Skip to main content

Smoking

Everyone in Paris smokes. EVERYONE! It is kind of bizarre for me. Think back to the movies taking place in the 1960s. That kind of smoking. First thing in the morning, mid morning smoke, of course after every meal, at intermission, before bed. Everyone seems to have a 5 year plan to quit because they don't want to be "that old person who smokes," Yet, I don't think anyone will every do this.

Sure, they have all the warnings about smoking on the packs. They even have really ugly pictures of people deformed by smoking. I think some people when in the Tabac (Tobacco shop) ask for another pack if the pictures are too gruesome. But they sure do buy them! Getting cigarettes is also a type of outing and a way some people get some fresh air. Helmut doesn't buy a carton, but goes out once a day or so to get the cigarettes.

They do have the vapor cigarettes (vapeur), those faux cigarettes that have water vapor instead of smoke. For some reason, they are not allowed to look like cigarettes like these items do in NYC, but are a bit large and have a metallic nipple-like mouthpiece. Smokers say that these look like pacifiers.

About a year ago, they banned smoking from public spaces: restaurants, metros, shops, museums. The restaurants have gotten around this because if there is an open area, you can smoke there. So, now every restaurant has an "open" area where smokers can do their thing. These areas are heated in the winter. I think they may just smash a window to create this space sometimes.

Strangely, smoking (and drinking) is lessening among the 20-30 year olds... at least for now.

My feeling about smoking has changed dramatically. When I first came to Paris, I was mortified by it all, but smoke has become part of life and I don't mind it anymore. When having a meal inside (e.g., not in the special open area), the smokers will take a break and go outside to have a smoke (or clop). I happily go with them for some air between courses.

No, you won't find me smoking any time soon, but I can stand to be in the same room with it (I have had to learn this). Strangely, I don't smell it on clothes or on breath, unless I have recently been away from it. I think we can get used to anything. My Parisienne friend Julia always offers me a cigarette when she pulls one out. It is an in-joke between us. It will never happen, but it is nice to be included.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chronomically challenged

Parisians are ALWAYS late. I think New Yorkers run the gamut, but Parisians are late. They always have a good reason: traffic, the weather, kept at work, the Métro, the dog, the kids, garbage truck. But late. I am in a period of adjusting to this. My tendency is to be on-time. I call it the German in me. Helmut, who was born in Germany, is Parisian now and so I am alone in this bit of frustration. For the most part, people are 15 to 30 minutes late but for some it can be a bit extreme. For instance, meeting my friend Laure means scheduling a 1/2 hour (at least) for this arrival time. I want to emphasize, this is my issue, not Paris'. BUT There are extreme cases. One time Helmut and I were supposed to meet someone for dinner at (let's say) 8 (16h). She called and was going to be late. About an hour and a half after our original meeting time, we left for dinner. She knew where we would be, so she could meet us. At this point I had my doubts if she was going to come at all....
3 comments
Read more

A Toast

Wine is very important in France and, from what I have witnessed, a part of Paris social life. New Yorkers share a bottle of wine or have a glass together, or even a cocktail, but there is something a bit more about sharing wine in Paris. It is first of all, much more prevalent. In NYC, I will sometimes have one glass of wine. If two others at the table want wine, we may discuss getting a bottle. Rarely have I gone through more than a bottle. In Paris, if two people want wine, it is almost automatic that you get a bottle. If more than two people are at the table, there is a strong likelihood you will be getting more than one bottle. It is less of a special occasion in Paris. Not that it is not special, but it is more part of the meal than something "special." Never ordinary. When the wine is poured, there is a special moment where we all toast. This is like in NYC, but not. In NYC, when you are all served, we hold up the glasses and everyone moves them to the center, mak...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five to Seven

A very French concept: cinq à sept or in English a "five to seven." This refers to the time you spend with your mistress or perhaps second-level significant-other. It is perfectly admissible to miss an unimportant meeting at work with the excuse, "Sorry, I have a five to seven." Late for dinner? Sorry, my five to seven ran over. Drinks after work? Sorry, I have a five to seven. I do like the fact it is all out in the open. Of course I doubt you can use this with your wife or partner. But this is France, after all; maybe you can.
Post a Comment
Read more