Je ne parle pas français …

 

 

 

I type this post while sipping on some divine tea from Syria given to me by a friend because I have a cold.

My first two weeks in le petit Paris have been an adventure and a world wind of emotions; from being scared and nervous, to crying tears that filled the Seine River, ok not really but let me have my dramatic moment, to eating crepes and walking the Sunday markets. Paris, dear folks offers it all.

I have walked tons! I’ve walked so much that I’m hundred percent certain that I have not walked this much in my life (yip that’s a South African for you ;)). I must add that toned legs are definitely in my future YAY. I have got lost in this city, taken the wrong metro, ended up in the outside of Paris (which is pretty snazzy might I add) and have met some really nice people along the way.

My experience so far has been one of varied proportions; initially I was ready to close my bags, say "au revoir" and run back home to my mum. But then I told myself "shut up you ungrateful ***** this is an amazing opportunity and you are lucky", so instead I woke up everyday ready to face Paris and prayed that things will get better and I will settle in; voila that's what happened, Shukar.


I have actually met some really nice random people who have always helped me find my way despite my inability to speak French, the pastries are amazing, people are good looking and the public transport is remarkable and oh so convenient. Everyone looks like they’ve stepped off the runway, except in the area I live in, where people are more chilled and normal, but I soon realised that is not the whole of Paris and I brought like five pairs of clothing, alas I won’t let that intimidate me.

I’m that person who randomly smiles at anyone I make eye contact with, and apparently that’s a super weird thing to do here. I must admit that weirdly enough, I get scared to read Salaah anywhere *sigh* and that’s when I realise how much I miss SA, like I can read Salaah anywhere without a worry in the world.

Paris, from what I've seen so far is pretty but pretty regular and normal too. Probably like any other city in the world. However, the architecture and buildings are astonishing and oh so beautiful! Life is regular and life is the same everywhere; this is my home now. I feel pretty grown up hey; I cook, clean, do dishes ALL the time (like every time I use something I wash it), sweep my room and do grocery shopping, but you know that kind of shopping where you compare prices like an old married lady; yip I do tons of that hehe.

I must add this city is definitely one for those whom are in love, there’s magic in the air; the lights and light splatter of a gentle winter rain definitely add to the ambiance of it all. The Eiffel Tower is breathtakingly beautiful and reminds you of the genius each of us hold within us. However, you can’t see the tower from all of Paris as I thought before I arrived.

I visited the Moulin Rouge area last week; at first I said hi to people who said hi to me, and smiled back at others (because it’s just what I do), I was then told “no stop” by my Parisian/Mauritian BFF/sister. This street is unlike anything I’ve ever seen; there are live strip shows, sex workers, tons of sex stores and the place where that famous picture of Marilyn Monroe was taken. This was definitely a culture shock for me but at the same time super interesting. It amazes and impresses me that people are so open.  

 

 

I met a nice group of people, they're from different parts of the world and two are from SA which is pretty cool. I feel grateful to have them in my life as they, along with my Parisian/Mauritian BFF, have made this transition all the more easier and fun! I have like five months left Insha’Allah and I feel quite depressed about leaving my new home. However, if I have one wish that could come true it be that my parents and family come to visit! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to eating alone and cooking for one, it’s lonely and I’m that person who is comfortable on my own but I crave human interaction.

So here’s to the challenges of academics, new experiences, the friends who will become family, learning French and most of all the exciting places I have yet to see.

From Paris with Love

xoxo