Paris—Day 6

Six days are not enough in Paris. Today, our story dawns on two tired travelers, ready to squeeze the most out of their last day, but realizing that they've done everything on "the list," and their feet might be too tired for general aroundtownment. Yes, that's a word.

We returned to some our favourite places to grab a little piece of this or that, or pick up a souvenir or gift. We spent several days learning the best places for all these things, and we enjoyed getting back to them with some considerable ease. We're finally starting to know our way around the metro and the immediate neighbourhood—so much so that it would seem a tragedy to visit again and have to learn a new area. We'll keep this one bookmarked, just in case life brings us this way again.

We've learned a lot about Paris and it's people in the last week. Here are a few tidbits:

• The clean the streets in the early hours of the morning, and they're always wet when we leave in the morning. This clean, shining pavement gives the impression that a light, clean rain sweeps through each morning to freshen things and help greet the morning.
• There is bread everywhere, and these people love it. We found a place nearby with a killer baguette (and pain au chocolat, and palmier . . .) that we've enjoyed these many days. Our first try was actually only acceptable, so we were glad to find a replacement.
• For food in general, you'll rarely find something bad, but there are levels to everything. If you do a little research, you'll find stuff that's just that much better, and rarely costs much more than it's also-ran counterparts.
• Contrary to what I've heard, the French really do like it when you try to speak French. Of course, they'll often rattle off a French response, but some will smile when you speak in broken, anglo-tinted French, then respond to your querie in English because they know that even though you can speak it, you likely won't understand it when zipped through in response.
• There's a common notion that the French are rude and intolerant, but I've permanently placed my opinion in the opposite camp. My observations this week lead me to believe that the French are patient, accommodating, and kind, and that Americans are rude, intolerant, and impose their ideas universally on the world at large and the individuals around them.
• Parisians tend to run into you if you're in the way. It generally only happens in large crowds at busy times, but when someone needs to move forward, get out of the way. Sometimes you'll get a muffled, "pardon," but normally not.
• Personal interaction is important to the people here. Only in the largest stores will you ever walk in and not be greeted with a kind "bonjour" or "bon soir." And they always, always, always tell you "merci, au revoir" when you leave. There are always opportunities to talk with people, and I've regretted my lack of language skills when presented with such opportunities.
• Big cities are awesome and varied, and Paris is no exception. I learned, for example, that I love Lebanese cuisine, and I learned that while on vacation in Paris. I wish I lived closer to a big city so I could enjoy the variety of life and world culture that exists in such places.

Maybe I'll add more later, but reflecting on the week really makes we wish we weren't leaving in the morning.