It might be easy to assume that if I could live anywhere in the world, it would be somewhere in Asia because I’m Asian. And honestly, I would think so too. It’s comfortable and convenient from the get-go. However, after coming to France, I would choose to build a new life in Paris if I could.
Helpful Apps
Google Maps is accurate and helpful in France!
Uber is commonly used and makes traveling easy although the train is common too! If you’re planning to use the railway system, make sure to purchase tickets at the counter!
Food
Are you afraid of snails or roe? WELL GET OVER IT. These are absolute delicacies in France. It’s common to see “escargot” and “caviar” listed on menus.They do not have any strange or fishy aftertaste; in fact, the flavors are earthy and aromatic. It’s typical to find restaurants serving escargot marinated in an emerald sauce of garlic and herb. The flavor profile is so perfect that you can eat a ton without getting sick of it. Hence, if I spotted it on the menu, I always had it. As for caviar, it’s typically used as a garnish to elevate the dish; it can be found on appetizers or entrees and eaten in a variety of ways. My favorite way is to eat it on blinis with creme fraiche.
Caviar is so delicate that anything can alter its flavor profile; that’s why a mother of pearl spoon is used to gather it from its container (otherwise using metal cutlery would alter the flavor). I t h o r o u g h l y enjoyed these dishes whilst in France and continue to enjoy them in the states because these are favorites of mine!
I am impressed by how scrumptious French cuisine is. They are able to elevate simple dishes with various sauces and fresh ingredients. It never feels heavy or lacking; it is absolutely divine.
Activities
To be frank, the best activity in France is to walk around the city and see what you’ll come across. There are countless times where I would aimlessly wander and stumble upon a new discovery: a consignment shop with fashionable and vintage wear; a hamburger joint nestled in a multicultural avenue; or a beautiful park that will transport you into a world of magic. Each day is a surprise that will lead anyone into a realm of expansive curiosity. However, if there are absolute “musts” that I recommend, they would be…
- Palace of Versailles
Everyone has heard of the Palace of Versailles. It is iconic and contentious. There is so much history here, and it is definitely worth visiting. It can easily take up an entire day to go through the hundreds of rooms within the palace and the garden maze that is outside. It is breathtakingly beautiful and simultaneously horrific thinking about the monarchy that shunned the rest of their people which eventually led to their overthrow. To walk the halls where kings and queens stepped is a transformative experience that is an absolute must!
- The Louvre
Again, this is another famous landmark that is world-renowned. Visitors from all over the world come to the Louvre to get a glimpse of the astonishing Mona Lisa. However, the Louvre also offers so much more from impressive marble sculptures to grandiose rooms with painted ceilings. Even for those who are uninterested in art, there is something that they will marvel at! I highly recommend buying tickets in advance through their website and expecting to stay the entire day. It is unbelievably spacious with 5 floors and an outdoor area; it can feel dizzying getting through all of the exhibitions. Art lovers can easily spend 2-3 days observing and admiring each work of art. However, for the regular patron, I recommend spending an entire day!
- Seine River Cruise
There are several options for the Seine River Cruise: a romantic, boat dinner as the sun sets or a casual mass-group tour or a personalized, private ride with family and friends. Regardless of your choice, this excursion is incredible because of the ability to see so many monuments during this ride. It’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city as if you’re flirting with a potential date. Rides are offered throughout the day, but I recommend riding during sunset time because if timed correctly, it’ll have the most perfect view of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night.
Scenery
Paris is alluring for so many reasons. It’s a cliche, but it’s so easy to get lost in this remarkable, multicultural city. There is tremendous history in all parts of the city. At Place de la Concorde stands the Luxor Obelisk, gifted by the viceroy of Egypt in the 1800s. Tuileries Garden welcomes guests with its picture-perfect landscape that looks like it sprung out of a fairytale. The Arc de Triomphe boasts Napoleon’s pride and might. Everything is so well-kept, especially given that it is a major city gaining millions of foot traffic each month.
Lifestyle
I visited Paris for the first time in the summer of 2023. This was after the Covid-19 pandemic settled, and there’s been news of a lot of Asian hate crime throughout the world. This knowledge was unnerving, and I mentally prepared myself to face a lot of backlash while traveling through Europe. I tried to learn French phrases to say “stop” or “go away” thinking I’d have to use it at one point or another. However, I didn’t experience even the slightest form of racism let alone discomfort or rudeness!
In fact, one of the main reasons that I could see myself settling in Paris is because of the lifestyle. It is totally and unequivocally, MY STYLE. The people are nonchalant, candid, and direct. Some people may be offended by their bluntness. However, I find it refreshing and comfortable. There’s no mind-games or ambiguity. What you see is what you get. They aren’t trying to be hurtful; it’s just a matter of being straightforward and honest. People who are more sensitive may not be accustomed to this culture. However, I absolutely adore it.
A funny story that epitomizes French culture is when I went to a Parisian cafe with my husband. When we arrived at the counter, the barista asked us what we would like. My husband was very indecisive, muttering to himself, “Should I get a vanilla latte… or should I get the mocha latte? Or maybe just an Americano?” The barista stopped him and with her heavy French accent flatly inquired, “What do you want?” She had a blank stare that peered past our souls. Immediately, my husband made a knee-jerk decision and went with any drink. This incident still makes me laugh because of how direct French people are. I found it amusing and refreshing; a place where I felt right at home.
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