I'm really getting settled into Paris. At first, I wasn't too comfortable on my own. I didn't want to speak French because I realized I sucked at it (despite my 5 years of French prior) and I didn't want to ask anyone any questions because I wanted to seem like a local. At one point I didn't want to go into a cafe cause I didn't really know if I should seat myself, or wait to be seated. Yeah, it was one of those moments. I think overall this whole process was so overwhelming that I forgot who I was. Meaning- I forgot that I'm a Korean/American, Intermediate French speaking, individual. Of course I'm going to get lost, ask stupid questions, get French customs wrong, get chased by weird people, buy too much stuff, lose this and that, and about a million other things. But there comes a time when you have to say screw it and accept that you're not this native parisian that you want to be. So feel free to make mistakes, walk into store and ask for directions, ask what this weird thing on the menu is, say "puis-je asessoir ici?" (Can i sit here?) to the waiter who obviously cannot understand your accent so you have to use hand gestures. It adds to the fun of this new experience/endeavor. AND don’t be afraid to venture out on your own. This is kind of the greatest part about Paris, because you can really stand at a cross road and literally decide which way YOU want to go--you won't have to worry about other people's schedules and conditions or opinions.
Tips:
For the savvy shopper:
be sure to head over
to the Marais (exit St. Paul on the Line 1) and visit my favorite vintage store
(so far) at 32 rue des rosiers 75004. They have a great selection of printed
dresses (think Miu Miu and Rodarte minus the $$). I think the store is called
Coiffeurs--but don't take my word for it. You'll recognize it as a bustling
little store on a quaint little street. Once you're here, walk around. This place is great for spotting locals in their very trendy attire.
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