Bonjour mon amis!
…well, it’s day two here in Paris, and without going into all of the emotional baggage, it has been hard to adjust.
I always knew that I just knew a little French…but I didn’t know how little that indeed was. Putting sentences together is not my specialty at the moment. Sure, I can say all sorts of French things in my head, and they sound absolutely lovely (some of which, I’m not sure what they mean, but they are in there), but once I start to speak, it becomes a mix of stuttering half French/half English babble.
Frankly put, after a lovely but embarrassing dinner party upon my arrival last night, I was a little fearful of going outside on my own to buy food.
It took the morning and most of the afternoon before I decided that my bag of ‘airplane snack’ pumpkin seeds was just not going to be enough substance for the day. I made a plan, I would only buy things that I knew how to pronounce – took a deep breath – put on my coat and boots – and headed out the door.
In the end, I succeeded in buying all of the things that I set out for, with only a small amount of embarrassment. Who knew buying produce would be such a task?!…
Here is what I purchased:
Trois Oranges,
Deux Pommes,
Une Petite Baguette,
et Une Eclair Cafe (impulse purchase and YUMMY!)
And yes, it was very nice to finally get outside, and walk around – just had to let go of that initial fear.
Tomorrow is another day, and I certainly have a lot of time to explore!
I’m pretty sure language lessons are in my not too distant future as well – then perhaps I won’t be just eating fruit and baguettes!?
I so totally understand your fear. I worry even more because I have a food allergy. How does one say “gluten” in French, anyways?
“Que le petite baguette est mortel?”
Are you having an amazing time otherwise?!
Luckily, I have no food allergies – that would pose a problem indeed!
Otherwise, yes, I’m having a splendid time! Can’t beat being in Paris!
The gal I am staying with right now is fantastic, she speaks English very well (so even though it’s not ‘helping’ me, it is nice to be able to express myself a bit more), and she is excited to show me around, etc and so forth. All of her friends that I have met so far have been really nice too – they really enjoy talking about politics. One of them was curious about how Americans were adjusting to our new president…so that was an hour long conversation! haha. (in English)
One thing that my husband does when we go home and since he is very self-conscious about his French is to ask “do you mind of I speak English because my French is not good?” instead of “do you speak English?”. You should see the automatic moment of sheer relaxation on the faces of the people he’s trying to communicate with. It always ends up being a fun interactive French-English moment.
I do hope you get to enjoy the city. I miss it. I miss my entire country actually!
That is a very good way to ask! I will have to try that when I’m in another social situation
You have a beautiful Country my dear! I certainly have plenty of time to enjoy it – I will be in and around Paris for 3 months…I hope by then, I will know some French
I miss you and love you and am so happy you’ve had a couple adventures already! I’m thinking about you lots and sending loads upon loads of positivity (not a real word, but it really should be!) your way. I’m excited to hear more about your experiences and see more of your always amazing photos. I love you C!
Hi! I just found your blog and I love your pictures! And it seems I just found it at the right time : welcome in Paris!
I’m sure you already have had plenty of advises, where to eat, where to shop, etc… but if you have any question, I’d love to recommand a few places to you…
Have a wonderful time here!
Get some protein girl to stay upright!!!!! You could always ask for fish by puckering up your lips and flapping your fins!
Yeah to your blog…it is going to be such fun to read…I’m sure everyone agrees…hey paddywag…positivity is a word!!! And I’m sending lots of it to you too Charity!
I’M STILL SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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