Extra Time

Without the constraints of family, close friends, or a significant other in the immediate vicinity, one has much more time to themselves. Part of the adventure of going overseas: finding something to do.

With more hours dedicated to personal endeavors, you can discover new pastimes and reconnect with old favorites. More writing has been done in the past year than ever before. More reading in parks and long coffees at cafés. More solo explorations.

Finding new things to do is part of the fun. While ambiguity of activity is a downside, the possibility of failure makes each successful discovery shine brighter. Plus, with little attachment, it is a chance to experiment. If your lab results are negative, try something else.

Moving overseas is also a good time for reflection – a time out. It is hard not to ponder everything when you stumble into abundant free time. Take out many things that are important on the outside and you are left with what is inside.

Most of us trek in a direction. Many of us are not sure it is the right one. When you take velocity out of the equation, you get a perspective on where you would like to go when it starts back up.

It’s not the compass that guides the ship, it’s the captain.

Glorious Apartment

Those who have kept up may get a hint that the apartment is not ideal. The location is fantastic, but for the money, desire administrates.

The apartment includes a set of standard Paris deficiencies. A washer/dryer combination that murders clothing and by which dry means steams. A miniature water heater that makes for brisk, though more efficient, mornings. One fire exit for easier decision making in an emergency.

But some deficiencies are more than standard. They are substandard.

*Pop*

*Crash*

*Ow*

The bathroom bulb flashes incandescent death, ejects from the socket, and kamikazes into my roommate’s thinking part.

Good morning. This is the apartment, daring you to move.

And some may ask why not. Of course this is an option. There are certainly better places.

But this comes at a very expensive price.

In France you have agents that you must pay in order to rent an apartment. Theoretically, they help you find the perfect place. Practically, they make Gordon Gecko seem philanthropic.

And even if you bite that bullet, you have to set up your utilities and Internet. Lest we forget how that went.

So for now, the apartment still dares. Maybe one day there will be a change.

Until then, do your worst, apartment.

Paris is Makey-Outy

A common observation of many Paris newcomers is the quantity of making out. Yes, it is one in the afternoon. No, they are not drunk.

The true French kissing may not be in the style, but in the location.

Public.

Everyone seems to participate. Public displays of affection are not just restricted to the college aged. Prudeness is démodé.

And maybe that is why Paris is the city of lovers. When you are here, and in love, you are free to show it.

Because at least, as the adage goes, everyone else is doing it.

Merry New Year!

In spite of robust arguments, delicious Italian beef, and working appliances, the plane was boarded. Now back in Paris, it is a new year, and that should mean new adventures.

The time off was much needed. A chance to reflect on Paris life outside of Paris. Surely there is a post there.

Hope all of you out there are well. Here's to attempting to post regularly again.