I have arrived in Paris, but still remain an American geek. Paris is a big mirror that doesn’t let me escape that image. No way…observe the following conversation upon exiting the Paris Metro:

T: “Where is it? The largest structure in Paris and we’ve managed to lose it. Great! Let’s cross the street.”

K: (After crossing the street) “Uhhhh, Tam.”

T: “What?”

K: “Look behind you.”

T: (Spying the Eiffel Tower. Grumble, grumble.) “What are we doing here? Let’s cross the street!”

But looking carefully into the mirror, Paris can’t escape me either:

  • They no longer have public trash bins. They use clear bags hanging from frames. A form of terrorist prevention that hasn’t traveled to the states.

  • On a French keyboard, the M key is exactly where you wouldn’t expect it to be. Other than that and a few special characters, it isn’t hard to type on a French keyboard.

  • Renaults and Peugots. Very few SUV’s–the streets are too narrow for that.

  • So far, no take-away coffee, though everyone seems to be in a hurry.

  • Diet Coke is called Coke Lite, and it tastes funny. I may switch to espresso.

  • Several years of experience as a Dungeon Master is required to retain one’s sanity in the Paris Metro. Pigeon French is a good secondary skill to have, but understanding signage and a good sense of direction will win through.

  • Point and click is an acceptible substitute for speaking the language when using a menu/map/visual aide.

  • Smoking is allowed EVERYWHERE.

  • Paris is not an accessible city. (I’ve been looking Bridge.)

  • After listening to two days of French, I find I understand Spanish better. Go figure.

It’s been a long day, but there will be more to come!