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New Phase

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 lunch, street food. I want Mexican food (tacos, burritos, chile rellenos), NY Chinese food (which is very different than French Chinese food), Nutella. Of course, some of these are available here and Nutella came from here, so I am covered there.

But it is a change and I doubt it will last long. I think this is just a moment. I am not homesick exactly but I seem to be gravitating to things I know. Helmut jokes and pretends he can talk to my stomach ("Oh, he is hungry!"). Well, he is more than hungry. Maybe my stomach is homesick.

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