Kareen in France 15: Why am I in France?

So much to write, so little time! Almost 3 years since I first moved back to Paris. I want to write about why I am here. Mostly because it would be good for me to remind myself as well. Sometimes the challenges of living within a different culture, struggling through a new language, making new friends, and trying to establish myself within a new community; all while trying to start a business can cause self-doubt and major anxiety......so this will be a writing process to try to work through all of that.

You know, I meet people all the time who tell me that they hate Paris and are ready to leave. All after just a few years of being here! Perhaps because they can't understand the culture, perhaps because they struggle through the language, or perhaps they are getting sick and tired of this mediocre weather.

I love Paris! I love the fact that I can ride my bike all over the place......I can get to La Tour Eiffel from my place in 35 minutes! (I timed myself.) I love that Paris has just installed 10,000 bicycles (to be adding an additonal 10,000) that are for rent for just a few euros. If you happen to have a subscription (29 euros per year), you can use these bicycles for free for the first 30 minutes of your journey. Even though I have my own beautiful beach cruiser, I plan to get a subscription.....beats waiting for a taxi. And now, most major streets have had bike paths added. Oh, just an added note.....I rode my bike down the Champs Elysees the other day! I thought that was funny.

I love that all summer long, there are outdoor cinemas (free) in almost all of the large parks. Although Paris is very expensive (eats, drinks, etc) there are many things this city does that are free or minimal in price. There is also this great little thing called Paris Plage (plage = "beach" in French). This year they opened a third one. The original is along the Seine and includes a nifty patch of sand, lounge chairs, cafes, stage for free concerts, etc. There are also many children's activities like learning how to rollerblade, wall climbing, etc. The two other Paris Plages are also along the water; one being along the Canal St. Martin (remember where Amelie skipped stones?). I hear that at that one you can learn to sail in little sail boats. Again, this is all free. Too bad the weather has been so horrible!

I make about 1 new friend per week. Isn't this amazing? I work from home, yet I still have the ability to meet one new person per week that I actually want to be friends with. And, I have to say that I am super impressed with the caliber of person that I meet; artists, designers, professionals, etc. All very high quality people.

I have a local cafe that I spend time at and they had me do another American Brunch! This time we served 49 brunches! Long day for me, making banana molasses pancakes (my dad's recipe), coffee cake, hashbrowns, bacon and eggs, and fresh fruit. Oh, and we served all this with café à volonté (all you can drink coffee.....unheard of in France!) and a champagne mimosa. I would not be surprised if they asked me to do this again.....but, next time I should be paid!

So, is all of this enough to keep me happy and satisfied especially when the self-doubt and anxiety set in? Honestly, I am not sure. I just know that I still get chills up my spine when I see The Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. Wouldn't you?

*NEW* Jewelry photos July 2007