A Week in Paris

Paris really showed us some love. By far, the nicest locals we’ve interacted with have been in Paris. Maybe it’s because we never passed up an opportunity to say ‘Hello-Bonjour,’ ‘Bonsoir,’ and ‘Merci.’ Maybe it’s because we’re two non-threatening individuals who look like they’re ready to speak their whole live savings at any moment. Perhaps it’s because we’re traveling and in love. Or it’s some combination of what I mentioned and a few other things. There has been something here that I really just can’t put my finger on.

Everyone has been SO nice. On two occasions during the same day, at man at a kiosk helped us skip to the front of a long line for no real reason! Parisians regularly smiled at us and went out of their way to help us and make us feel, part of it. And in return for some extra brownie points, Savvy would occasionally throw in a ‘c'était délicieux’ at a cafe.

And on that point, I’m not sure if we expected our minds to be blown with the food or just expecting something different. The quality was great and the cuisine wasn’t far off from what you would find in SoCal. Healthy options were available at most cafes. Lot’s of a avocado, fish, and cured meats were integrated into the entrees. Streets were represented by Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Iranian, and many more ethnic restaurants.

The fun differences stemmed from the pure volume of bakeries, cheese chops, cafes that were open till midnight, and the most amazing croissants served with every breakfast.

Seemingly few people rushed around Paris. Parisians walk slow. Orders at cafes were taken leisurely. There’s a relaxed aspect to the way of life in the city. It wasn’t all positive either. Oftentimes workers couldn’t be bothered because they were chatting with one another or on their phone. Trying to get the attention of the waitstaff could be funky in this regard. You may see a bartender and a bar back chatting and getting a laugh or grabbing a smoke. They would see you but not acknowledge you. But if you had the guts to interrupt their conversation with ‘Bonjur’ or ‘Bonsoir’ they would be more than happy to help you.

This led to what we described as a significant inefficiency in the way in which Paris operates. Workers aren’t being paid to get a job done, they’re paid to show up. Sometimes we would have to go down a flight of stairs in order to go up a couple flights. Snacks were less expensive inside the Palace of Versailles than outside of a church, etc.

Seven days and seven nights in Paris was perfect for us. We had three major activities and a few smaller items we packed in. Our big three were dinner in the Eiffel Tower, day at the Louvre, and a tour of Palace of Versailles and surrounding gardens. This left enough time for us to sit back and enjoy the ‘cafe culture.’ On our third day in Paris we planned to do absolutely nothing. We went to a cafe and then came back to the courtyard in our hostel and sat there all day. We wrote in this blog, we talked, we joked around, and met the owner of our hostel. We drank, smiled, and laughed all day long. When the owner asked what we were up to, we said “nothing” then giggled and smirked. She loved it! She announced, “As you should! Just like a Parisian would do. Enjoy the day. Don’t do anything, and know that you are doing Paris the right way!”

This made our trip. It made Paris. Sure it wouldn’t have been the same if we didn’t see our ‘big three,’ but I think we still would’ve come away from Paris with a happy feeling in our hearts.

~ J