Preface: Welcome to one of my Short City Adventures. These are shorter not due to any lack of affection for the featured locations, but because the visits were either brief, offering just a glimpse of the city, or because the cities only have a handful of attractions. Join me and discover whether these cities might interest you.
Paris for me is a city of polarities: I love it as a traveler for its fantastic cityscape, preserved ancient architecture, tranquil islands, artistic southern districts, and remarkable landmarks. Yet, as a resident, my feelings shift – I’m confronted with its dirtier streets, malfunctioning metros, an unwelcoming atmosphere, and concerning security issues.
My first encounter with Paris was in 2019, during a break from my exchange semester in Germany. A high school classmate guided me through the city’s tourist hotspots on a weekend – Notre Dame (pre-fire), the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Despite its relatively small size, the city was packed with a surprising number of attractions. I was struck by its bustling, international vibe, with tourists from all corners of the globe, including large groups of Chinese visitors pre-COVID. Street musicians added a lively soundtrack to the city, enhancing its charm. The architectural beauty, with the Seine River flowing through and the picturesque islands, was part of what drew me to pursue my Masters in Paris.
Residing in Paris broke the idealistic picture I had formed during my short visit. The city’s internationality felt superficial, focused more on the quantity of foreigners than on a genuinely inclusive attitude. Non-French speakers often face Parisians’ indifference or arrogance. Safety became a personal concern after experiencing a mugging at a metro station, which left me traumatized and constantly on guard. Even in upscale areas like Champs-Élysées, I regularly navigated through litter-scattered streets.
These experiences paint a complex picture of my relationship with Paris. My fondness for the city isn’t rooted in its famous sites but in its lesser-known charms: the artistic neighborhoods on the southern bank, the beautifully constructed bridges, and the street cafes perfect for city-watching. These facets outshine the overrated tourist attractions and offer a more authentic feel of Paris. However, the likelihood of my living there again is small, as the need for constant vigilance weighs heavily on me. My Asian background, characterized by a fast-paced lifestyle, clashes with the leisurely Parisian way of life. No matter how much I tried to blend in, I constantly felt like an outsider, a sense of unease at odds with the city’s relaxed vibe. The true highlight of Paris for me is its food, an aspect of the city where I can genuinely indulge.
Paris is a city of contrasts, where the attraction of its picturesque landscapes clashes with the realities of urban life. My experiences there were a blend of admiration for its undeniable beauty and challenges in adapting to its pace and lifestyle. While I cherish the memories of its artistic corners and its gastronomic offerings, the idea of returning to live in Paris is daunting. It remains a city better experienced as a visitor, appreciating its charm from a distance, rather than as a resident buried in its complexities.
The Dual Faces of Paris: Captivating Beauty and Urban Struggles
Preface: Welcome to one of my Short City Adventures. These are shorter not due to any lack of affection for the featured locations, but because the visits were either brief, offering just a glimpse of the city, or because the cities only have a handful of attractions. Join me and discover whether these cities might interest you.
Paris for me is a city of polarities: I love it as a traveler for its fantastic cityscape, preserved ancient architecture, tranquil islands, artistic southern districts, and remarkable landmarks. Yet, as a resident, my feelings shift – I’m confronted with its dirtier streets, malfunctioning metros, an unwelcoming atmosphere, and concerning security issues.
My first encounter with Paris was in 2019, during a break from my exchange semester in Germany. A high school classmate guided me through the city’s tourist hotspots on a weekend – Notre Dame (pre-fire), the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Despite its relatively small size, the city was packed with a surprising number of attractions. I was struck by its bustling, international vibe, with tourists from all corners of the globe, including large groups of Chinese visitors pre-COVID. Street musicians added a lively soundtrack to the city, enhancing its charm. The architectural beauty, with the Seine River flowing through and the picturesque islands, was part of what drew me to pursue my Masters in Paris.
Residing in Paris broke the idealistic picture I had formed during my short visit. The city’s internationality felt superficial, focused more on the quantity of foreigners than on a genuinely inclusive attitude. Non-French speakers often face Parisians’ indifference or arrogance. Safety became a personal concern after experiencing a mugging at a metro station, which left me traumatized and constantly on guard. Even in upscale areas like Champs-Élysées, I regularly navigated through litter-scattered streets.
These experiences paint a complex picture of my relationship with Paris. My fondness for the city isn’t rooted in its famous sites but in its lesser-known charms: the artistic neighborhoods on the southern bank, the beautifully constructed bridges, and the street cafes perfect for city-watching. These facets outshine the overrated tourist attractions and offer a more authentic feel of Paris. However, the likelihood of my living there again is small, as the need for constant vigilance weighs heavily on me. My Asian background, characterized by a fast-paced lifestyle, clashes with the leisurely Parisian way of life. No matter how much I tried to blend in, I constantly felt like an outsider, a sense of unease at odds with the city’s relaxed vibe. The true highlight of Paris for me is its food, an aspect of the city where I can genuinely indulge.
Paris is a city of contrasts, where the attraction of its picturesque landscapes clashes with the realities of urban life. My experiences there were a blend of admiration for its undeniable beauty and challenges in adapting to its pace and lifestyle. While I cherish the memories of its artistic corners and its gastronomic offerings, the idea of returning to live in Paris is daunting. It remains a city better experienced as a visitor, appreciating its charm from a distance, rather than as a resident buried in its complexities.