When in Paris, do as the Parisiens do
My first solo move abroad came at 24, during my university years.
I spent a year in Paris, completing a professional traineeship for my — surprise! — tourism management degree.
Those months opened a wide window onto the world.
Working in an office, in Paris, in another language, with colleagues from Australia, India, the Netherlands, the UK — at least ten nationalities around one table — sparked my love for international, culturally rich environments.
It was also the first time I lived alone, learning how to stretch a very modest budget while still enjoying the delights Paris offers to a young, curious soul. I did my best to blend in, to match the rhythm of the Parisiens.
I listened closely to their tone, their expressions, their gestures, the melody in their speech, and then, gradually, those patterns became part of my French. Because, of course, you fall in love with this mystical language.
I remember sitting in gares, sometimes for hours, simply listening to the train announcements. Names and destinations, spoken like a song. That is still with me, as a core memory. I can always recall that musique.
I walked everywhere, wearing down my shoes until I found my boulangerie, my café, my marché, my poissonnerie, my patch of green, my favorite gallery — places that fit both my slim student wallet and my hunger for beauty. Food for the eyes, the spirit, and the stomach.
And I learned this: if you start with a loud and clear “Bonjour, Madame” or “Bonjour, Monsieur,” you may not get a smile — but you will earn some respect.
So… why not grab a warm croissant or a crisp baguette, your favorite coffee or tea — or a kir, if you like — and join me in the Library?
You’ll find more Paris stories in there, waiting for you.
Until then,
Anna, the Lantern Keeper
Lantern Notes 