As an architect and a chef, and also a graduate of a French culinary school, when the opportunity presented itself for my husband to take an expatriate post in Paris, I believe I was the one in the family who was most excited.
And as I told my friends that “we were moving to Paris,” despite the fact that many reactions were “Oh good luck! Paris is lovely, Parisians not so much!” a mutual friend told me that I had to meet Okan who has walked all the streets of Paris and who would give me the best advice for “wining and dining.” Not only was he a restaurant owner in İstanbul but he is also a foodie.
Since then I follow Okan’s beautiful suggestions and posts and I have farmers’ market dates with him.
So when Okan asked me to write about my experience in Paris, I simply just thought “Oh Paris I LOVE YOU. I really do!”
Despite the very long gray period in winter, I still love you.
Having always thought “Oh, I am definitely a summer person, a beach person, and if winter never existed I would still be ok,” I still love Paris so very much!
After living in different English-speaking countries and continents, France was the very first country that I did not speak the language at all! I was nervous about this fact, especially having the judgment in my mind that “French people,” especially “Parisians,” can be very rude when you don’t speak their language. Luckily it turned out that it wasn’t the case! At least for me it was in the past.
With my “zero French” in the beginning I found people helpful and kind. And afterwards they appreciated the effort that I made to speak their language. My impression is that they are hesitant to speak English because of their heavy accent, not because they are “snobs.”
Being a serial expat and moving to Paris at the age of 42, I am well aware that it is up to me to make the experience the best, I should look for the positive. And I think if you are ready to love Paris, Paris will salute you with open arms…
Why I Love Paris:
*I love the amazing architecture of the city.
*The art is just everywhere in your daily life in Paris. You don’t need to give extra effort because you are already exposed to art everywhere.
Art represents itself in every aspect of life. Art in the gastronomic and dining scene, the architecture, the fashion, the people, the streets, the music, theatres, shows, operas, ballets, simply through the entire city.
Just wandering around the city, sipping “un petit café” on a terrace while people-watching will cheer you up because the city is so alive!
*As an architect I am blown away every day by how this city respects its history, its foundation in every aspect of the architecture.
Some find it too nude, or the color palette too pale and boring, but I love the tones of this city, having it in the background of my daily life it just blends in so nicely. It gives me pleasure to walk everyday and while doing this, every time I see a different detail in the architecture of the buildings and surroundings. Just like the effortless, chic style of Parisians, the city gives me the same feeling, and I believe that “it is what I like the most “ about Paris.
*Unfortunately nowadays in the world everyone tends to seem to follow certain styles, images and materials. I find in Paris that French people all have their own different styles. Yes, they do have a certain “simple, elegant Parisian style image” but you don’t see prototypes.
*Another thing that I also enjoy so very much is “being able to live without “DRIVING” at all.” For over a year now this is the most dramatic change in my life after moving to Paris. Having lived in the US 8 years, South Africa 4 years, and 6 years in Istanbul just before moving to Paris, words are not enough for me to explain how amazing it is “not having the stress of driving”. It changed the quality of my life. I have much more time to myself. No stress of traffic, and I am enjoying the outdoors more than ever. If not in a hurry, I walk almost everywhere because the city is so compact.
We are lucky that the daily [commute to school] [or school run] is right on the very famous ”Bir Hakeim“ Bridge. Every day we see brides and grooms, wedding photo shoots at the very famous photo spot, or some days movies shooting and lots and lots of colorful people.
I realize that my shoes are getting worn out because of serious walking. The winter coats that used to just sit on the back of our cars are also getting worn out too! I learned to dress for the weather and be outdoors.
Having the grand parks in Paris also makes life easier with kids. And when the weather is rainy or extremely cold you can choose to visit a museum from hundreds of options in Paris. Yes, I am not exaggerating, there are more than 100 museums within the Paris city limits. I realize that I have written my article mostly about the winter as we go back home during the summer, but spring and fall are even more beautiful in Paris. The city just blossoms in spring and in fall the color palette grows even more stunning.
To finish up my Paris experience, so far for over a year now, I shouldn’t forget of course, last but not least, the gastronomic scene of Paris, my biggest motivation to move…
I believe this topic is its own very big topic.
To me, Paris is still the center of “high gastronomy” and traditional French cooking.
I have so much respect for the French cuisine which preserves their traditions up to this day. The crisp white table clothes, waiters in the long aprons, the traditional, unique French decor and ambiance in the restaurants that are still kept in old, historical buildings, and the traditional French dining rituals.
I enjoy and discover everyday the French gastronomic culture. From the classic bistros, brasseries, and bouillons to the world-famous Michelin restaurants, high-society hotel restaurants, the famous “Boulangeries,” and Chocolateries.
Everyday I still enjoy the one-and-only world-famous « baguettes ».
And as a chef, I am enjoying and exploring “cooking” in my Parisian kitchen, which is the oldest and most historic one I have cooked in so far.
Love from Paris...
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