We have been in France now for one month. The following is Ron's list of signs that we actually live here and are not visitors, tourists, or random people passing through:
1. When you wake up in the middle of the night because you DON’T HEAR sirens that make you think you are an extra in a James Bond movie, you might be a Parisian.
2. When you remember, especially in the middle of the night, that the toilet is NOT in the same room as the shower and the sink, you might be a Parisian.
3. When you wake up in the morning and open the window and hear people in the street speaking French, and you think Dammit!!, I can understand them, you might be a Parisian.
4. When you realize while taking a shower that the curtains are open and the entire neighborhood can see you, and you really don't care, you might be a Parisian.
5. When you realize that a 20-watt bulb provides enough light to shave, and complete other personal hygiene tasks, you might be a Parisian.
6. When you open the kitchen doors and stand on the balcony and stare angrily at the people below for no apparent reason, you might be a Parisian.
7. When walking down the street you drop your freshly purchased baguette onto the sidewalk (into God knows what) and you pick it up and continue home without a second thought, you might be a Parisian.
8. While riding the Metro you realize that the smell of your fellow passengers really isn't that bad, you might be a Parisian.
9. When crossing streets, you have three or so near-death experiences per day, and it no longer bothers you, you might be a Parisian.
10. When walking past your local baker, and she motions you in for the Monday night "3 for 5 Euros" pastry special, you might be a Parisian.
11. When you are watching TV and you switch to an English-speaking channel and it takes a minute to figure out what they are saying, you are definitely becoming a Parisian.
[Editor’s note: Ron dictated this blog to me while on the train travelling from Carcassonne back to Paris. We were not paying much attention to our fellow travelers until one of them laughed out loud, reached across the aisle, pointed at paragraph 8 on my laptop screen, and said in broken English: “That’s a good one!”]
Also, a little jealous. I loved Carcassonne my first visit to France and my second visit of course fell in love with Paris. I hope to go back one day. You both look wonderful! Take care!
Paris becomes us!! We are indeed having the time of our lives. It is awesome that you are enjoying it too. Thank you!
Love it! Just got a chance to catch up on your blogs to date. You and Ron look great and relaxed.
You are Living the life - a little jealous I might add!