Actually, I’ve been here for a couple weeks now. Though, on many levels, I’m here a little prematurely given “little” details like: my funding source in France is now in question (I’m on my own dime up to now) and important work projects have not been completed back in Toronto (raising the blood pressure of several individuals). But, too many things related to my move were set in motion a long time ago. So I made the leap; both across the Atlantic, but also of faith, that it will all work out…
My first few days felt a little odd, partly because it was a period when most are typically travelling to spend time with family, and here I was moving in the opposite direction. But, I do tend to do things against the current. (It’s more fun that way!) My trip and arrival were quite relaxing. The only thing that didn’t go according to plan was with my excess baggage. There were some interesting times on the phone with FedEx. I kid you not, it was the cheapest option, but thank goodness I did my shipment through a logistics company in the UK who, in the end, were the ones left on the hook for the supplementary 88 euros fee, due to a mistake by FedEx France.
Minus a few luxuries I had in Toronto (like storage space, wood floors and efficient heating), my new place is starting to feel like home. Despite the fact that it’s winter, I’m really enjoying the view from my little rooftop terrace; quite a novelty since I’ve never even had a balcony before. Another bonus is that the coffee machine makes excellent coffee – despite my bad touch at making coffee.
Of course, having moved, I’ve been getting a lot of New Year’s best wishes. In general, the reaction I’ve received from my contacts can be summarized as follows: (a) “how exciting to be moving to Paris”, (b) “but get ready for a lot of administrative red tape”, and (c) “but those Parisians can be quite rude/snobbish”. I have to say that I disagree with all of the above.
First of all, although I was looking forward to the move, it wasn’t so much Paris as such (though being surrounded by my mother tongue for the first time in my life is quite novel, even soothing), but the idea of leaving Canada for Europe. I think I could be happy in any major centre; I tend to make my own happiness.
When it comes to comments (b) and (c), I think those are just stereotypes, at least from what I’ve experienced up to now. True, the French are the kings of paperwork, but it’s all quite logical as long as you follow the instructions. In addition, this particular way of doing things has spawned an industry that creates, arguably, the most beautiful stationery and accessories. Finally, there doesn’t seem to be any more rudeness here than in any other big financial centre (Toronto, New York, etc.). Anywhere in the world when one happens to catch someone at a bad time (e.g., late for work) one is likely to get a curt reply; that’s nothing particularly Parisian. The only difference, I suppose, is that many people from around the world actually come here, to a city, for their vacations. Perhaps that’s where the stereotype started. It’s naturally expected by vacationers that everyone should be a friendly, ad hoc tourist guide. Although some are, like in any population of humans, some people are just less social than others. At least here my neighbours say “bonjour/bonsoir” when I run into them in the hall/stairwell/etc.
And, on that note, bonsoir!
