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.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Xmas à la Mode
After returning from the states, one thing is apparent. Christmas in Paris has style.
It is decoration with taste. Nothing is too over the top. The music is not ubiquitous. Most places are still the same with just a hint of Christmas – not a deluge.
In the US, the assault is full scale.
There is a reason the dentist presses on your gums when giving the shot of Novocain. The pressure overloads your nerve and it does not register the pain. In fact, most anesthesias work by creating too much for your nerves to do. Overload them and they get too confused to work.
This has happened with Christmas in the US. The constant torrents of Christmas dull the senses. Fun is severed. Meaning drowns in glitter.
And you can do nothing but wait for the effects to subside.
But Paris has it right. Like good cuisine, there is a noticeable change, but it is in hints. There are flavors all over the city, but done aesthetically. The decorations feel more a part of their environment than an invasion of the North Pole.
This style makes the season more enjoyable. The lack of excess makes each decoration special. The best part is that it takes time to notice.
And in that subtleness, there is something to feel.
It is decoration with taste. Nothing is too over the top. The music is not ubiquitous. Most places are still the same with just a hint of Christmas – not a deluge.
In the US, the assault is full scale.
There is a reason the dentist presses on your gums when giving the shot of Novocain. The pressure overloads your nerve and it does not register the pain. In fact, most anesthesias work by creating too much for your nerves to do. Overload them and they get too confused to work.
This has happened with Christmas in the US. The constant torrents of Christmas dull the senses. Fun is severed. Meaning drowns in glitter.
And you can do nothing but wait for the effects to subside.
But Paris has it right. Like good cuisine, there is a noticeable change, but it is in hints. There are flavors all over the city, but done aesthetically. The decorations feel more a part of their environment than an invasion of the North Pole.
This style makes the season more enjoyable. The lack of excess makes each decoration special. The best part is that it takes time to notice.
And in that subtleness, there is something to feel.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Palais de la Découverte
Welcome to the wonderful world of science.
And good news, everyone! It wants to be your friend!
For those familiar with Chicago, think of the palais as an updated museum of science in industry. There is a bit more fun and art within the exhibits. Also in Paris fashion, its abode is magnificent.
The exhibits are standard science fare: the human body, the solar system, geology, mathematics. Many of the exhibits are from a historical perspective. Meaning, what we as humans discovered at what point in time.
There is an interesting temporary exhibition on climate change. This was not solely about current climate change, but encapsulated elements of the earth’s position in the solar system as well as tilt of its axis. The exhibit also included millions of years of climate change on earth to provide context for current dilemmas.
There was also a photographical exhibition on volcanoes and geology. The pictures were stunning, and it was a good introduction to the different types of geological activity that involves heat and explosions.
Activity best viewed from afar.
If you like science, it is a good place to get a refresher, see some history, and sprinkle a few new bits of knowledge into what you know. The museum is appropriately sized and you will be able to do most of it in about 3 hours. It is near the heart and walking distance to a lot of other sights. It is not a must, but is worth consideration before the final cut.
And good news, everyone! It wants to be your friend!
For those familiar with Chicago, think of the palais as an updated museum of science in industry. There is a bit more fun and art within the exhibits. Also in Paris fashion, its abode is magnificent.
The exhibits are standard science fare: the human body, the solar system, geology, mathematics. Many of the exhibits are from a historical perspective. Meaning, what we as humans discovered at what point in time.
There is an interesting temporary exhibition on climate change. This was not solely about current climate change, but encapsulated elements of the earth’s position in the solar system as well as tilt of its axis. The exhibit also included millions of years of climate change on earth to provide context for current dilemmas.
There was also a photographical exhibition on volcanoes and geology. The pictures were stunning, and it was a good introduction to the different types of geological activity that involves heat and explosions.
Activity best viewed from afar.
If you like science, it is a good place to get a refresher, see some history, and sprinkle a few new bits of knowledge into what you know. The museum is appropriately sized and you will be able to do most of it in about 3 hours. It is near the heart and walking distance to a lot of other sights. It is not a must, but is worth consideration before the final cut.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Home Again
Thanksgiving will be the first time home in seven months. The trip is long overdue.
To move to another country is to open you to a new perspective. Sometimes this openness arrives like a blooming flower. Other times, it is like a fireman axing through a building inferno.
A break will be nice.
The plane ride does not seem so long right now. There are many people to see and large parts of life to continue. This trip deserves the want it commanded for the last month.
Though the Paris experience dilutes the desire for permanent Illinois residence, its efforts on the wish to return only enhance the sentiment. It is hard to not feel longing.
Paris is a great city, but missing some important things.
To return to them is happy.
To move to another country is to open you to a new perspective. Sometimes this openness arrives like a blooming flower. Other times, it is like a fireman axing through a building inferno.
A break will be nice.
The plane ride does not seem so long right now. There are many people to see and large parts of life to continue. This trip deserves the want it commanded for the last month.
Though the Paris experience dilutes the desire for permanent Illinois residence, its efforts on the wish to return only enhance the sentiment. It is hard to not feel longing.
Paris is a great city, but missing some important things.
To return to them is happy.
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