What I've learnt about paris
Trip Start
Jun 03, 2008
1
23
Trip End
Oct 14, 2008
Paris,
Île-de-France,
France
Thursday, June 5, 2008
1. paris is easy to get around. I had no problem finding the information desk, ATM machine, and RER train to town at the CDG airport. The historical center is small- I covered all major sites on left bank the first day on foot, plus the North Dame (amazing stained glasses!) and Church of Sacred Heart. And subway has good signage. Bring a street map, a free subway map, and a few pages of guide book, you may never need to ask the local waitress who always know English.
2. It's hard to be a gourmet in Paris. What, you may ask, how is it possible to eat bad in Paris? Well, nearly impossible. But it's also nearly impossible to find that one outstanding place that will be immotalized in your memory. Paris has a food place at every street corner and more, amazingly, all of them seem to be patroned by some French speaking fellows, so my plan of choosing places populated by locals is clearly defeated. I have had two sit down meals so far, including one in the cafe at Palace of Louve. Both good, neither memorable. The search continues. I might try the impossible tomorrow, and try get a seat at the Alan Dugasse outlet Spoon, Food and Wine without reservation. Will report back. And about Pierre Herme, highly recommended by the Chocolate and Zucchini site that I adore: it's among the row of fashion boutiques in St. Germain area, and suitably chic. Selection is small, classic, with a big variaty of macroons. Flavor is deep but on the sweet side, it's worth the trip only if you are doing some window shopping and people watching as well. In general, Paris sweets has been too sweet for me :(
3. Parisannes are chic, no question. I've got pretty good at telling them from tourists. Rule number 1: hair is always well maintained. Long or short, it's carefully layered and blown. No wonder there is a hairdresser at every block. Rule number 2: clothes fits, really well, with big bold accessories. Big scarfes seem to be a signature. Rule number 3: A nice long coat is optional. 4.Smoke, incessantly.
4. Parisans loove their smoke, period. Sip a coffee or wine at any outdoor cafe, and you are guaranteed a good share of second hand smoke. I had this pretty cool evening at this busting little cafe, on a stone street overlooking a water fountain and an old church, perfect, except that I probably inhaled more smoke than my charming neighbor, a dressed-by-code paris girl who lit 4 cigarettes in a row, each butt tossed artfully to the street, which talking to her companion with all the hand+shoulder gestures that the French employ when they communicate with each other. Meanwhile, the police gave out parking tickets on the stone street, men coming out, read the tickets, had another round of cigarettes and drove off. All in all, you smoke if you are in trouble, enjoying leisure time, walking past street, or engaged in any other activities. I wonder if the Sex and City film gets so much attention in Paris because Carrie Bradshow is such a big smoker.
