Paris.  Is all it’s cracked up to be or is it just another city?  If you’re a fan of Sex and The City you know how much Carrie romanticized life in Paris.  She turned down flying off to Paris with Mr. Big but did, after much deliberation, accept the offer to go with Alexandre Patrovsky and Paris was in fact all she dreamed it would be, until it wasn’t.

The Paris of Your Dreams?

Remember the scene in which Carrie is once again alone, walking the streets of Paris, in her $400 shoes?  She steps in a fresh steamy pile of dog poop and the local men laugh at her as she tries, in vain, to wash the poop off of her shoes?

Well, my friends, let me tell you those not so lovely piles are on pretty much every sidewalk in Paris.  As explained to us by those in the know, Paris supposedly is not a dog friendly city. Yet I saw them sitting next to their people in restaurants and I definitely saw the evidence on the sidewalks.  Apparently, there is a mindset among some who feel they pay taxes and those piles are what the street cleaners are paid to clean up.  We learned very quickly to pay attention to where we were walking.  So, is this the Paris of your dreams?  Maybe not, but don’t rush to any decisions just yet.

This is a timely and informative article about the not so pleasant topic.

Paris is an Enigma

Paris is an enigma.  Breathtakingly beautiful, historically astounding and known as the city of lights and love. Paris also has a side that is not so pretty.  With a population of 2.2 million that swells to 16 million throughout the year.  With the spring and summer tourist seasons attracting the largest crowds, there are a lot of people.  Personal space is hard to find.

A dinner table in a neighborhood cafe would be classified as a cocktail table in the U.S.  Want to have a private conversation over dinner?  Stay home, unless you want to spend BIG money at a larger upscale restaurant.  And yet, the Parisians handle it beautifully.  The neighborhood cafe can seem loud and crowded. But, if you pay attention everyone is engaged in their own personal story and seemingly unaware of those sitting at the next table. A table that is less than eight inches from them.  Our best dining experiences were found at the tiniest tables in the tiniest cafes!

Traffic at Warp Speed

Traffic in all forms moves at warp speed in Paris. Whether it be foot traffic, cars, bicycles, trains, you name it, it moves fast!  If you want to stroll along the sidewalks and window shop you’d be well-advised to stay to the side. Or risk being bumped aside.  While strolling the Champs Elysees stirs up all kinds of romantic images, the reality is it is an avenue of ridiculously overpriced retail venues.  It is visited only by those dressed to the 9’s whose sole purpose is to be seen.  There are 100 better ways to spend your time; such as take the super fun Fat Tire Bike Tour!

The Ugly American

Is the stereotype of the so-called ugly American still prevalent in Paris?  I think the answer is like so many other things about Paris; not easily defined one way or the other.  We found most people we asked were willing to help point us in the right direction. Others we asked just looked right through us, but don’t we all find that pretty much everywhere we go?

What we tried to do was pay attention to what the locals were doing and then follow suit.  If we weren’t sure of our next move, we just held back for a moment and watched.  For example, at the train station when we weren’t sure how to validate our tickets. We waited less than a minute and we were able to watch someone else validate their ticket.

Blending is the Key

Blending in is key to successful travel. Especially if you don’t want to be “labeled” as anything.  Don’t wear a brightly colored t-shirt with the U.S. (or any nation) flag emblazoned across the front.  You can be proud of where you come from but you don’t need to put it in their faces. You are, after all, a guest in their country.  Don’t speak the language?  Talking louder and slower doesn’t make anyone understand you more. It makes you stupid.  Don’t do it.  Learn a few key phrases, say them politely and with a smile.  It will glean a pleasant response.

Traveling in the off season definitely has its perks, the city is not as crowded, the locals are a bit more relaxed and one can walk in to just about any museum or historical site without standing in line.

Smoking in Paris

With no disrespect to anyone who is a smoker, Paris is…. let’s see, how can I put this nicely…. well, let’s just say the tobacco companies love Parisians.  I have never in my life seen so many people smoking. As soon as they’re done with one, they’re lighting up the next one.  And, sadly, so many young people smoking like chimneys.  One should not be too surprised as so many mother’s smoke while pushing their baby in the stroller.  They are raising the next generation of smokers.

They finish their meal and before they pay the check they have a cigarette dangling from their lips in anticipation of getting outside and lighting that cancer stick.  And they are die hard smokers.  They sit outside in 30 degree weather chain smoking and as Abi says, “making love to a tiny cup of espresso.”  And, unlike in the U.S., there is no 10′ from the property law. Employees and customers alike stand with one foot inside the door and one outside while they smoke.  And, there are those who will actually light their cigarette before they’re out the door.

The Perks of Off Season

For someone, such as myself, who is highly allergic/sensitive to tobacco/smoke, it’s a pretty tough place to be. It is difficult to get away from the smoke.  Another perk of traveling in the off season (winter) is that there are less people in the cafes and I could not imagine being in Paris in the spring and summer because I believe even more people with cigarettes would be outside.

I Love Paris!

So, why write a post such as this one?  Well, here’s the thing, I love Paris!  At first I was a bit taken aback by some aspects that were less than clean, definitely.  And, I will admit I was a bit disappointed because like everyone else I had my romanticized images of Paris.  But, then it dawned on us, hey, Paris is just another big city.  It just happens to be Paris and you have to make it the experience you want it to be. If you want to focus on the negative, then you probably won’t enjoy the city very much.

Go With the Flow

I think it’s a lesson in keeping it real.  Don’t set the bar so high that your destination of choice can’t possibly live up to your expectations.   It’s okay to  be a bit disappointed, as I was, and then get over it. Look beyond the obvious and fall in love with Paris.  It can be incredibly romantic and at the same time historically fascinating.  I think the French should be applauded for their culture and holding on to their history.  I think the Parisians are very proud of their city and their language.  It’s their city so they have every right to act as they please.  I also think that before you leave home you should do your homework. As a guest of the city, figure out the best way to go with the flow and you’ll do great!