My Paris Rant

I feel that I need to have a disclaimer post, so that you realize despite the amazing times here, I am under no circumstances moving permanently to Paris. Hopefully this doesn't come out sounding ungrateful to Paris, or that I am suggesting living here is "difficult". But, I have already accepted that it will make me sound like a cliche American.

I've almost hit the second full month and this past week I have done almost nothing a tourist would do. In fact, I felt pretty much like a Parisian. OH... besides the fact that I don't speak French, ended up with a raw fish, lettuce and butter sandwich that I thought was just veggies, and still don't care that I go out in public in my beloved rainbows. But an old French lady asked me for help crossing the street, so obviously I have some street cred.

I got to ride the velib bikes (haven't before because my credit card lacks the required chip), after a co-worker rented one for me when we stayed out after the metro closed. Basically its free to ride under 1/2 hour ( a euro after that) and then you can just drop the bike off at a different location. Very cool public transit system.



And today I discovered the best english book store in Paris. It is NOT Shakespeare and Co, (tourist trap!) it is the San Francisco Book Company and I am in love. I took pictures (okay, yes, only tourists would take pictures). But seriously the books are almost all used/cheap and the store has the best collection and old book smell.

Anyway, reasons I needed to seek out an English bookstore and why my Paris love affair will be fleeting:

I miss american (reality/sports/bad summer shows) tv. I know, I shouldn't admit this, but it's true.

I would rather have spice in my food than butter. To be fair, I'm afraid to try the Asian food here and who knows, it might have some potential.

I can't wear heels like the French women, I get blisters from the walking I do in sandals! What I should be researching this summer is their genetic disposition to cute clothes and high heels!

I still don't convert euros to dollars. Turns out I've been paying 3 dollars for an avocado.

I like nature more than I realized.

I don't actually like goat cheese (gasp!)

BBQs are illegal, they dip their fries in mayo, and the cooked beef is still rare.

I would rather hug someone as a greeting, then kiss them four times.

No hard feelings Paris, but tie goes to America.