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Bonjour from Paris! Today's a "do-it-all" Sunday, balancing laundry with catching up on the week. Let's dive into the Parisian whirlwind! Laundry Day Surprise and Hair Day My day started with a lucky break. The laundry room was free, so I snagged the two machines for my clothes and towels. After the card reader glitched and caused a faux alarm, I said a quick prayer to the tech gods, swiped my card – success! Now, onto some blog updates and hair washing – a half day affair for my natural hair. Balancing Studies and Self-Care Weekends are crucial for catching up. I missed blogging Friday's adventures, and I don't want to fall behind. School offers a nice balance with later classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This allows some morning time to center myself before the Parisian hustle begins. This week's French lessons focused on le vocabularie, l'écologie, compréhension orale, and passive phrases ex. (Fr) Elle me demand ce que j'ai fait (Eng) She asked me what I was doing. Sometimes things click (very) slowly, but I have a test every Monday, so Sundays are for studying. Honestly, the desire to study French after a full day of school has not yet clicked, so balancing French studies with American TV is my current reality. Friday's Farewell Friday saw classmates saying goodbye, heading back to Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and Colombia. I shared my blog with some, sparking their interest in following my Parisian journey. Our teacher planned a fun farewell museum visit. However, a metro mishap tested my French! I got stuck in between the turnstile and fare gate due to someone swiping their card right behind me! Thank goodness I was there with my teacher so she could tell the agent that I was physically stuck in the middle and couldn't escape. A deep breath later, I emerged with a story and a reminder: "Strange things are bound to happen in Paris!"  Artistic Inspiration at 59 Rivoli The museum adventure led us to the Point Neuf métro, at 59 Rivoli, an open-space art studio. Witnessing artists at work, showcasing a range of styles from portraits to abstract art, was truly inspiring. The studio itself was a work of art, with every surface from walls to stairs adorned in vibrant creations. The top floor boasted a beautiful glass ceiling, bathing the space in natural light. I created a Youtube short that shows more of the interior, but they've asked us to respect the artists and tag their work before sharing online. 
 Dinner and Language Learning After the museum, we enjoyed a casual dinner and drinks at L'Amazonial – a perfect way to bond with classmates. The address for the restaurant is 3 Rue Sainte-Opportune, an area perfect for people watching or chatting away. While French should be the goal, English remains our current common ground. My German friend asked me if Houston still had that problem? It took me a second but... Hopefully, in a month or two, conversations will flow in French (including the puns!) as some classmates aim to stay in French-speaking regions.  Stay tuned for more Parisian adventures, including *hopeful* visits to Lyon and Marseille!
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Paris is a whirlwind! While I'm adjusting to the constant walking and navigating public transportation, the city's charm is undeniable. Here's a glimpse into a fun Wednesday spent exploring with classmates. The Quest for the Perfect Notebook The day began with a mission – finding the perfect notebooks and folders for school. We ventured to FNAC, a giant store resembling Best Buy in the US. Though we didn't find exactly what we were looking for, navigating the metro with classmates proved to be a valuable learning experience. The pen section was funny because people actually tried out the pens on the shelving - and it's art!  Unexpected Delights: Le Petit Marcel and a Parisian Steak Tip After our bookstore hunt, a craving for a proper Parisian meal led us on a delightful detour. We stumbled upon Le Petit Marcel, a charming cafe with intricate designs and a welcoming atmosphere. The waiter, speaking perfect English, highly recommended the steak. We took his advice and were not disappointed! The steak paired surprisingly well with the coconut rice, and a fun fact emerged: the first bite of the steak is best enjoyed without any sauce, according to our enthusiastic waiter.   Bar Demory's Cave-like Charm and American Comfort Food After indulging in a delicious meal, we continued our Parisian adventure with beers at Bar Demory. This casual bar surprised us with its cave-like atmosphere downstairs, perfect for a relaxed evening. Our exploration didn't end there! We stumbled upon a store selling American snacks, a touch of home amidst the foreign streets. While I'm focused on healthy eating, it was comforting to know where to find those familiar treats if the craving strikes.   American snacks Finding Balance and Building Connections
Paris offers a beautiful balance of exploration and time to soak in the moment. Living here for 18 months means I can pace myself and truly experience the city. One of my professors saw the blog and asked me if I was writing it in French! Honestly, that would be an amazing way to practice and I'll dedicate time to do that. Now that I'm settling in, I'm eager to connect with the expat community and make friends. Practicing French in a relaxed social setting, perhaps over a glass of wine, is definitely on my list! Stay tuned for more Parisian adventures! Bonjour from Paris! I'm excited to share a glimpse into my second full week in the City of Lights. It's been a whirlwind of learning, unexpected adventures, and of course, delicious discoveries. Class and Culture Clash The week started with a rude awakening (literally - 9 AM classes are tough!). But the early mornings are balanced by the reward of learning French in a vibrant environment. My classmates are a great resource, and two of us even a skipped class turned into a fun Parisian lunch date. In my defense, I didn't know that lunch was going to take so long! Speaking of lunch, navigating Parisian meal customs has been an interesting experience. From leisurely lunches with no takeout boxes to the importance of ordering the "plat du jour" (daily special), it's all part of the cultural immersion.  @lorettelinsta  le plat du jour - pork sausage, mashed potatoes, and sautéed onions; 23 avril 2024 Pencil Quest and Palace Adventures A simple errand for notebooks turned into an adventure. After getting lost searching for a school supplies, I learned a valuable lesson thanks to my teacher: Parisians get their school supplies at the Monoprix! Thankfully I asked her because the first store I found while searching for a "librarie" turned out to be a tarot and crystals shop - not exactly what I was searching for. Petit Palais, a Beaux-Arts Style Building Later, I finally made it to the Petite Palais, a stunning museum housed in a former palace. It's amazing how France transforms these grand spaces into accessible cultural hubs. It features a permanent collection of art spanning centuries, from antiquity to the early 20th century. Originally built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Petit Palais is now a free museum (except for temporary exhibitions) and a popular destination for art lovers visiting Paris.
 Exploring Parisian Groceries Another exciting find was Picard, a store with a mind-blowing selection of high-quality frozen meals. From healthy options rated "A" for nutrition to decadent treats, it's a game-changer for busy Parisians (or time-crunched students like me!). Sweet and Savory Delights Paris is a paradise for both sweet and savory palates. I'm trying to be mindful of sugar during the week, but indulging in a pastry or two is part of the experience. Discovering my love for pistachio desserts (especially tiramisu!) has been a delightful surprise.  Learning to Love the Parisian Pace
Parisian life moves at a different pace than back home. Adjusting to the constant walking, the focus on in-depth learning, and the leisurely approach to meals has been a challenge, but it's also eye-opening. This immersive experience is exactly why I signed up for this program, and I know it will benefit me in the long run. Living and Learning in Paris Every day brings new discoveries, from navigating the metro to deciphering food labels. There are bound to be more mishaps and miscommunications along the way, but that's all part of the adventure. I'm excited to continue learning, exploring, and indulging in the best that Paris has to offer. Living in Paris is requiring me to navigate new routines including washing my hair in a tiny shower. This week has been a mix of exploring the city and settling into my cozy apartment. I'm starting to get more sleep here in Paris, which is great because back in Houston, early mornings were my norm. Here, my Parisian pied-à-terre (small apartment) offers a haven for relaxation. Building a Nighttime Nest My once-makeshift pillow situation (using couch cushions!) has been replaced with a plush pillow from what seems to be the Costco of France and fresh sheets. At night, I indulge in a self-care ritual with my favorite Clarins lotion, silk sleep bonnet, warm socks, and eye mask from Air France. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. French Lessons and Natural Hair Experiments Mondays mean French class tests, and this week I'm aiming to pass it, so I can get to the next level! Last week's B felt a little lucky, but this time I'm well-prepared on verb conjugations and pronouns.  My hair has also been an experiment, normally when I travel I have my hair braided. But, I've been wearing it in a bun for the last two weeks (thanks Mielle edge control - I brought 5 of them with me). I recently got a keratin treatment in Houston for manageability, and while it's simplified my mornings, detangling has proven trickier than expected. YouTube tutorials have become my new best friend, teaching me gentler detangling techniques to prevent breakage. Hairstyling Mishap! *Update* Last night, I reached for my trusty American blow dryer from Pattern to style my hair. But then, panic struck! What if I plugged it in and caused a power surge, blacking out the entire building? Hesitantly, I gave it a shot, starting on the lowest setting. To my surprise, it was way too powerful! Even on the "low" setting, it felt like a hurricane was blasting my hair. Then, a whiff of something burning sent shivers down my spine. Better safe than sorry, I unplugged it quickly. So, I had to improvise and twist my hair differently to speed up drying. Lesson learned: leave the American appliances at home next time! Salon Adventures Await A visit to a Parisian hair salon is on the horizon! Finding a stylist who works with natural hair and avoids harsh chemicals is a priority. I seriously can't wait to share my salon experience (and recommendations!) in a future post. I may have to find someone who speaks a bit of English, just so we don't get lost in translation - I don't want a relaxer mistaken for a keratin! Balancing Languages and Creativity Being surrounded by French can be overwhelming at times. American shows on Netflix offer a comforting dose of English, but creating blog content and editing photos remain a priority. Consistency is key, and I'm already seeing positive results with my YouTube channel.  Signing Off for Now
Paris is proving to be a city of exploration and I don't want to rush any of it especially since I have plans to be here for almost two years in school. With a cozy space to unwind and a commitment to learning, I'm excited for what the future holds! Now, it's time to catch some Zzz's for another Parisian adventure tomorrow. Coming from America, I've observed that Paris, is truly the City of Lights, romance, and...apparently, death-defying train exits? After two weeks of exploring the City of Lights (and battling the occasional downpour), here are 10 things that surprised this Houstonian transplant: 1. The Parisian Parkour: Forget waiting for the train to fully stop. Parisians seem to have mastered the art of leaping off while it's still in motion. I thought we were supposed to slow down for croissants and coffees? 2. April Showers...and More Showers: Houston may have its fair share of rain, but Paris in April is a whole different story. Pack your umbrella, scarf, and waterproof shoes, because dodging puddles is practically an Olympic sport here. 3. Step Up Your Step Game: Walking in Houston usually involves navigating sprawling parking lots and the rare sidewalk. Paris, on the other hand, is a walker's paradise. Just be prepared to hit your 10,000 steps goal much faster – between some cobblestone streets, carrying a backpack, or running up a flight of stairs, it can be a calf workout! 4. A Cobbled Love Affair: Speaking of cobblestones, yes, they're everywhere. While they add a certain charm to the city, they can also be a bit tricky on high heels. Invest in a comfortable pair of flats, your ankles will thank you. 5. Parisian Chic in Action: Forget the athleisure look that dominates Houston. Parisians take their fashion seriously, and trench coats and long wool coats are a wardrobe staple. It's a timeless look that never goes out of style. 6. Bonjour, Kindness: Despite the stereotype of rude Parisians, I've found them to be quite friendly (if you make an effort to speak some French, of course). A little "bonjour" and "merci" go a long way! For my French learners, if a French person starts speaking in English to you, just keep speaking back in French.. they'll get it. 7. A Culture of Smoking and Le Smoking: Be prepared to see a lot of smoking in Paris. I don't think that comes as a surprise to anyone. But, I would prefer a YSL le smoking (a tuxedo) over regular smoking any day.  HAUTE COUTURE Spring 2002Yves Saint LaurentRetrospective Couture Show Paris 8. Stairway to Heaven (or at Least My Apartment): Houstonians are spoiled with elevators practically everywhere. Here, stairs are a common way of life, and my leg muscles are definitely feeling the burn even though I trained regularly at Equinox, my former gym in Houston. I do take the stairs often, including in my building where I live on the 5th floor (which is 6th floor in US terms). 9. A Feast for the Eyes (Optically Speaking): Paris has an eyeglass shop on practically every corner! From luxury brands to quirky independent boutiques, the selection is mind-boggling. I bought a pair of Oliver Peoples frames before I left, still love them, but might not have if I had known about the selections here.  10. The Shower Curtain Conundrum: Finally, the bane of my existence: the dreaded shower curtain. Most Parisian apartments seem to have them instead of shower doors, which means a constant battle with overflowing water. Maybe I should've brought my raincoat into the bathroom too?
So, there you have it – 10 observations from an American navigating the beauty and quirks of Parisian life. It's definitely an adjustment, but one I'm thoroughly enjoying. À bientôt, Paris! |
AuthorBonjour, I’m Tsahia—friends call me Tash. I’m a Parisian luxury-focused entrepreneur and writer, living in the heart of Paris. I'm currently studying Global Luxury Brand Management at Sup de Luxe. 
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