Paris – Le Deuxième Fois

I said the first time I came to Paris that I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It was sort of hyped up in my mind that first time and I was really thinking that part of the problem was that nothing could have lived up to the hype. But now I think I was wrong…

This time around I really had zero expectations for Paris. There was nothing for it to live up to and... I still don’t love it. I can’t quite put my finger on why – but Paris has a certain je ne sais quoi that just doesn’t sit right with me.

The architecture and food really can’t be beat; it’s a beautiful city with plenty of good eats – this I can’t deny. I walked from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre today and, even though the weather is a bit dodgy, I took a ton of pictures. This is usually enough for me to like a place and I do really like Paris, but I don’t love it.

I’d like to blame the people, as Parisians are reputedly a bit snobby and, well, French about things. There are some places you go where the people are really happy to have tourists, really interested in seeing that you have a good time and generally just really excited to share their city/history/culture with other people.

Paris is NOT one of those cities. They are sort of snobby and, well, French about their language and culture. In addition, as an American, I can see where they might still be harboring some resentment toward America – I mean our Government did rename French fries in the Congressional cafeteria (Freedom Fries – those Congressional types are so clever).

Should an entire country really forget such a gigantic slap in the face? I wouldn't. I’m still harboring resentment from that time Wendi “shhhh”ed me like three years ago. That was relatively minor compared to having food that isn’t even really French renamed in a cafeteria that’s not even open to the general public – the French are probably still feeling the social and economic repercussions to this day.

Seriously though, most of the people in Europe who work in the tourist/travel industry absolutely suck at what they do for a living (compared to American standards - which aren’t exactly high). With a few notable exceptions, it’s come up time and time again in pretty much every country I’ve visited – so it doesn’t seem to be an anomaly. The people I've dealt with, again with a few notable exceptions, are generally disinterested and seem to hate what they do. But I guess if I could speak four languages and the best gig I could find for myself was a minimum wage job at a tourist info point or hostel reception desk – I’d hate my job as well. Plus, it's not really any different from trying to get a salad at Cosi in DC - so I'm used to a certain lack of, ummm, enthusiasm on the part of people in service industries.

So I’m willing to cut them some slack on the people front. And yet, even though I actually speak some of the language and can read signs and menus (I can even order in restaurants sometimes), Paris and I seem destined to be “just friends” (and not particularly close friends at that).

This time around, however, I am armed with some “insider” information – tips from a real Parisian who is interning in James’ office (thanks Alexandra) – to give me an authentic French experience. I haven’t done any of these things just yet but I’ll let you know if these make the difference between like and love for me and Paris (but I’m not overly optimistic). I’ll, of course, keep all y’all posted as I’m sure you’re all waiting with bated breath to know how this all works out (who wouldn’t be really, it’s riveting)…