Tufts Blogs

I’ve been studying abroad in Paris for a little over a month now and it has been an absolute whirlwind. I think I’ve used “whirlwind” to describe other parts of my life before, but never until now has it actually been true. Because I am an avid Buzzfeed reader and because who doesn’t love a list, here are my Top 10 Paris Observations (so far).

1. Everyone is SO CHIC OMG. Everyone- from women to men to their adorable children- is always impeccably dressed. You will never see sweatpants or workout clothes on the metro or in the street, only perfectly put together outfits that leave you feeling completely inadequate. The streets are filled with beautiful, impossibly cool people. It’s like one big tres chic fashion show all the time and I kind of really love it. 
2. Sundays are really a day of rest (and sometimes Mondays too). Nothing is open on Sundays- no grocery stores, no bakeries, no shops, nothing. The French take the day of rest very seriously. Sundays are a day for strolling through Luxembourg Garden or going to the museum or sipping espresso for five hours at a café (those are open thankfully.) Oh and some stores decide to be closed on Mondays too, so there’s that. There is a lot of resting to be had in Paris!
3. Metro Etiquette. The metro is scarily silent all the time. No one speaks and if you utter a word (especially in English) all heads will turn towards you.
4. …and Sidewalk Etiquette. In New York or any other big city in the U.S. everyone knows to walk on one side of the street to make room for people going both ways. In Paris, it is just one big sidewalk mess. People stroll through the street with no sense of urgency or regard for people around them. More than frustrating, it’s hilarious and just so French. I don’t think “urgent” exists in their vocabulary. It’s a nice change of pace…
5. Baguettes and espresso are a way of life. “Coffee” means espresso. Espresso after every meal is a must. There is also a boulangerie on every block making baguettes highly accessible. You just accept the fact that you will eat an entire baguette every day and it’s okay. You’re in Paris!
6. Café culture is real. Sitting at a café with an espresso for a couple of hours is wonderful. Swarms of aforementioned chic Parisians flood sidewalk cafes, even in the middle of winter. People- watching is a daily activity and there is always a liveliness to the city. 
7. Starbucks, Subway, and Chipotle exist (and thrive!) I was shocked to find these American staples in Paris and even more shocked to find that French people LOVE them. its nice to have a little piece of home aka a burrito when I’m feeling homesick.
8. Wine is cheaper than water. Yes, I have bought a bottle of wine that is cheaper than a bottle of water. Waiters offer you wine at every meal and look thoroughly offended if you don’t order it. On the other hand, water needs to be asked for…
9. French people like to speak French. The stereotype is true. French people don’t like to speak English, won’t speak in English, and pretend not to know what you’re saying if you speak English (even if they do). As frustrating as it can be sometimes, its nice to witness such a strong sense of pride in language and it definitely helps my language skills.
10. This is the most beautiful city in the world.  Paris is gorgeous. Every single time I step outside, I am in absolute awe- not just of the city itself, but of the fact that I actually get to live here for five months. Paris, je t’aime. I really love you!