Summer in Paris--Ways to Pass Time and What to Pack
Another summer has finally arrived in Paris! I say finally because as a native Californian the winters here are insanely long. Summer in Paris is a time when everyone is outside, and usually in unusually happy moods. Except during a 'canicule' (heat wave). My favorite way to pass time is people watching from a cafe terrace. After three years I consider my self a professional! I see it as a passive sport in which you must compete with your partner on who can find the most appalling outfit. I know it is not necessarily kind, but if they leave the house dressed like that...well, lets just say it's open season!
Let me clarify a bit...Before I moved to Paris I was a somewhat intimidated by the whole French flair and the "je ne sais quoi" that the French are legendary for having. I envisioned people "cat walk ready" to go grocery shopping and dressed for a night on the town along the lines of Carrie Bradshaw's ideas during the last episode of "Sex and the City". I promise you it is NOT like that at all...well "the Ladies of a Certain Age" do continue on with the glamour of matching suits, hand bags, and shoes...but, them notwithstanding...the majority of people are almost casual to a fault.
Summer is a time of year that baffles the French almost as much as it does the Germans (ie: striped shirt, plaid shorts, and socks with sandals). During the rest of the year men and women are dressed quite conservatively...AND THEN all of a sudden, just because the mercury hits over 80 degrees it's suddenly OK for men to wear a polo shirt with silky short running shorts and plastic sandals--IN PUBLIC. Ladies for some reason feel that by forgetting their undergarments they will remain cool and chic and that mini skirts after the age of 25 are actually acceptable. Help...
Perhaps, having grown up in California, I am a summer clothing snob...Perhaps.
Here are some packing tips and bits of advice I have passed on to my family and friends when they are on there way to Gay Paris!
1. Pack your bag lightly. Carry on preferably! Now, take out half. No kidding. If there is anything you discover you need when you arrive, buy it here.
2. Pack three pairs of shoes! OK, four pairs for the ladies. Two pairs of good quality walking shoes--think Mephisto, The Walking Store, Clarke's, etc. One nice pair of shoes for dinner or special occasions. This was my mother's most difficult dilemma and if SHE can do everybody can!
3. Don't bring all your money in traveler's checks. They are often inconvenient and over-commisioned. Use your ATM debit card. The exchange rate is better, it is convenient, and most have instructions in English, so do not fear!
4. Do learn some key phrases in French. Most all French people speak some English...although they say they do not. Don't be fooled and believe you are speaking a secret language--they ALL understand what you are saying! You will have a better chance of being assisted if you try to ask for something politely in bad French than if you come out and ask, "Y'all speak English."
5. Scan the sidewalk for dog poop (crottes de chien) at least three yards in advance...You'll understand and internally thank me when you arrive.
6. Leave your white tennis shoes, flip flops, belly shirts, and fanny packs at home. Just because you ARE a tourist does not mean you need to LOOK like a tourist.
7. You can drink the water here! We are not in Mexico.
8. Fast Food: You are in Paris! Stay away from McDo's (thats what they call Mickey Dee's here). If you must have something fast opt for a sandwich or a crepe.
Coffee: Again I say: You are in Paris! Stay away form Starbucks! You can live without your double cappa-frappachino latte smoothie (to go) for a week or so. Sit down at a cafe, order a cafe, cafe au lait, or cappaccino and practice one of my favorite pass-times.
9. Try the food! Be adventurous! Order the escargot. Sample the ris de veau. Experience the huitres. Rellish the fondant au chocolat. Eat for the moment, ask questions after you've digested.
10. Be proud that you are experiencing a new country, culture, and language. Enjoy yourself and don't get too caught up in schedules and planning.
Bon voyage,..
Let me clarify a bit...Before I moved to Paris I was a somewhat intimidated by the whole French flair and the "je ne sais quoi" that the French are legendary for having. I envisioned people "cat walk ready" to go grocery shopping and dressed for a night on the town along the lines of Carrie Bradshaw's ideas during the last episode of "Sex and the City". I promise you it is NOT like that at all...well "the Ladies of a Certain Age" do continue on with the glamour of matching suits, hand bags, and shoes...but, them notwithstanding...the majority of people are almost casual to a fault.
Summer is a time of year that baffles the French almost as much as it does the Germans (ie: striped shirt, plaid shorts, and socks with sandals). During the rest of the year men and women are dressed quite conservatively...AND THEN all of a sudden, just because the mercury hits over 80 degrees it's suddenly OK for men to wear a polo shirt with silky short running shorts and plastic sandals--IN PUBLIC. Ladies for some reason feel that by forgetting their undergarments they will remain cool and chic and that mini skirts after the age of 25 are actually acceptable. Help...
Perhaps, having grown up in California, I am a summer clothing snob...Perhaps.
Here are some packing tips and bits of advice I have passed on to my family and friends when they are on there way to Gay Paris!
1. Pack your bag lightly. Carry on preferably! Now, take out half. No kidding. If there is anything you discover you need when you arrive, buy it here.
2. Pack three pairs of shoes! OK, four pairs for the ladies. Two pairs of good quality walking shoes--think Mephisto, The Walking Store, Clarke's, etc. One nice pair of shoes for dinner or special occasions. This was my mother's most difficult dilemma and if SHE can do everybody can!
3. Don't bring all your money in traveler's checks. They are often inconvenient and over-commisioned. Use your ATM debit card. The exchange rate is better, it is convenient, and most have instructions in English, so do not fear!
4. Do learn some key phrases in French. Most all French people speak some English...although they say they do not. Don't be fooled and believe you are speaking a secret language--they ALL understand what you are saying! You will have a better chance of being assisted if you try to ask for something politely in bad French than if you come out and ask, "Y'all speak English."
5. Scan the sidewalk for dog poop (crottes de chien) at least three yards in advance...You'll understand and internally thank me when you arrive.
6. Leave your white tennis shoes, flip flops, belly shirts, and fanny packs at home. Just because you ARE a tourist does not mean you need to LOOK like a tourist.
7. You can drink the water here! We are not in Mexico.
8. Fast Food: You are in Paris! Stay away from McDo's (thats what they call Mickey Dee's here). If you must have something fast opt for a sandwich or a crepe.
Coffee: Again I say: You are in Paris! Stay away form Starbucks! You can live without your double cappa-frappachino latte smoothie (to go) for a week or so. Sit down at a cafe, order a cafe, cafe au lait, or cappaccino and practice one of my favorite pass-times.
9. Try the food! Be adventurous! Order the escargot. Sample the ris de veau. Experience the huitres. Rellish the fondant au chocolat. Eat for the moment, ask questions after you've digested.
10. Be proud that you are experiencing a new country, culture, and language. Enjoy yourself and don't get too caught up in schedules and planning.
Bon voyage,..
posted by Nikole | 2:46 PM
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