Becoming Parisian
I'm often asked whether I feel Parisian when in Paris, and whether I easily adjust to the rhythm of the city when I travel from my tiny farming village in Côtes d'Armor, or land directly from Australia. The answer is a personal one, and after giving it some thought, I decided to share my honest reflections with you today.
An Australian Becoming Parisian
Can an Australian gal who lives part time in a farming village in Brittany, surrounded by fields of maize and pastures of cows really feel at home in the romantic and dynamic capital Paris?
More...
Fully adapting to new surroundings includes embracing language, food, laws, cultural differences, time zones and much more. And for some, this is overwhelming and takes time - and I get that. I feel fortunate that I'm able to adapt to new and often challenging situations without feeling too lost or beyond my acceptable stress levels.
From a child I've been entranced by Paris and so seeing the Eiffel Tower and Louvre glass pyramid for the first time as an adult was a true 'pinch-me' moment. Since then, I've been passionately in love with the city. Putting into words the emotions and feelings of how I feel at ease or feel at home as a temporary Parisian, took some thinking.
It's The Small Things
On reflection it's the small things that help me feel comfortable when in Paris. When in the city for a week or so, I notice that I get up a little later, well, maybe not wake up later, but certainly leave my hotel later. After all, the boutiques, major stores and museums usually don't open till 10.00am.
Taking advantage of le menu du jour or la formule (menu of the day or lunch formula) at a cosy cafe or popular restaurant is a different approach to my quick home-made lunch or cafe take-away lunch in Australia. Of course, a long lunch then pushes my supper time out till later and in the French unhurried fashion, I often eat supper at 7:00pm or even 8:00pm.
I usually manage a late evening stroll after dinner before heading to my hotel in the 7th arrondissement (check out my post on 'Where I Stay in Paris'). This adjustment of time and daily activities I call being on my "Parisian Time".
Looking Parisian
Do I look Parisian? I am not sure. Maybe just a little bit. I often get stopped on a boulevarde or rue and asked for directions to a store or business, so I must fit into the scene somewhat. I wonder why I'm asked though, because I've noticed that, particularly in one way, I'm definitely not like the average Parisian. I tend to smile too much.
I don't think a true Parisian walks around their home city with a permanent smile plastered on their face. They are at home, they are on familiar soil, they are busy and getting on with their day. But for me, it's always fascinating and I am always deliriously happy to be in 'the City'. How can Paris not make you smile? As I said, putting my personal thoughts together on answering the question "Do you feel Parisian when in Paris" was going to have to be very honest.
Bonjour
'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' greetings are not as common in 'the City' as they are in rural France. I have to stop myself from almost automatically greeting those I walk past. Passing walkers on canal towpaths, entering Tabacs and wandering local markets are places were constant greetings are exchanged and a friendly 'bonjour' is as natural as taking your next breath.
This extra sense of familiarity is out of place in a large city and so adapting to Paris, I hold off on greeting everyone I pass with a 'bonjour'. I quite like that I am essentially a country girl who knows how to navigate and easily adapt to Paris.
So there you have my thoughts on feeling at home in Paris or becoming (just a bit) Parisian.
Until next week
