In a few days, I'm getting on a plane for a short trip back home to good old New Jersey. I can't believe it's been just about three months since I got back here and settled into life as a non-tourist in Paris. WOW, did that three months go by fast!
Today I was out with a friend, an American who has lived in France for about six years after she married a Frenchman, and she asked me if I have had any real difficulties or unpleasant surprises since I've been here. I thought for a moment, and realized: "No, I really haven't had anything happen that was really that bad".
That's not to say there haven't been little things here and there that I could have done without: the endless effort to avoid stepping in the crotte (still my #1 pet peeve about Paris); ongoing frustrations at not being able to have the right words at the right time, despite the many French people I've met who have told me I speak French très bien; the typically NOT helpful sales people in stores; and limited choices of English television programs and reading material.
And there are some pretty big challenges I haven't had to deal with yet that might come up in the future: the big bureocratic nightmare of long-term residency; visiting a doctor or dentist; I haven't had to set up an unfurnished apartment because I'm living in a fully furnished space.
There are things I haven't gotten around to doing yet, too: I haven't enrolled in any French classes yet, although I certainly could use them if I ever want to get significantly better at the language. I haven't traveled much outside of Paris yet.
But really, in the grand scheme of things, these are nothing more than annoyances and don't detract from my quality of life here. I've accomplished quite a bit. I got my computer set up with a wireless network, where I had to go to a store and buy the right router, in French. I've managed to open a bank account, against all odds and reason; don't ask me to explain how it happened because I still don't understand why they approved me for an account BEFORE I provided them with the special letter, translated into French and certified by an OFFICIAL approved translator, that they told me I had to have before they would open my account for me.
I've established quite a nice social life so far. I've made some lovely friends, women I've met through blogging . I've figured out how to find the English-language movies, and where the concerts and other events are advertised each week so I know what's happening out there. There are dozens upon dozens of museums and galleries, and I've only scratched the surface. And when I feel like getting out in the evenings, even if I'm on my own, I've found fun and safe ways to do that via the Meetup.com groups I've connected with.
And somehow against all odds, the first man I met here proved to be a kind, decent, all-around good guy; guess that's how they grow 'em down in Australia. The future of this relationship is still very much an unknown given recent events, but it is nice to know there ARE good men out there after all and I have no regrets.
So I guess to answer my friend's question about has anything surprised me about moving to Paris, my response would be that the thing that surprises me most is how effortless it has actually been. I don't know that everyone can count on that kind of experience because it's going to be different for everyone. France is a good country and Paris a great city, but it's unlike anyplace else on earth and truly, they don't go out of their way to make things easy for ANYONE (not just us furriners). So I don't want to give the impression that I'm living in some Pollyanna world here. Paris can be noisy and dirty and smelly, like any big city. It's just that there is something about it that feels comfortable to me, something that has given me the opportunity to be myself and experience the kind of life I want.
It's nice to be going back to the U.S. for a little bit; I'll get to spend Easter with my family, and will have the joy and honor of filing my taxes (insert sarcasm here). I'll see my grandmother, who is growing more and more frail and a bit more confused (at 94 and half, what can we expect?). I'll visit some friends and pop in on my French classmates. And I'll stock up on supplies and buy myself some summer clothing since NOTHING in this city was made for someone with my body type.
But I'll be eager to get back. The Wizard will apparently be here at least for a little while after my return and hopefully we can spend a bit more time together before he has to leave. That's still very disappointing -- his having to leave -- and I won't kid you about that. The future is unclear and unformed right now, but I'm dealing with it. Because I have Paris and the knowledge that I have managed to do something I once thought of as impossible. Now I know that NOTHING is impossible.
I guess it just goes to show that when you commit yourself to doing what you know you want to do, and what will make you happy, then the Universe will rise up and support you.
