Solo Travel: First in Paris How to conquer the experience.
I’ve been in Paris for a little over 24 hours
It was nice to get off the plane this time and see that everything was familiar and I knew how to get around.
Immediately as soon as I left my business school cohort, I started speaking and having fun in French…
Taxi drivers
My taxi driver and I had a great conversation in French about Tunisian culture US politics and Palestinian vs Israeli relations.. I love taxi drivers and I love talking about politics. Taxi drivers are a great resource because they know a lot about their city and they can remind you or orient you to the customs and mentality. They also know current affairs and can answer many of your questions. My French is rusty so practicing with my driver was a helpful reminder.
Phone service
Then I had to get my phone so that I could connect with friends and family. I went to the Orange store at the Republic and though I waited a long time; (I have a sneaking feeling the salesman kept me in the store longer than I needed to..he was very excited about Chicago and really wanted to talk with me about Chicago and the French mentality), the service was great and easy to get a sim card. I bought an unlocked phone in the US so all I needed was a SIM card or chip. The providers that I like so far are Orange and SFR though there is also a provider called Free that offers really cheap no contract plans with the addition of free calls to the US. I have a smart phone and as a solo traveler Internet/dats plan is a must have…Google maps has already shown me my way around my neighborhood and my friend’s neighborhood.
Finding a place in Paris:
I’m living in chic Marais surrounded by some of the best boutiques in Paris, restaurants with wait lists for days and great museums like the Picssso museum, nightlife in Oberkampf, the Republic, the Bastille not too far away, and just a beautiful old part of the city. I actually found my apartment on….Craigslist!! My first successful Craigslist experience. A private owner obviously trying to help a traveling tourist out because he has a beautiful studio in an amazing part of town that he is renting for a great price. I had to climb many flights of stairs with heavy baggage but the apartment has everything I need including maid service and its quite comfortable.
I had reservations about using Craigslist but I asked the landlord to show me the apartment via Skype and he was able to ease my fears face to face and by being extremely informative and helpful in all matters. I would also suggest using airbnb.com and Couchsurfing www.couchsurfing.com long term short term rental section to look for a place to live as well.
Nightlife
I was extremely jet lagged but I wanted to make sure I met up with an old friend from previous Paris visits. We met in the suburb of montreuil and went to an underground reggae party! I loved it because I was the only foreigner there and it’s important for me to have real French experiences while I am in Paris..no one speaking English!! Apparently underground reggae parties are not normal for French so it was a fun experience. I want to really immerse myself in French culture so what better way than hanging out with French people experiencing a different culture through music. Interesting and fun to let lose and dance after a long flight:) We went onto the roof to see the view and my friend pointed out that the building was overlooking an immense Gypsy refugee camp..added some mystique to the experience…
Best way to feel comfortable in Paris:
..find a great outdoor cafe sit under the sun and watch the theatre of the street, talk to people ask questions and practice French..
Speaking French:
It’s important to speak French to get anywhere here…the French love French!! They also secretly love Americans but that will only get you so far. In order to conduct business eat, take the train you’ve got to learn French. I couldn’t purchase my navigo pass, which is the train monthly pass today because there was a problem with the machine and the attendant and I had a miscommunication . The situation was too complicated for my level of french..luckily a girl passing by saw the situation and paid for my Entrance into the subway..So nice of her otherwise the attendant and I would’ve been struggling to understand each other for much longer!! Also I’m going to have to pay it forward because that nice girl really helped me out today!!!
Today I spent the day exploring a neighborhood with a new acquaintance and learning more about the French..first off Everytime I spoke French I was laughed at because apparently my accent is funny..oh well their advice was to always speak clearly and with confidence and to speak quicker with more authority..then I won’t be laughed at I guess:) they also expressed a fascination with my smiling..apparently French girls don’t randomly smile at people and the French don’t smile in photos…..oh the power of a smile!!! I’ve decided though it has the ability to get me in trouble..I’m going to keep smiling because that’s just who I am..I find the humor in everyday life I enjoy life and I want to spread that joy..
Tomorrow I start a masters program in Paris a dream come true so I’m sure the experience will come with much more to write about!
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