Bonjour
Been staying with Olivia for the past few days and we have enjoyed ourselves tremendously. She is studying in Paris and as with many college students, budget is very tight. She got her cozy little apartment for 500 Euros a month - which is very cheap for local standards. It is a 5mins walk from the Metro and has most amenities nearby. The only gripe about it is that it is in Pigalle, the red-light district in Paris, and things could get a little "rough" at night. Just 2 days before I arrived, a guy was shot outside a Poker Club that was down the street. I was naturally worried, but she assured me that nothing will happen. She even got us a gun that shoots out a gel that supposedly impairs a person for 30mins. Fortunately, I have not gotten the chance to use it.
Now on the lighter side of Paris. As a start, the weather here is fantastic. It ranges between 18 to 24 degree, a little chilly but sunny. So it is the best combination you can get (London was just a tad too cold). They have the little terraces everywhere and 2 - 3 times a day, we will be there having brunch, coffee or a glass of wine. Seats are arranged facing the streets, and it is lovely just to people-watch and enjoy the beautiful buildings and the lively buzz. Whilst watching, I have made a couple of observations. 1) Dogs can enter anywhere in Paris. In the cafes, in the banks, etc. And, they do not bark... at all. I guess they are enjoying themselves so much that there is really very little need for them to bark. 2) Parisians are very fashionable. People of all ages dress very well, and it is not exactly cos of the clothes, but more of how they put everything together! 3) While everyone dresses very well, many smoke too, and I think I have had too much 2nd hand smoke these couple of days. 4) Parisians are rather civic/environmentally heightened. E.g;, They would pick up the dog poop or that they cycle everywhere. Roads here are safe for cyclists too.
Will update more when I have access again. (Am at Oli's school lab and am being chased out).
XOXOXO, Ciao...
Now on the lighter side of Paris. As a start, the weather here is fantastic. It ranges between 18 to 24 degree, a little chilly but sunny. So it is the best combination you can get (London was just a tad too cold). They have the little terraces everywhere and 2 - 3 times a day, we will be there having brunch, coffee or a glass of wine. Seats are arranged facing the streets, and it is lovely just to people-watch and enjoy the beautiful buildings and the lively buzz. Whilst watching, I have made a couple of observations. 1) Dogs can enter anywhere in Paris. In the cafes, in the banks, etc. And, they do not bark... at all. I guess they are enjoying themselves so much that there is really very little need for them to bark. 2) Parisians are very fashionable. People of all ages dress very well, and it is not exactly cos of the clothes, but more of how they put everything together! 3) While everyone dresses very well, many smoke too, and I think I have had too much 2nd hand smoke these couple of days. 4) Parisians are rather civic/environmentally heightened. E.g;, They would pick up the dog poop or that they cycle everywhere. Roads here are safe for cyclists too.
Will update more when I have access again. (Am at Oli's school lab and am being chased out).
XOXOXO, Ciao...