2 posts tagged “trip”

Now that I've had a couple of days at home with a nice large shower and a loving boyfriend to welcome me back I have had the space I've needed to digest my Parisian adventure. After being inundated with the "how was your trip" inquiry, I have a canned "it was awesome" answer. In truth, the reply is more complicated. It was awesome. And frustrating and lonely and empowering and eye-opening.

It was frustrating because I was not prepared for the trip. I was told by many people my lack of French would not be a problem. It was. I don't know if it's because I didn't extend the courtesy of learning their language, but it seemed that many in the service industry knew enough to let me ask my questions in English only to brow-beat me into shame by refusing to conversate back in English, only in French. I deserve it though, and know that if they were to come to the U.S. and only speak French they would most likely have the same treatment.

It was lonely because I couldn't speak to anyone. And because I walked around in a near permanent daze, I wouldn't have been much fun anyway. But it was odd to not run into any other Americans, outside the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower (and to be honest, I ignored those people anyway. I guess I'm a snob.). A hostel might've been the smarter way to go...

It was empowering because what little French I know was able to let me order food, find restrooms, and navigate the fabulous transportation system. I was able to defend myself against swarmy men. I was able to familiarize myself enough to not need a map most of the time. I was able to muster up the confidence to travel down unknown paths to find more interesting places to spend time. All while on my own.

It was eye-opening because it was the first time in my life I felt like a foreigner. I had people look down at me. I had people scoff when I told them I was American. I now know what it's like to experience a range of emotions and not have anyone to share that with. And most of all I can now testify to the wonderment within France's borders and can stand back from the experience and feel lucky and priveledged and humbled. And that was what I went for: an adventure. And my god, did I have one.

I've been bad about updating since my first day in Paris. Rather than bore you with my inane ramblings, I'll do this list style.

Places I've been:
Eglise Saint Severin
Reims - Cathedral Notre Dame
Jardin du Luxemborg
Napoleon's tomb
Pere Lachoise
Shakespeare & Co
Forum Les Halles
Gare de L'Est

Now a bit of observation. Myths I would like to go on record to debunk:
No, the streets are not covered in shit
The French are not mean people, though they do dislike Americans. I totally understand all their reasons why.
Not all metro stations smell of piss (though some do)

Myths that do exist:
There are not many overweight people. Not everyone is a waif, but they certainly don't follow the obesity trend.
Yes, many people smoke.
It does seem to be a burden to have so many tourists, so they aren't necessarily awesome towards them. But after witnessing the swarm, I can also understand why.
Surly waiters, but see above reason.
They do love their comic books (ah le B.D.!)
They do tend to be fashionable. If only men all over the world took the care to their appearance as they do...

So that is it, thus far. I leave Monday, so I probably won't update until I am home in Seattle and can completely digest the experience...