Wow, hey everyone! Please hang with me as I attempt to get the little technical bugs taken care of. I sincerely appreciate everyone signing up as this is a great way to feel like I'm not on the other side of the world by myself! I made some new Parisien friends last night. Of course, I was at Cafe des Anges, having my typical verre de Chinon and writing away in my zombie journal. I was content to sit and write as I usually do.
One really cannot grasp the true cultural differences between two countries without visiting the other. When you are here alone, one stands out. Parisiens do not interfere, or more importantly, include outsiders in their conversations. Now, I feel like I am a very outgoing, friendly (ok, loudmouth) person, who can strike up a conversation with anyone. You can't do that here. Mix in a slight language barrier and it can make for some lonely afternoons.
The solution is to be prepared for any slight in-route to the conversation. Typically, someone ask for a light. Seize the opportunity to throw in the french you do know now! That worked out well last night and I made three new new friends, who thankfully live in my neighborhood.
I'm now stepping out the door to take a 1/2hr ride on the Metro line 1 to La Defense and another 1/2 ride on RER A to Cergy. Maybe I'll post a Cergy update tomorrow as it is a the way of living there is so different from Paris, you wouldn't believe it's only 25min by car.
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