Living in this beautiful city I am spoiled with pub-trans (public transportation) haha. We have vélo-libre which are bikes that you can rent. Very handy and there are loads of stations all over, literally. The bus system is great and most of the time very efficient. They usually always run on time, unlike MUNI. The Metro runs to every nook and cranny; there are 14 different metro lines. Then we have the good ol' RER that crosses the city and branches out into the suburbs. (yes, this is my weekly transport to work) Next up, we have proper train stations that take you cross country such as the SNCF or the TGV. The TGV is super legit, these babies are the high speed trains that get you where your going just within a few hours. And they are clean!! (Paris -> Aix-en-Provence = 3h, or Paris -> St. Tropez/Nice/Cannes = 5h). [California is in the process of building their high-speed train that crosses the entire state, but I won't experience that in the Golden State until I am a frail old nanna… at least my cupcakes and their children will be able to enjoy it)]. Then we have one of my personal favourites, the EuroStar. (clearly my fave cos it crosses the English Channel to England). Comfy, very convenient, and very quick. And you also get to go through the English Channel! (Paris -> London Pancreas = 2h20ish) < - - - Highly recommend this voyage :)
Lets talk metro. Well, first of all living in one the biggest destinations in the world, the population is very very diverse. (This I like very much). Unfortunately, the thing I don't like that comes along with that is all the different smells (odors). Is it really that hard to shower everyday? Or every other day? Sometimes you get a nasty waft of someone and it really makes me gag and even almost puke. It gives me shivers just thinking about it. Another note on smells (perfumes). So obviously France has the "French Touch" when it comes to smelling all dandy with their eau de toilet and eau de parfum… but there is no need to dump 1/4 of the bottle on in one sitting. The intensity of someone passing by who "accidentally" does this is enough to knock you out (tomber dans les pommes). Ouch!
Now lets talk about metro etiquette? So generally I am a very friendly and smiley person, but in France, I sure do hold this aspect back. For one, people usually don't smile, at least not at strangers. Two, if I were to smile at a man, if would come off as a sexual invitation. Is this not absurd? I stare well clear of any possible scenarios like that, and these days don't smile unless I am in good company. I also don't feel it is very hard to say excuse me to someone when you want to get by, but some people just do not have any manners. I still always offer my seat to an elder person or a mother with young children. According to my observations, many people don't have this kind of etiquette anymore which is a shame. Another thing that I absolutely hate in the metro, is when other people accidentally touch me. I know the metro is crowded, but it is not necessary to back up so close to someone else.. ughhh! For those of you who are unaware there are many homeless people in France, but generally they don't bother you. You do however have some homeless people who do ask for money on the metro or anything you can spare. There are also other less fortunate people who play music or sing for money… most of the time it is usually unpleasant and somewhat of a disturbance to your journey.
Another disturbance - Gypsies. Gypsies are all over Paris these days. When I lived here just a year ago there was no where near as many gypsies are there are today. It is sometimes pretty intense. It has become very apparent that they are present here and they are very numerous. There are all types of make-shift camps in the suburbs of Paris. They come into the city to earn their keep… stealing and begging. It is very sad to see, but boy, they sure are out to get what they are looking for… $$$. They usually travel in packs of 4-7 people and they work together. Sneeky! Unfortunately they are very easily to spot and I hate that I can generalize them. I always find myself starring for longer than I should, but it is because I am sooo curious. For the most part they are pretty ruthless and will even pinch money off your table.. I have seen this while sitting down at a restaurant. Lets see how my time ravels out while I am here… I see you gypsy, you will not get my purse!
