L'Important, C'est La Rose: Paris

Showing posts with label Paris. Show all posts

Monday, October 12, 2009

The Expat Life

Almost 8 months ago, I moved to Paris. I had a unique job which presented unique challenges. I had a boyfriend. I had a plan.

8 months later: I am officially retired from tourism. I don't have a boyfriend. I also don't have a plan.

But I also have realized a few things about what I want my life to look like. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, in all different professions, in all different walks of life and places in their life and each person has impacted me by giving me something NEW to think about.

Some things I know:

- I love Europe. I love my lifestyle here. Going back to the US - to me right now - means giving up part of my freedom. My freedom to walk around in the middle of the night and still feel safe. My freedom to never worry about how I'm going to get somewhere (bike, walking, taxi, public transportation, trains etc). My freedom to figure out who I am and not conform to the expectations that Americans have of what life is supposed to be like after graduating college.

- I can't work for the proverbial "man" anymore. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs - no one in my family works in corporate America. No WONDER I can't see myself there. I can't get passionate about a bottom line. Non-profits, social enterprises or start up companies are much more interesting and personal to me.

- I want to be an expat. The expat community is unbelievable. No, you don't get along with everyone. But everyone challenges your perception - with each person I meet I am forced to reevaluate my ideas, values and beliefs. They don't necessarily change - but they are tested.

I'm not done with Europe. I'm not done with traveling.

And then there's the question that I'm dreading: what is it like to live in Paris?

I'm not sure if I can answer that question for someone who has never lived abroad.

Paris has been romanticized by art, literature and pop culture. It is the place of dreams and love and fashion and beauty. But to me, its where I learned what I want in life. Where I cried when my heart was broken. Where I walked around alone in a foreign city thousands of miles away from my friends and family. Where I worked my ass off. Where I craved Mexican food.

"Despite the perpetual rain, the sordid merchants, and the Homeric vulgarity of its carriage drivers, she would always remember Paris as the most beautiful city in the world, not because of what it was or was not in reality, but because it was linked to the memory of her happiest years." - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Paris is everything that you've imagined it is. Romantic. Magical. Perfect.

But until you live here, until you've been an expat somewhere, you can't understand it.

I started this blog to keep in contact with my friends and family - to help you share in my life over here. But as I try to put into words what its like to live here, as I try to summarize my time and what I've learned, and who I've become - I can't do it. It's unexplainable.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Slowing Down

I just watched a TED talk on slowing down... how ironic that I got this from my boss...

Tonight marks my 31st triple tour since April here at Fat Tire. And once again, I am almost to the point I was at last year where I just want to cry. Burn out is here. It sucks.

Is it worth it? I'm not sure. People ask me about living here in Paris all the time... all I can tell them is, I don't live in Paris. I live in the Fat Tire world. We work ridiculous hours that no one in France can possibly understand. How could you? When you're used to a 35 hour work week, working 13 hours a day 9 days in a row makes no sense whatsoever. You might as well tell them that you are from a different planet. Does not compute.

So, no. I don't get to practice my French. No, I don't get to meet many French people. No, I don't really get to experience life here.

Don't get me wrong. Sometimes I do. Thursday night, I learned all the moves to "Beat It" by the guys that have a Michael Jackson dance-a-thon every night at the Eiffel Tower.

But... the idea of slowing down has such a magical ring to it. I find myself walking home listening to Debussy "Claire du Lune." I want to stop and smell the roses. Walk in the gardens. Take a leisurely ride through the countryside. And on my vacations, I want to be lazy and not feel the pressure to GO and to SEE and to DO. I want to relax and enjoy. Have a family meal. Enjoy a wine and movie night. Savor life and the relationships I have.

So tonight... since I can't savor anything else... I will sip my glass of wine as I watch TED and try to forget about my hectic life and day. I'll think about the people I love and miss at home, and the people that I've met and cherish here, and the people that I'll meet and entertain tomorrow.

And if you will (for me), take a moment to stop what you're doing and breath - no TV, internet, radio... just enjoy the silence and stillness. Maybe I'll have my own person "On Walden Pond" moment after all.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Random Thoughts: TED Talks

For everyone who already knows about TED... awesome, I realize I'm a little behind on the times. For anyone who DOESN'T know about TED... I am so glad that I get to be the person to enlighten you.

My boss (and others) are constantly talking about this guy "ted," who apparently gives these great talks on all these different subjects. Only recently did I actually google "ted talks" to figure out what was going on.

"TED" is not a guy. It stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. Ideas worth spreading. Basically the world's most intelligent and interesting people have these big conferences every year and they talk about what is up and coming in the world. From food, politics, education, web design, art, music, technology, chinese food - anything and everything that a huge nerd like myself would be interested in. Just watch. I hope you get addicted too. (This is one of my new faves.)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Silence is Golden

Let me preface this by saying that I love to talk. If I'm really passionate about something and you get me going, you know that I won't shut up. And I usually have to have the last word. And I always have to finish my train of thought. And I love being the center of attention.

All of that being said... I am so glad that I'm about to have 2 days off, by myself, to not talk to people. I plan on being very unfriendly and unsociable. I plan on eating and drinking alone. I am going to play the silent game and WIN! I am very excited about this.

Being in a job where you talk to people constantly becomes so draining after a while that you just need silence to listen to someone else talk. My voice is driving me nuts. I could hear the lack of enthusiasm and exhaustion. I'm tired to talking about the same old things in Paris and getting excited about something that has, frankly, become rather mundane.

Yes, I see Notre Dame and the Louvre everyday.

Yes, they are beautiful.

Yes, they are old.

No, I don't care.

I need something to spice up my French history schpiel... its becoming a little too auto-pilot.

Not only that, but I think everyone is experiencing the same thing. We're tired of tours, we're tired of tourists, we're tired of bike continuously breaking down. There was a night last week when everyone was trying to get out of their tours - we're sick of work.

So hopefully tonight and the next 2 days will be Fat Tire free.

Don't worry, I still love Paris, I still love to talk, but I need some ME time.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Planning is for Losers

I don't really know why I even attempt to make plans... I'm turning into Leah circa sophomore year of college - every week I have a new career-path-goal-thing.

Last week the plan was: move to Austin, find a PR job.

This week the plan is: move to Houston, become a teacher.

I started looking around me last night as Katie Dunn and I were frantically dancing to "Motown Philly" in a crazy Parisian apartment with 10 people that we didn't know... all my friends are teachers. Not only that, but they are some of the most well travelled people I know. I've been trying to come up with a job that would still allow me to do all the things I love... learn new things, talk to people, get people excited about something, and travel the world! So... I can do all those things in a teaching career!!!

We'll see how it goes, but any and all advice and/or thoughts on my newest career-path-goal thing is welcomed.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Revolutionary July!!

July: Time for revolutions. I counted - there are 21 countries with Independence Days in July. Is it the heat? Or is it just that time? July is halfway through the year - maybe your New Years resolutions didn't work out; maybe a lot of things didn't work out. So, July - you get a New Years Part 2. A 6 month resolution is just as good as one for the whole year. Is like a mid-way do-over. A mulligan of sorts... you can't just start the game over, but you can reset the lay of the land.

So Canada Day is July 1st - and I think the consensus was, "What the hell is Canada Day?" Even the Canadians on my tours forgot about it. Hilarious.

Then the 4th of July - working our way up. The United States signs a piece of paper saying that we're independent from Britain... neat. But we celebrate it every year with fireworks... and in our case, jello shots. Nothing says America like jello shots. Our beautiful hostess, Shannon, showing off her masterpieces.

Not to mention she has a ROCKIN' apartment and a great fedora collection.

And onto maybe my favorite July holiday. Bastille Day. If you don't remember my history lesson from last year, then just know that its by far the bloodiest and most anti-climactic out of the July revolutions.

The paratroopers jumping out of planes!

Scott looking cool in front of the tower - you can see the ridiculous amount of people.

And we had a reunion of FTBT-TC2'08... I wish we had gotten a picture of all of us, but here's me and Peaches (Threkeld, Carolyn, Devin and Smash were there too!)

And then there were the fireworks... omg, so much better than last year!! They basically did an "Eiffel Tower through the ages" kinda thing. It was fantastic. You can see the ridiculous amount of people that were there in the picture below.

Above: Welcome to the 60's!!

Keep on rockin'.

Some revolutions change your life. I've had my July revolution as well - when your life seems to be going in one direction, and then suddenly does a 180. But - all is well; I'm going to Bruges next week - only 2.5 more months in Europe... time flies when you're having fun.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Wanderer

Wanderer Above the Sea Fog by Casper David Friedrich

This painting has always spoken to me in some way, and I feel like at this present moment it encompasses all my feelings into one.

A person reaches a point in their life, a precipice, a "Do your worst!" kinda moment.

But this man is a wanderer - why? Is he searching for something? Did he lose something? Tragically or just a gradual slipping away? Did he leave something? Is he running or is he searching?

Is he looking out into a bright new future, looking forward to what tomorrow may bring, or is he gazing into the past, wondering if he made the right choice after all?

Are there regrets or only hope? Happiness or sadness? Yet despite the mixed feelings - there is still an overtone of loneliness.

But is he rising above the fog or contemplating jumping off? Is he excited about cutting a new path or worried that where he goes, no one else may follow - for he has burned all the bridges behind him?

Will he remain a wanderer?

Does he identify with the rock? - stable, never changing... or the sea from which the fog came? - also eternal, but terrible, magnificent, and adaptable. Able to break down the strongest of stone over time.

He is a traveller - but has his journey just begun or is it coming to an end?

What is he looking forward to?

Where is he going?

Why?

What draws him, what moves him? Is he being pushed or pulled, is he running to or from? Is he selfishly looking for a new life for himself alone or is he trying to pave the wave for others?

In my own life, these are all the questions that I keep asking myself. But for the moment, I am just happy to be the wanderer staring at the fog. Its a challenging personal journey that is impossible to explain. It can be frightening and exciting and unbelievably fulfilling at times. More than anything, I know that I can survive anything. I am a wanderer. But I know who I am.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Rue Blondel Repas

This is the view from the Rue Blondel.

Excellent right?!

This is the OTHER view from the Rue Blondel.

Count the hookers.

Look at the hooker working. She didn't come back for a while after this. Unfortunately, you can't tell her age... but its about 60.

I love the cultural experiences I have in Paris... this is Adam and Andrew's apartment. Affectionately referred to as "Prostitute Alley."

We had one of the most excellent dinner parties known to man. Andrew is a fantastic cook... plus he knows the way to my heart... through lots and lots of... food.

Julie was so excited to be there!

Scott and Seth's brother. I mean... I could not ask for more excellent company. Not to mention there was a "no Fat Tire t-shirt" rule... and actually, the FTBT people were incredibly outnumbered by... regular people. It was fantastic.

Ned is teaching me everything he knows about photography.

All in all, I would have to say that this was a great night. Great food. Great company.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

FTBT Terrorizes Paris

Also known as Fete de la Musique... easily the best day of the year. If possible, I would return to Paris every year, for June 21st - seriously, the best holiday ever. Its the longest day of the year, and Paris turns itself into a giant music festival. You can't drive on the streets because EVERYONE is out walking around. If you're in Paris for Fete and you stay in your hotel/apartment, you are lame and should be kicked out of Paris.

So... that being said - last year was truly epic. This year could have possibly been better. I didn't think that was possible.

First, a word on art - the apartment complex that our shop is in had a big art festival... the theme was "Eiffel Tower" - naturally.

This one was my favorite. She looks kinda like me.

Fat Tire contributed as well - Ode des Vélos by Adam Benedetto

Amanda's pointilist Tower... and oui, C'est la belle vie!

Now for the good stuff... getting the night started off right. And early might I add.

Miss Crystal, Teal Dana and Officer Kassie

Dana and I celebrate by doing our triple-time step tap routine... just don't spill the wine.

What an entrance. Michael J. has to set the mood for the night.

First party foul of the night.

We gather.

Our first stop was the Chicken Coop - Amanda and Shannon welcome us from the window.

I cannot tell you how much I love everything that is happening in this picture. Franz's face is priceless.

Yes, Andrew is wearing a bra. I do not know who's it is. It was hot in the Chicken Coop (when you try to fit 30 people into a place only meant for 5 or 6 this is what happens). Andrew and Adam chose to take their shirts off and tried to stay decent by wearing the girl's clothes.

Dana and Ingo (all the way from Fat Tire Berlin!) - Bisous for Booze!

You had to kiss the sheet to get a drink... this is totally fair in my mind.

What a mustache.

Some of the random music along the way.

The BoBun Palace did not disappoint. Nems from BoBun... yummy.

So then we were on to the Pont des Arts/Les Halles - but we swung through the Latin Quarter first by the Place St. Michel. But... ya know, we had a lot of bikes. And just normally parking them was taking up too much space. So we put our heads together and came up with a better solution..........