I could not think of how to ask the librarian to help me. I stammered through something until she kindly interrupted with “Une personne qui vous aider?” On the other hand, Olivier’s phone just rang and I had an entire (albeit brief) conversation in French. So you just never know when you will remember something helpful.
8. Even Parisian carry a street map of Paris.
So don't worry that consulting yours will make you look like a tourist.
I may not post again until next week, because on Thursday I’m off to Holland for a few days.
A bientôt!
