PARIS is one of those typical touristy cities, about which, one could possibly find tons of blogs and travel-journals, oozing with information telling where to go, what to do, what to eat, what to wear, where to stay and sundry.
At the risk of this post's getting lost in the Plethora of these Paris-Diaries, I am writing, not with an intention to 'guide' a prospective tourist, but with a simple, curious urge to express and reflect, first, upon the obvious and palpable cultural aspects, as observed and interpreted by me, and may be, in a later post, upon the underlying value system of the city (if I succeed in discovering it at all).
I am a student and so far, I have spent a little over a month in Paris - the city over which I used to swoon in my childhood. And hence, another purpose of this post is to proudly communicate it to the 'younger me of the past', how her dream city is in reality.
At the risk of this post's getting lost in the Plethora of these Paris-Diaries, I am writing, not with an intention to 'guide' a prospective tourist, but with a simple, curious urge to express and reflect, first, upon the obvious and palpable cultural aspects, as observed and interpreted by me, and may be, in a later post, upon the underlying value system of the city (if I succeed in discovering it at all).
I am a student and so far, I have spent a little over a month in Paris - the city over which I used to swoon in my childhood. And hence, another purpose of this post is to proudly communicate it to the 'younger me of the past', how her dream city is in reality.
1) Beauty and the Priest
Undoubtedly, Paris is synonymous with Beauty. It may be 'dirty' and 'crowded' for some, but one cannot ignore the ubiquity of a remarkable harmony of man-made and natural beauty - the majestic palaces, museums and churches elegantly overlooking the petite bridges on the adorable Seine and the trees and the flowers running along the lovely streets. Quite often, one feels as if walking in front of a giant post-card or being preserved in a painting when he/she is just going for grocery shopping.
The characteristic light colored, mid-rise buildings, laced with traditional French windows and artsy little balconies is typical of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, of course, with its hourly glimmer adds a chic shimmer to the scenery.
2) A-musée Yourself!
The long and diverse list of the museums with exclusive, rare collections lets one perceive the strong historical cultural roots of the city (and Europe, per say). I would not mention any particular museum or work as an example here, simply because that would undermine the importance of the rest, which in my opinion will be a crime!
Moreover, another amazing thing about the museums here is that, they are not just to be visited for what they display but also for what they (the buildings) themselves are! Their grandeur is so captivating that one rarely gets tired of visiting them again and again.
3) The Art of Vandalism
The perception of 'Art and Culture' has another parallel dimension here. One cannot help but notice the patches of graffiti blotting the city in different sizes and proportions. Though, not all are annoying, but they do spoil the theme of the city. The buildings, the walls of the metro stations, the doors of the trains and sometimes even the steps of the escalators are sprayed!
This, despite being disturbing, somewhere subtly seem to symbolize the plight, the anger, the remorse and the Love of Parisians.
4) The Commute
Talking of the metro, most of the trains are old ones, with only few lines deployed with the newer, automatic trains. Trains and the buses are the best places to observe the general demeanor of the city.
The people seem to be quite helpful and understanding. They responsibly vacate and fold the corner seats to make room for standing for fellow passengers. They all, immediately, herd together to rescue with their full force, should a person get stuck between the obstinate mechanical gates of the older trains.
During the commute, most of them engage themselves in reading which is a refreshing observation in this era of apparent anti-intellectualism.
But, another observation, rather peculiar, was that of 'tailgaters'. An alarmingly high proportion of people jump or 'tailgate' at the turnstiles of the metro stations.
5) Pardon my French!
No I am not referring to any abuses - I meant it quite literally here.
To survive in Paris, if not proficient, one should at least be an A1 in French language. Majority of the signs and boards are in French with absolutely no translation. The grocery stores, the restaurants and cafes, the hair salons etc. all are, mostly, sans English-translations. So, for help, one either relies on a good internet connection (which can be non existent in the case of the underground stations) or on finding a person who understands (and speaks) English. Though the probability of latter has significantly increased as compared to the past, yet, often it is insufficient.
6) Take it easy . . .
As already well known, France has a highly centralized system, with everything having to pass through Paris. The administrative affairs tasks are usually not as swift and things can take their time to get done here (if not in the Paris region). I have heard the natives talking about how the French enjoy taking a lot of (long) breaks during their work and how you can expect a strike from any department for any reason on any particular day!
7) The city of 'Lights'
It doesn't matter if you smoke or not, you WILL become a passive smoker for sure! The otherwise (relatively) clean city is covered with cigarette butts everywhere you take your eyes.
8) Run Paris Run!
Apparently, people here compensate for the guilt of excessive smoking by running. And, there is no particular time like the usual mornings or evenings. One can spot a person running, at anytime of the day (or night). Be it lunch time or post midnight!
Perhaps, people don't buy the excuse of 'it is not the right time'! They just run. (I loved this spirit)
Perhaps, people don't buy the excuse of 'it is not the right time'! They just run. (I loved this spirit)
9) Wine and Dine
Any discussion on Paris cannot go without making a mention of the food and wine. I am no connoisseur of either, but would definitely like to paint a typical scene of the streets of Paris - people (single, couple or groups) sitting outside the cafes (and restaurants) with a glass of wine and a cigarette, and some food on the table, talking and watching the world pass by.
It seems to me like some order in chaos and I personally am a fan of this setting!
10) Prosy or Poetic?
Oh, Paris is definitely NOT prosy! Even its routine and mundane tasks have a peppy rhythm of their own. Instead, the life here is like a beautiful poem being sung to the tune of your own, with its own share of high and low notes. The soulful live music played by the street musicians on the stations and in the trains, adds the background score and the streets of places like Montmartre, brimming with art and artists, illustrate the happenings (of your poem) into beautiful and mystical paintings.
Paris is Poetic. Period.
