Bonjour á Paris! I am currently studying abroad in Paris this summer and I'm loving every minute! I've been here for a few days right now, so I feel like I have a pretty decent grasp of how the city works and of how Parisian life goes. So if you're planning to study abroad in Paris or just come here for a visit (which you totally should), here are the 8 things that you learn during your first week in Paris.
1. Most of the people in France can speak English... they just don't want to
I'm in Paris studying French, so I try to speak French as much as possible in every situation I can. However, in the few times that I've seen tourists speak English (or have spoken English myself), I've learned that the French don't like speaking English. Most of them can, but they just don't. And honestly, I can't blame them! The French language is so beautiful that I wouldn't want to speak English if I didn't have to.
2. Most things are closed on Sunday
In the infamous words of Vernon Dursley in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Fine day, Sunday." The French take this seriously, and most shops are closed Sunday or have very limited hours. I totally appreciate this, as it encourages people to spend time with their family or spend time resting for the week ahead.
3. Dinner is served late (and I mean LATE)
I am someone who is used to eating dinner at around 5:30-6 p.m., but since I've arrived in Paris, I now eat dinner at around 10 p.m. each night. As someone who likes food at any time of the day, I am totally okay with this. It's just a nice thing to know.
4. Paris public transportation is honestly the greatest thing EVER
I've spent my fair deal of time on public transportation. I've been to New York around five times and I ride the subway extensively every time that I'm there. But no public transportation that I've encountered comes close to the greatness that is Paris public transport. The metro is clean and speedy, and the buses are always on time.
5. Parisians walk — everywhere
This has been something that is new to me as an American who loves to hop in my car and drive to my given location. When I'm not taking a bus to get to school or the metro to get around town, I am walking. Whether it's rainy or hot, cold or sunny, Parisians walk, and they deserve a medal for it.
6. There is no air conditioning here
As someone who now lives in Texas, this was a hard thing for me to grasp at first. It may be 80 degrees, but my house (and almost everywhere that I know) does not have A/C. You just dress for the weather and tough it out.
7. Metro time is music or reading time
I can't possibly count the number of people that I've seen reading or listening to something on their headphones in the metro or on a bus. With commutes that can take 30 minutes easily, this is not time to be wasted.
8. Bread is life.
This is something that I adore about Paris. Local boulangeries have the best bread, and you can see people carrying multiple baguettes with them at any given time. One of these is usually half-eaten and for good reason. French bread is the best.
