Studying abroad is so much better after the first day. I still haven't seen that much (other than the Arc and the Eiffel Tower from a distance), but I keep telling myself that there's plenty of time. I think a few of us are going to go to the Louvre this weekend. So excited!
Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure I'm in the "everything's annoying" stage of culture shock. It's the little differences that end up being the most irritating.
I can hear the people above and next door to us at all times. If they open a door, run the water, or get into a heated argument, I can hear it. There are also cars driving on our street during every hour of the night and day.
The shower isn't really a shower, but a bath with a connected shower head (as in, it's a long, snake-like thing that's attached to the tub spout). I have to sit down to take a shower for fear of hitting my head on the clothesline hanging above the tub.
Electricity is sparse, so only two-three lights are on at a time in the whole apartment. This makes for very dark entrances when returning home late at night.
The French have less than no time for everyone other than themselves. Moreover, while it infuriates them to have American speak English, they don't even give you a chance to speak French. My attempts to purchase a "seche cheveux" had the entire staff of Monoprix replying "you're looking for a hairdryer?"
There are no rules about anything. Lines don't exist. Sidewalks are not just for walking. Red light? No matter. Just go.
It's impossible to find anything because the streets are neither perpendicular nor parallel. Instead, they run into each other and change names when it's convenient.
I promise that life doesn't suck. I'm excited to be here, but the adjustment process is difficult. Everyone's tired and getting sick (I'm trying to avoid that second one). Sleep only comes when it so desires. Speaking and listening to French all day long is completely exhausting. But I'm in Paris and it's amazing. I have not immediately fallen in love with this city, but I'm getting there.
Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure I'm in the "everything's annoying" stage of culture shock. It's the little differences that end up being the most irritating.
I can hear the people above and next door to us at all times. If they open a door, run the water, or get into a heated argument, I can hear it. There are also cars driving on our street during every hour of the night and day.
The shower isn't really a shower, but a bath with a connected shower head (as in, it's a long, snake-like thing that's attached to the tub spout). I have to sit down to take a shower for fear of hitting my head on the clothesline hanging above the tub.
Electricity is sparse, so only two-three lights are on at a time in the whole apartment. This makes for very dark entrances when returning home late at night.
The French have less than no time for everyone other than themselves. Moreover, while it infuriates them to have American speak English, they don't even give you a chance to speak French. My attempts to purchase a "seche cheveux" had the entire staff of Monoprix replying "you're looking for a hairdryer?"
There are no rules about anything. Lines don't exist. Sidewalks are not just for walking. Red light? No matter. Just go.
It's impossible to find anything because the streets are neither perpendicular nor parallel. Instead, they run into each other and change names when it's convenient.
I promise that life doesn't suck. I'm excited to be here, but the adjustment process is difficult. Everyone's tired and getting sick (I'm trying to avoid that second one). Sleep only comes when it so desires. Speaking and listening to French all day long is completely exhausting. But I'm in Paris and it's amazing. I have not immediately fallen in love with this city, but I'm getting there.
posted by Anne @ 3:19 PM
3 Comments:
At 4:15 AM,
Becky said…
I hear you on the noise! I remember, even until like the last days, wanting to just put my head out the window and scream at the buses and garbage trucks and honkers. And when the apartment above us had their bathroom renovated? Oh jeez. And then I came home. And everything was disturbingly quiet and dark and there was no one to be seen out and about on the streets. I felt uncomfortably like I was in ghost town. It's weird how the little annoying things beome the little vital things. If you don't hit people in the head with their own jackhammers/motos/cigarettes first.
At 8:45 AM,
Becky said…
it's morning in your world. I wonder if you are wake. It's almost 2 here so it's almost 9 there. I have had a completely unproductive night. No, that's not true: at 8 p.m. I printed off some pictures of prehistoric spanish art. Since then I have eaten cookies and drunk coffee and ranted with Sam online. I am thinking about making more coffee and starting to work. I have such unhealthy sleeping and eating habits. Dah.
At 4:23 PM,
Mellissa said…
Oh what an adventure!! You are in my favorite city, but how well I understand the culuture shock you must be feeling.
Go easy on the pain au chocolat.....and get lots of rest and take lots of pictures.
I will be reading along on your journey if you don't mind....
Bonne soiree!
Ladybug
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