An American in Paris

i am definitely into a new phase of my life here in Paris. When I first arrived as a tourist, I was definitely in love with everything French and Parisian. How wonderful the food, how beautiful the city, lovely, lovely, lovely. When I met Helmut and was visiting every two weeks or so, I loved everything that I was in contact with. I loved the neighborhood, the people I met were lovely, loved speaking the language, loved the new restaurants, love, love, love. Then I had my down moment I just wrote about . Now I still love this place and the people I have met are terrific, but I am definitely want what I want and I am tired of changing. When I made cookies here over the holidays, I was trying to use all French products. Now? Bring on the imports. I want smoked salmon and cream cheese. Not creme fraiche, not fromage blanc; cream cheese. I want milk in the refrigerator, peanut butter, brown sugar, molasses, chocolate chips, cranberry juice. I want oatmeal, boxed cereal, sandwiches for lu...

OK, you are going to laugh at me for this one. I have been having an identity crisis. Sort of. It started about a week ago. I saw an article on Facebook, entitled " 4 Ways Living Abroad Changes You Forever ."(It is linked on the title, even though this layout doesn't show it to you.) Anyway, I read it and it said how wonderful it is to live abroad (away from the country you call home). I found it interesting and it stuck with me. For a while. Too long. You see, it says that along with it being a broadening experience, the place where you were begins to close behind you, like an electronic door. And while you are out experiencing new things, the place where you were begins to forget you and everyone gets on with their lives. Well, that started to sink in. I know, you are thinking, "Well, what did you expect?" but when it begins to happen to me, it gives me pause. I have my identity tied in with being a New Yorker. I have often said that I felt more a New York...

I want to state right up front that I stand with my French brothers and sisters for free speech and freedom of the press. I condemn what happened at Charlie Hebdo and I hope and pray that something like this never happens again. Having said that I cannot in all good faith say, "I am Charlie." For those who don't know, Charlie Hebdo is a satirical publication that delights in poking at the establishment. There is a need for this kind of humor and people who delight in poking at the bear. They help us laugh at ourselves and put a spotlight on hypocrisy. I also understand that we all feel a bit protected and do not expect the kind of ruthless violence that occurred, especially when we are dealing with humor or just the written word. I am not sure if the writers at Charlie Hebdo expected what happened. It is a terrible tragedy. But now we know what may happen. We have seen a ruthless people and the organisations that spawned them who now hold up these outlaws as saints an...

Today was a terrible day in Paris. Terrorists entered a left leaning paper and with a machine gun, killed 12 people and injured another 10, then got away. It was in my neighborhood, about a 5 minute walk. People here were upset, worried, nervous, angry. I am living here with these people, sharing their anger and worry. I think it is intensified by echos of another day in NYC. Helmut heard the news before I did. I was a bit shocked and confused. What happened? Why did this happen? As in NYC on 9/11, it took me a bit to comprehend this. I wasn't sure if the danger still existed or if the killing was over. Was this an accident? Crazy person? No, terrorism. Ah. I spent the rest of the day quietly at home. On 9/11 everyone in NYC remembers the weather. It was one of those early fall days when the temperature is perfect and not a cloud in the sky. I remember telling Helmut about the weather that day and that people refer to it as 9/11 weather. He used the term the next day, to descri...

There is a very interesting phenomenon that happens in Paris twice a year and I have experienced it both times. In the summer (last 2 weeks of August) and Christmas, the city shuts down almost entirely and it is very interesting to watch. I sometimes think that calling NYC the "city that never sleeps" is wrong. NYC sleeps every day, but if you want to be awake or get a coffee or buy a bagel, you can get it. I often think that title should be relinquished to Las Vegas (which also deserves "Sin City" ahead of NYC). But by comparison to Paris, NYC is as awake as an insomniac. Paris, on the other hand, sleeps nightly and on these two calendar events, goes into hibernation. First is the prelude. You start seeing some notices about 2 weeks before the closures when stores will be closed. But sometimes you see nothing. The locals know it is about to happen and begin to prepare. You buy non-perishables, you get the wine in advance. You get a little extra cheese to hold yo...

My NYC friend Leslie just came for a visit here in Paris. It was the first time someone has come to see me here and it was lots of fun. I had a chance to show her my life here in Paris and find out what is happening back in NYC. As I thought would happen, I am beginning to have different opinions and feelings about living here as opposed to NYC. This was part of the reason I wanted to start this blog so I could capture how I feel at this very specific moment.  One thing absolutely stood out for me is how I feel about food. I am very much a "foodie" and I feel very strongly about what we eat and what is considered good. When I have had bad food in a restaurant or just out of the house, I usually have to do something about it, which usually entails remaking the dish the way it is supposed to be. I remember once having followed someone's recommendation on a restaurant's banana cream pie. "It is marvellous" someone told me, so, of course I had to have it. It ...